Persius/hicric huggingface dataset:
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 the enrollee has trouble walking, sitting, and 
dressing without assistance. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says that the enrollee appears near his 
usual level of function and skilled therapy is not reasonable and 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 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: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve Prolia 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 there are restrictions on coverage for this drug. 
 
Medicare covers Part B medications when they are reasonable and necessary but allows health plans to 
implement step therapy criteria. The Plan's contract indicates that it has implemented such criteria for certain 
Part B medications. 
 
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 drug. Our reviewer says that the 
requested drug is not medically reasonable or necessary. Our physician reviewer found there is no evidence of 
the enrollee previously being on the step therapy medication. Step therapy guidelines have not been met. 
 
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 drug have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have 
to pre-approve Prolia for the enrollee.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a referral to an out-of-network provider for 
laryngoscopy. 
 
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 the services are available from network providers. 
 
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 
a referral to an out-of-network provider for laryngoscopy.
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 need assistance. 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 submitted records show that 
you had a recent hospitalization for double vision. Your medical issues are now stable and you have no 
complex nursing or rehabilitation needs. You do not require treatment by multiple therapies, including either 
physical therapy or occupational therapy, and an intensive rehabilitation therapy program. The medical record 
supports a need for physical and occupational therapy but it does not support a need for an intensive 
rehabilitation therapy program. There is not a reasonable expectation that you will be able to fully participate in 
and benefit from the intensive rehabilitation therapy program provided in an IRF. 
 
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 acute inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) admission 
and services for the enrollee. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve IRF care. You say that these services are medically necessary. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says that ongoing skilled services can be provided at a lower level of 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. The 
patient is generally medically stable with no evidence of need for a physical medicine and rehab physician's 
monitoring 3 times a week or needs acute rehab nursing care. She needs minimal to no physical therapy (PT) 
and occupational therapy (OT) for functional recovery. While she may benefit from continuing PT and OT at 
home or safety education, there is no documented evidence of need for an intensive therapy program with 
therapy 3 hours per day with frequent physician oversight and an interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation 
care. Our physician reviewer found that the enrollee's condition does not meet Medicare criteria for IRF care. 
 
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 for the enrollee.
Appeal type: SNF
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a skilled nursing facility (SNF) admission. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve these services. You say that you need SNF care. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says the admission 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 these services. Our reviewer says that 
daily skilled services are not necessary. Our physician reviewer found the submitted records show that you 
were admitted to the hospital with sepsis and bowel inflammation from c. difficile 
colitis. You received oral medications and had stable vital signs. You received physical and occupational 
therapy in the hospital. You need minimal to moderate assistance with functional mobility and varied levels of 
assistance with activities of daily living. You have no skilled nursing needs. You have skilled therapy needs but 
do not require skilled therapy on a daily basis. As a practical matter, you do not require the necessary services 
on an inpatient basis at the SNF level of care. 
 
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 skilled nursing facility (SNF) admission.
Appeal type: SNF
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve continued SNF care. 
 
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 continued SNF care.
Appeal type: Drugs
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve doxil, dexamethasone, famotidine, epinephrine, 
palonosetron, diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve these drugs. You say that this is medically necessary. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says that they did not receive documentation supporting the medical necessity for a step 
therapy exception. 
 
Medicare covers Part B medications when they are reasonable and necessary but allows health plans to 
implement step therapy criteria. The Plan's contract indicates that it has implemented such criteria for certain 
Part B medications. 
 
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 drugs. Our reviewer says that 
these drugs are not medically reasonable and necessary in this case. The submitted documentation does not 
indicate you have ever been treated with an anthracycline. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy would be just as 
effective to treat your breast cancer. Our physician reviewer found that your condition does not meet step 
therapy criteria for Doxil. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 drugs have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not 
have to pre-approve doxil, dexamethasone, famotidine, epinephrine, palonosetron, diphenhydramine and 
hydrocortisone.
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 the enrollee had a stroke and requires additional care 
in the rehab facility. You say that the doctors agree that the enrollee needs an IRF level of care and that should 
would not get the care she needs in a skilled nursing facility. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the 
guidelines for coverage of IRF care have not been met. 
 
