Guides
The rules behind the work
Billing & coverage
No Surprises Act and Good Faith Estimates
Federal protections against many surprise out-of-network bills, and price estimates for people who are uninsured or self-paying.
Appealing a private health plan denial
Internal appeals and independent external review for ACA-compliant plans, and why plan type changes the rules.
Hospital financial assistance (charity care) and price transparency
Nonprofit hospitals must have written financial assistance policies; hospitals must also publish prices.
Rights & records
HIPAA right of access to medical records
How patients — and people they authorize — get copies of their records, and what timelines and fees apply.
Public programs
Medicare appeals: the five levels
Original Medicare claim appeals move through five levels; Medicare Advantage and Part D have their own first steps.
Medicaid notices and fair hearings
Applicants and enrollees have a right to a state fair hearing when coverage or services are denied, reduced or ended.
Practice operations
Practice basics: agreements, insurance and scope
Questions to work through with your own attorney, insurer and accountant before taking clients.
Need someone to refer a client to? See referral & state help, or look up terms in the glossary.
Sources checked November 7, 2026. Rules change — confirm with the official source before acting.