Persius/hicric huggingface dataset:
Appeal type: Outpatient Therapies
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve percutaneous implantation of neurostimulator electrode 
array, epidural (CPT Code 63650) and implantable neurostimulator electrode, each (CPT Code L8680). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the service. You say that the services are necessary. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says the services are not necessary. 
 
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 service. Our physician reviewer 
found the patient is noted to have a history of chronic pain. The patient is noted to be refractory to 
pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, and interventional pain management procedures. However, the patient is 
not noted to have ever had a surgical evaluation to determine if the patient is a candidate for spinal surgery. 
Rather, the notes indicated that the patient opted for a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trial rather than surgery. 
Thus, it cannot be concluded that all other treatment modalities have been exhausted or are unsuitable for this 
member. In as much it cannot be concluded that the requested item would therefore be considered to be 
medically necessary at this time. 
 
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 service have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not 
have to pre-approve percutaneous implantation of neurostimulator electrode array, epidural (CPT Code 63650) 
and implantable neurostimulator electrode, each (CPT Code L8680).
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve incontinence supplies. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve incontinence supplies. You say that you are in desperate need of external 
catheters. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says this item is not a covered benefit. 
 
The Plan covers all items that Medicare covers. Medicare rules state that incontinence supplies are not covered 
because they are hygienic items that are non-reusable.  
 
While incontinence supplies may be appropriate in this case, neither the Plan nor Medicare offers coverage of 
these items. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve incontinence supplies.
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and supplies 
(K0553, K0554). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the CGM and supplies. You say that the CGM is medically necessary. The 
Plan denied your request. The Plan says the enrollee does not inject insulin for their diabetes treatment. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that a Continuous Glucose Monitor is covered when 
the beneficiary is insulin-treated with multiple (three or more) daily injections of insulin.  
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. The record does not show the enrollee is treated with multiple daily 
insulin injections. Based on this information, we decided that Medicare rules for coverage of the CGM and 
supplies have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a continuous 
glucose monitor (CGM) and supplies (K0553, K0554).
Appeal type: Drugs
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve Clonazepam 0.5mg tablet for the enrollee. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the drug. You say that this is medically necessary. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says Medicare says Part B programs can only provide limited benefits for prescription drugs. 
 
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 Clonazepam 0.5mg tablet 
for the enrollee.
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 medically necessary. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says skilled nursing facility care would be more appropriate. 
 
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 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: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve LTACH services. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the LTACH services. You say that the stay is medically necessary. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says the stay is not medically necessary. 
 
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 it appears that the patient is improving but requires additional short-term acute care 
services until more stable for discharge. The patient does not require services at the LTACH that are not 
already available at the current facility. There are no services at the LTACH that the patient requires that are 
not available and covered at the current facility. Therefore, this request for LTACH services will be considered 
not medically necessary at this time. Ongoing care at the current facility appears most appropriate. Transfer to a 
lower level of care may be considered soon. 
 
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 LTACH services.
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 you disagree with the denial. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says the services are not medically necessary. 
 
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 medically necessary. Our physician reviewer found the enrollee presented to the 
emergency department on September 16, 2020, and subacute lumbar spine and pelvic fractures were identified. 
The IRF screen on September 28, 2020, states she needs minimal assist for mobility, maximal assist for 
transfers and ambulation, and moderate assist for activities of daily living. She does not require the intensity of 
services provided at an IRF. Specifically, the enrollee is not shown to require 15 hours per week of 
rehabilitative services and regular physician evaluation. 
 
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: Surgery
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve insertion of interlaminar/interspinous process 
stabilization/distraction device, without open decompression or fusion, including image guidance when 
performed, lumbar; single level (CPT Code 22869). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the service. You say that the service is necessary. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says the service is not 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 the service. Our reviewer says that the 
requested items/services are not considered medically reasonable and necessary in this case. Our physician 
reviewer found the interspinous process device is experimental. Also, the Intracept procedure as mentioned is 
experimental. Both are not indicated or needed 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 the service have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not 
have to pre-approve insertion of interlaminar/interspinous process stabilization/distraction device, without open 
decompression or fusion, including image guidance when performed, lumbar; single level (CPT Code 22869).
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve an in-network benefit exception of an out of network 
ENT specialist. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve an in network benefit exception of an out of network ENT specialist. You 
say that you feel the enrollee needs a tertiary university setting for the surgery. The Plan denied your request. 
The Plan says there are in network ENT providers not considered by the referring provider. 
 
