Good Faith Estimates for uninsured and self-pay patients

General information; individual estimates come from the office

If you do not have health insurance or do not plan to use insurance for scheduled care, you generally have the right to receive a written Good Faith Estimate of expected charges.

When an estimate is available

Tell the office if you are uninsured or plan to self-pay. In most cases, providers and facilities must provide an estimate when care is scheduled at least three business days in advance or when you request one. An estimate is not a bill or a guarantee; unanticipated care may change the final charges.

Separate providers and facilities

A procedure may involve professional, facility, anesthesia, pathology, laboratory, imaging, implant, or other services. Current federal guidance may require separate estimates from each provider or facility. Ask what charges are included and which organizations should provide their own estimate.

Disputing a bill

If a bill from a provider or facility is at least $400 more than that provider's or facility's estimate, you may qualify for the federal patient-provider dispute process. The dispute generally must be started within 120 days of the initial bill. Keep the estimate and bill.

Request an estimate

Call 703-594-1583. Do not include medical or financial information in ordinary email. Current federal information is available at cms.gov/medical-bill-rights.