Good Faith Estimate & No Surprises Act

Good Faith Estimate page created 7-31-2024 ~ Written by Lucrezia Mangione, LPC, LCPC, NCC, BC-TMH, DCEP

Introduction

A Good Faith Estimate is a document that outlines the expected costs of healthcare services to provide price transparency. It was born out of the "surprise" medical bills that consumers were receiving. It now applies to all healthcare providers, including private practice, clinics, facilities, and hospitals. This topic impacts everyone seeking professional counseling and psychotherapy, especially current and potential clients who self-pay. It is a requirement.

Price transparency is not just a legal formality; it's a vital part of a trust-based client-provider relationship. By offering costs upfront, you can make informed decisions about your healthcare without fearing unexpected expenses. Fortunately, Mind Body Well Therapy, Pllc, was transparent about pricing long before this law went into effect.

Good Faith Estimates Matter

The No Surprises Act was passed in December 2020 under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act. The goal is to protect consumers from surprise medical bills. Beginning on January 1, 2022, healthcare providers, including private practices, became legally required to provide our clients with an estimate of services in good faith. This required document became an important next step in improving price transparency. And it helps to significantly reduce the likelihood of a unexpected medical expenses, which includes behavioral health.

It's a document

A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is document that outlines the expected costs of healthcare services for you. It aims to give you a clear idea of what you will likely owe for the services you receive here at Mind Body Well Therapy, Pllc. This is especially important for those without insurance coverage. Or those who choose not to use it.

A GFE is meant to be as accurate as possible. And it can't account for every situation. If additional sessions or treatments are necessary, the final bill might be higher than originally estimated, for example. However, providing a service estimate is a significant step toward greater price transparency.

Applies to holistic counseling and psychotherapy

Tailored & Transparent Estimates for Counseling

How does this GFE apply to you, specifically regarding holistic psychotherapy, counseling, neurofeedback, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy?

Mind Body Well Therapy, PLLC, has always subscirbed to full transparency in pricing and has been doing so since it's birth as in private practice. Costs do vary for the services here. And estimated costs will also vary based on the nature, frequency, and your specific needs. A Good Faith Estimate is not a one-size-fits-all document. It's tailored to be easy to understand while covering all essential costs specific to your needs. You'll be given a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) when you contact this practice for services and discuss your needs with Lucrezia Mangione, NCC, LCPC, LPC, BC-TMH.

A GFE will list the rate of each service, the expected number of sessions, and other details. In this way you have a clear understanding of your financial expenses and commitment. An accurate estimate is the goal yet the actual costs can vary based on a range of factors, such as additional treatments or extended care. If this becomes the case, we talk about it, and those changes are made to the document so you're always aware of the situation.

Your Rights: Further Reading and Resources

But don't just take our word for it. Understanding the broader context can also be empowering. The No Surprises Act introduced the Good Faith Estimate healthcare mandate.

If you are eager to delve deeper, healthcare.gov is a trusted resource. It has comprehensive information about the Good Faith Estimate and other consumer protection initiatives. Understanding your rights empowers you to effectively advocate for your mental health needs, putting you in a position of control and confidence. For further reading on this important topic, please visit CMS.gov.

Reach out

At Mind Body Well Therapy, PLLC, your mental wellness is our priority, and we strive to make the administrative aspects as hassle-free as possible. The financial disclosure and commitment provided by a Good Faith Estimate can alleviate stress, allowing you to make an informed healthcare decision so that you can focus on your mental health and wellbeing. The Good Faith Estimate helps us uphold this commitment to you.

You're invited to reach out, ask questions, and actively participate in your mental health journey. Transparency builds trust, and trust is foundational to effective counseling. Your mental health challenges deserve dedicated care without hidden surprises.

Thank you for taking the time to understand the importance of the Good Faith Estimate. By embracing this requirement, we are dedicated to fostering an inviting, warm, and professional atmosphere at Mind Body Well Therapy, PLLC. Our top goal is to support you on your journey towards better mental health and wellness. Clear communication about costs is one way we work to support you.

Explore whether holistic therapy, EEG brain training, or KAP ketamine-assisted psychotherapy right for you. Reach out for a no-charge consult.

Lucrezia Mangione works to lift up anxious, highly sensitive women in discovering how to fine-tune their focus and attention, feel shielded from other people’s needs, and discover the strengths of being sensitive so that they stay steady amid the busyness, feel calm and more spacious, have more peace of mind to live and work on their own terms. Lucrezia Mangione is a board certified licensed professional counselor, board certified telemental health provider, neurofeedback trainer, KAP ketamine-assisted psychotherapy therapist and approved counselor supervisor. She is the owner of Mind Body Well Therapy, Pllc, a private practice.