At Dr Bulent Yaprak’s practice, we take your privacy seriously. Protecting your personal information and the confidentiality of your health records is a core part of providing safe and effective medical care.
This privacy policy outlines:
What personal information we collect
How we use, store and protect it
When it might be shared
Your rights to access and correct it
What to do if you have a concern
We follow the laws and guidelines that govern the protection of your health information in Aotearoa New Zealand, including:
The Privacy Act 2020
The Health Information Privacy Code 2020
The Health Act 1956
The Health (Retention of Health Information) Regulations 1996
The New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000
The Official Information Act 1982
Cancer Registry Regulations 1994
We collect personal information from you to:
Provide safe and appropriate medical treatment
Keep a record of your consultations and outcomes
Communicate with other healthcare providers involved in your care
Confirm eligibility for funding or insurance (e.g. ACC, Southern Cross)
Manage billing and administration
We usually collect this information directly from you, such as:
During consultations
By phone or email
Through our online or paper registration forms
We may also collect information from:
Your GP, referring doctor or other specialists
Hospitals, radiology or pathology providers
ACC, insurance providers or funding agencies
Family or caregivers (especially in emergencies)
Your medical record may include:
Name, contact details and date of birth
Emergency contact information
Clinical notes and medical history
Digital images or diagnostic results
Referrals and letters
Billing and payment records
This information may be accessed by your specialist and the clinical and admin team involved in your care. All staff are bound by confidentiality agreements.
We only use your information where necessary for your care, or where legally required.
This may include sharing information with:
Treating specialists, pathologists or radiologists
Hospitals and other providers involved in your treatment
Insurers, ACC or relevant funding organisations
Lawyers or insurers in the event of a claim
Healthcare trainees under supervision (anonymised where possible)
We do not send your information overseas. If external providers (e.g. IT support) require limited access to our systems, they are bound by strict confidentiality agreements.
We may also send some clinical information via secure digital communication channels.
You have the right to request access to your health records.
Please contact our Clinic Manager in writing. A small admin fee may apply for retrieval and copying.
If you believe any information we hold is incorrect or out of date, please let us know in writing so we can update it.
We take your data security seriously.
Measures include:
Secure clinic premises
Encrypted digital systems with password protection
Role-based access control for staff
Off-site encrypted data backups
You’re not obliged to provide personal information.
However, if you choose not to, we may be unable to provide full care or process your insurance claims. You’re welcome to discuss any concerns with our reception team or your surgeon.
If you’re concerned about how your information has been handled, please contact us in writing:
Dr Bulent Yaprak – Privacy Officer
Waikato Specialist Centre
83c Tristram Street, Hamilton Central 3204
We’ll acknowledge your concern within 14 days and aim to provide a full response within 30 days.
If you remain concerned, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner:
www.privacy.org.nz | 0800 803 909
By completing our registration form (online or paper), or by continuing to receive care at our clinic, you agree that you:
Have read and understood this Privacy Policy
Consent to the collection and use of your information as outlined
Authorise communication with relevant clinical providers and insurers
Agree to pay for services rendered, including any unpaid amounts declined by insurers
Understand that unpaid accounts referred to debt recovery will incur additional costs
Our website may collect anonymised browsing data (e.g. cookies, traffic statistics) to help improve your user experience. Please see our Website Terms and Conditions for further details.
