Understanding Your Good Faith Estimate: What Patients Need to Know

When seeking medical care, understanding your financial responsibility is just as important as understanding your treatment. To help protect patients and ensure transparency, U.S. law now requires health care providers to offer what is known as a Good Faith Estimate.

This article explains what a Good Faith Estimate is, why it matters, and what your rights are as a patient.

What Is a Good Faith Estimate?

A Good Faith Estimate is a written notice that explains the expected costs of medical services for patients who do not have insurance or who choose not to use their insurance. Its purpose is to provide clear, upfront information so patients can make informed decisions about their care.

Below is the official Good Faith Estimate notice required by federal law.

Good Faith Estimate Disclaimer

Disclaimer:
This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created.

The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur.

If you are billed for more than this Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill.

You may contact the health care provider or facility listed to let them know the billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can ask them to update the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available.

You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can initiate a dispute.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Why This Matters for Patients

The Good Faith Estimate exists to protect you from unexpected medical bills and give you greater control over your health care decisions. By knowing the estimated cost of services in advance, you can:

• Compare options
• Ask informed questions
• Plan financially
• Avoid surprise billing situations

Your Rights at a Glance

As a patient, you have the right to:

• Receive a Good Faith Estimate before your service
• Question charges that exceed the estimate
• Request corrections, negotiations, or financial assistance
• Initiate a federal dispute process if your bill exceeds the estimate by $400 or more

We Are Here to Help

If you have questions about your estimate, billing, or available financial assistance, please contact our office. Our team is committed to transparency, fairness, and making your health care experience as clear and stress-free as possible.

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Dra. Nisreen Tayebjee, D.C.
Dirección: 1905 Calle Barcelona Suite 234, Carlsbad, California 92009
Teléfono: 858-208-0710
Correo electrónico: info@brainhealthcd.com