CONSTANT

For patients and referrers

Collection notice

Important information about the personal and health information collected by Dr Constant van Schalkwyk’s practice.

Last updated 9 September 2026

Who is collecting your information?

The private medical practice of Dr Constant van Schalkwyk collects personal and health information. The practice can be contacted at admin@drconstant.com.au or (02) 8531 0672.

This notice applies when you make an enquiry, arrange an appointment, are referred to or receive care from the practice, or provide information about a patient. It should be read with our privacy policy.

What information may be collected?

We may collect your identity and contact details; date of birth; emergency contact; Medicare, insurance and billing information; referral details; medical history; medications and allergies; examination findings; diagnosis and treatment information; clinical correspondence; pathology and imaging; operative records; and clinical photographs where relevant.

We collect only information reasonably necessary to provide and administer care or to meet legal and professional obligations.

Why is it collected?

Your information is collected to assess your needs, provide advice and treatment, maintain a medical record, communicate with you and other treating practitioners, arrange hospital and related services, process accounts or claims, manage safety and quality, and comply with legal, regulatory, insurance and professional requirements.

If required information is not provided, we may be unable to safely assess or treat you, arrange an appointment or procedure, coordinate your care, process a Medicare or insurance claim, or respond fully to your request.

How and from whom is information collected?

Information is usually collected directly from the patient. It may also be collected from a referring or treating practitioner, hospital, day surgery, pathology or imaging provider, Medicare or insurer, or from a parent, guardian, authorised representative, carer or family member where this is appropriate.

Referrers and other people providing information about a patient should ensure they are authorised to do so and, where required, that the patient is aware of the referral and this notice.

Who may receive the information?

Where relevant to the purpose of collection, reasonably expected by you, consented to, or otherwise permitted by law, information may be disclosed to:

  • practice staff and providers supporting the practice;
  • your referring practitioner, GP and other treating health professionals;
  • hospitals, day surgeries, pathology, imaging and allied health providers;
  • medical-device and laboratory providers involved in your care;
  • Medicare, health insurers and compensation or claims bodies;
  • professional advisers, medical indemnity insurers, accreditation bodies and regulators; and
  • other recipients where disclosure is required or authorised by law or necessary to respond to a serious threat.

The practice does not routinely disclose patient health records overseas. Some technology providers may use infrastructure outside Australia; further current information can be requested from the practice.

Consent, anonymity and your choices

By providing information for an enquiry, referral or healthcare service, you acknowledge the handling described in this notice. Where a separate consent is required—for example, for a particular disclosure or use of clinical images—we will seek it. A privacy acknowledgement does not replace informed consent to medical treatment.

You may make a general enquiry anonymously or using a pseudonym where lawful and practicable. Accurate identification is generally necessary for medical care, continuity of records and Medicare or insurance claims.

Access, correction and complaints

You may request access to information we hold about you or ask us to correct it. You may also make a privacy complaint. Contact the Practice Manager at admin@drconstant.com.au or (02) 8531 0672. Details of how requests and complaints are handled are in our privacy policy.

Before sending health information

Please use an appropriate channel

Ordinary email may not be fully secure. For referrals or sensitive records, contact the practice to confirm the preferred secure electronic or fax pathway. Check the recipient before sending and include only information relevant to the patient’s care.

Email is not monitored continuously and must not be used for urgent medical concerns. In a medical emergency, call Triple Zero (000) or attend the nearest emergency department.