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Checklist: Prepare before care

A few questions before planned care can prevent surprises.

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Network

Is the clinician in my plan's network?
Is the hospital, clinic, or lab in my network?
Who else may bill me (anesthesia, radiology, lab), and are they in network?

Approvals

Do I need a referral?
Does this need prior authorization? Has it been approved?
What dates, places, and number of visits does the approval cover?

Cost

What will my share likely be (deductible, copay, coinsurance)?
Will there be a facility fee?
If uninsured or self-paying, request a good faith estimate

Records

Write down names, dates, and reference numbers from each call
Save estimates and approvals in one place

Related

This is general education. For decisions about your own plan, taxes, or legal rights, check your plan documents or a qualified professional.

Review status: Draft. Version 1. Sources retrieved: October 14, 2026.

Sources

Medical bill rights (No Surprises Act protections) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Applies to: current page. Published or updated: Unknown. Retrieved: .
Summary of Benefits and Coverage HealthCare.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services). Applies to: current page. Published or updated: Unknown. Retrieved: .