How to ask a doctor's office for the cash price

Is it okay to ask for the price first?

Yes, it is okay, and you should ask. Many people feel awkward asking about money at a doctor's office, but asking is normal and fair. You would ask the price of a car repair before you agreed to it, and health care is the same.

A cash price, also called a self-pay price, is what you pay if you do not use insurance. Offices that see uninsured patients get these calls often, so you do not need to feel shy. Knowing the price before you go also helps you avoid a surprise bill later.

This is general information and is not medical advice. If you think you are having an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding and signs of a stroke are all emergencies.

What you can say on the phone

Here are three short scripts. Change the words so they sound like you. Keep a pen handy and write down the name of the person you spoke to and the date.

Here is what you can say when you call about a first visit.

• "Hi, I am looking for a new doctor and I do not have insurance."
• "What is your cash price for a new patient visit?"
• "Does that price include everything for the visit, or are there extra fees?"
• "Can you send me that in writing?"

Here is what you can say when you want a visit plus a test.

• "I would like to book a visit for a sore throat, and I am paying myself."
• "What is the self-pay price for the visit, and what does a strep test cost on top of that?"
• "Is there a lower price if I pay at the time of the visit?"

Here is what you can say when money is tight and you need some help.

• "I want to be seen, but I need to be careful with cost."
• "Do you have a sliding scale, a payment plan or any financial help?"
• "If I need a test, can you tell me the price before it is done?"

What to ask about

The price of the visit is only one piece of the bill. Ask about each part so nothing catches you off guard.

Start with the visit itself. Ask what the price is for the kind of visit you need, and whether the price is different for a new patient and for a returning patient.

Labs and tests come next. Blood tests, X-rays and quick tests like a strep or flu swab may be billed separately. Ask whether the office does them in the building, and whether you can use a different lab with a lower cash price.

Ask about follow-up care as well. Find out whether the price includes a recheck in a few days or weeks, and whether a phone call or message is billed.

Then ask about extras such as forms, shots, supplies, and any fee for missed appointments. Finally, ask whether you can pay by card and whether there is a payment plan.

Our guide on questions to ask a doctor's office has a longer list you can use.

How to get the price in writing

After you hear the price, say, "Could you email that to me, or write it down for me when I arrive?" A written price protects both you and the office. If the bill is different from what you were told, you have something to point to.

If the office will not put it in writing, write down what you were told, the date and the name of the person. Then send a short email afterward, such as, "Thank you for the call today. I understood the visit price to be the amount we discussed." That gives you a record.

What is a good faith estimate?

A good faith estimate is a written guess of what your care will cost. Under a federal law called the No Surprises Act, providers must usually give one to people who do not have insurance or who choose not to use it. The federal government (CMS) says you get it when you schedule care in advance or when you ask for one.

If your final bill is at least $400 more than the good faith estimate, you may be able to dispute the bill. This gives you a real tool, so say the words "good faith estimate" when you call and keep what you receive.

For a deeper look at what changes a visit's price, see how much a doctor visit costs without insurance.

If you get care at a hospital

Hospitals that are run as nonprofits must follow a federal tax rule, found in section 501(r) of the tax code. The IRS says each of these hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy. The policy has to explain who qualifies for free or discounted care and how to apply.

The hospital must post the policy online where you can read it without an account, and give you a free paper copy if you ask. The IRS also says that patients who qualify for help may not be charged more than the amounts the hospital generally bills people who have insurance. That means no more than what the hospital usually gets paid for the same care by insurance.

If you are treated at a nonprofit hospital, ask for its financial assistance policy and an application, even after you have a bill. Not every hospital is a nonprofit, so ask which kind it is.

If you have an emergency, get care first and sort out the bill later. Federal law requires emergency rooms to examine and stabilize you whether or not you can pay.

Where can I find an affordable doctor to call?

Our directory of cash-pay doctors is a place to start. Many are direct primary care practices that charge a flat monthly fee, usually $50 to $200 a month. For other ideas, read our guide on what to do with no insurance.