Privacy & Legal
Last updated: March 2026
Bodycare Physiotherapy respects the privacy of our patients and website visitors. This page explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal information in accordance with Australian privacy laws.
1. Privacy Policy
Bodycare Physiotherapy manages personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles.
Health information is considered sensitive information under Australian law and is handled with a high level of care and confidentiality.
Information We Collect
To provide physiotherapy and allied health services, we may collect personal information such as:
- name
- date of birth
- address
- phone number
- email address
- emergency contact details
We may also collect health information including:
- medical history
- injury or condition details
- treatment notes and clinical records
- referral letters or medical reports
- imaging reports
- Medicare, DVA or insurer details where relevant.
How Information Is Collected
Information may be collected through:
- patient registration forms
- online booking systems
- consultations with practitioners
- communication via phone, email or website
- referral letters from doctors or other practitioners
- third parties involved in your care where appropriate.
Where possible, we collect information directly from you.
Why We Collect Information
We collect personal and health information in order to:
- provide physiotherapy and rehabilitation services
- maintain accurate clinical records
- communicate with referring practitioners or other health providers involved in your care
- manage appointments and clinic administration
- process payments, Medicare or insurance claims
- meet legal and professional obligations.
Disclosure of Information
In some circumstances, information may be shared with:
- referring doctors or medical specialists
- other health professionals involved in your care
- Medicare, DVA or insurers
- regulatory authorities where required by law.
Information is only disclosed where it is reasonably necessary to support the delivery of healthcare services or where required by law.
Bodycare Physiotherapy does not sell or share personal information for marketing purposes.
Storage and Security
Patient information may be stored in secure electronic practice management systems, encrypted cloud services, or physical files stored in secure locations.
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorised access or disclosure. Access to patient information is limited to authorised staff members who require it to perform their duties.
Access to Health Records
Patients may request access to their health records or request corrections if information held by the clinic is inaccurate.
Requests should be made in writing to the practice. Reasonable administrative fees may apply for the preparation of records.
Health Record Retention
Health records are retained in accordance with professional and legal requirements.
As a general guide:
- Adult records are retained for at least seven years after the last consultation.
- Records relating to patients under 18 years of age are retained until at least age 25.
After these periods, records may be securely destroyed.
Data Breach Response
Bodycare Physiotherapy takes the protection of personal information seriously.
If a data breach occurs that is likely to result in serious harm, we will investigate the incident, take steps to contain the breach, and notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner where required under Australian law.
Privacy Complaints
If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled, please contact the clinic so we can investigate the issue.
If the matter cannot be resolved, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
2. Website Use
Information on this website is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Diagnosis and treatment should always be undertaken in consultation with a qualified health professional.
While reasonable care is taken to ensure the information on this website is accurate, Bodycare Physiotherapy does not guarantee that all information is complete, current or free from error.
3. Website Data and Cookies
When you visit our website, limited technical information may be collected automatically, including:
- IP address
- device and browser type
- pages visited
- time spent on pages.
This information helps us understand how the website is used and improve its performance.
Our website may use cookies to improve functionality and user experience. Most web browsers allow you to disable cookies through your browser settings if you prefer.
4. Online Booking
Bodycare Physiotherapy may provide online booking services for patient convenience.
By using online booking:
- appointment details may be stored electronically
- automated reminders may be sent via SMS or email
- patients are responsible for ensuring the information provided is accurate.
5. Appointment and Cancellation Policy
To ensure appointments are available for all patients, we request at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a cancellation fee.
If you cannot attend your appointment, please contact the clinic as soon as possible so the appointment can be offered to another patient.
6. External Websites
This website may include links to external websites for convenience.
Bodycare Physiotherapy is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those websites.
7. Contact
For privacy enquiries, access to records, or privacy complaints, please contact:
Bodycare Physiotherapy
Albany, Western Australia
Phone: 08 9842 2759
Email: [email protected]