Persius/hicric huggingface dataset:
Appeal type: Drugs
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve Cyclobenzaprine for the enrollee. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve this drug. You say that this is medically necessary for the enrollee. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says that this is not covered under Part B. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that Medicare Part B generally does not pay for self-
administered drugs. The self-administered drugs requested here are not among the types which are covered by 
Medicare Part B. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve Cyclobenzaprine for the 
enrollee.  
 
Benefits for this drug may be available under Medicare Part D. Contact the Plan that administers Part D 
benefits for further information concerning any benefits and appeal rights.
Appeal type: SNF
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve skilled nursing facility (SNF) services. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve SNF services. You say that these services are medically necessary. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says that you do not require daily skilled nursing and/or daily multidisciplinary 
skilled rehabilitation services. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that Medicare pays for care in a SNF when the four factors 
listed above are met. Custodial care is not covered. 
 
We asked our physician reviewer to carefully review the case file and apply the relevant Medicare rules to 
determine if the Plan was correct in denying the request to pre-approve SNF services. Our reviewer says that 
daily skilled services are not necessary. Our physician reviewer found that your condition does not meet 
Medicare criteria for SNF services. 
 
We looked at this physician's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that 
Medicare rules for coverage of SNF services have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not 
have to pre-approve skilled nursing facility (SNF) services.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve thoracic facet injections. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve thoracic facet injections. You say that the services are necessary. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says based on the documentation provided, coverage criteria has not been met. 
 
The Plan follows Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that facet joint injections are covered when specific 
criteria is met. 
 
We asked our physician reviewer to carefully review the case file and apply the relevant Medicare rules to 
determine if the Plan was correct in denying the request to pre-approve thoracic facet injections. Our reviewer 
says that the services are not medically necessary. Our physician reviewer found in this case, there is no 
documentation of at least 3 months of moderate to severe pain with functional impairment and pain has not 
been responsive to conservative care such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, 
and physical therapy (as tolerated). The requested services are not medically reasonable or necessary. 
 
We looked at this physician's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that 
Medicare rules for coverage of thoracic facet injections have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan 
does not have to pre-approve thoracic facet injections.
Appeal type: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve long term acute care hospital (LTACH) services. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the LTACH services. You say that the services are necessary. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says based on the documentation provided, coverage criteria has not been met. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that LTACH services are covered if they are medically 
necessary, reasonable, and appropriate for the diagnosis and condition of the enrollee. 
 
We asked our physician reviewer to carefully review the case file and apply the relevant Medicare rules to 
determine if the Plan was correct in denying the request to pre-approve the LTACH services. Our reviewer says 
that the requested LTACH care is not considered medically reasonable and necessary in this case. Our 
physician reviewer found there is no evidence that the enrollee requires services that are not currently available. 
As LTACHs and acute care hospitals (ACHs) are licensed to provide the same level of care, there is no 
advantage in transferring the enrollee to the LTACH. The enrollee can remain at the current ACH until such 
time no acute services are required. The enrollee can then be transferred/discharged to a lower level of care for 
any ongoing long term care (LTC) needs. 
 
We looked at this physician's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that 
Medicare rules for coverage of the LTACH services have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan 
does not have to pre-approve long term acute care hospital (LTACH) services.
Appeal type: Outpatient Therapies
Decision: Favorable

 
We decided that the Plan has to pre-approve outpatient physical therapy for the enrollee. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the therapy. You say that this is medically necessary. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says that the notes do not show that the criteria has been met. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that Medicare pays for medically necessary outpatient 
therapy. 
 
We asked our physician reviewer to carefully review the case file and apply the relevant Medicare rules to 
determine if the Plan was correct in denying the request to pre-approve the therapy. Our reviewer says that the 
requested therapy is medically reasonable and necessary. Our physician reviewer found the requested physical 
therapy is reasonably expected to be safe and effective therapy for the enrollee's condition. The services can 
only safely and effectively be performed by a therapist or under the supervision of a therapist. 
 
We looked at this physician's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that 
Medicare rules for coverage of the therapy have been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan has to pre-
approve outpatient physical therapy for the enrollee.  
 
If the Plan does not agree with our decision, they can ask us to open a case again. We only open a case again 
if we believe there was a mistake or if there is new information to review. The Plan has to show us the mistake 
and/or send us the new information. This does not happen often. If we decide to open the case again, we will 
send you a letter.
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a power scooter. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve a power scooter. You say that you cannot walk and get around. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says that this is not covered by Medicare. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules state that for equipment to be covered, it must be appropriate 
and needed for use inside the home.  
 
