Good Faith Estimate
A Good Faith Estimate is a written projection of expected charges that providers must give uninsured or self-pay patients before scheduled care, as required by the No Surprises Act. ASCs issue these so surgical patients can anticipate out-of-pocket costs.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
A Good Faith Estimate is a written projection of the charges a patient can expect for scheduled care, provided in advance so the patient can anticipate the cost. Under the No Surprises Act, providers must furnish one to patients who are uninsured or who choose to self-pay rather than use insurance.
The estimate itemizes the expected services and their anticipated charges for the planned care. While it is a good-faith projection rather than a guaranteed final bill, it is meant to be a realistic and reasonably complete picture of expected costs.
Why does the Good Faith Estimate matter for ASCs?
Surgery is among the costlier services a patient may face, so giving uninsured or self-pay patients an estimate before the procedure helps them plan financially and avoid being blindsided by the bill. It is also a regulatory requirement that providers are expected to meet.
For an ambulatory surgery center, producing an accurate estimate depends on coordinating expected charges across the facility and the services involved. Doing so supports both compliance and a smoother financial conversation with the patient ahead of care.
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