Good Faith Estimate Notice - Transparent Healthcare Pricing Information

Good Faith Estimate Notice - Transparent Healthcare Pricing Information

Effective Date: 

2025-07-01

Last Reviewed:

2025-07-01

FamilyTime Centers provides transparent pricing information for uninsured clients and those paying out-of-pocket for therapy services. We estimate treatment costs upfront to prevent billing surprises in accordance with federal No Surprises Act requirements and healthcare transparency regulations.

Introduction

FamilyTime Centers provides transparent pricing information for uninsured clients and those paying out-of-pocket for therapy services. We estimate treatment costs upfront to prevent billing surprises in accordance with federal No Surprises Act requirements and healthcare transparency regulations.



Overview of Good Faith Estimate Requirements

Legal Requirement: Under the federal No Surprises Act, healthcare providers must provide good faith estimates of expected charges for uninsured or self-pay patients before providing services.

Purpose: This estimate helps you understand anticipated costs and make informed decisions about your healthcare treatment options.

Scope: Good faith estimates apply to:

  • Clients without health insurance coverage

  • Clients choosing not to use insurance benefits

  • Clients whose insurance does not cover mental health services

  • Services not covered by your insurance plan


Factors Affecting Costs

Provider Experience: Fees may vary based on:

  • Therapist education and training level

  • Years of clinical experience

  • Specialized certifications or expertise

  • Supervisory or training responsibilities

Session Complexity: Costs may be adjusted for:

  • Complex diagnostic presentations

  • Multiple family members participating

  • Specialized treatment approaches

  • Extended session duration needs

Administrative Services: Additional costs may include:

  • Documentation and report writing

  • Insurance coordination and claims assistance

  • Communication with other healthcare providers

  • Court testimony or legal consultation




Payment Options and Financial Assistance

Payment Methods Accepted:

  • Cash payments

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Electronic bank transfers

  • Healthcare savings accounts (HSA/FSA)

  • Care financing programs

Sliding Scale Options:

  • Income-based fee reductions available

  • Documentation of financial need required

  • Limited sliding scale spots available

  • Periodic review of financial circumstances

Payment Plans:

  • Monthly payment arrangements

  • Extended payment schedules for larger balances

  • No-interest payment plans available

  • Automatic payment options for convenience



Factors That May Change Estimates

Clinical Factors:

  • Changes in treatment goals or approaches

  • Need for additional assessment or testing

  • Coordination with other healthcare providers

  • Crisis intervention or emergency sessions

Administrative Factors:

  • Changes in fee schedules

  • Additional documentation requirements

  • Insurance verification and processing

  • Legal or court-related services

Client Factors:

  • Session frequency changes

  • Treatment modality modifications

  • Family involvement changes

  • Geographic relocation affecting service delivery



Insurance Considerations

Insurance Verification: Even if paying out-of-pocket, we recommend:

  • Verifying your insurance benefits for mental health coverage

  • Understanding your deductible and out-of-pocket maximums

  • Exploring employee assistance program benefits

  • Checking for any surprise coverage provisions

Reimbursement Options: Some clients may:

  • Submit receipts to insurance for reimbursement

  • Use flexible spending or health savings accounts

  • Apply for retroactive insurance coverage

  • Seek reimbursement from employee assistance programs

Insurance Changes: If your insurance situation changes during treatment:

  • Updated estimates can be provided

  • Payment arrangements may be modified

  • Insurance claims can be submitted retroactively when possible



Cancellation and Missed Appointment Policies

Advance Cancellation: Sessions cancelled with 24+ hours notice:

  • No cancellation fees apply

  • Rescheduling accommodated when possible

  • Good faith estimate remains accurate

Late Cancellation: Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice:

  • Full session fee may be charged

  • Increases total treatment costs

  • May affect payment plan arrangements

No-Show Appointments:

  • Full session fee charged

  • Additional administrative fees may apply

  • Impact on ongoing treatment costs



Dispute Resolution and Billing Questions

Billing Inquiries: Contact Support@familytimecenters.com for:

  • Questions about charges or estimates

  • Payment arrangement discussions

  • Billing error resolution

  • Insurance coordination assistance

Dispute Process: If you disagree with charges:

  • Initial review with administrative staff

  • Documentation of disputed charges

  • Internal review and resolution process

  • External mediation options available

Patient Protection: Under the No Surprises Act:

  • Right to dispute unexpected charges

  • Access to independent arbitration

  • Protection from balance billing in certain situations



Updates to Estimates

Regular Review: Good faith estimates are updated:

  • Every 12 months for ongoing treatment

  • When significant changes occur in treatment

  • At client request for current pricing

  • When fee schedules are modified

Communication: Updated estimates are provided:

  • In writing via email or mail

  • During therapy sessions when appropriate

  • With explanation of any changes

  • With adequate notice before implementation



Additional Resources

Financial Counseling: We offer assistance with:

  • Understanding healthcare costs and options

  • Exploring community mental health resources

  • Identifying potential funding sources

  • Connecting with financial assistance programs

Community Resources:

  • Sliding scale therapy providers

  • University training clinics

  • Community mental health centers

  • Nonprofit counseling organizations



Contact Information

For questions about good faith estimates, billing, or payment options, contact:

We are committed to transparent pricing and helping you access needed mental health services regardless of your financial circumstances.