Privacy policy

Effective date: June 2024

Lifeline Telehealth collects and uses your personal information in various ways, ensuring compliance with its obligations under the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, as well as your rights regarding it.

This policy may be updated periodically, and any changes will be posted on the Lifeline Telehealth website and app. Updates will apply to any personal information collected after the specified effective date.

Any reference to Lifeline Telehealth, we mean Lifeline Telehealth www.lifelinetelehealth.co.nz

Collecting Your Personal Information

We collect personal information in the following circumstances:

When you sign up to use Lifeline Telehealth services through our website or app;
When you provide information as part of your usage of Lifeline Telehealth services; and
Information relevant to the delivery of our healthcare services.

This personal information may include, but is not limited to, your name, gender, date of birth, contact details, health information, and any health-related images or videos you choose to upload during the booking process.

During your consultation, a Lifeline Telehealth GP will record relevant information from the consultation. Sharing these health records with your regular GP is optional, though withholding them may impact the quality of care you receive.

Software Tools for Note-Taking

Your healthcare provider may use software tools, such as Nabla Copilot, to streamline the documentation of your medical notes. This technology helps our providers focus more on your care rather than typing.

It converts your conversation into a summary for medical notes.
Your provider will review and ensure the accuracy of the information before saving it to your record.
Audio recordings and transcriptions may be stored temporarily in a secure server.
Your medical information remains private and will only be shared with your consent.
You will be asked for consent when you book your appointment.

Purpose of Collecting and Using Your Personal Information

Lifeline Telehealth uses your personal information for the following purposes:

To set up and manage your account;
To provide you with healthcare, treatment, referrals, and additional services;
To maintain records of your healthcare and treatment;
To determine your eligibility for publicly funded services;
To determine your eligibility for subsidized consultations;
To secure or confirm funding for any subsidized consultations you receive; and
To provide information, including promotional materials and updates.

Sharing Your Personal Information

We will only share your personal information:

With Lifeline Telehealth employees, contractors, and third-party providers involved in your healthcare;
With your enrolled GP unless you choose otherwise;
With relevant healthcare organizations such as Te Whatu Ora, ACC, or the Ministry of Health if they are involved in your healthcare;
To external agencies when legally required or to protect the safety of Lifeline Telehealth employees or patients.

How We Store Your Personal Information

We take every precaution to ensure your information is secure and confidential. Your health data is stored securely in the Asia Pacific region (Sydney) using a cloud service. Our software provider, Valentia Technologies Limited, complies with ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications and undergoes regular security audits. Lifeline Telehealth is also compliant with the HISO 10029 Health Information Security Framework.

Access and Correction of Personal Information

You may request access to or correction of your personal information at any time by contacting info@lifelinetelehealth.co.nz You may be asked to provide proof of identity. Lifeline Telehealth will assist you in correcting any information, and if we choose not to make the requested changes, you may add a note to your file.

Cookies and Analytics

Lifeline Telehealth uses both persistent and non-persistent cookies to manage visits to our site. Non-persistent cookies are temporary, while persistent cookies may be used to improve user experience. Additionally, we use analytics services like Google Analytics to track usage, though Lifeline Telehealth does not control how third-party vendors manage their cookies. Refer to Google Analytics’ Privacy Policy for more details.

Use of Email and Mobile for Communication

By interacting with Lifeline Telehealth, you may provide your email or mobile number for communication purposes. Lifeline Telehealth will not sell or rent your contact details to third parties.

For more information, please contact us at info@lifelinetelehealth.co.nz