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

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve SNF care. You say that you were previously independent with activities of 
daily living. You say that you live alone. You say that you have a new need for a walker and intermittent 
oxygen. You say that you need to be able to do two stairs in order to return home and that therapy has not 
worked with you on stairs yet. You say that your family is unable to provide the 24-hour care needed at this 
time. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says SNF care is not reasonable and necessary at this time.  
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that Medicare pays for care in a SNF when the four factors 
listed in the Medicare rules section 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 the 
requested SNF care is not considered medically reasonable and necessary based on Medicare guidelines. Our 
physician reviewer found you do not have documented skilled nursing needs. You do not have documented 
skilled therapy needs. You are consistently ambulating more than 100 feet and tending to activities of daily 
living (ADLs) with minimal supervision.  Daily skilled services are not required to establish a maintenance 
program or to prevent deterioration of your condition. Your care needs can, as a practical matter, be provided at 
a lower 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 SNF care have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have 
to pre-approve skilled nursing facility (SNF) care.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for assessment of care (99483) provided on April 28, 2022 by an 
out-of-network (OON) provider. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the assessment of care. 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 assessment of care (99483) provided on April 28, 
2022 by an out-of-network (OON) provider.
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 IRF care is medically necessary. The Plan denied 
your request. The Plan says the IRF care is not medically necessary, and the enrollee's needs can be met at a 
lower level of care such as a skilled nursing facility (SNF). 
 
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 the enrollee was admitted for COVID 19 infection and urinary tract infection. The enrollee's medical problems are stable, and 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. While the medical record supports a need for physical and/or 
occupational therapy, there is no documented need for intensive rehabilitation 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 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. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve IRF care. You say that the enrollee had her right leg amputated and needs 
rehabilitation to get stronger and has no one at home to care for her. The Plan denied your request. The Plan 
says the IRF care is not medically necessary, and the enrollee's needs can be met at a lower level of care such 
as a skilled nursing facility (SNF). 
 
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 the enrollee was admitted for infection of prosthetic knee joint and had an above the 
knee amputation. The record shows the enrollee's medical problems are stable, and 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. While the medical 
record supports a need for physical and/or occupational therapy, there is no documented need for intensive 
rehabilitation 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 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: Favorable

 
We decided that the Plan has to pay for the acute inpatient hospital care provided from February 20, 2022, 
through March 4, 2022. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for acute inpatient hospital care. You say that the enrollee warranted inpatient 
admission for this condition. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says that inpatient hospital care was not 
medically necessary. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that inpatient hospital care is covered when the doctor 
expects the patient to need hospital care that crosses at least two midnights. In rare and unusual cases, 
consideration may be given to inpatient hospital care when the hospital stay does not cross two midnights or 
more.  
 
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 pay for acute inpatient hospital care. Our reviewer 
says that the documentation does not support that the criteria for inpatient payment are met in this case. Our 
physician reviewer found the enrollee was a 90-year-old female seen in the emergency department (ED) after a 
ground level fall. The evaluation revealed a right hip fracture. She was evaluated by Orthopedics and admitted. 
Discussion with family resulted in change to comfort/hospice level of care. She was evaluated by Palliative 
Care. She was discharged to a facility with hospice are on 3/4/2022. The review has determined that the record 
showed that at the time of inpatient admission the admitting physician reasonably expected that the patient's 
necessary hospital care (including earlier ED and/or observation care) would span two midnights. 
 
We looked at this physician's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that 
Medicare rules for coverage of acute inpatient hospital care have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the 
Plan has to pay for the acute inpatient hospital care provided from February 20, 2022, through March 4, 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: 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 enrollee needs to complete her 
treatment at the LTACH due to her complex respiratory needs, complexity of illness, and prolonged hospital 
admission. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the LTACH is not medically necessary, and the 
enrollee is being treating appropriately in the current hospital. 
 
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 enrollee does not require services at the LTACH that are not available at the acute 
care hospital where they are currently receiving care. All medically necessary care is being provided in the 
current acute care 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 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: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for a limited oral evaluation (D0140), a periapical x-ray 
(D0220), the extraction of tooth #30 (D7210), and nitrous oxide (D9230) provided on June 3, 2022. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the dental services. You say that the provider did not tell you these services were 
not covered. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says a limited oral evaluation (D0140), a periapical x-ray 
(D0220), an extraction (D7210), and nitrous oxide (D9230) are not covered by your routine dental benefits. 
 
Medicare generally does not cover dental services. However, the Plan offers a dental benefit that exceeds 
Medicare coverage. For that reason, the Plans coverage rules apply in this case. 
 
Though the Plan offers a dental benefit in excess of Medicare coverage, the requested items or services are not 
among those covered under this benefit. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for a limited 
oral evaluation (D0140), a periapical x-ray (D0220), the extraction of tooth #30 (D7210), and nitrous oxide 
(D9230) provided on June 3, 2022.
Appeal type: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve the LTACH services. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the LTACH services. You say that the enrollee is due to be released from 
the current hospital but needs LTACH admission due to oxygen levels and CPAP. Due to this issue the enrollee 
has repeatedly been sent from the skilled nursing facility to the hospital in the last three months. 
 The Plan denied your request. The Plan says based on Medicare guidelines, the long term acute care hospital 
services you are requesting do not meet the requirements for approval. 
 
