Appeal type: Medical necessity
Decision: Overturned

Diagnosis: Malocclusion

Treatment: Adjustment of braces and insertion of braces

The insurer denied coverage for adjustment of braces and insertion of braces

The denial is overturned

Upon review of the submitted documentation including lateral cephalometric radiograph, panoramic radiograph, montage of extraoral and intraoral clinical images, dental treatment noted as well as insurer correspondence, it appears that this patient presented for evaluation for orthodontic care. The orthodontist identified impacted maxillary anterior teeth among other findings. The orthodontist has completed the Handicapping Labio-Lingual Deviation (HLD) index choosing the automatically qualifying condition of impacted permanent anteriors (tooth #6) where extraction is not indicated on the HLD index. The insurer has denied coverage for orthodontic treatment as not medically necessary as the clinical circumstance does not meet the required handicapping malocclusion medical necessity requirements on the HLD index by internal reviewers attaining a score of 14 points. 

Upon review of the submitted documentation (study models were not provided for review) it is evident that the patient exhibits a malocclusion. However, to assess for severity of the malocclusion and therefore medical/dental necessity for orthodontic care, New York State requires, as of September I, 2012, the use of an orthodontic Index, the Handicapping Labio-Lingual Deviation Index Report (HLD, New York State Medicaid program) modeled after Handicapping Labiolingual Deviation Index. This index provides six specific conditions that automatically qualify for orthodontic care. Additional criteria are used utilizing a point system if none of these initial qualifying conditions are met or selected. For these other secondary criteria to qualify for orthodontic care a total score of 26 points is necessary. 

In this case, the treating orthodontist completes the HLD index, choosing the impacted permanent anteriors criterion to justify orthodontic care. The clinical circumstances as documented meets this criterion for approval of care. 

Regarding the validity of the Handicapping Labio-Lingual Index, it has been shown through scientific scrutiny in peer reviewed journals that this methodology for assessing orthodontic need is a valid approach. Each of these peer reviewed articles concludes that this index is a valid and reliable determinant of need for orthodontic care. As this is an accepted methodology, this has been determined to represent an appropriate approach for assessing orthodontic need. 

Reverse denial as the clinical circumstance as presented meets and substantiates the medical/dental necessity of orthodontic care as it meets the accepted criteria for approval.

The healthcare plan did not act reasonably and with sound medical judgment and in the best interest of the patient. 

Adjustment of braces and insertion of braces is considered medically necessary for this patient.

Based on the above, the insurer's denial must be reversed. The health care plan did not act reasonably and with sound medical judgment and in the best interest of the patient. 

The medical necessity for adjustment of braces and insertion of braces is substantiated.