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.
You asked the Plan to pre-approve SNF services. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says you are
receiving adequate care in the inpatient rehabilitation facility.
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 services. Our physician reviewer
found that from a nursing perspective, you received oral medications, had stable vital signs, and uncomplicated
wound care. There are no identifiable skilled nursing service needs. Regarding rehabilitation services, you were
at a standby to contact guard assist level with functional mobility. You required varying assist with activities of
daily living. Although you require identifiable skilled therapy service needs, you do not require skilled nursing
or therapy services on a daily basis. You do not meet severity of illness or intensity of service criteria for an
inpatient basis in a SNF 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 services have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not
have to pre-approve skilled nursing facility (SNF) services.
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve the semi-electric hospital bed.
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the semi-electric hospital bed. You say that you would like reconsideration
because the requested semi-electric hospital bed is medically necessary. The Plan denied your request. The
Plan says the documentation does not support that the member meets Medicare criteria for coverage.
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that a semi-electric hospital bed may be considered
medically necessary when the patient:
1. Has a medical condition which requires positioning of the body in ways not feasible with an ordinary bed; or
2. Requires attachments which can only be attached to a hospital bed; AND
3. Requires frequent changes in body position and/or has an immediate need for a change in body position.
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 semi-electric hospital bed. Our
reviewer says that the documentation does not clearly reveal that member's condition has failed positioning of
the bed in ways not feasible in an ordinary bed or why positioning of the bed in other ways is not feasible. Our
physician reviewer found the documentation does not support a need for frequent or an immediate change in
body position or special attachments that cannot be fixed on an ordinary bed.
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 semi-electric hospital bed have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the
Plan does not have to pre-approve the semi-electric hospital bed.
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 IRF care is medically necessary for your condition.
The Plan denied your request. The Plan says rules for 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 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 you were admitted for non-surgical management of a 5th metatarsal fracture and
transferred to skilled nursing on January 28, 2022. Medical problems are stable. There are 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. While you have a need for physical
and/or occupational therapy, there is no documentation of a need for an intensive rehabilitation program. In
conclusion, 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 long term acute care hospital (LTACH) services.
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the LTACH services. You say that the service is medically necessary. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the service 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 clinical assessment in the case file does not support that the enrollee is reasonably expected to benefit from, and improve with, LTACH 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 the LTACH services have not been met. Specifically, medically necessary service can be obtained in a lower level of care. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve long term acute care hospital (LTACH) services.
Appeal type: Drugs
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve Gelsyn-3.
You asked the Plan to pre-approve Gelsyn-3. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the enrollee has not tried and failed Orthovisc or Supartz
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 Gelsyn-3. Our physician reviewer found that in this case, the record indicates that the enrollee has osteoarthritis of the knee. The requested medication is a new start. The Plan requires a trial of Orthovisc or Supartz before they will approve the requested drug. The provided records do not indicate that the enrollee has tried and failed the plan's preferred step one alternative. The record does not indicate that the enrollee has a contraindication to or would have an adverse effect from the plan's preferred step one alternative. The coverage criteria are not satisfied. We looked at this physician's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that Medicare rules for coverage of Gelsyn-3 have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve Gelsyn-3.
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 admission to an LTACH is medically
necessary. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the admission to an LTACH 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 that the enrollee continues to receive acute care services, and these have not been
denied. The medical record does not indicate that the enrollee requires services that she is not currently
receiving but that would be available at the LTACH facility. The documentation does not support that an
additional 25 days of hospitalization are reasonably expected for the enrollee.
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: 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 services are medically necessary. 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 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 members medical conditions are stable and they do not have any complex nursing
or rehabilitation needs. While the patient has a need for physical and/or occupational therapy, there is no documentation of a need for an intensive rehabilitation program. 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. Specifically, medically necessary services can be obtained at a lower level of care. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve acute inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) admission and services.
Appeal type: SNF
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve continued skilled nursing facility (SNF) services.
You asked the Plan to pre-approve SNF services. You say that these services are medically necessary. The Plan
denied your request. The Plan says that you no longer require skilled services and the continuation of SNF 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 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 services. Our reviewer says that
daily skilled services are not necessary. Our physician reviewer found that your condition does not meet
Medicare criteria for continued 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 continued skilled nursing facility (SNF) 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 service is medically necessary. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the service 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 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 your medical conditions are stable and you have no complex nursing or rehabilitation
needs. While the patient has a need for physical and/or occupational therapy, there is no documentation of a need for an intensive rehabilitation program. 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. Specifically, medically necessary services can be obtained in a lower level of care. 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 service is medically necessary. The Plan denied
your request. The Plan says the service 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 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's medical conditions are stable and they have no complex nursing or
rehabilitation needs. While the patient has a need for physical and/or occupational therapy, there is no
documentation of a need for an intensive rehabilitation program.
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. Specifically, medically necessary services can be
obtained at a lower level of care. This means admission into an IRF is not medically necessary or reasonable.
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 long term acute care hospital (LTACH) services.
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the LTACH services. You say that the admission to an LTACH is medically
necessary. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the admission to an LTACH 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 that you continue to receive acute care services, and these have not been denied. The
medical record does not indicate that you require services that you are not currently receiving but that would be
available at the LTACH 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 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: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve pneumatic compression device (E0652) and segmental pneumatic appliance (E0667) to be provided by an out-of-network (OON) provider.
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the pneumatic compression device and appliance. You say that the enrollee received an approval for a basic pump from the Plan 11 months ago. The records submitted confirm the failure of the basic pump necessitating the order for the appropriate E0652. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says enrollee's must receive their medical services from an in-network provider with the exception being urgent or emergent services. Non-emergent services with non-contracted providers require prior authorization before services being rendered.
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 pneumatic compression device (E0652) and segmental pneumatic appliance (E0667) to be provided by an out-of-network (OON) provider
Appeal type: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a guided tissue regeneration (D4266), implant placement (D6010), prefabricated abutment (D6056), abutment supported crown (D6062) and bone replacement graft (D7953) for tooth #13.
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the dental services. You say that these services are medically necessary. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says these services are not covered by your dental benefit.
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. 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 pre-approve a
guided tissue regeneration (D4266), implant placement (D6010), prefabricated abutment (D6056), abutment supported crown (D6062) and bone replacement graft (D7953) for tooth #13.
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 requested admission to an IRF is medically necessary. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the requested admission to an IRF does not meet criteria.
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 does not require treatment by multiple therapies, including either
physical therapy or occupational therapy, and an intensive rehabilitation therapy 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: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a total electric hospital bed (E0265).
You asked the Plan to pre-approve a total electric hospital bed. You say that the enrollee has been sleeping in a recliner due to vertigo. You have requested an electric adjustable hospital bed which will allow you to keep her head elevated and prevent worsening of her vertigo symptoms. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says total electric hospital beds are not covered by Medicare or the Plan.
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that a total electric hospital bed is not covered. While a total electric hospital bed may be appropriate in this case, neither the Plan nor Medicare offers coverage for this item. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a total electric hospital bed (E0265).
Appeal type: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a crown (D2740), and a core buildup (D2950) to be provided by a participating provider.
You asked the Plan to pre-approve a crown and a core buildup. You say that these services are medically necessary. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says these services are not covered.
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. 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 pre-approve a crown (D2740), and a core buildup (D2950) to be provided by a participating provider.