Last updated: March 2026
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
Dr Matthew Young, Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner, is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how I collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information. It applies to information collected through my clinic, my website (drmattyoung.com.au), and any related communications.
I handle all personal and health information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Health Privacy Principles under the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).
What Personal Information I Collect
I collect personal information and health information in the following ways:
Through the clinic: During consultations (in person or online), over the phone, and via email. This includes your name, contact details, date of birth, health history, treatment notes, and any other information relevant to your care.
Through the website: Via the contact form (name, email, phone, message), the online booking system, and the health intake form you complete before your first appointment. The intake form collects health information, which is classified as sensitive information under the Privacy Act and is subject to a higher standard of protection.
From third parties: I may receive information relevant to your care from other health practitioners (such as GPs, specialists, or allied health professionals) with your consent, or where required by law. This may include referral letters, test results, or imaging reports.
Automatically through the website: The website uses cookies and Google Analytics to collect anonymised data about how visitors use the site (pages visited, time on site, general location). This data does not identify you personally. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
Why I Collect Your Information
I collect your personal and health information to:
- Provide you with safe and appropriate acupuncture and Chinese Medicine care
- Manage appointments and communicate with you about your treatment
- Process payments and health fund rebates
- Respond to enquiries made through the website, email, or phone
- Comply with my legal and professional obligations (including AHPRA registration requirements and health record-keeping obligations)
- Send you clinic updates or health information, only where you have opted in (you can unsubscribe at any time)
- Improve the website through anonymised analytics data
I will only use or disclose your personal information for the purpose it was collected, unless you give consent for another use, or I am required or authorised by law to do so.
How I Store and Protect Your Information
Your information is stored securely in:
- Encrypted electronic practice management software (Cliniko), hosted on servers located in Australia
- Hard copy files in locked cabinets within secured premises, where applicable
I take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, and disclosure. Electronic records are password-protected, and access is limited.
When your personal information is no longer needed, I will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify it. Under the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic), I am required to retain health records for a minimum of 7 years after the last occasion of service (or until a patient who was a minor at the time of treatment turns 25, whichever is later).
When I May Share Your Information
I will never sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
I may disclose your information in the following circumstances:
- To other health practitioners involved in your care (such as your GP, specialist, or allied health professional), with your consent
- To your private health fund, for the purpose of processing rebates
- Where required or authorised by Australian law (for example, mandatory reporting obligations, court orders, or regulatory requirements)
- To AHPRA or the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, where required by my professional registration obligations
I will not disclose your personal information to any other party without your consent.
Third-Party Services
I use the following third-party services that may handle your personal information on my behalf:
- Cliniko (practice management and booking): Stores your health records and appointment details. Cliniko’s privacy policy applies to data held within their platform.
- Google Analytics (website analytics): Collects anonymised browsing data. No personally identifiable information is shared with Google through this service.
- Website hosting provider: Hosts the website and may process data submitted through website forms.
I have taken reasonable steps to ensure these providers handle your information securely and in accordance with Australian privacy requirements.
Cookies
The website uses cookies, which are small files stored on your device that help the site function and allow me to understand how visitors use it. Cookies used on this site include:
- Essential cookies: Required for the website to function (e.g., booking system functionality)
- Analytics cookies: Google Analytics uses cookies to collect anonymised data about site usage (pages visited, traffic sources, time on site)
You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access the personal information I hold about you
- Request corrections to any information that is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date
- Withdraw consent for optional communications (such as clinic updates) at any time
To make an access or correction request, please contact me in writing using the details below. To protect your privacy, I may ask for proof of identity before releasing any information. I will respond to your request within 30 days.
Complaints
If you believe your privacy has been breached, please contact me first using the details below. I take all complaints seriously and will respond within 30 days.
If you are not satisfied with my response, you can lodge a complaint with:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) Website: www.oaic.gov.au Phone: 1300 363 992
Health Complaints Commissioner (Victoria) Website: www.hcc.vic.gov.au Phone: 1300 582 113
Internet and Email
While I take reasonable steps to protect your information, transmitting data over the internet carries inherent risks. I cannot guarantee the security of information sent electronically, and any transmission is at your own risk.
I do not guarantee the privacy practices or security of any third-party websites linked from this site.
Changes to This Policy
I may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on this website, with the date of the most recent update noted at the top of the page.
Contact
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:
Dr Matthew Young Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner Zhong Centre, 306a/310 St Kilda Road, St Kilda VIC 3182 Phone: 0402 241 663 Email: hello@drmattyoung.com.au