Good Faith Estimate.
If you are uninsured or choose not to use insurance, federal law gives you the right to an estimate of what your care will cost — before you receive it.
Your right to a Good Faith Estimate
Under the federal No Surprises Act, health care providers must give patients who do not have insurance, or who are not using insurance, an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. Specifically:
- 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 facility fees.
- Your provider must give you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask any provider for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule.
- 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.
How to request one from us
If you plan to pay out-of-pocket for care at Maryland Psychiatric Associates — or if you are not using insurance for any reason — please request a written Good Faith Estimate before scheduling your first visit.
You can request one by:
- Calling 240-776-8802
- Emailing zach@mdpsychassociates.com with the subject line "Good Faith Estimate request"
You will receive your written estimate within 3 business days of your request, or at least 1 business day before any scheduled service — whichever is sooner.
Disputing a bill
If your final bill is $400 or more above the Good Faith Estimate you received, you have the right to dispute the bill through the federal Patient-Provider Dispute Resolution process. There is a $25 administrative fee, which is refunded if your dispute is successful. You generally have 120 days from the date of the bill to start a dispute.
For more information
Visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call the federal No Surprises Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059.