GENERAL POLICY STATEMENTS


For the practice of Dr Josie McSkimming

Effective 1 December 2020


  1. PRIVACY POLICY FOR MANAGEMENT OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
    Client Information

    Client files are held in a secure locked filing cabinet. The information on each file includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone numbers and other information relevant to the counselling service being provided.

    Confidentiality

    All personal information gathered by Josie McSkimming will remain confidential and secure both during and after therapeutic work has been completed except when;

    1. It is subpoenaed by a court, or
    2. Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at risk, or
    3. Your approval has been obtained to;
      1. Provide a written report to another professional agency eg a GP or lawyer, or
      2. Discuss the material with another person eg a parent, employer, GP or lawyer.

    Further, Dr Josie McSkimming is obliged as a mandatory reporter to make a notification to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) if a person less than 18 years of age is deemed to be at risk of physical, sexual or emotional harm.

    Requests for access to client information

    Files will be destroyed after 7 years according to the guidelines for the storage of health care documents set by the National Privacy Principles. At any stage, you may request to see your file, subject to the exceptions in the National Privacy Principles. Josie may discuss the contents with you and/or give you a copy of your file. Josie will respond within 28 days to such a request. An appointment will be made, if necessary, for clarification purposes.

    If you have a concern about the management of your personal information, please inform Dr Josie McSkimming. A copy of the Information Privacy Principles (IPP) can be accessed through the government's privacy website at:

         https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/australian-privacy-principles

  2. FEES

    The cost of a standard one hour consultation is $170.00 or $180.00 for a couple consultation excluding GST which is payable either by cash, electronic banking or cheque at the time of consultation. Medicare rebates and tax deductions may apply. Fees are re-negotiated at the beginning of each calendar year. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please discuss with Josie.

  3. CANCELLATION POLICY

    If for some reason, including illness, you need to cancel or postpone your appointment, please give at least 24 hours notice including one full working day. To be clear, for appointments on a Monday, notice needs to be provided no later than the Friday before.

    Please note that if 24 hours notice is not given, the full fee will be charged. This will not be a Medicare receipt, as payment for a 'missed appointment' cannot be rebated by the government.