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 if a provider is not available in 
network.  
 
The requested provider in this case is not a network provider with the Plan. The Plan has network providers 
available who were not considered. We found no exception that would require the Plan to pre-approve an in 
network benefit exception. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve an in-network 
benefit exception of an out of network ENT specialist.
Appeal type: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve admission to an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) for 
the enrollee. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve IRF care. You say that this is medically necessary. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says the services can be safely received in other settings, for example: a skilled nursing 
facility. 
 
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 the enrollee does not require the intensity of services provided at an IRF.  
Specifically, the enrollee is not shown to require fifteen hours per week of rehabilitative services and regular 
physician evaluation. The enrollee's care needs can be met at a lower level of care (ex. SNF/SAR). 
 
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 admission to an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) for the enrollee.
Appeal type: Drugs
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve FARXIGA. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve these services. You say that you disagree with the denial. The Plan denied 
your request. The Plan says self-administered drugs are not covered. 
 
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 FARXIGA.  
 
Benefits for these services 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: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve LTACH services. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the LTACH services. You say that the stay is medically necessary. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says the stay is not medically necessary. 
 
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 it appears that the patient is improving but requires additional short-term acute care 
services until oxygen requirements improve. The patient does not require services at the LTACH that are not 
already available at the current facility. There are no services at the LTACH that the patient requires that are 
not available and covered at the current facility. Therefore, this request for LTACH services will be considered 
not medically necessary at this time. Ongoing care at the current facility appears most appropriate. Transfer to a 
lower level of care may be considered soon. 
 
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 LTACH services.
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a walk-in tub. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the tub. You say that this is medically necessary. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says this is not a covered benefit. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that for equipment to be covered, it must primarily serve a 
medical purpose.   
 
The item at issue in this appeal does not serve a purpose that is primarily medical in nature. This item is 
available to the general public and would be helpful even to those who are not sick or injured. Therefore, we 
decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a walk-in tub.
Appeal type: SNF
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve continuation of SNF care from September 29, 2020, to 
discharge. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve SNF care. You say that the stay is medically necessary. The Plan denied 
your request. The Plan says the stay is not medically necessary. 
 
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 care. Our reviewer says that daily 
skilled services are not necessary. Our physician reviewer found there are no identifiable skilled nursing 
service needs. There are no identifiable skilled therapy service needs. The beneficiary does not require skilled 
nursing or therapy services on a daily basis. This beneficiary 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 SNF care have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have 
to pre-approve continuation of SNF care from September 29, 2020, to discharge.
Appeal type: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve acute IRF admission and services. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve IRF care. You say that the stay is medically necessary. The Plan denied 
your request. The Plan says the stay is not medically necessary. 
 
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 your nursing, medical and 
rehabilitation needs do not require an acute hospital inpatient stay with an interdisciplinary approach to 
rehabilitation care. You do 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. Based on 
the medical records provided there is no documentation that you require 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 IRF admission and services.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve the requested physician's services. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the physician's services. You say that you have been a patient of this 
provider for two and a half years and you do not want to start over with someone else. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says you must receive care from in-network providers with the exception of emergency or 
urgent care, dialysis while temporarily out of the plan's service area or if the care cannot be provided with an 
in-network provider, which requires prior authorization from the plan.  
 
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 services at issue in this appeal. We found no exception that would require the 
Plan to pre-approve these services. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve the 
requested physician's services.
Appeal type: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve LTACH services. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the LTACH services. You say that the stay is medically necessary. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says the stay is not medically necessary. 
 
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 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. There are no 
required medical services identified that are available at the LTACH, that are not available at the current health 
care setting being offered by the health plan. Consequently, the requested LTACH services are not medically 
necessary, reasonable, and appropriate for the diagnosis and condition of the enrollee at this time.  
 
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 LTACH services.
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a power seat elevation system (E2300). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve a power seat elevation system. You say that a seat lift would help the 
enrollee's functional mobility. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says seat elevation features are not 
covered. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that power seat elevation features are non-covered 
because they are not primarily medical in nature. 
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. The requested item is not covered by Medicare. Based on this 
information, we decided that Medicare rules for coverage of a power seat elevation system have not been met. 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a power seat elevation system (E2300).