Is my personal information ever shared?
Your STI results are confidential. Occasionally, the government needs data for statutory reporting purposes, for example, a report about notifiable diseases such as STIs. In that case, data is shared, but it’s just numbers. It’s never names, addresses or any other identifiable information.
Does an STI test show up on my Medicare record?
Your STI test results won’t show up on your Medicare records.
Can my parents see my medical information?
If you’re over 14, everything about your Medicare use is kept confidential, even from parents. If you’re 15 or over you can get your own Medicare card if you want to. If you are under the age of 14, your parents or guardians can see limited details about your Medicare claim history via an online account. This includes information regarding the date you saw a doctor, amount paid and the rebate given by Medicare. To find out more about how young people’s medical information is kept safe, click here.
If you need treatment
If you’re worried about confidentiality, you can get the full rundown here.
Health professional Duty of Care
Health care providers (including Nurse Nettie) are legally and professionally required to make reports if they believe you’re at significant risk of harm from someone else or think you may hurt yourself or others. They have a duty of care to ensure you’re safe. You can find out more about this over on Law Stuff.
If you want more info about confidentiality, you can ask Nurse Nettie.
