How to Get a Good-Faith Estimate | The Fineprint Guide

A Good-Faith Estimate (GFE) is a written estimate of how much your medical care is expected to cost before you receive services. It helps protect patients from surprise medical bills and allows you to make informed decisions about your care.

This guide explains who can get a good-faith estimate, how to request one, what it should include, and what to do if your final bill is much higher.

Table of Contents:

What Is a Good-Faith Estimate?

A Good-Faith Estimate is a document that outlines the expected charges for medical services, including:

Doctor visits
Tests and procedures
Facility fees
Expected total cost

It is meant to give you a realistic preview of costs, not a vague price range.

Who Can Get a Good-Faith Estimate?

You have the right to request a good-faith estimate if you are:

Uninsured
Self-pay (choosing not to use insurance)

Some providers may also give estimates to insured patients upon request, even if not legally required.

When Should You Ask for One?

You have the right to request a good-faith estimate if you are:

Uninsured
Self-pay (choosing not to use insurance)

Some providers may also give estimates to insured patients upon request, even if not legally required.

You should ask for a good-faith estimate:

Before scheduling care
At least 3 business days before a scheduled service

Asking early gives you time to:

Compare providers
Ask questions
Explore alternatives or payment options

What a Good-Faith Estimate Should Include

A proper good-faith estimate should list:

Your name and identifying information
The provider or facility name
A description of the service(s)
The expected date(s) of care
Itemized expected charges
The total estimated cost

If multiple providers are involved, the estimate should reflect all expected charges, not just one office’s fees.

Important Limitations to Know

A good-faith estimate is not a guarantee of the final cost

Unexpected complications or additional services may increase charges
Estimates apply mainly to uninsured or self-pay patients

Still, providers are expected to act in good faith and give realistic estimates.

How to Request a Good-Faith Estimate

Step 1: Contact the Provider or Facility

Call or email the provider’s office or patient financial services department.

Have ready:

The type of service you’re scheduling
The expected date of care
Whether you are uninsured or self-pay

Step 2: Ask Clearly

Here is a script:

When Should You Receive the Estimate?

What to Do After You Receive the Estimate

If care is scheduled at least 10 business days away, you should receive the estimate within 3 business days

If care is scheduled within 3–9 business days, you should receive it within 1 business day

Once you have the estimate:

Review all listed services and charges
Ask questions about anything unclear
Compare costs with other providers if needed
Ask about payment plans or financial assistance

A good-faith estimate gives you leverage before costs become final.

After Care: What If the Final Bill Is Much Higher?

If your final bill is $400 or more above the good-faith estimate, you may have the right to dispute the bill.

This process is called a patient-provider dispute resolution.

You generally must:

Initiate the dispute within a specific time frame
Submit the good-faith estimate and final bill
Request a review of the charges

How to Get a Good-Faith Estimate (GFE)

The Fineprint