Surprise billing protections

Last updated September 15, 2026

Your rights under the No Surprises Act

For many people with private health insurance, federal law limits out-of-network billing for emergency care, certain non-emergency services at in-network hospitals, hospital outpatient departments, and ambulatory surgical centers, and covered air ambulance services.

Where these protections apply, your responsibility is generally limited to in-network cost sharing. Balance billing means charging you the difference between a provider’s billed amount and the insurer’s payment, beyond applicable cost sharing.

Know the limits

Protections depend on the plan, service, and setting. They do not make every out-of-network office visit in-network. Ground ambulance services generally are not covered by the federal law. Some non-emergency services allow a separate notice-and-consent process; other services do not allow these protections to be waived.

This website does not ask you to waive surprise-billing rights. Verify your specific plan and any facility’s network status before scheduled care.

Help with a possible surprise bill

Call the federal No Surprises Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059, or review CMS patient billing rights.

Georgia protections

Georgia also has surprise-billing protections for qualifying coverage and services. Applicability differs by plan; some employer plans are regulated under federal law. The Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance can help with state-regulated insurance questions and complaints.

Uninsured or paying yourself?

You may have a right to a written estimate before scheduled care.

Contact the practice

Spine and Orthopedic Specialists of Atlanta, PC
600 Houze Way, Unit A1, Roswell, GA 30076
Phone: 404-913-7707 · Fax: 833-764-5912
Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm