The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, known as the “No Surprises” rules, was issued to prevent surprise billing of patients in job-based and individual health plans who receive emergency care, non-emergency care from out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, and air ambulance services from out-of-network providers.
Dr. Deutsch provides non-emergency care in an out-of-network private office. Since she does not provide emergency care, and does not provide non-emergency care at an in-network facility (defined as a hospital, hospital outpatient department, critical access hospital, or ambulatory surgical center), the Public Disclosure Requirements are not applicable to her practice. Learn more on the CMS website.
As part of the No Surprises rules, a Good Faith Estimate of services is required for all patients who are uninsured or self-pay. Since Dr. Deutsch is not in-network with any insurance companies, and does not accept Medicare or Medicaid, all patients who see Dr. Deutsch are self-pay and are thus required to be provided with a good faith estimate.
A good faith estimate is a list of the expected charges for the care provided. It must be in writing (paper or electronic). CMS recommends that you keep the good faith estimate in a safe place so you can compare it to bills you get later, because if you are charged at least $400 above the good faith estimate, you may be eligible to start a patient-provider dispute.
Dr. Deutsch informs all patients of the actual charges for the visit, and in compliance with this rule you will also receive a good faith estimate document at the time you schedule the appointment. Go to the CMS website for more information.