Good Faith Estimate

Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate

Under the law, health care providers must give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. This is called a Good Faith Estimate.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate and WakeMed will provide one upon request. The Good Faith Estimate shows the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services, including medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. This estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created and will include costs.

You may request a Good Faith Estimate in advance of an already scheduled medical service or item, or before scheduling an item or service. The estimate will be provided within three days of request and within one business day of a previously scheduled service.

The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. It also does not include services or treatment provided by physicians who are either independent practitioners in private practice and not employed by WakeMed or providers we contract with for certain services. This may include emergency medicine, anesthesia, pathology, radiology and laboratory services. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Request a Good Faith Estimate

The fastest way to receive an estimate is through your WakeMed MyChart account. If you do not have a MyChart account, you can create one online by visiting MyChart and clicking the “Sign up now” button.

You may also request an estimate by phone at 919-350-7808 or by visiting Get an Estimate and filling out the online form.

Estimates may also be provided by mail or email.