Privacy Policy
This policy outlines how Ferra Clinic protects the personal information we collect about you. Personal information is any identifying information about you, including your health information. We value patient privacy and are committed to being accountable for how we treat your personal information. Everyone working at this clinic is required to adhere to the protections described in this policy.
This policy was developed in compliance with the British Columbia Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). PIPA sets out rules for how organizations such as our clinic can collect, use, disclose, store, and retain your personal information. If you have any questions regarding our privacy practices, please contact us.
Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Personal Information
What personal information do we collect?
We collect the following personal information:
- Identification and contact information (name, address, date of birth, telephone number, emergency contact)
- Provincial health number (PHN) and billing information (MSP and/or private insurer)
- Health information (symptoms, diagnosis, medical history, test results, reports and treatment, record of allergies, current medications)
- Referring physician information
Why do we collect your personal information?
We collect your personal information for the purposes of identifying you, providing you with care, administering the services that we provide, communicating with you, and communicating with your referring physician. We collect only the information that is required to fulfill those purposes. We do not collect any other information, or allow information to be used for other purposes, without your express consent, except where authorized to do so by law.
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 the integrity of the record. Patient requests for access to your medical record can be made verbally or in writing.
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, and a note will be made to reflect this on your file.
Clinic 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 safeguards are aimed at protecting personal information against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, or modification.
What is our communications policy?
We protect personal information regardless of the format. Specific procedures are in place for communicating by phone, email, fax, and post.
How long do we keep personal information?
We retain patient records for a minimum period of 16 years, or as otherwise required by law and the regulations of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.
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 the requirements of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC governing the storage and destruction of personal information.
Website Safeguards
What personal information is collected through our website?
When you visit our website, our web server automatically collects a limited amount of information essential for the operation and security of the website. Some of this information (such as browser type) does not identify you, while other information (such as an IP address) may identify you.
If you submit a referral form or send us an email through our website, you are transmitting the information that appears in the form or message. Personal information cannot be collected unless you specifically elect to provide it.
How is personal information protected on our website?
Our website uses SSL encryption, the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. When you submit information via our website forms, that information is encrypted before it is transmitted. This encryption helps prevent anyone from intercepting and reading your personal information. Note that this encryption does not apply to direct email correspondence.
Information submitted through our online referral form is transmitted via a third-party form processing service and delivered to our clinic by email. Only authorized clinic staff may access this information.
Contact Us
We are committed to assisting you with any questions or concerns about how we collect, use, or disclose your personal information. If you have questions or concerns, please contact:
Ferra Clinic
Privacy Officer
411-1200 Burrard St
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C7
Fax: (604) 398-6450
Email: referrals@ferraclinic.ca