Last Updated: May 2026

SkinDoctor (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is strictly committed to protecting your privacy and your health information. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your data in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020 (including the 2026 IPP 3A/Rule 3A amendments).

1. APPLICATION OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY 

This Privacy Policy applies to all personal and health information SkinDoctor collects via our clinical services, website, and social media platforms.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT AND WHY
We collect personal information such as your name, date of birth, contact details, and residential address. We collect this information to:

  • Provide Clinical Services: To facilitate bookings, enrolments, and medical consultations.
  • Improve Care: To analyze service trends and enhance website usability.
  • Communications: To keep you informed about fee changes, service updates, and relevant health offers.

3. HOW WE COLLECT INFORMATION

Direct Collection
Most information is collected directly from you when you speak with our staff, fill out enrolment forms, or use our patient portal.

Indirect Collection (Rule 3A Compliance)
By accepting healthcare services from us, you acknowledge that we may collect health information about you from other agencies to maintain an accurate medical record and provide safe care. This includes:

  • Health Providers: Receipt of laboratory/radiology results, hospital discharge summaries, specialist letters, and access to regional/national shared health records.
  • Non-Health Agencies: Correspondence with ACC, insurance companies, Ministry of Social Development (Work and Income), Oranga Tamariki, or the NZ Police (e.g., regarding firearms licenses).
  • Proactive Follow-ups: Contacting specialists or hospitals to seek updates on your referrals or ongoing care.

Automatic Collection (Cookies)
Our website uses cookies to enhance functionality and monitor site usage.

  • Google Analytics: We use this to understand site traffic and improve our content strategy.
  • Control: You can restrict or block cookies through your browser settings or use the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

4. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
We do not share your personal information unless:

  • Consent: You have provided explicit permission.
  • Legal Requirements: We are authorized or required by law to do so.
  • IT Support: Trusted partners who maintain our secure IT systems may have access to data solely for maintenance purposes.
  • Complaints and Safety: If a concern or complaint is raised regarding your care, we may disclose relevant health information to our insurers, indemnity providers (such as MPS), or legal advisors to manage the response.

5. PROTECTING YOUR INFORMATION
We take all reasonable precautions to protect your data from misuse, loss, unauthorized access, or disclosure. All information shared with external indemnity providers is anonymized whenever possible to further protect your identity.

6. YOUR RIGHTS: ACCESS AND CORRECTION
Under Rules 6 and 7 of the Health Information Privacy Code, you have the right to:

1. Access: Request a copy of the health information we hold about you.
2. Correction: Request that we correct any information you believe is inaccurate.
3. Notification: Be informed when we collect information about you from third-party sources (as per IPP 3A).

7. CONTACT US
If you have questions, wish to exercise your rights, or have concerns regarding your privacy, please contact our Privacy Officer:
Email: skinadmin@skindoctor.co.nz