Privacy Policy

Thank you for reviewing our Privacy Policy.

We are Apex Speech & Language (ABN 83 590 679 171), located at 30 Elizabeth Street, Parramatta, New South Wales, 2150, Australia.

Purpose of This Policy

At Apex Speech & Language, we are committed to safeguarding your privacy. This policy outlines how we collect, store, manage, and protect personal information.

We comply with both the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles, and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) (collectively, the Privacy Laws), and this policy reflects our obligations under these laws.

"Clients" refers to both past and current clients as well as individuals inquiring about our services.

Types of Personal Information We Collect

"Personal information" refers to details or opinions about an individual whose identity is evident or can reasonably be determined. To provide effective speech pathology services, we collect a range of personal data, including but not limited to:

  • Names, ages, genders, and other identifying information

  • Medicare and health fund details (including Medicare numbers and health insurance information)

  • Developmental, medical, ethnic, and social history (including medications, diagnoses, surgeries, and allergies)

  • Disabilities, impairments, and family history (where relevant to assessment and treatment)

  • Work and educational history

  • Hobbies, interests, and activities of clients and their families

  • Financial information related to service payments

For sensitive data, such as health information required for services, we will seek your consent.

How We Collect Personal Information

We gather personal data via phone, our website, social media pages, client questionnaires, letters, reports, emails, SMS, electronic communications, and in-person or online interviews (via platforms such as Skype or Google Hangouts).

Sources of Personal Information

We usually collect information directly from clients or authorized representatives (such as parents or carers). However, in cases where communication is facilitated by others, we will inform you about the collection and its context.

If you provide us with information about others, we rely on you to ensure that you have obtained their consent and informed them about how we may use the information.

Purpose of Collecting Personal Information

We collect personal data to deliver, assess, and improve our speech pathology services. Without this information, we cannot operate our business or provide services in compliance with legal standards and the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics. Refusal to provide the requested information may result in our inability to offer services.

Specifically, we use personal data to provide assessment, diagnosis, and management for speech, language, voice, fluency, swallowing, and literacy issues. Personal data is also used for:

  • Administrative management

  • Compliance with legal and ethical standards

  • Billing (including interaction with insurers and compensation agencies)

  • Consultations between professionals involved in your care

  • Communication with your doctors, health professionals, and educators

  • Interaction with insurers or in the context of legal claims or litigation

Occasionally, we may use non-sensitive personal data to share news or offers about services that may interest you. You can opt out of receiving this information at any time.

Anonymity and Pseudonyms

Due to the nature of our services, it is not feasible to offer them anonymously or to individuals who provide insufficient identifying information.

Access to Personal Information

Your personal data may be accessed by:

  • Apex Speech & Language staff

  • Medical and educational professionals involved in your care

  • Professional advisors, including legal, accounting, and IT service providers

  • Medicare, private health insurers, and our insurers

We will not disclose personal data to third parties without your consent unless required by law or in specific situations outlined in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), such as for enforcement purposes.

Important note: Under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW), speech pathologists must share information with other NSW authorities, such as health services, schools, courts, and police, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children. This legal requirement may override privacy rights.

Data Security and Retention

We take reasonable steps to secure your personal information, including:

  • Password-protected electronic systems

  • Locked filing cabinets for hard-copy records, accessible only by authorized staff

If your personal data is no longer needed, we will destroy or de-identify it, except in cases where the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) mandates retention:

  • 7 years for adult clients after the last service

  • Until the child turns 25 years of age for clients under 18

Accessing and Correcting Personal Information

We strive to ensure your personal data is accurate and up-to-date. You have the right to access your information, subject to legal exceptions. We may charge a reasonable fee for retrieving and processing your data.

If you believe that any personal information we hold is incorrect or outdated, please contact us to request correction.

Overseas Disclosure

As a result of global electronic systems, your personal data may be disclosed to entities outside Australia (e.g., third-party IT or insurance providers). While it is not practical to specify which countries these recipients may be located in, we take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles when your data is disclosed overseas.

Complaints

If you believe we have mishandled your personal information, you have the right to file a complaint. We will respond within 15 days. If unsatisfied with the response, you can escalate your complaint to our principal speech pathologist, Cherie Finocchiaro, who will address it within 15 days.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us.

For more information on the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s website.