Persius/hicric huggingface dataset:
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for an office visit (G8427, 99204) provided on February 1, 2022 
by an out-of-network (OON) provider. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the office visit. You say that the services should be covered as you disagree with 
the denial. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the services denied correctly as they were non-
emergent and prior authorization was not obtained. 
 
  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 pay for care from out-of-network providers only in cases involving emergencies, 
out of area urgent care and pre-approved care. 
 
The requested provider in this case is not a network provider with the Plan. The Plan had network providers 
available who could have provided the items/services at issue in this appeal. The Plan did not pre-approve the 
item/service at issue. We found no exception that would require the Plan to pay for these items/services. 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for an office visit (G8427, 99204) provided on 
February 1, 2022 by an out-of-network (OON) provider.
Appeal type: Lab
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for pathology services (88312, 88305) provided on April 18, 
2022 by an out-of-network (OON) provider. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the pathology services. You say that the services should be covered as you 
disagree with the denial. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the services denied correctly as they were 
non-emergent and prior authorization was not obtained. 
 
  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 pay for care from out-of-network providers only in cases involving emergencies, 
out of area urgent care and pre-approved care. 
 
The requested provider in this case is not a network provider with the Plan. The Plan had network providers 
available who could have provided the items/services at issue in this appeal. The Plan did not pre-approve the 
item/service at issue. We found no exception that would require the Plan to pay for these items/services. 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for pathology services (88312, 88305) provided on 
April 18, 2022 by an out-of-network (OON) provider.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for acupuncture provided on April 14, 2022.  You asked the Plan to pay for acupuncture. You say that you were told acupuncture was a covered service for 
the enrollee. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says a licensed acupuncturist is a non-covered provider 
type. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that acupuncture services are not covered by Medicare. 
However, for services provided on or after January 21, 2020, Medicare offers limited coverage for acupuncture 
treatments for CLBP meeting certain requirements, up to 12 sessions per 90-day period, and no more than 20 
sessions per year.  
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that the rules for coverage of 
the acupuncture services have not been met. Specifically, a licensed acupuncturist is a non-covered provider 
type. Additionally, the provider is not supervised by any physician, physician assistant, nurse practioner or a 
clinical nurse specialist. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for acupuncture provided on 
April 14, 2022.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for an office visit provided on January 21, 2022, by an out-of-
network (OON) provider. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the office visit. You say that the service was provided to the enrollee in good 
faith, and you would like the claim processed for payment. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the 
rendering provider is an OON provider and there was no referral from an in-network provider or an approved 
authorization. Also, the service rendered was not urgent or emergent. 
 
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 pay for care from out-of-network providers only in cases involving emergencies, 
out of area urgent care and pre-approved care. 
 The requested provider in this case is not a network provider with the Plan. The Plan had network providers 
available who could have provided the items/services at issue in this appeal. The Plan did not pre-approve the 
item/service at issue. We found no exception that would require the Plan to pay for these items/services. 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for an office visit provided on January 21, 2022, by an 
out-of-network (OON) provider.
Appeal type: Surgery
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for thigh excision (15832) provided on March 8, 2022 by an out-
of-network (OON) provider. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the thigh excision. You say that the services should be covered as you disagree 
with the denial. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the services denied correctly as they were non-
emergent and prior authorization was not obtained. 
 
  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 pay for care from out-of-network providers only in cases involving emergencies, 
out of area urgent care and pre-approved care. 
 
The requested provider in this case is not a network provider with the Plan. The Plan had network providers 
available who could have provided the items/services at issue in this appeal. The Plan did not pre-approve the 
item/service at issue. We found no exception that would require the Plan to pay for these items/services. 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for thigh excision (15832) provided on March 8, 2022 
by an out-of-network (OON) provider.
Appeal type: Lab
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for laboratory services provided on April 6, 2022, by an out-of-
network (OON) provider. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for laboratory services. You say that you are appealing with supporting records. The 
Plan denied your request. The Plan says this provider is not a network provider with the Plan. The Plan also 
says that they have also determined that these services are not emergent or urgent, nor were they preapproved 
in advance. 
 
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 pay for care from out-of-network providers only in cases involving emergencies, 
out of area urgent care and pre-approved care. 
 
 The requested provider in this case is not a network provider with the Plan. The Plan had network providers 
available who could have provided the items/services at issue in this appeal. The Plan did not pre-approve the 
item/service at issue. We found no exception that would require the Plan to pay for these items/services. 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for laboratory services provided on April 6, 2022, by 
an out-of-network (OON) provider.
Appeal type: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to issue reimbursement for the hearing aid or assistive listening device 
(V5267), hearing aids (V5261), and the dispensing fee (V5160) provided on March 30, 2022. 
 
