The “No Surprises” Act
The “No Surprises” Act protects patients from unexpected medical bills for non-emergency services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services before you schedule. This estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment.
If you are billed for more than the Good Faith Estimate:
-
You have the right to dispute the bill
-
You can ask for an updated bill to match the Good Faith Estimate
-
You can request to negotiate the bill
-
You can ask if financial assistance is available
-
You have the right to initiate a patient-provider dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if the actual billed charges substantially exceed (by at least $400) the expected charges included in the Good Faith Estimate
Important details about the dispute process:
-
You must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days of the date on the original bill
-
There is a $25 fee (paid to the U.S. Department of HHS) to use the dispute process
-
If the agency agrees with you, you will only pay the price in the Good Faith Estimate
-
If the agency agrees with the provider, you will pay the higher amount
-
Initiating the dispute process will not affect the quality of healthcare services you receive
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
The Good Faith Estimate is not a contract and does not require you to obtain services from this provider.
For more information or questions about your rights under the No Surprises Act:
Frequently asked questions
Ready to Get Started?
Fill out the secure form to request a free 10–15 minute phone consultation or to schedule your initial appointment. I typically respond within one business day.
Elizabeth L. Ward, MD
Adult Psychiatry
San Francisco, CA
(415) 498-0481 elizabethwardmd@gmail.com
Important Privacy Note: Please do not share any personal health information or protected health information (PHI) in this form. For your privacy and full HIPAA compliance, we will only discuss your health details during a secure phone or video consultation.