Frequently Asked Questions

We’re committed to making your experience with The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine as seamless as possible. Below you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.

If you need additional assistance, please contact our office at (713) 790-9401. Our team is happy to help.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Our physicians welcome new patients and referrals.

To schedule an appointment, call (713) 790-9401. Please have your insurance information and referring physician information (if applicable) available when you call.

We offer appointments for general cardiology, preventive cardiology, vascular medicine, imaging services, and advanced cardiovascular care.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring:

  • Valid photo identification
  • Current insurance card(s)
  • A list of your current medications
  • Copies of recent cardiac records or testing not already sent to our office
  • Your copayment

Do I need a referral?

Some insurance plans, particularly HMO plans, require a referral from your primary care provider before seeing a specialist.

Please contact your insurance carrier to verify your plan requirements prior to your appointment.

How early should I arrive?

We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete registration and insurance verification.

What insurance plans do you accept?

As part of Baylor College of Medicine, we participate with a broad range of commercial insurance plans, Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and managed care organizations.

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to Baylor Medicine’s Accepted Insurance Plans page or contact the Baylor Medicine Insurance Verification Hotline at (713) 798-9001.

Do you participate in Centers of Excellence Programs?

Yes.

The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine proudly participates in select Cardiovascular Centers of Excellence (COE) Programs offered through participating employer-sponsored health plans.

These programs provide eligible patients with coordinated, evidence-based cardiovascular care delivered by nationally recognized specialists.

If your employer offers a Center of Excellence benefit, please notify our scheduling team so we can assist with eligibility verification and care coordination.

Does insurance verification guarantee payment?

No.

Insurance verification confirms eligibility but does not guarantee payment or coverage. Final payment determination is made by your insurance carrier after your claim has been processed.

What if Baylor Medicine is out-of-network with my insurance?

You may still receive care from our providers; however, your financial responsibility may differ based on your insurance benefits.

We encourage you to contact your insurance carrier before your appointment to understand your out-of-network coverage.

How do I pay my bill?

Billing depends on your date of service.

For services provided before July 31, 2025:

Online payment is no longer available due to our integration with Baylor College of Medicine.

You may pay by:

  • Calling (713) 790-9401 and selecting Option 4
  • Mailing payment to the address listed on your billing statement.

For services provided on or after July 31, 2025:

Payments should be made through Baylor MyChart.

Why are there different billing systems?

As part of our transition to Baylor College of Medicine, patient accounts are maintained in separate billing systems based on the date services were provided.

Please refer to the date of service on your billing statement to determine the appropriate payment method.

Will I owe anything at my appointment?

Depending on your insurance plan, you may be responsible for:

  • Copayments
  • Deductibles
  • Coinsurance
  • Non-covered services

Patient responsibility amounts are typically collected at the time of service.

How do I access my patient portal?

Patients receiving care on or after July 31, 2025, can access their health information, appointments, test results, and billing information through Baylor MyChart.

Through MyChart, you can:

  • View test results
  • Request prescription renewals
  • Send secure messages to your care team
  • Review upcoming appointments
  • Pay your bill online
  • Access portions of your medical record

I forgot my MyChart password. What should I do?

Please use the “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password” links on the Baylor MyChart login page or contact Baylor MyChart Support for assistance.

How do I request a medication refill?

Please contact your pharmacy at least 5 business days before your medication is needed.

Your pharmacy will send an electronic refill request to your provider for review and approval.

When will I receive my test results?

Most routine testing is reviewed within 24-72 hours, although some specialized studies may require additional interpretation.

Results may be communicated through:

  • Baylor MyChart
  • Telephone
  • Follow-up appointment

Please allow adequate time for provider review before contacting the office.

How do I request my medical records?

Baylor College of Medicine Health Information Management (HIM) processes all medical record requests for patients of The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine, including records created before our integration with Baylor College of Medicine.

Whether your care was received before or after July 31, 2025, all requests for medical records should be submitted directly to Baylor Medicine’s Release of Information department.

Patients or authorized representatives may submit a completed Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information form using one of the following methods:

Email: roi@bcm.edu

Fax: (713) 798-1464

Mail:

Baylor Medicine
Release of Medical Records
One Baylor Plaza
Houston, TX 77030

For questions regarding medical records request, please contact Baylor Medicine Release of Medical Records at (713) 798-5259.

Can I request records from visits before July 31, 2025?

Yes.

Baylor College of Medicine now manages all medical record requests, including legacy records from Texas Heart Medical Group, Leachman Cardiology, and records created after the integration with Baylor College of Medicine.

There is no separate process for requesting older records.

Can I access my records through MyChart?

Many records from services provided through Baylor Medicine are available through Baylor MyChart.

If you need records that are not available in MyChart or require a complete copy of your medical record, please submit a request through Baylor Medicine’s Release of Information Department using the methods listed above.

What if I have an urgent medical concern after the office closes?

An on-call physician is available 24 hours a day for urgent medical concerns.

Please call (713) 790-9401 to reach the on-call provider.

If you are experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke, or another medical emergency, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Where is your office located?

The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine
6624 Fannin Street, Suite 2600
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: (713) 790-9401

Where can I park?

Convenient self-parking and valet parking are available at Fannin Tower.

Please follow posted signage upon arrival for patient parking and valet services.

Do you accept International Patients?

Yes.

We welcome patients from around the world.

Patients with international insurance coverage or those traveling from outside the United States are encouraged to contact our office prior to scheduling so we can assist with insurance verification and financial agreements.

What if my insurance changes before my appointment?

Please notify our office as soon as possible and bring your updated insurance card to your appointment. This helps prevent delays in registration and claim processing.

What if my deductible has not been met?

If your deductible has not been satisfied, you may be responsible for part or all of the cost of your visit or testing. Our staff can provide an estimate when available, but your insurance carrier makes the final determination.

What is prior authorization?

Some imaging studies, procedures, and medications require approval from your insurance company before services are performed. Our office will work with your insurance carrier when authorization is required, but approval is ultimately determined by your health plan.

We’re Here to Help

Our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing compassionate, world-class cardiovascular care while making every step of your experience as convenient as possible.

If you have questions about appointments, insurance, billing, or your care, please contact us at (713) 790-9401.

Thank you for choosing The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine. We are honored to partner with you in your heart health journey.