Effective Date: September 23, 2026
These Terms of Use apply to the Columbus Orthopaedics website at www.columbusortho.com and the patient text notification services described below. In these terms, “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Columbus Orthopaedics.
Website Use
Our website provides information about our providers, services, locations, and patient resources. You agree to use it lawfully and to provide accurate information when contacting us or submitting a request.
You may not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the website or connected systems, interfere with their operation, introduce malicious software, or misuse another person’s information.
Medical Information and Emergencies
Website content is provided for general educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your medical condition or treatment options.
Visiting this website or submitting an online inquiry does not, by itself, establish a provider-patient relationship. An appointment request is not confirmed until you receive confirmation from our office.
Do not use website forms, email, or text messages for medical emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you need emergency care. Electronic communications may not be reviewed immediately.
SMS Text Notifications
Program Description
With your consent, Columbus Orthopaedics may send text messages to the mobile number you provide. Messages may include appointment reminders, scheduling updates, patient education notifications, reminders to complete forms, and other communications related to your care.
Messages may be sent by Columbus Orthopaedics or service providers acting on our behalf, including through automated messaging systems.
Consent and Participation
Participation in SMS notifications is voluntary. You may choose not to receive text messages and request another available communication method without affecting your access to care.
When you enroll, you confirm that you are the subscriber or an authorized user of the mobile number provided and are authorized to receive communications at that number.
Using our website does not, by itself, enroll you in text notifications. Consent to patient notifications does not constitute consent to unrelated promotional text messages.
Message Frequency and Charges
Message frequency varies based on your appointments, care needs, and interactions with our office.
Message and data rates may apply. Contact your wireless provider for information about your plan and any applicable charges.
Opting Out
To stop receiving SMS notifications, reply STOP to a text message you receive from us. You may receive one final message confirming your opt-out. After your request is processed, you will no longer receive messages from that notification program unless you enroll again.
You may also call 662.328.1012 to request that we stop sending text notifications or to discuss your communication preferences. We will honor other reasonable requests to withdraw consent as required by applicable law.
Opting out of text notifications does not cancel an appointment or change your responsibility to follow instructions provided by your healthcare team.
Help and Assistance
For help, reply HELP to a text message or call 662.328.1012.
For questions about your care, contact our office directly. Do not assume that replies to automated messages are monitored for medical questions.
Delivery and Availability
Text delivery depends on your wireless provider, device, network coverage, and other factors. Messages may be delayed or fail to arrive. Wireless carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Do not rely solely on text notifications to track appointments or time-sensitive care instructions. Contact our office if you are unsure about an appointment or a required next step.
Responsibilities Related to Email and Mobile Use
When using email or text communications with us, please:
- Keep your phone number, email address, and communication preferences current with our office.
- Notify us promptly if your number changes, is reassigned, or is no longer under your control.
- Protect your device with a passcode, screen lock, and appropriate privacy settings.
- Consider whether others can read your messages through shared devices, accounts, or lock-screen previews.
- Notify your wireless provider and our office if your device is lost or stolen and your communications may be accessible to someone else.
- Review your wireless plan, coverage, and any messaging or data charges.
- Understand that your wireless provider and other applications may collect information under their own privacy policies.
Ordinary email and SMS messages may not be encrypted and may be accessed by someone other than the intended recipient. Even a brief notification may reveal your relationship with our practice.
Avoid sending sensitive medical, financial, or identifying information through ordinary text messages or public website forms. Contact our office for an appropriate secure communication method.
Privacy
We do not sell or share mobile phone numbers or SMS opt-in information with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes.
We may provide information to service providers that help deliver and support our messaging services, subject to applicable privacy requirements and contractual safeguards. Information may also be disclosed when required or permitted by law.
Third-Party Services and Links
Our website may link to patient portals, payment services, educational resources, or other websites operated by third parties. Those services may have separate terms and privacy policies. Review those policies before using the services or submitting personal information.
Website Content and Availability
We make reasonable efforts to keep website information accurate and current, but content may contain errors or become outdated. Services, provider availability, and other information may change. Please contact our office to confirm information relevant to your care.
The website is provided on an “as available” basis. We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access. Nothing in these terms limits rights or responsibilities that cannot be limited under applicable law.
Intellectual Property
Website text, graphics, logos, photographs, and other materials are owned by Columbus Orthopaedics or used with permission. You may view or print materials for personal, noncommercial use. Other uses require permission from the applicable rights holder, except as permitted by law.
Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms of Use periodically. Updated terms will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Changes to these terms do not, by themselves, enroll you in SMS notifications or expand any consent you previously provided.
Contact Us
For questions about these terms or your communication preferences, contact:
Columbus Orthopaedics
Phone: 662.328.1012
Website: www.columbusortho.com