Requesting Your Medical Records
Your Right to Access Your Records
You have the legal right to request and receive copies of your health care records from Begin From Within Counseling, PLLC. This right is protected under both federal law (HIPAA) and Texas state law.
How to Request Your Records
To request access to your medical records, please submit a written request that includes the following information:
Required Information:
• Your full legal name
• Date of birth
• Dates of service you are requesting (or specify "all records")
• A copy of a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
• Your preferred format (PDF or paper copy)
• Your preferred delivery method (secure email or USPS mail)
• Your current mailing address or email address
• Your signature and date
How to Submit Your Request:
By Email:
Email: angel@beginfromwithincounseling.com
Subject line: "Medical Records Request"
By Secure Client Portal:
Log in to your client portal and submit your request through the secure messaging system. Processing Time
We will respond to your request within 15 business days of receiving your completed request.
If we need additional time to fulfill your request, we will notify you in writing within 15 business days with:
● The reason for the delay
● The expected completion date (records will be provided no later than 30 business days from your original request)
In rare cases where records cannot be released immediately due to ongoing treatment concerns or legal restrictions, we will notify you in writing with a detailed explanation and your options for review.
Fees
We may charge reasonable, cost-based fees for:
• Copying your records
• Postage (if requesting mailed copies)
• Preparing a summary of your records (if requested)
You will be notified of any applicable fees before your request is processed. Payment is due before records are released.
Texas law allows us to charge:
• A reasonable fee based on the actual cost of copying
• Postage costs for mailed records
• The cost of any special format you request
Format Options
Your records can be provided in the following formats:
• PDF (electronic): Sent via secure, encrypted email
• Paper copy: Mailed to the address you specify via USPS
If you need your records in a different format, please specify in your request and we will accommodate if possible.
Records Retention
Records will be retained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of last service, or longer if required by law.
Records That May Be Withheld
In rare circumstances, we may deny your request for access to certain records if:
• Releasing the information would likely cause substantial harm to you or another person • The information was compiled in anticipation of litigation
• The information includes references to another person (other than a healthcare provider) and providing access would likely cause substantial harm to that person
If we deny your request, you have the right to request a review of that decision. Third-Party Requests
If someone other than you is requesting your records (such as a family member, attorney, or another healthcare provider), you must provide written authorization for us to release your information to that person.
Authorization must include:
• Your signature and date
• Specific description of what information may be released
• The name of the person or organization authorized to receive the information • The purpose of the disclosure
• An expiration date
Minors' Records
If you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor client, you generally have the right to access your child's records. However, Texas law provides certain protections for minors' confidentiality in specific circumstances. We will discuss these protections with you as appropriate.
Questions?
If you have questions about requesting your medical records or need assistance with the process, please contact us:
Begin From Within Counseling, PLLC
Phone: 346-402-2069
Email: angel@beginfromwithincounseling.com
We are committed to responding to your request promptly and ensuring you have access to your health information as required by law.
This information is provided in compliance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 181 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
