1. Who we are
UpWords Speech Therapy Services, LLC ("UpWords Speech," "we," "us," or "our") is a pediatric speech therapy practice based in Columbus, Ohio. This Privacy Policy describes how we handle information collected through our website at upwordsspeech.com and through phone, email, and in-clinic interactions related to our services.
For clinical health records protected under HIPAA, please request our separate Notice of Privacy Practices.
2. Information we collect
Information you give us directly
- Contact details (name, child's name, email, phone number, and address) when you complete a form, schedule a consultation, or email us.
- Insurance and payment information when you become a client.
- Clinical history and concerns you share during evaluation, therapy, or consultations.
- Career inquiries: resume, role of interest, and any additional details you provide.
Information collected automatically
- Standard server logs: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and timestamps.
- Cookies and similar technologies used to keep the site functioning and to understand how visitors use it.
3. How we use information
We use the information you provide and the information we collect to:
- Respond to inquiries and schedule consultations.
- Verify insurance benefits and process billing.
- Deliver and improve our speech therapy services.
- Send service-related communications (appointment reminders, billing notices, follow-ups).
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
- Improve and maintain this website.
4. SMS / text messaging
If you opt in to SMS communications by checking the consent box on a form, you may receive text messages from us related to your inquiry. Standard message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP, or by contacting us directly. We do not share or sell your phone number for SMS marketing purposes.
5. How we share information
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only as needed to deliver our services or as required by law, including with:
- Insurance carriers, when verifying coverage or submitting claims.
- Service providers (scheduling software, email and billing platforms) that act on our behalf.
- Government or regulatory bodies when required by law.
- Other healthcare providers involved in a child's care, with your written consent.
6. Children's information
Because we provide pediatric services, we routinely receive information about minors directly from a parent or legal guardian. Information about children is handled with the same care as clinical health records and is not used for marketing purposes.
7. Your choices and rights
You can:
- Request access to the personal information we hold about you or your child.
- Ask us to correct inaccuracies.
- Request deletion, subject to record-keeping obligations that apply to healthcare providers.
- Withdraw consent for non-required communications at any time.
To make a request, email us at info@upwordsspeech.com or call 614.401.4644.
8. Data retention & security
We keep personal information only as long as needed to provide services and meet legal obligations. Clinical records are retained according to Ohio state law for healthcare providers. We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information, though no method of transmission over the internet is fully secure.
9. Third-party links
Our website may link to third-party services such as our client portal at upwordsspeech.clientsecure.me. Those services have their own privacy policies, which we encourage you to review.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we'll change the "Last updated" date at the top. Significant changes will be communicated to active clients directly.
11. Contact us
Questions about this policy? We're happy to talk through it.
UpWords Speech Therapy Services, LLC
5310 East Main Street, Suite 101 (First Floor)
Columbus, OH 43213
Phone: 614.401.4644
Email: info@upwordsspeech.com