American Psychological Association
Originally published 10 December 21
All mental health providers will need to provide estimated costs of services before starting treatment.
Beginning January 1, 2022, psychologists and other health care providers will be required by law to give uninsured and self-pay patients a good faith estimate of costs for services that they offer, when scheduling care or when the patient requests an estimate.
This new requirement was finalized in regulations issued October 7, 2021. The regulations implement part of the “No Surprises Act,” enacted in December 2020 as part of a broad package of COVID- and spending-related legislation. The act aims to reduce the likelihood that patients may receive a “surprise” medical bill by requiring that providers inform patients of an expected charge for a service before the service is provided. The government will also soon issue regulations requiring psychologists to give good faith estimates to commercial or government insurers, when the patient has insurance and plans to use it.
Psychologists working in group practices or larger organizational settings and facilities will likely receive direction from their compliance department or lawyers on how to satisfy this new requirement.
Read on for answers to FAQs that apply to practicing psychologists who treat uninsured or self-pay patients.
What providers and what services are subject to this rule?
“Provider” is defined broadly to include any health care provider who is acting within the scope of the provider’s license or certification under applicable state law. Psychologists meet that definition.
The definition of “items and services” for which the good faith estimate must be provided is also broadly defined to encompass “all encounters, procedures, medical tests, … provided or assessed in connection with the provision of health care.” Services related to mental health substance use disorders are specifically included.
What steps do I need to take and when?
Psychologists are ethically obligated to discuss fees with patients upfront. This new requirement builds on that by adding more structure and specific timeframes for action.
Note: Compliance is not optional. This is a new, consumer protection, health-care law in the United States.
