Your right to an estimate of expected charges.

You may have a federal right to a Good Faith Estimate

Federal rules generally require health care providers to tell uninsured or self-pay individuals that a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges is available when care is scheduled or when an estimate is requested.

When Clarity Psychiatry will provide one

If a qualifying service is scheduled at least 3 business days in advance, the practice will provide the estimate within the timeframe required by federal law. You may also request an estimate before scheduling; qualifying requests are generally answered within 3 business days.

What the estimate includes

Your written estimate will identify the patient, the expected primary service, expected charges reasonably known at the time of the estimate, the provider/practice identifiers required by law, and required notices about possible changes and dispute rights. It will be provided in a format you can save and print.

The estimate is not a contract

A Good Faith Estimate is based on information reasonably known when it is prepared. Actual services or charges may differ if your clinical needs change. The estimate does not require you to obtain services from Clarity Psychiatry.

If a bill is substantially higher than the estimate

Federal law provides a patient-provider dispute resolution process in qualifying situations. Current federal guidance generally treats a bill as “substantially in excess” when the billed charges from a provider or facility are at least $400 more than that provider or facility’s Good Faith Estimate.

How to request an estimate

Once the secure patient portal is active, request a Good Faith Estimate through the portal or the practice’s approved secure contact method. Do not send medical information through ordinary email.

For federal information about Good Faith Estimates and patient-provider disputes, visit CMS Medical Bill Rights.