Terms of Service
Sets the legal relationship between our practice and our patients/guardians.
1. Scope of Services
- Services Offered: Our scope of care includes Autism communication therapy, pediatric speech and language services, fluency and stuttering therapy, articulation therapy, voice disorders, and swallowing (dysphagia) assessments.
- Not a Substitute for Emergency Care: Speech Vani Therapy services DO NOT constitute emergency medical care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, immediately contact your local emergency services (e.g., 911) or proceed to the nearest emergency room.
- Telehealth Terms: For virtual online sessions, we strictly use HIPAA-compliant platforms. Patients must consent to telehealth delivery and are responsible for meeting the minimum technology requirements (stable internet, operational webcam/microphone). Be advised there are inherent limitations to virtual care compared to in-person evaluations.
2. Appointments & Cancellations
- Scheduling Policy: Appointments are booked and confirmed through our secure portal. Waitlist procedures are enforced when clinic capacity is full.
- Cancellation & No-Show Policy: We require a minimum of 24 to 48 hours' notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or unattended no-shows may incur a fee unless waived under documented extenuating circumstances. Repeated no-shows may result in discharge from services.
- Rescheduling by Provider: We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule appointments due to therapist illness, technical emergencies, or unforeseen force majeure events.
3. Fees, Billing & Insurance
- Fee Structure: Session rates, evaluation fees, and specialized report fees are available upon request and are subject to change with advanced written notice.
- Insurance: While we may accept specific insurance networks, coverage is never guaranteed. Patients remain ultimately responsible for any account balances not covered by their insurance provider.
- Payment Terms: Co-payments or self-pay fees are due at the time of service. Late payments may be subject to a collections process.
- Good Faith Estimate (No Surprises Act): Uninsured or self-pay patients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate detailing the expected costs before services commence.
4. Consent & Guardian Authority
- Minor Patients: Strict consent must be obtained from a legal parent or guardian. We may require specific legal documentation establishing custody for divorced/separated parents or foster situations.
- Informed Consent for Therapy: Signing up acknowledges that you understand the nature, risks, and benefits of speech and behavioral therapy.
- Recording/Observation: We require separate, explicit written consent before any video or audio recording of sessions occurs, or before any student observer is permitted to attend.
5. Limitation of Liability & Disclaimers
- No Outcome Guarantees: Therapeutic outcomes vary drastically and cannot be guaranteed. Continued progress relies on numerous individual factors, including outside compliance and home execution.
- Website Content Disclaimer: All content aggregated on this site is purely for informational purposes and is not formal clinical advice or a diagnostic assessment.
- Dispute Resolution: These terms are governed by state law. Parties agree to pursue mediation prior to escalating to formal litigation.