Your right to a Good Faith Estimate

If you do not have insurance, or you are not using it, you have the right to know what your care will cost before you receive it.

You can ask us for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule, and you will get one in writing. If you schedule an appointment at least three business days ahead, the estimate comes to you within one business day of scheduling; if you schedule at least ten business days ahead, within three business days. If you simply ask for one without scheduling, you get it within three business days. It lists the expected cost of your appointments.

To ask for one, call (989) 728-2364.

If the bill comes in higher

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute it through the federal patient-provider dispute resolution process. There is a time limit: the dispute has to be started within 120 calendar days of the date on the bill. Keep your estimate and keep the bill.

The process, the forms and the current fee are at www.cms.gov/nosurprises, and the federal help desk is 1-800-985-3059. You can also call the office on (989) 728-2364 and raise it with us first, which is usually quicker and is not instead of the federal route.

If you are using insurance

This right applies to people who are uninsured or who are choosing not to use their insurance. If you are using a plan, what you pay depends on your own benefits instead, and the insurance page sets out exactly what to ask yours.