Good Faith Estimate

  • If you don’t have health insurance or you plan to pay for health care bills yourself, generally, health care providers and facilities must give you an estimate of expected charges when you schedule an appointment for a health care item or service, or if you ask for an estimate. This is called a “good faith estimate.” (GFE)

  • Providers and facilities must give you the good faith estimate:

    • After you schedule a health care item or service. If you schedule an item or service at least 3 business days before the date you’ll get the item or service, the provider must give you a good faith estimate no later than 1 business day after scheduling. If you schedule the item or service OR ask for cost information about it at least 10 business days before the date you get the item or service, the provider or facility must give you a good faith estimate no later than 3 business days after you schedule or ask for the estimate.

    •That includes a list of each item or service (with the provider or facility), and specific details, like the health care service code.

    •In a way that’s accessible to you, like in large print, Braille, audio files, or other forms of communication. Providers and facilities must also explain the good faith estimate to you over the phone or in person if you ask, then follow up with a written (paper or electronic) estimate, per your preferred form of communication.

  • 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 a 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 www.cms.gov/nosurprises

  • In an abundance of caution, our GFE’s are calculated to include 1 intake appointment and 50 weekly sessions. This is to account for 1 holiday and 1 sick day.

    $170 + $120 (50) = $6,170.