Protecting Information Rights – Advancing Information Policy

Phone iconCONTACT US: 1300 363 992
 
We're now a part of the Office of the Information Commissioner. Go to www.oaic.gov.au to find out more.

Site Changes

On 1 November 2010 the Office of the Privacy Commissioner was integrated into the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). An interim website for the OAIC is available at www.oaic.gov.au. This site (privacy.gov.au), which only contains information related to the OAIC's privacy function, will be maintained until a combined site is established.
See more

Can my health service provider waive or discount the cost of providing access if I can`t afford it?

Yes, health service providers can give you access to your health information for free or at a discount.

The Privacy Act doesn't require providers to charge individuals for giving access to their health information.  Providing access free of charge, or at a discount, is up to the provider's discretion.

The Privacy Act does allow providers to charge for access, as long as the fee is not excessive (see NPP 6.4).  Normally a fee can be charged to recover reasonable costs of providing access, such as resources, time and labour.

Related FAQs

Can an organisation charge an individual a fee for providing access to the individual's medical records and how much should that fee be?

I think my doctor has charged me too much to give me access to my medical records. What can I do?