Privacy Policy
Dr. Gideon Maresky's commitment to protecting your personal information in compliance with South African data protection laws and medical practice regulations.
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Introduction
Dr. Gideon Maresky ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with our plastic surgery practice located at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.
This policy is designed to comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA), the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) regulations, and other applicable South African laws.
Important: By using our website or services, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
- Medical Information: Medical history, current medications, allergies, previous surgeries
- Consultation Information: Procedure interests, consultation notes, treatment plans
- Financial Information: Payment details, insurance information, billing addresses
- Identification Information: ID number, date of birth, emergency contact details
- Communication Records: Email correspondence, phone call records, appointment history
Website Usage Information
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, referral sources, click patterns
- Cookies: Session cookies for website functionality (no tracking cookies)
- Form Data: Information submitted through contact forms and consultation requests
Data Minimization: We only collect personal information that is necessary for providing medical services, maintaining patient records, and fulfilling legal obligations.
How We Use Your Information
Medical Care and Services
- Providing medical consultations and plastic surgery services
- Maintaining accurate medical records and treatment history
- Scheduling appointments and managing your care
- Communicating about your treatment and follow-up care
- Processing payments and insurance claims
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Complying with HPCSA regulations and medical practice requirements
- Meeting legal obligations for medical record keeping
- Responding to legal requests and regulatory inquiries
- Ensuring patient safety and quality of care
Communication and Support
- Responding to your inquiries and consultation requests
- Providing appointment reminders and follow-up communications
- Sharing important practice updates and safety information
- Emergency contact in case of medical complications
Lawful Basis: We process your personal information based on consent, legitimate interests for medical care, legal obligations, and vital interests for emergency situations.
Information Sharing and Disclosure
Medical Professionals
We may share your information with:
- Anesthesiologists and surgical team members involved in your care
- Referring physicians and specialists
- Hospital staff at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital
- Laboratory and imaging service providers
Third-Party Service Providers
- Medical aid schemes and insurance providers (with your consent)
- Payment processing services for secure transactions
- IT support services for secure data management
- Legal and professional advisors when required
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when required by law, including:
- Court orders and legal proceedings
- HPCSA investigations and regulatory compliance
- Public health and safety requirements
- Emergency situations to protect life and health
No Marketing Sharing: We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.
Data Security and Storage
Security Measures
- Encrypted data transmission using SSL/TLS protocols
- Secure physical storage of paper records in locked facilities
- Access controls and authentication for digital systems
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Staff training on data protection and confidentiality
- Backup and disaster recovery procedures
Data Storage
- Local Storage: Patient records stored securely within South Africa
- No Cloud Storage: Contact form data is processed locally without cloud storage
- Retention Periods: Medical records retained as per HPCSA requirements (minimum 6 years)
- Secure Disposal: Secure destruction of records after retention period
Data Breach Response
In the event of a data breach, we will:
- Notify the Information Regulator within 72 hours
- Inform affected patients without undue delay
- Take immediate steps to contain and remedy the breach
- Conduct a thorough investigation and implement preventive measures
Your Rights Under POPIA
Under the Protection of Personal Information Act, you have the following rights:
Right to Access
Request access to your personal information we hold
Right to Correction
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Right to Deletion
Request deletion of personal information (subject to legal requirements)
Right to Object
Object to processing of your personal information
Right to Portability
Request transfer of your data to another provider
Right to Complain
Lodge complaints with the Information Regulator
Medical Records Limitation: Some rights may be limited for medical records due to legal requirements for patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Contact Information
Privacy Inquiries
Phone
+27 (0) 21 423 9422Practice Address
Dr. Gideon Maresky
Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital
Suite 1516, DF Malan Street
Foreshore, Cape Town 8001
South Africa
Information Regulator Contact
If you have concerns about our privacy practices, you may contact the Information Regulator:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/
Related Legal Documents
This Privacy Policy is effective as of January 6, 2025, and will remain in effect except with respect to any changes in its provisions in the future, which will be in effect immediately after being posted on this page.