The item at issue in this appeal is for use outside of the home. Although this item may be helpful, neither 
Medicare nor the Plan covers equipment for use outside the home. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not 
have to pre-approve a power scooter.
Appeal type: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve long term acute care hospital (LTACH) services for the 
enrollee. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the LTACH services. You say that these services are medically necessary. 
The Plan denied your request. The Plan says that the member is receiving appropriate in-patient acute care. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that LTACH services are covered if they are medically 
necessary, reasonable, and appropriate for the diagnosis and condition of the enrollee. 
 
We asked our physician reviewer to carefully review the case file and apply the relevant Medicare rules to 
determine if the Plan was correct in denying the request to pre-approve the LTACH services. Our reviewer says 
that the requested LTACH care is not considered medically reasonable and necessary in this case. Long term 
acute care hospitals (LTACHs) are certified as acute care hospitals, and in general, LTACHs do not provide 
clinical services that are materially different than those of short term acute care hospitals. The member is 
receiving acute hospital care, and acute care services have not been denied. The documentation does not 
support that the enrollee in this case requires services at the LTACH that are not available at the acute care 
hospital where she is currently receiving care. Our physician reviewer found that the enrollee's condition does 
not meet Medicare criteria for LTACH services. 
 
We looked at this physician's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that 
Medicare rules for coverage of the LTACH services have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan 
does not have to pre-approve long term acute care hospital (LTACH) services for the enrollee.
Appeal type: Transportation
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve twelve (12) additional routine transportation trips for the 
enrollee. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve additional routine transportation trips. You say that the enrollee needs 
transportation to continue his chemotherapy treatments and get his necessary scans. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says that this request exceeds the benefit limit. 
 
Medicare does not cover transport in a vehicle that is not an ambulance. However, the Plan offers a 
transportation benefit that exceeds Medicare coverage. For that reason, the Plan?s coverage rules apply in this 
case. The Plan covers a maximum of twelve (12) trips per year.  
 
We looked at your request, the records in the case file, and the rules. Based on this information, we decided 
that the Plan does not have to cover routine transportation above the benefit maximum of twelve (12) routine 
transportation trips. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve twelve (12) additional 
routine transportation trips for the enrollee.
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve the enteral feeding supplies (B4036, B4150) to be 
provided by an out of network (OON) provider after September 30, 2020. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve enteral feeding supplies. You say that this should be covered. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says this is available in-network. 
 
Medicare rules say that plans can require enrollees to get care from network providers. The contract with the 
Plan says that the Plan has to pre-approve care from out-of-network providers only in cases involving 
emergencies, out of area urgent care and care that cannot be provided by network providers. 
 
The requested provider in this case is not a network provider with the Plan. The Plan has network providers 
available who can provide the items/services at issue in this appeal. We found no exception that would require 
the Plan to pre-approve these items/services. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve 
the enteral feeding supplies (B4036, B4150) to be provided by an out of network (OON) provider after 
September 30, 2020.
Appeal type: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve acute inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) admission 
and services. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve IRF care. You say that this is necessary due to the enrollee's history of 
stroke. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the enrollee's medical condition is stable and does not 
require frequent physician oversight or acute hospital nursing care. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that IRF admission is covered only when it is medically 
reasonable and necessary as described above. 
 
We asked our physician reviewer to carefully review the case file and apply the relevant Medicare rules to 
determine if the Plan was correct in denying the request to pre-approve IRF care. Our reviewer says that the 
requested IRF care is not considered medically reasonable and necessary based on Medicare guidelines. Our 
physician reviewer found based on the medical records provided the complexity of the patient's nursing, 
medical and rehabilitation needs do not require an acute hospital inpatient stay with an interdisciplinary 
approach to rehabilitation care.  The patient does require physical therapy and occupational therapy services 
but based on the medical records provided the patient does not require an intensive inpatient rehabilitation 
therapy program.  The patient does require physical therapy and occupational therapy services but does not 
require an intensive inpatient rehabilitation therapy program. There is concern that the patient will not be able 
to fully participate in and benefit from the intensive rehabilitation therapy program provided in an inpatient 
rehabilitation facility. Care at the skilled nursing facility level appears to be more appropriate in this case. 
 
We looked at this physician's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that 
Medicare rules for coverage of IRF care have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have 
to pre-approve acute inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) admission and services.
Appeal type: SNF
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve skilled nursing facility (SNF) services for the enrollee. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve SNF services. You say that these services are medically necessary. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says that the enrollee's needs can be met in a lower level of care. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that Medicare pays for care in a SNF when the four factors 
listed above are met. Custodial care is not covered. 
 
We asked our physician reviewer to carefully review the case file and apply the relevant Medicare rules to 
determine if the Plan was correct in denying the request to pre-approve SNF services. Our reviewer says that 
daily skilled services are not necessary. Our physician reviewer found that the enrollee's condition does not 
meet Medicare criteria for SNF services. 
 
