Privacy Policy

Last updated: 16 April 2025

Saltwater OT ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and store your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

We provide Occupational Therapy services both in person and via telehealth, based in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, and this policy applies to all clients, visitors, and users of our services and website.

1. What Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Identifying information: Full name, date of birth, gender, address, phone number, email.

  • Health information: Medical history, treatment records, referral details, and reports relevant to your therapy and care.

  • Sensitive information: Cultural background, disability status, and other relevant clinical details (collected with consent).

  • Payment and billing information: Medicare details, private health insurance information, NDIS details, and payment method information.

  • Usage information: When visiting our website, we may collect basic analytics such as your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on the site.

2. How We Collect Information

We may collect personal information:

  • Directly from you (via forms, email, phone, or in person)

  • From third parties (e.g. referring health professionals, family members, case managers, or funding bodies like the NDIS)

  • Through our website or digital communications (cookies, contact forms, online bookings)

3. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect, use, and disclose your information to:

  • Deliver personalised Occupational Therapy services

  • Communicate with you regarding appointments, reports, and care plans

  • Coordinate care with other health or support professionals (with your consent)

  • Process payments and manage funding (e.g., Medicare, NDIS, private insurers)

  • Meet legal, regulatory, or reporting requirements

  • Improve our services and website functionality

4. Telehealth Services

For telehealth sessions, we use secure platforms to ensure confidentiality. Your personal and health information shared during these sessions is handled with the same care as in-person services, and all data is stored securely.

5. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your information to:

  • Other health professionals or service providers involved in your care (with your consent)

  • Insurers, Medicare, or NDIS for service claims

  • IT service providers and administrative contractors (bound by confidentiality agreements)

  • Government or regulatory bodies where legally required

We will never sell your information or use it for unrelated marketing purposes.

6. Storage and Security

Your personal information is stored securely in both digital and physical formats. We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorised access, misuse, loss, or disclosure. These steps include:

  • Secure digital recordkeeping systems

  • Password-protected devices and systems

  • Physical security of paper records

7. Access and Correction

You have the right to access and correct your personal information. To request access or make a correction, please contact us using the details below. We may need to verify your identity before releasing or amending any information.

8. Website and Cookies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience and collect general usage statistics. You can disable cookies via your browser settings if you prefer.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these sites. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any third-party services you engage with.

10. Making a Complaint

If you believe your privacy has been breached, please contact us using the details below. We will respond promptly and do our best to resolve your concerns.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, requests, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we manage your information, please contact:

Saltwater OT
Email: info@saltwaterot.com.au
Phone: 0491229295
Website: www.saltwaterot.com.au