Important Notice
The Privacy Policy on this website is a general privacy policy only. Dr Gary Kode consults from both Me Clinic and Aesthetik Profile and the specific privacy policy that applies will depend on where your consultation or treatment takes place. Each clinic may have its own privacy practices and procedures. Patients should visit the relevant clinic’s website or contact that clinic directly for details of their privacy policy.
Mr Gary Kode information
This website is owned and operated by Mr Gary Kode (ABN 58 179 600 478), trading as Gary Kode Plastic Surgery.
Registered Address: 4 Burke Road, Malvern East, Victoria 3145.
We take your privacy seriously. Protecting the confidentiality of health information is essential for quality healthcare. Our practice handles personal information in accordance with professional and ethical obligations, as well as federal and state privacy law. This includes compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Victorian Health Privacy Principles (HPPs) under the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).
More information about the APPs and HPPs is available at www.oaic.gov.au.
Collection of Personal Information
We may collect personal information to properly assess, diagnose, treat, and manage your healthcare needs. Information may be collected when you:
- Make an enquiry via our website, phone, email, or in writing
- Complete forms before or after consultations
- Attend a consultation at one of the clinics where Dr Kode consults
- Subscribe to updates or newsletters (if applicable)
- Use our website or digital platforms
The types of personal information collected may include:
- Personal details (name, address, date of birth, contact details, Medicare number)
- Medical history and health information relevant to your care
- Consultation notes and correspondence
- Referrals to and reports from other healthcare providers
- Billing and payment information (including credit card or direct debit details)
Where practicable, we will collect information directly from you. In some cases, we may collect information from other sources such as referring doctors, treating specialists, hospitals, pathology or radiology providers. In emergencies, information may be collected from immediate family, carers, or friends.
Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
Your personal information will only be used or disclosed in ways directly related to providing you with healthcare, or in ways you would reasonably expect. This may include:
- Sharing information with health professionals involved in your care (e.g., treating doctors, pathology, radiology, or other specialists)
- Use by practice staff for administrative tasks such as billing and records management
- Disclosure to Medicare, private health funds, or other organisations responsible for financial aspects of your care
- Where required by law (e.g., under subpoena)
- Disclosure to insurers or lawyers for medical claims
- Assisting with professional training and education of healthcare staff
We do not sell or share your personal information for marketing purposes. Our practice does not intend to disclose your information to overseas recipients.
Storage and Security
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
Safeguards include:
- Secure premises and filing systems for hard copy records
- Password-protected electronic systems with role-based access
- Restricted access for authorised staff only
Information Quality
We aim to keep the personal information we hold accurate, complete, and up to date. Our staff may confirm your details during consultations. Please let us know if your details change.
Access and Correction
You have the right to request access to personal information we hold about you and to request corrections if the information is inaccurate or outdated. Requests should be made in writing.
A retrieval and copying fee may apply in line with the Health Records Regulations 2008 (Vic), plus GST. This fee is not claimable through Medicare.
Choosing Not to Provide Personal Information
You are not obliged to provide personal information. However, if information is withheld, it may limit our ability to provide comprehensive care.
Website Use and Cookies
When you visit our website, we may collect non-identifiable information such as your IP address, browser type, and pages visited. This data helps improve website functionality. Cookies may be used for analytics purposes, though you may disable them in your browser settings.
Direct Marketing
We do not use your personal information for direct marketing of goods or services.
Privacy Complaints
If you have a complaint about how your personal information has been handled, you should contact the Clinic Manager in writing at the clinic where you received care.
- Me Clinic – Please refer to the contact details and privacy policy available on the Me Clinic website.
- Aesthetik Profile – Please refer to the contact details and privacy policy available on the Aesthetik Profile website.
As Dr Gary Kode consults from these independent clinics, each clinic is responsible for the management of personal information in accordance with their own privacy policies.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to:
- Victorian Privacy Commissioner – https://www.privacy.vic.gov.au
- Victorian Health Services Commissioner – http://www.health.vic.gov.au
Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact the clinic you attended for consultation:
- Me Clinic –Me Clinic – Privacy policy – website & online data
- Aesthetik Profile – Privacy and Confidentiality Policy – Dr Carmen Munteanu
Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Any updates will be published on this website. Continued use of our services indicates acceptance of the updated policy.
