Surprise Billing Protection
Your Rights Under Surprise Billing Protection
Federal law protects you from unexpected medical charges when you receive emergency care or certain services from an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility. These protections are designed to increase transparency and prevent unfair financial burden.
This overview explains what “surprise billing” means, how the No Surprises Act safeguards you, and what steps to take if you believe you’ve received an improper bill. Understanding your rights helps ensure you receive care without unexpected financial stress or confusion.
Billing Transparency & Your Rights
You deserve clear, upfront information about the cost of your care and your rights under federal law.
Here’s how we protect you from surprise bills and ensure transparency at every step.
Good Faith Estimate (GFE)
Under the No Surprises Act,
individuals who are uninsured or self-pay have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges.
This estimate outlines the anticipated costs of your mental health services based on the information available
at the time of scheduling or upon request.
A Good Faith Estimate is not a contract. Actual costs may change if your treatment plan changes.
You have the right to:
- Receive a Good Faith Estimate before committing to care.
- Request an Estimate at any time during treatment.
- Dispute charges if your final bill is $400+ above the estimate.
Surprise Billing Protection
Federal law protects you from certain unexpected medical bills (“surprise bills”) for out-of-network care.
You are protected when:
- You receive emergency care from an out-of-network provider or facility.
- An out-of-network provider treats you at an in-network hospital or surgical center
without your knowledge or consent.
Do not sign a waiver giving up these protections unless you have been fully informed and provided
a genuine choice of providers. Signing such a waiver could result in increased costs that may not count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.
Questions or Requests
If you have questions about your Good Faith Estimate or Surprise Billing protections—or would like to request
your individualized Estimate—please email:
hello@drjennyshields.com