Do you enjoy receiving a surprise medical bill? Neither do your patients.
The No Surprises Act is patient protection legislation that came into effect on January 1, 2022. The act protects people from receiving unexpected medical bills and provides a process for resolving billing disputes.
Some points of interest from the Act include:
- Medical providers must share a plain language disclosure to patients specifying their rights under the Act. (Should be posted in office and on website.)
- Medical providers must provide good faith estimates for uninsured (or self-pay) individuals.
What does the No Surprises Act mean for my audiology practice?
Although the legislation came into effect at the start of the year there are still lots of questions about the act and how it will be enforced. The American Academy of Audiology has acknowledged that Audiologists are subject to this law but are currently seeking further clarification and perhaps even exemptions for smaller practices. So things may change in the future, but currently all practices should abide by the regulations.
My state already has state-level protections. How will that work?
Many states already have some patient protection legislation in place and state-level laws may supersede the No Surprises Act. It is important to know what your obligations are for the state in which you practice.
How do I add a No Surprises Act Disclosure to my website?
MedPB can provide a federal language disclosure that can be added to your website. Just submit a ticket to the help desk and we will get that added for you. If you have additional state-level language you need included, please include that in your request.
For more information on your responsibilities, visit the No Surprises Act Website https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
Disclaimer: This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please seek legal advice regarding state and local laws and regulations as they pertain to your business.