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 the doctor feels you need to continue care due to 
your balance. You say you need more rehabilitation to get better. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says 
your condition does not meet the requirements for coverage of skilled nursing facility services. 
 
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 daily skilled nursing needs that require the specialized skill, 
knowledge, and judgment of a skilled professional nurse. You do not have daily skilled therapy needs that 
require the specialized skill, knowledge, and judgment of a skilled professional therapist. You do not require 
daily skilled nursing and/or skilled therapy on an inpatient basis in a skilled nursing facility (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 care have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have 
to pre-approve skilled nursing facility (SNF) care.
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 admission into an inpatient rehabilitation facility is 
medically necessary. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says admission into an inpatient rehabilitation 
facility 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 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. 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. Medically necessary care can be provided in a different level of 
care. 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: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a tissue graft procedure (D4273) for teeth #28 and #29. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the dental 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 do 
not fall within your 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 pre-approve a 
tissue graft procedure (D4273) for teeth #28 and #29.
Appeal type: Drugs
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve to pre-approve Reblozyl. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve Reblozyl. You say that the requested drug is medically necessary. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says the enrollee does not meet the requirements for approval of the requested 
drug.  
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that Medicare may pay for unlabeled uses for anti-cancer 
drugs if they are medically accepted as safe and effective or appropriate for the particular use.  
 
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 Reblozyl. Our reviewer says the 
requested drug is not medically necessary. Our physician reviewer found that the requested use of Reblozyl is 
not FDA-approved for the enrollees diagnosis. The use of Reblzyl is not supported by one of the major drug compendia or by clinical research that appears in a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)-
approved medical journal. 
 
We looked at this physician's review, the file, and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that 
Medicare rules for coverage of Reblozyl have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have 
to pre-approve to pre-approve Reblozyl.
Appeal type: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for a prefabricated post and core (D2954) for tooth #29 provided 
on July 18, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the dental service. You say that the root canal was covered but you do not know 
why the Plan would not cover the post and core restoration. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the 
denial of payment for this service is correct, because the prefabricated post and core is not covered by the Plan. 
 
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 item or service is not 
among those covered under this benefit. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for a 
prefabricated post and core (D2954) for tooth #29 provided on July 18, 2023.
Appeal type: ER
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for the emergency department (ED) services provided on March 
19, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the ED services. You say that you have sent the documentation and would like 
the Plan to reprocess the claim. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says Medicare payment cannot be 
made to this type of provider. 
 
The Plan follows Medicare rules. The rules say that freestanding EDs are not able to enroll in Medicare and 
cannot receive payment for services.  
 
  We looked at the file and Medicare rules. We find that the provider at issue is not affiliated with a hospital and 
cannot receive Medicare payment. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for the emergency 
department (ED) services provided on March 19, 2023.
Appeal type: Drugs
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve Rhopressa, self-administered drug. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the medication. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the medication 
is not covered as a medical benefit under the Plan. 
 
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 Rhopressa, self-
administered drug.
Appeal type: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for a crown - porcelain/ceramic (D2740) provided on April 26, 
2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the crown. You say that the provider called you and told you they could do your 
crown. You also say that when you went in, you had to pay and wasnt sure why. The Plan denied your request. 
The Plan says your benefit for the requested service $1,500 dollar limit was met. 
 
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, certain limitations apply. The record 
shows your benefit for the requested service was exhausted on date of service April 26, 2023. You had used all 
but $320 of the dental allowance on three previous dental claims. The total amount of the appealed claim was 
$990 and the remaining was $320 ($990 - $320 = $670) leaving you liable for $670. Therefore, we decided that 
the Plan does not have to pay for a crown - porcelain/ceramic (D2740) provided on April 26, 2023.
Appeal type: Transportation
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for non-emergent ambulance services provided on March 27, 
2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the non-emergent services. You say that records have been provided to show 
medical necessity. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says transportation to and from a doctor's office is 
not a Medicare covered benefit. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that Medicare does not pay for ambulance services when 
there is no transport.  The ambulance company did not provide transport services on March 27, 2023. The ambulance benefit is a 
transportation benefit. When there is no transport, neither Medicare nor the Plan pays for the services provided. 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for non-emergent ambulance services provided on 
March 27, 2023.
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 acute rehabilitation admission is medically 
necessary. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says acute rehabilitation admission 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 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 
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. Medically necessary 
care can be provided in a different level of care. 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: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for dental services provided by an out-of-network provider on 
March 27, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the dental services. You say that the in-network dentist you went to did not help 
you at all. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the dental services were received from an out-of-
network provider and are not covered by your supplemental 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. 
 
