Privacy Policy

Aligna Podiatry recognises the importance of protecting health information to the highest possible standard. While our clinics operate under Australian privacy legislation, we adopt HIPAA-style principles in the handling of personal and health information to provide an additional layer of transparency, security, and patient rights, particularly for patients familiar with international healthcare privacy standards.

Health information collected by Aligna Podiatry is used strictly for purposes related to treatment, care coordination, clinical documentation, practice operations, billing, and regulatory compliance. Access to health records is limited to authorised healthcare professionals and staff who require the information to perform their duties, and all access is governed by confidentiality obligations.

Patients have the right to access their health information, request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete records, and seek clarification on how their information is used or disclosed. Where reasonable and permitted by law, patients may also request limitations on certain uses or disclosures of their health information, as well as request confidential methods of communication.

Health information may be disclosed without additional consent where required for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, or where disclosure is authorised or required by law. Any such disclosure is limited to the minimum information necessary and handled with strict professional care.

Aligna Podiatry maintains administrative, physical, and technical safeguards designed to protect health information from unauthorised access, misuse, or loss. In the unlikely event of a data breach involving personal or health information, we follow applicable Australian regulatory requirements and best-practice response procedures, including notification where required.

For international patients, including those familiar with the United States Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Aligna Podiatry aims to provide protections that align with HIPAA-style standards, subject always to Australian law.

Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal and health information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, or disclosure.

Security measures include:

• Secure digital system
• Restricted access to patient records
• Staff training on confidentiality and privacy obligations

Despite best practices, no system can be guaranteed as completely secure. We continually review and improve our safeguards.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies separately.

Privacy Complaints

If you have concerns about how your personal information is handled, please contact us first so we can address the issue promptly.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, technology, or our practices. The most current version will always be available on our website.