Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost (when paying out of pocket).
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
- Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
- Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit http://www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.
Consumer Access to Health Records & Complaints (Texas HB 4224)
Access to Your Health Records
In accordance with Texas House Bill 4224, clients of Serene Butterfly Counseling have the right to request access to their health records, including mental health records, subject to applicable state and federal laws. We are required to retain your records for 7 years, or 5 years after a former child client has turned 18.
How to Request Your Records
Clients may request access to their records by submitting a written request to our office. Requests can be made by:
- Sending a secure message through the client portal
- Emailing our administrative team at admin@butterfly-counseling.com
Certain portions of the clinical record may be withheld if access is restricted by law or if disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause harm, in accordance with Texas law and professional standards.
Response Time
We will respond to record requests within the timeframes required by applicable law. If additional time is needed, we will communicate this with you promptly.
Fees
Reasonable fees may apply for the preparation, copying, or delivery of records, as permitted by law and are shared in your intake forms and or Good Faith Estimate. Any applicable fees will be communicated prior to releasing records.
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions about accessing your records or believe your rights regarding your health information have been violated, please contact us directly so we can address your concerns.
If you believe a clinician has violated their code of ethics and/or scope of their licensing regulations, please contact the licensing board:
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
Phone: 512-305-7700
Online: https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/
If you believe you have been a victim of fraudulent business practices in the State of Texas, you may file a consumer complaint by contacting:
Texas Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division
Phone: 1-800-621-0508
Online: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint
