Taking control of your healthcare data: A guide to safeguarding your personal info

Protecting your healthcare data is crucial to maintaining the security of your personal data as well as your privacy. 

Laws and regulations are set in place to protect the privacy and security of your information. However, it is important to be proactive in ensuring that your data is being handled properly. Here are some tips for safeguarding your healthcare data: 

1. Understand your rights
2. Be aware of how your data is being used
3. Protect your personal information
4. Be cautious about sharing your data
5. Keep your information up to date 

Understand your rights

Safeguard your healthcare data by understanding your rights under the law. In Australia, the Privacy Act 1988 and the Health Records Act 2001 are the two main pieces of legislation that govern the handling of healthcare information. 

These laws set out the rights and obligations of healthcare providers and individuals in relation to the collection, use and disclosure of healthcare information. 

Be aware of how your healthcare data is being used

Under the Privacy Act, healthcare providers are required to inform you of how your personal information will be used and to obtain your consent before collecting, using or disclosing your healthcare data. 

Understand how your data will be used and only provide consent for uses that you are comfortable with. If you are unsure about how your data will be used, ask your healthcare provider for more information. 

Protect your personal information

Take steps to protect your personal information from unauthorised access or disclosure. This may include things like keeping your medical records and other sensitive information in a safe place, using strong and unique passwords for online accounts, and avoiding sharing personal information online or over the phone unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity. 

Be cautious about sharing your data

Be cautious about sharing your healthcare data with others, even if they are friends or family members. In general, it is best to only share your healthcare information with your healthcare provider, unless you have been specifically asked to provide it to someone else. 

Be aware of scams and other attempts to obtain your personal information, and never provide your healthcare data unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity and the legitimacy of their request. 

Keep your information up to date

Always keep your healthcare information up to date to ensure that your healthcare provider has accurate and current information about your health. This may include things like updating your contact details, informing your healthcare provider of any changes to your medication or allergies, and providing new information as it becomes available. 

Safeguarding your healthcare data is an important part of protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. By understanding your rights and taking steps to protect your data, you can help to ensure that your healthcare information is handled properly and securely. 

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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