You asked the Plan to issue reimbursement for these items. You say that you are requesting a reconsideration 
of the Plan's denial for payment. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says these items are not payable as 
they were purchased from an out-of-network provider. 
 
Medicare does not pay for hearing aids or related services. However, the Plan offers a hearing aid benefit that 
exceeds Medicare coverage. For that reason, the plans coverage rules apply in this case. The Plan pays for 
hearing aids/services only when purchased from the Plans select hearing aid provider.  
 
We looked at this case file and the Plan's rules. Based on this information, we decided that the Plan's rules for 
coverage of these items have not been met. Specifically, the items in this case were purchased from an out-of-
network provider. The Plan contract states that you must use the Plans select hearing aid provider to use this 
benefit.   Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to issue reimbursement for the hearing aid or assistive 
listening device (V5267), hearing aids (V5261), and the dispensing fee (V5160) provided on March 30, 2022.
Appeal type: Imaging
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 70450 billed for date of service January 27, 
2022. 
 You asked the Plan to pay for procedure code 70450. You say that the patient had multiple exams on this date 
of service. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says payment for code 70450 is bundled into payment for 
code 70496. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that providers must report services correctly. 
Providers must report services with the appropriate CPT code. In this case, we have confirmed that code 70450 
is a column II code to column I code 70496. This claim has not been billed with an appropriate modifier to 
bypass the edit. Based on the claim submitted, Medicare billing criteria have not been met. Therefore, we 
decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 70450 billed for date of service January 27, 
2022.
Appeal type: Lab
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for laboratory services provided on November 29, 2021, by an 
out-of-network (OON) provider. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for laboratory services. You say that you would like to request reconsideration of the 
denied claim. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the provider is out-of-network, and it was 
determined these services can be received 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 pay for care from out-of-network providers only in cases involving emergencies, 
out of area urgent care and pre-approved care. 
 
The requested provider in this case is not a network provider with the Plan. The Plan had network providers 
available who could have provided the items/services at issue in this appeal. The Plan did not pre-approve the item/service at issue. We found no exception that would require the Plan to pay for these items/services. 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for laboratory services provided on November 29, 
2021, by an out-of-network (OON) provider.
Appeal type: Testing
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 76705 billed for date of service April 10, 
2022. 
 You asked the Plan to pay for procedure code 76705. You say that the patient had multiple exams on this date 
of service. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says payment for code 76705 is bundled into payment for 
code 93976. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that providers must report services correctly. 
Providers must report services with the appropriate CPT code. In this case, we have confirmed that code 76705 
is a column II code to column I code 93976. This claim has not been billed with an appropriate modifier to 
bypass the edit. Based on the claim submitted, Medicare billing criteria have not been met. Therefore, we 
decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 76705 billed for date of service April 10, 2022.
Appeal type: Transportation
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve an additional nine routine transportation trips. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve an additional nine routine transportation trips. You say that you need 
additional routine transportation trips. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says you have utilized the 
maximum number of transportation trips allowed per year. 
 
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 Plans coverage rules apply in this 
case. The Plan covers a maximum of 48 trips per year.  
 We looked at your request, the records in the case file, and the rules. Based on this information, we decided 
that you have exhausted the Plan maximum benefit for coverage of routine transportation. Therefore, we 
decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve an additional nine routine transportation trips.
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 is very weak and fragile and would 
benefit from IRF care before returning home. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says based on Medicare 
guidelines, the requested IRF services do not meet the requirements for approval. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that IRF admission is covered only when it is medically 
reasonable and necessary as described in the Medicare rules section. 
 
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 that the complexity of the enrollees nursing, medical and rehabilitation needs does not require an acute hospital inpatient stay with an interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation care. Medical 
problems are stable. There are no complex nursing or rehabilitation needs. While the documentation does 
support a need for physical and/or occupational therapy, there is no documented need for an intensive, multi-
disciplinary rehabilitation program. There is not a reasonable expectation that the 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: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for home health services provided on January 8, 2022, by an out-
of-network (OON) provider. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for home health services. You say that you would like to request reconsideration of 
the denied claim. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the provider is out-of-network and authorization 
is required prior to an out-of-network visit. 
 
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 pay for care from out-of-network providers only in cases involving emergencies, 
out of area urgent care and pre-approved care. 
 