The record shows you received the requested dental services from an out-of-network provider. Though the Plan 
offers a dental benefit in excess of Medicare coverage, the requested items or services are not covered under this benefit when received from an out-of-network provider. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have 
to pay for dental services provided by an out-of-network provider on March 27, 2023.
Appeal type: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve LTACH services. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the LTACH services. You say that you would like reconsideration based on 
the records submitted. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says 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 appears to be improving with current treatment and should only 
require short-term additional acute care services that can safely be provided at the current facility until more 
stable and appropriate for transfer. There are no services at the LTACH that the enrollee requires that are not already available and covered at the current facility. Transfer to the LTACH is not medically necessary as it 
would not be clinically advantageous.  
 
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 LTACH services.
Appeal type: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for a limited oral evaluation (D0140) provided on May 3, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the dental services. You say that you did the dental services of what your 
physicians requested, and you fail to understand why you are at fault. The Plan denied your request. The Plan 
says your benefit for the requested item or service has already been exhausted. 
 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, certain limitations apply. The record 
shows the Plan paid for a limited oral evaluation (D0140) on February 15, 2023, and April 04, 2023; therefore, 
your benefit for the requested item or service was exhausted on the date of service of April 04, 2023. 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for a limited oral evaluation (D0140) provided on 
May 3, 2023.
Appeal type: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for a limited oral evaluation (D0140) provided on March 16, 
2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the dental services. You say that the services should be covered as you disagree 
with the denial. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says your benefit for the requested item or service has 
already been exhausted. 
 
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, certain limitations apply. The record 
shows your benefit for the requested item or service was exhausted on date of service March 28, 2023, and 
March 29, 2023. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for a limited oral evaluation (D0140) 
provided on March 16, 2023.
Appeal type: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to waive the copayment for an in-network acute inpatient stay provided 
from April 3, 2023, to April 9, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to waive the copayment for an in-network acute inpatient stay. You say that you disagree 
with this copayment amount. 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 $225 
copayment per day, for days 1-6 for inpatient hospital services.  
 
You have been asked to pay a $1,350 total copayment for an in-network acute inpatient stay. This item/service 
falls within the inpatient hospital 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 an in-network acute inpatient stay provided from April 3, 
2023, to April 9, 2023.
Appeal type: Hospice
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for skilled nursing facility (SNF) services provided from May 8, 
2023, to May 26, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for SNF care. You say that the enrollee was not on hospice during this period. The 
Plan denied your request. The Plan says Original Medicare is responsible for payment. 
 
Medicare rules say that Original Medicare, not the Plan, is responsible for all Medicare-covered non-hospice 
services. Medicare hospice pays for claims related to the terminal illness. The rules say that the Plan may direct 
the provider to bill Medicare directly for these services.  
 
The enrollee was under the Medicare hospice benefit for the dates of service at issue in this appeal. Therefore, 
we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for skilled nursing facility (SNF) services provided from May 8, 
2023, to May 26, 2023.
Appeal type: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve LTACH services. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the LTACH services. You say that admission to an LTACH is necessary for 
ongoing acute care needs and close monitoring of the enrollee's other complex wound and medical conditions 
with an aggressive regimen of physical rehabilitation as tolerated. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says 
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 appears to still be somewhat unstable and requires additional acute 
care services that can safely be provided at the current facility until more stable and appropriate for transfer. There are no services at the LTACH that the enrollee requires that are not already available and covered at the 
current facility. Transfer to the LTACH is not medically necessary as it would not be clinically advantageous.  
 
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 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 you need therapy to learn how to walk and stand on 
your own again after having pneumonia and being bedridden. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says you 
do not meet Medicare guidelines for services in an IRF.  
 
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 problems are stable, and there are no complex nursing or rehabilitation 
needs. While the medical record supports a need for physical and/or occupational therapy, there is no 
documented need for intensive rehabilitation services. Medically necessary care can be provided in a different 
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 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 the office visit (99203) provided on April 28, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for this service. You say that you are requesting a reconsideration of the Plan's 
denial for payment. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says this service is not a covered benefit.  
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that the only chiropractic service Medicare covers is 
manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation.  
 
The records show that the service at issue is not manual manipulation of the spine. Therefore, we decided that 
the Plan does not have to pay for the office visit (99203) provided on April 28, 2023.