Request an estimate
You may ask for pricing information before you schedule a non-emergency medical item or service.
Patient Billing Information
Good Faith
Estimate
Understand your right to receive an estimate for the expected cost of your care before certain non-emergency services are provided.
Understanding Your Estimate
Know What to Expect Before Your Care
A Good Faith Estimate is a written estimate of the expected cost of certain non-emergency medical items and services.
If you do not have health insurance, or you choose not to use your insurance for your care, federal law gives you the right to receive an estimate before certain services are provided.
The estimate is intended to help you understand your expected costs and make informed decisions before receiving care.
A Good Faith Estimate applies to scheduled, non-emergency care. Emergency care should never be delayed because of cost questions.
What's Included
Your Estimate May Include
Every estimate is based on the services expected to be provided at the time your appointment is scheduled. Actual services may change if your medical needs change.
01
Office Visits
Charges related to your scheduled clinic or provider appointment.
02
Hospital Services
Facility fees associated with your planned care or procedure.
03
Laboratory Testing
Tests your provider expects will be needed during your visit.
04
Imaging Services
X-rays or other imaging ordered as part of your scheduled care.
05
Medical Supplies
Equipment or supplies that are expected to be part of your treatment.
06
Related Services
Additional services reasonably expected to be provided with your care.
Who It Applies To
Who Can Request a Good Faith Estimate
You may request an estimate before receiving certain scheduled, non-emergency medical services.
Patients without insurance
You may receive an estimate when you do not have health insurance coverage for the planned service.
Patients not using insurance
You may request an estimate if you have insurance but choose not to use it for the scheduled care.
Patients scheduling non-emergency care
Estimates may be provided for appointments, procedures, tests, and other services planned in advance.
Patients requesting pricing information
You may ask for an estimate before scheduling care to better understand your expected financial responsibility.
Before Your Care
When Should You Receive Your Estimate?
You may ask for a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling care. When a service is scheduled in advance, the estimate should be provided in writing before your appointment.
Review it before your appointment
If your care is scheduled in advance, you should receive the estimate in writing before the planned service.
Keep a copy for your records
Save the estimate or take a clear photo so you can compare it with the bill you receive after your care.
Important
A Good Faith Estimate is based on the information available when it is prepared. Your final cost may change if the services needed during your care are different from what was originally expected.
If Your Bill Is Higher
You Have Options if the Cost Changes
Start by comparing your final bill with the Good Faith Estimate you received. If something does not match, contact our Business Office so we can review the charges with you.
$400
Federal Dispute Threshold
If a bill from a provider or facility is at least $400 more than the amount listed for that provider or facility on your Good Faith Estimate, you may be eligible to use the federal patient-provider dispute resolution process.
01
Compare the documents
Review your Good Faith Estimate and final bill carefully. Keep copies of both documents for your records.
02
Contact our Business Office
Call 432-607-3202 with questions about your estimate or bill. Our team can explain the charges and help identify the appropriate next step.
03
Review your federal rights
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provides information about eligibility, required documents, deadlines, and the federal dispute process.
Common Questions
Good Faith Estimate FAQs
Find clear answers about eligibility, timing, final costs, and what to do if your bill is higher than expected.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
A Good Faith Estimate is a written estimate of the expected cost of certain scheduled, non-emergency medical items and services. It is based on the information available when the estimate is prepared.
Do I need insurance to receive an estimate?
No. Good Faith Estimates are available to patients who do not have insurance and to patients who have insurance but choose not to use it for the planned service.
Can I request an estimate before scheduling care?
Yes. You may request an estimate before scheduling a non-emergency medical item or service so you can better understand the expected cost before making a decision.
What should I do with my estimate?
Keep the estimate for your records or take a clear photo of it. After your care, compare the estimate with the final bill and contact the Business Office if you have questions.
What if my final bill is more than the estimate?
Contact the Martin County Hospital District Business Office at 432-607-3225 so the charges can be reviewed with you. If a bill from a provider or facility is at least $400 more than the amount listed for that provider or facility on your estimate, you may qualify for the federal dispute process.
Does a Good Faith Estimate apply to emergency care?
No. Good Faith Estimates are intended for scheduled, non-emergency care. Do not delay emergency treatment because you have not received an estimate. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Where can I learn more about my federal rights?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provides additional information about Good Faith Estimates, medical billing rights, and the patient-provider dispute process.
View CMS Information
Questions About Your Estimate?
We’re Here to Help You Understand Your Costs
Contact the Martin County Hospital District Business Office for help requesting a Good Faith Estimate or reviewing questions about your bill.
Business Office
432-607-3202
Main Hospital
432-607-3200