We looked at this physician's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that 
Medicare rules for coverage of SNF services have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not 
have to pre-approve skilled nursing facility (SNF) services for the enrollee.
Appeal type: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve long term acute care hospital (LTACH) services for the 
enrollee. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the LTACH services. You say that the member is stabilized and ready for 
discharge from the acute care hospital. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says that the member can 
remain in the current acute care location until such time no further acute level care is needed. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that LTACH services are covered if they are medically 
necessary, reasonable, and appropriate for the diagnosis and condition of the enrollee. 
 
We asked our physician reviewer to carefully review the case file and apply the relevant Medicare rules to 
determine if the Plan was correct in denying the request to pre-approve the LTACH services. Our reviewer says 
that the requested LTACH care is not considered medically reasonable and necessary in this case. The enrollee 
does not require services at the LTACH that are not available at the acute care hospital where the enrollee is 
currently receiving care. All medically necessary care is being provided in the current acute care setting. Our 
physician reviewer found that the enrollee's condition does not meet Medicare criteria for LTACH services. 
 
We looked at this physician's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that 
Medicare rules for coverage of the LTACH services have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan 
does not have to pre-approve long term acute care hospital (LTACH) services for the enrollee.
Appeal type: Drugs
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve Tadalafil 2.5mg tablet. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve Tadalafil 2.5mg tablet. You say that the medication is necessary. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says the enrollee's plan does not have a Medicare Part D benefit or a separate 
pharmacy benefit managed by the plan, therefore self-administered drugs do not meet the criteria for coverage. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that Medicare Part B generally does not pay for self-
administered drugs. The self-administered drugs requested here are not among the types which are covered by 
Medicare Part B. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve Tadalafil 2.5mg tablet.
Appeal type: Drugs
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve Venlafaxine HCL ER for the enrollee. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve this drug. You say that this is medically necessary. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says that this is not covered under Part B. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that Medicare Part B generally does not pay for self-
administered drugs. The self-administered drugs requested here are not among the types which are covered by 
Medicare Part B. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve Venlafaxine HCL ER for 
the enrollee.  
 
Benefits for this drug may be available under Medicare Part D. Contact the Plan that administers Part D 
benefits for further information concerning any benefits and appeal rights.
Appeal type: Surgery
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a suction-assisted lipectomy procedure. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve these services. You say that you need the surgery after weight loss. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says the services are cosmetic in nature and not medically necessary. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that items and services that are not medically 
necessary are not covered.  
 
We asked our physician reviewer to carefully review the case file and apply the relevant Medicare rules to 
determine if the Plan was correct in denying the request to pre-approve these services. Our reviewer says that 
the services are not medically necessary. Our physician reviewer found the submitted records show that you 
had gastric bypass surgery and have lost a significant amount of weight. The records document concerns about 
the skin on the abdomen, trunk, and back. It is noted that you have healed well from the skin excision but 
desire further contour improvement. The records show that the requested lipectomy would be cosmetic in 
nature. The services are therefore not reasonable or medically necessary. 
 
We looked at this physician's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that 
Medicare rules for coverage of these services have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not 
have to pre-approve a suction-assisted lipectomy procedure.
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a Freestyle Libre Continuous Glucose Monitor. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the Continuous Glucose Monitor. You say that you would like 
reconsideration because this supply is medically necessary. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the 
member does not meet LCD criteria for coverage. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that Continuous Glucose Monitors are covered by 
Medicare when the beneficiary meets specific coverage criteria. 
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that Medicare rules for 
coverage of the Continuous Glucose Monitor have not been met. Specifically, the records do not show that the 
member has been using a blood glucose monitor frequently, testing four or more times a day or using insulin 
three or more times per day. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a Freestyle Libre 
Continuous Glucose Monitor.
Appeal type: SNF
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve the skilled nursing facility (SNF) admission. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the SNF admission. You say that the enrollee does not have good mobility 
or memory. They are having falls at home and is very unsteady on his steps and keeps falling back. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says the enrollee does not meet the criteria for SNF admission. Continued 
therapy can be at a lower level of care such as outpatient, in a long term care setting or home with home health 
care. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that Medicare pays for care in a SNF when the four factors 
listed above are met. Custodial care is not covered. 
 
We asked our physician reviewer to carefully review the case file and apply the relevant Medicare rules to 
determine if the Plan was correct in denying the request to pre-approve the SNF admission. Our reviewer says 
that daily skilled services are not necessary. Our physician reviewer found there are no identifiable skilled 
nursing service needs. The enrollee does have skilled therapy service needs but does not require skilled therapy 
on a daily basis. The enrollee does not meet severity of illness or intensity of service criteria for an inpatient 
basis in a skilled nursing facility setting. 
 
 
 
 
 
We looked at this physician's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that 
Medicare rules for coverage of the SNF admission have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does 
not have to pre-approve the skilled nursing facility (SNF) admission.