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 complexity of the enrollee's nursing, medical and rehabilitation needs does not 
require an acute hospital inpatient stay with an interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation care. The enrollee 
was admitted for a CVA and medical problems are stable. There are no complex nursing or rehabilitation 
needs. The enrollee does not require treatment by multiple therapies, including either physical therapy or 
occupational therapy, and an intensive rehabilitation therapy program. The medical record supports a need for 
physical and occupational therapy but it does not support a need for an intensive rehabilitation therapy 
program. There is not a reasonable expectation that this enrollee will be able to fully participate in and benefit 
from the intensive rehabilitation therapy program provided in an IRF. 
 
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: Lab
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for Comprehensive Genomic Profile (CGP) testing provided to the enrollee on June 24, 2019.

You asked the Plan to pay for the testing. You say that this should be paid for. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says Comprehensive Genomic Profile (CGP) testing (i.e. Guardant-360 and NEXT-Generation) requires use of CPT 81479 (for the entire multi-test panel).

The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that providers must report services correctly. Providers must report services with the appropriate CPT code.

We find that the various denied CPT codes are not supported in the medical record. Specifically, the testing at issue in this case should be reported with CPT 81479. Based on this information, we decided that Medicare rules for coverage of the testing have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for Comprehensive Genomic Profile (CGP) testing provided to the enrollee on June 24, 2019.
Appeal type: Drugs
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve Arikayce 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 Arikayce 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: Drugs
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve Gilenya. 
 
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 Gilenya.  
 
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: Imaging
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve CT, heart, without contrast material, with quantitative 
evaluation of coronary calcium (CPT Code 75571). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the CT scan. You say that the service is necessary. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says the services are not necessary. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that CT scans are covered only when they are 
medically 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 CT scan. Our physician reviewer 
found this is a non-covered study. This patient has known heart disease and is undergoing cardiac workup 
making this test less necessary as it is not being used for screening since an evaluation is ongoing. 
 
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 CT scan have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not 
have to pre-approve CT, heart, without contrast material, with quantitative evaluation of coronary calcium 
(CPT Code 75571).
Appeal type: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve continued inpatient psychiatric services. 
 
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 the continued services are not medically necessary. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that inpatient psychiatric services may be covered if the 
patient requires active treatment.  
 
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 continued services are not medically necessary. Our physician reviewer found the submitted records show 
that you were admitted to the hospital. You presented to the hospital with thoughts of 
harm towards yourself and others. Based on the records, you are now not showing any dangerousness to self or 
others and have no aggressive behaviors. You did not have any hallucinations. It does not appear that active 
treatment is taking place beyond the dates in question. Continued inpatient psychiatric services are 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 continued inpatient psychiatric services.
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 enrollee will benefit from daily medical 
management by a physical medicine and rehab physician, nursing, social worker, and therapist. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says the enrollee can be managed at a lower level of care such as 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 admission to an IRF is not medically necessary based on lack of medical complexity 
and current functional status. Our reviewer also found that the enrollee's rehab needs can be met at an alternate, 
low intensity level setting such as in a skilled nursing facility. 
 
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: Surgery
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a Superion spacer. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve these services. You say that the services are medically necessary. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says the services are 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 enrollee has axial back pain. The 
requested Superion spacer is considered experimental in nature, as more research is needed to show safety and 
efficacy. 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 Superion spacer.
Appeal type: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve mandibular partial denture - cast metal framework with 
resin denture bases (including retentive/clasping materials, rests and teeth) (D5214) and maxillary partial 
denture - cast metal framework with resin denture bases (including retentive/clasping materials, rests and teeth) 
(D5213). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the dental services. You say that your lower dentures just have a space 
missing where your original tooth was before being removed due to infection. The Plan denied your request. 
The Plan says you exhausted your benefit frequency limit. 
 
Medicare generally does not cover dental services. However, the Plan offers a dental benefit that exceeds 
Medicare coverage. For that reason, the Plan's coverage rules apply in this case. 
 
You exhausted your benefit frequency limit because you received dentures on May 23, 2016. Your customer 
handbook states that dentures are covered once per sixty (60) months. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does 
not have to pre-approve mandibular partial denture - cast metal framework with resin denture bases (including 
retentive/clasping materials, rests and teeth) (D5214) and maxillary partial denture - cast metal framework with 
resin denture bases (including retentive/clasping materials, rests and teeth) (D5213).