Under recently enacted federal law, healthcare providers need to give clients 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. You can ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service or any time during treatment.
This typically will not be an issue, as fees for our therapy services are clear up front, and payment is due after every session. Therefore, there should never be a time when you receive a “surprise” bill. Nonetheless, this is now a requirement for all healthcare providers. 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 a picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a good faith estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800)-985-3059.
Viviana Urdaneta, LCSW 