The requested provider in this case is not a network provider with the Plan. The Plan had network providers 
available who could have provided the items/services at issue in this appeal. The Plan did not pre-approve the item/service at issue. We found no exception that would require the Plan to pay for these items/services. 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for home health services provided on January 8, 2022, 
by an out-of-network (OON) provider.
Appeal type: Lab
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 72192 billed for date of service April 10, 
2022. 
 You asked the Plan to pay for procedure code 72192. You say that the patient had multiple exams on this date 
of service. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says payment for code 72192 is bundled into payment for 
code 74177. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that providers must report services correctly. 
Providers must report services with the appropriate CPT code. In this case, we have confirmed that code 72192 
is a column II code to column I code 74177. This claim has not been billed with an appropriate modifier to 
bypass the edit. Based on the claim submitted, Medicare billing criteria have not been met. Therefore, we 
decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 72192 billed for date of service April 10, 2022.
Appeal type: Imaging
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 70470 billed for date of service April 18, 
2022. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for procedure code 70470. You say that the patient had multiple exams on this date 
of service. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says payment for code 70470 is bundled into payment for 
code 70496. 
 The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that providers must report services correctly. 
Providers must report services with the appropriate CPT code. In this case, we have confirmed that code 70470 
is a column II code to column I code 70496. This claim has not been billed with an appropriate modifier to 
bypass the edit. Based on the claim submitted, Medicare billing criteria have not been met. Therefore, we 
decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 70470 billed for date of service April 18, 2022.
Appeal type: Imaging
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 70450 billed for date of service April 15, 
2022. 
 You asked the Plan to pay for procedure code 70450. You say that the patient had multiple exams on this date 
of service. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says payment for code 70450 is bundled into payment for 
code 70496. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that providers must report services correctly. 
Providers must report services with the appropriate CPT code. In this case, we have confirmed that code 70450 
is a column II code to column I code 70496. This claim has not been billed with an appropriate modifier to 
bypass the edit. Based on the claim submitted, Medicare billing criteria have not been met. Therefore, we 
decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 70450 billed for date of service April 15, 2022.
Appeal type: Imaging
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 70450 billed for date of service April 4, 
2022. 
 You asked the Plan to pay for procedure code 70450. You say that the patient had multiple exams on this date 
of service. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says payment for code 70450 is bundled into payment for 
code 70496. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that providers must report services correctly. 
Providers must report services with the appropriate CPT code. In this case, we have confirmed that code 70450 
is a column II code to column I code 70496. This claim has not been billed with an appropriate modifier to 
bypass the edit. Based on the claim submitted, Medicare billing criteria have not been met. Therefore, we 
decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 70450 billed for date of service April 4, 2022.
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Favorable

 
We decided that the Plan has to pay for wound care supplies provided on March 18, 2022. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the wound care supplies. You say that you would like for the supplies to be paid 
in full. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says that the rendering provider is an OON provider and there 
was no approved authorization. Also, the service rendered was not urgent or emergent. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that Medicare health plans must make reasonable and 
diligent efforts to gather and forward to the IRE information regarding its decision to deny coverage or 
payment. 
 
The Plan has not made reasonable and diligent efforts to gather and forward to us information regarding their 
decision to deny your request. The order form submitted lists an ordering physician. The Plan did not submit 
documentation supporting that the ordering physician is also out-of-network. Therefore, we decided that the 
Plan has to pay for wound care supplies provided on March 18, 2022.  
 
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: Imaging
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure codes 70450 and 70460 billed for date of service 
October 22, 2021. 
 You asked the Plan to pay for procedure codes 70450 and 70460. You say that the patient had multiple exams 
on this date of service. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says payment for code 70450 and 70460 is 
bundled into payment for code 70496. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that providers must report services correctly. 
Providers must report services with the appropriate CPT code. In this case, we have confirmed that codes 
70450 and 70460 are column II codes to column I code 70496. This claim has not been billed with an 
appropriate modifier to bypass the edit. Based on the claim submitted, Medicare billing criteria have not been 
met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure codes 70450 and 70460 billed for 
date of service October 22, 2021.
Appeal type: Transportation
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve additional mileage for routine transportation (A0170). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve additional mileage for routine transportation. You say that you need to get 
to your medical appointment. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says each one-way trip must not exceed 
50 miles. 
 
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 Plans coverage rules apply in this 
case. The Plan covers routine transportation up to 50 miles for a one-way trip. 
 We looked at your request, the records in the case file, and the rules. Based on this information, we decided 
that the Plans rules for coverage of routine transportation have not been met. Specifically, the provider is 
located 71.5 miles from your residence. The Plan will only cover up to 50 miles. Therefore, we decided that the 
Plan does not have to pre-approve additional mileage for routine transportation (A0170).