Privacy Policy

Please take a moment to read the information below about your care at Breakthrough Osteopathy, so we can make sure you feel informed, comfortable, and well supported.

🔒 Privacy Policy

All consultation details are strictly confidential under the Privacy Act NZ 2020.

Collected Data: Name, contact details, and medical information.
Purpose: To communicate and provide the best health care recommendations.
Data Sharing: Shared only with staff, other health practitioners (with your verbal consent), and ACC (for injury claims).
Security: Patient data is fully encrypted and restricted to authorized staff.
Your Rights: You can request a copy of your data or ask for corrections by emailing info@breakthroughosteopathy.co.nz. Non-identifiable data may be used for research.

📱 Communications

Channels: Email and SMS are used for reminders, forms, and occasional newsletters.
Opt-out: You can unsubscribe from these communications at any stage.

📅 Cancellation Policy

Notice Period: A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to reschedule or cancel an appointment.
Late Fees: Missed appointments or cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice will incur a fee of $70.
Reminders: Sent via text and email two days prior (ensure your contact details remain updated).
Availability: Remote reception is open 24/7 for scheduling changes.

🤝 Consent to Osteopathic Care

Before treatment begins, a full-body examination and screening will be performed.

Safety Profile: Care is safe for all ages, including babies. Minor side effects (stiffness, minor soreness, light-headedness) can occur. Serious adverse events (fractures, stroke) are extremely rare (1 in 20,000 to several million).
Pre-Treatment Explanation: Any specific risks regarding your case will be explained, discussed, and noted before treatment.
Timeline: Detailed care plans are typically discussed during your first two visits, allowing you ample time to ask questions before providing verbal consent.
Expectations: Results are not guaranteed, especially if the recommended care plan is not followed. Practitioners cannot anticipate every possible complication.
Flexibility: You are consenting to examinations and care by any registered osteopath at Breakthrough Osteopathy, and you retain the right to withdraw your consent at any time.
Post-Treatment reactions: Adverse reactions are rare, but due to osteopathic care and shockwave therapy stimulating an intense healing response, mild to deep aching, stiffness, mild bruising or swelling (with shockwave) can be expected for up to five days post treatment.

New Zealand Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights

Your Rights when receiving a Health or Disability Service

Respect

You should be treated with respect. This includes respect for your culture, values and beliefs, as well as your right to personal privacy.

Fair Treatment

No one should discriminate against you, pressure you into something you do not want or take advantage of you in any way.

Dignity and Independence

Services should support you to live a dignified, independent life.

Proper Standards

You have the right to be treated with care and skill, and to receive services that reflect your needs. All those involved in your care should work together for you.

Communication

You have the right to be listened to, understood and receive information in whatever way you need. When it is necessary and practicable, an interpreter should be available.

Information

You have the right to have your condition explained and to be told what your choices are. This includes how long you may have to wait, an estimate of any costs, and likely benefits and side effects. You can ask any questions to help you to be fully informed.

It’s Your Decision

It is up to you to decide. You can say no or change your mind at any time.

Support

You have the right to have someone with you to give you support in most circumstances.

Teaching and Research

All these rights also apply when taking part in teaching and research.

Complaints

It is OK to complain – your complaints help improve service. It must be easy for you to make a complaint, and it should not have an adverse effect on the way you are treated.

If you need help, ask the person or organisation providing the service. You can contact the local advocacy service on 0800 555 050 or the Health and Disability Commissioner