Privacy policy.
This policy outlines how Intimate Health protects the personal health information we collect about you. Personal health information is any identifying information about you, including your physical and mental health. We are committed to being accountable for how we handle your personal information. Everyone working at Intimate Health is required to adhere to the protections described in this policy.
This policy was developed in compliance with the Health Information Act (HIA) of Alberta, which sets out the rules for how organizations like ours can collect, use, disclose, store, and retain your personal health information.
Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Personal Information
What personal information do we collect?
We collect the following personal health information:
Identification and contact information (name, address, date of birth, telephone number, emergency contact, etc.)
Billing information (provincial plan and/or private insurer)
Health information (symptoms, diagnosis, medical history, test results, reports, and treatment records)
Why do we collect your personal information?
We collect your personal information for the purposes of identifying you, providing you with care, administering our services, and communicating with you. We collect only the information that is required to fulfill these purposes. We do not collect any other information without your express consent, except where authorized by law.
When and to whom do we disclose personal information?
Implied consent for provision of care: By seeking care from us, your consent is implied for your information to be used by our practice to provide you with care and to share with other healthcare providers involved in your care. This includes sharing information with other physicians, specialists, pharmacists, and lab technicians.
Disclosures authorized by law: There are limited situations where we are legally required to disclose your personal information without your consent. These situations include billing to provincial health plans, reporting infectious diseases, and complying with a court order.
Disclosures to all other parties: Your express written consent is required before we will disclose your information to third parties for any purpose other than providing you with care or unless we are authorized to do so by law.
Withdrawal of consent
You can withdraw your consent to us collecting or sharing your personal information at any time by giving us reasonable notice. However, we encourage you to discuss this with your physician first so we can explain the possible consequences of withdrawing consent.
Patient Rights
How can records be accessed?
You have the right to access your record in a timely manner. You may request a copy of your record. If you wish to view the original record, a staff member must be present to maintain its integrity, and a minimal fee may be charged for this access. Requests for access can be made verbally or in writing to our staff or Privacy Officer.
Are there limitations on access?
In rare circumstances, you may be denied access to your records, for example, if providing access would create a significant risk to you or to another person.
What if the records are not accurate?
We make every effort to ensure that all of your information is recorded accurately. If an inaccuracy is identified, you can request that the information be corrected. We will make a note on your file to reflect this, but professional opinions or observations cannot be changed.
Office Safeguards
How secure is your personal information?
Safeguards are in place to protect the security of your information. These safeguards include a combination of physical, technological, and administrative security measures that are appropriate to the sensitivity of the information. These measures are designed to protect personal information against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, or modification.
How do we communicate with you?
We protect personal information regardless of its format. Specific procedures are in place for communicating by phone, email, fax, and post/courier.
How long do we keep personal information?
We retain patient records for a minimum period of 10 years after the last documented contact with the patient, or until a minor patient reaches 20 years of age, or as otherwise required by law and professional regulations.
How do we dispose of information when it is no longer required?
When information is no longer required, it is destroyed in an irreversible and secure manner, in accordance with set procedures. Paper records are shredded, and electronic media is professionally wiped.
Complaints Process
If you believe that this office has not handled your personal information in a reasonable manner or in accordance with the HIA, please first contact our office at the number listed on our website to discuss your concerns. You may also choose to make a complaint to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta or the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta.
Contact Us
Practice Privacy Officer: Dr. Talita de Jager
Email: info@myintimatehealth.ca