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 enrollee is receiving appropriate care at the present setting. The enrollee does not 
require services at the LTACH that are not available at the acute care hospital where they are currently 
receiving 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 the LTACH services have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan 
does not have to pre-approve the LTACH services.
Appeal type: SNF
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve SNF care. You say that you would benefit from skilled nursing services due 
to your medical complexity. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says you do not meet SNF criteria. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that Medicare pays for care in a SNF when the four factors 
listed in the Medicare rules section 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 the 
requested SNF care is not considered medically reasonable and necessary based on Medicare guidelines. Our 
physician reviewer found the enrollee is a female with a history of stroke with right-sided weakness, currently 
receiving inpatient rehabilitation care. The enrollee has been receiving oral medications and had stable vital 
signs. Regarding rehabilitation services, the enrollee received physical and occupational therapy. The enrollee 
required supervision to minimal assistance with functional mobility including gait to up to 320 feet.  
 
There are no identifiable skilled nursing service needs. There are no identifiable skilled nursing service needs; 
however, skilled therapy is not required on a daily basis. This 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 SNF care have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have 
to pre-approve skilled nursing facility (SNF) care.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for laboratory drug testing (80307, G0480) provided on 
December 15, 2021 by an out-of-network (OON) provider. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the laboratory drug testing. 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 laboratory drug testing (80307, G0480) provided 
on December 15, 2021 by an out-of-network (OON) provider.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for an office visit and trimming procedures (11056, 99213, 
11719) provided on January 28, 2022 by an out-of-network (OON) provider. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the office visit and trimming procedures. 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 and trimming procedures (11056, 
99213, 11719) provided on January 28, 2022 by an out-of-network (OON) provider.
Appeal type: Surgery
Decision: Favorable

 
We decided that the Plan has to pay for surgical services (procedure code 23474) provided to the enrollee on 
May 13, 2022. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the services. You say that the claim was billed with the LT modifier, and there is 
no other modifier to be used. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says that the documentation does not 
support revision of total arthroplasty of the shoulder with both glenoid and humeral components. 
 
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, the CPT Code Manual definition of 
code 23474 is "Revision of total shoulder arthroplasty, including allograft when performed; humeral and 
glenoid component." 
 
We asked our coder to carefully review the case file and apply the relevant Medicare rules to determine if the 
Plan was correct in denying the request to pay for the services. Our reviewer says that the services at issue in 
this case were supported by the medical records. Our reviewer found that the operative narrative stated he had 
gross instability in the plane of the scapular with any lateral force. The glenoid was exposed and removed.  A 
trial was performed which showed that a +3 lateralized 39mm glenosphere was the best construct and so the 
final glenosphere was called for and implanted.  Therefore, the records support that CPT 23474: revision of 
total shoulder arthroplasty humeral and glenoid component was rendered in this case.  
 
We looked at this coder's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that 
Medicare rules for coverage of the services have been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan has to pay for 
surgical services (procedure code 23474) provided to the enrollee on May 13, 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: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a shower chair. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve a shower chair. You say that you were instructed that you could request a 
shower chair. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says this item is not a covered benefit. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that shower chairs are not covered because they are 
not primarily medical in nature.  
 
While a shower chair may be appropriate in this case, neither the Plan nor Medicare offers coverage of this 
item. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a shower chair.  
 
Your complaint about you were misinformed that you could request a shower chair is not a valid appeal for 
medical coverage. This part of your complaint is a grievance that must be answered by the Plan. Medicare does 
not permit us to make a decision about these types of complaints.
Appeal type: Transportation
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to waive the copayment for ambulance on March 24, 2022. 
 
You asked the Plan to waive the copayment for ambulance. You say that you feel this should be covered 
because you had no choice but to go by ambulance. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says this cost 
sharing was charged correctly. 
 
The rules say a plan must disclose to its enrollees in clear, accurate terms all cost sharing information (such as 
copayments, deductibles and coinsurance). Your contract with the Plan clearly says that you must pay a $350 
copayment per one-way trip for Medicare-covered ambulance services. Covered ambulance services include 
fixed wing, rotary wing, and ground ambulance services, to the nearest appropriate facility that can provide 
care if they are furnished to a member whose medical condition is such that other means of transportation could 
endanger the persons health or if authorized by the plan. 
 
 
 
 You have been asked to pay a $350 copayment for ambulance. This item/service falls within the Ambulance 
services benefit category. This means that you have been asked to pay the correct amount based on your 
contract with the Plan. This cost sharing is a contractual obligation you agreed to pay when you enrolled in the 
Plan. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to waive the copayment for ambulance on March 24, 
2022.