Good Faith Estimate

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

This new regulation is designed to provide transparency to patients regarding their expected medical expenses and protect them from surprises when they receive their medical bills. It allows patients to understand how much their health care will cost before receiving services.

Several factors make It challenging to estimate how long it will take for a client to complete treatment, and much depends on the individual client and their goals in seeking therapy. Some clients are satisfied with reducing symptoms while others continue longer because it feels beneficial to do so. Others begin to schedule less frequently and may continue to come in for “tune-ups” or issues arise. Ultimately, as the client, it is your decision when to stop therapy.

 You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.

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 expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. 

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.

You can 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.

When you contact me regarding treatment, I will verbally provide you with a Good Faith Estimate (GFE). In addition, this estimate will be available to you in writing, once you schedule an appointment, and you can access it through the Simple Practice Portal. If you are a current client, I will also be providing you with a GFE.

I look forward to talking with you and answering any questions about the “No Surprises” Act and Good Faith Estimates.