PATIENT INFORMATION
Updated August 2026 in line with Privacy Amendment Act 2025 and introduction to a new Information Privacy Principle (IPP) 3A, and corresponding amendment to the Health Information Privacy Code (HIPC)
PRIVACY STATEMENT
WHAT INFORMATION DO WE COLLECT AND WHY DO WE COLLECT IT?
As a healthcare provider, we collect certain personal information about you to better understand your health needs and provide appropriate care and services. We may also collect and use your personal information for the purposes outlined in our Privacy Statement.
The information we collect may include:
- Basic personal details, such as your name, address, contact information, date of birth, National Health Index (NHI) number, and next of kin information.
- Information relating to your health, including presenting concerns, symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, and medical conditions.
- Results from laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures, and medical imaging.
- Relevant social information that may support the delivery of your healthcare and services.
INFORMATION WE COLLECT FROM OTHER SOURCES
To provide diagnostic ultrasound services, EchoNorth may collect health information about you from other healthcare providers involved in your care. These may include:
- General practitioners
- Medical specialists
- Midwives
- Public and private hospitals
- ACC
- Previous imaging providers
- Other health professionals involved in your treatment
We collect this information to:
- assess referral requests
- perform and report diagnostic examinations
- communicate results
- provide continuity of care
- meet legal and professional obligations
You have the right to request access to this information and request correction where appropriate.
WHO DO WE SHARE INFORMATION WITH?
For your benefit and only for the purpose which the information was collected, we may need to share information from your health records outside of the organisation with other providers that are involved with your healthcare, including:
- Medical practitioners (e.g. General Practitioners, Specialists and other referrers)
- Shared Health portals (radiology images, Testsafe, Te Whatu Ora). These are secured systems which can only be accessed by registered users. Your healthcare records are shared with these services to provide the best and safest care to our service users.
- Funders (When private treatment is funded by insurers, EchoNorth may be required to share certain requested information relating to a service with health insurance providers and/or ACC)
HOW LONG DO WE HOLD INFORMATION FOR?
There is a requirement of the Health (Retention of Health Information) R1996 (Regulations) that healthcare providers retain health records for a minimum of 10 years and one (1) day from the date the last consultation or service was provided to the patient.
ACCESSING YOUR INFORMATION
Under Rule 6 of the Code, you have the right to access the information we hold about you.
To enable us to process your request you will need to complete this PATIENT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FORM and email to managers@echonorth.co.nz with photo identification.
CALL RECORDING
As part of our commitment to giving the best service to our customers EchoNorth records inbound calls made to our practice. This information is used for training and development and improving our services. Calls are stored securely for one (1) year before being deleted.
CLINICAL AUDITING
From time to time, we are required to conduct clinical audits for compliance and quality assurance. Under certain circumstances, we may use and disclose health information about you for clinical audits. For these purposes the data used for these audits are anonymous, meaning that we do not share any of your identifiable information such as your name, address, or date of birth.
ACCREDITATION
We may also allow access to anonymised patient information to external auditors as part of external accreditation requirements for the purpose of a professionally recognised accreditation of a Health and Disability Service and/or for a professionally recognised external quality assurance program.
Rule 11 of the Code permits the sharing of information for the above purpose.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS IT SAFE?
Yes! Ultrasound uses no ionizing radiation (X-rays), and as such there have been no known harmful effects to humans (including unborn babies) when used in the hands of suitably qualified operators.
DOES IT HURT?
Ultrasound is usually painless. However, if we are scanning an area that is injured, or that you know to be tender, you may find it uncomfortable for the short time that the sonographer needs to view this area to make an accurate diagnosis.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL FOR A SCAN?
Absolutely. For medico-legal reasons a referral is necessary for you to have ANY kind of scan with us. It is also important that your bring your referral with you to your appointment with us.
DO I NEED TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Yes, in all instances, it is necessary to book an appointment with us before you plan on having your scan. We advise that you do this as soon are you are referred for a scan by your health provider, as our booking schedule can fill very quickly.
HOW MUCH WILL MY SCAN COST?
Please refer to our price list
CAN I BRING FRIENDS/FAMILY TO MY SCAN?
A maximum of TWO adult support people are welcome to accompany you into any scan. NO children (under 12 years old) or babies are able to attend any scans. This policy is subject to change at any time.
CAN I TAKE PICTURES/VIDEO DURING MY SCAN?
No, for medico-legal reasons, EchoNorth does not allow photography or filming during any ultrasound examination. All cell phones must be switched off prior to entering the scan room.
WHAT PREPARATION DO I NEED TO DO FOR MY SCAN?
When you make your appointment with us, one of our staff will advise you of any preparation necessary for your scan. It is important that this is followed so that the scan can proceed at your booked time.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SCAN?
You will be welcomed into the examination room, which has a warm, relaxed atmosphere. You will be asked to lie on a comfortable examination couch. The sonographer will apply warm gel to the skin and press the transducer firmly against the skin, moving it until the desired images are captured. You should not experience any significant discomfort during the procedure. You may be asked to change position or take deep breaths to enable the sonographer to see some areas better.
WILL THERE BE AN INTERNAL PART TO MY SCAN?
Internal scans are only performed with your consent.
They are performed routinely for all pelvic ultrasound examinations as they are considered the gold standard for achieving the best views of the uterus and ovaries and are essential for the assessment of certain conditions such as endometriosis or post menopausal bleeding.
Internal scans are often performed in early pregnancy to enable the pregnancy to be seen more clearly but may also be performed in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters when required. Your sonographer will always explain to you why the internal scan is needed and it is always your choice to decline.
HOW LONG WILL MY SCAN TAKE?
This varies depending on what type of scan you are having, but they usually take between 20-40 mins. Our staff will give you a more accurate time when you make your appointment.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY SCAN RESULTS?
Following your scan, the sonographer prepares a report of her findings, and this is then checked and signed off by one of our radiologists. The person who referred you for your scan (your Midwife, Doctor, Physiotherapist or Specialist) will get a copy of this report the following day.
If your referrer requires a report more urgently, please let your sonographer know.
If you would like your report sent to another medical professional, please let one of the receptionist’s know.
DO YOU OFFER 3D/4D SCANS?
Unfortunately we do not offer 3D/4D any more. These may be available at other radiology clinics. Please ask your midwife for more information.
DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE GENDER SCANS?
EchoNorth do NOT offer private gender scans. Scans will only be performed for clinical reasons with a valid referral form from a New Zealand registered Doctor or Midwife.
