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

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for the Cxbladder test (0013M) provided on November 22, 2022. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the Cxbladder test. You say that this testing was medically necessary. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says this service is not covered. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that codes 0012M and 0013M for CxBladder are non-
covered. 
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. The service at issue is non-covered. Based on this information, we 
decided that Medicare rules for coverage of the Cxbladder test have not been met. Therefore, we decided that 
the Plan does not have to pay for the Cxbladder test (0013M) provided on November 22, 2022.
Appeal type: Testing
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for duplex scan provided on December 27, 2022. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for duplex scan. You say that you are requesting the submitted documentation be 
reviewed. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says that unauthorized, out-of-network care is not covered. 
 
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 provider of the item(s)/service(s) at issue in this appeal is not a network provider with the Plan. The Plan did not pre-approve the item(s)/service(s) at issue. We found no exception that would require the Plan to pay 
for the item(s)/service(s). Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for duplex scan provided on 
December 27, 2022.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for an office visit provided on February 28, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for an office visit. You say that you received a referral for this visit, please 
reconsider and pay. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says that unauthorized, out-of-network care is not 
covered. 
 
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 provider of the item(s)/service(s) at issue in this appeal is not a network provider with the Plan. The Plan 
did not pre-approve the item(s)/service(s) at issue. We found no exception that would require the Plan to pay 
for the item(s)/service(s). Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for an office visit provided 
on February 28, 2023.
Appeal type: ER
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to waive the copayment for an emergency room visit provided on 
March 04, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to waive the copayment for an emergency room visit. You say that you do not think you 
should be responsible for this copayment. 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 $110 
copayment for each Medicare-covered emergency room visit. 
 
You have been asked to pay a $110 copayment for an emergency room visit. This item/service falls within the 
each Medicare-covered emergency room visit 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 emergency room visit provided on March 04, 2023.
Appeal type: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve additional routine transportation trips. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the additional routine transportation trips. The Plan denied your request. 
The Plan says the evidence shows you have used twenty-four (24) one-way trips of the twenty-four (24) one-
way trips covered by your plan for the year 2023. 
 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 24 trips per year.  
 
We looked at your request, the records in the case file, and the rules. You asked the Plan to pre-approve 
additional routine transportation trips. 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 additional routine transportation trips.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve 6 chiropractic manipulative treatments. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve these services. You say that you are requesting a reconsideration of the 
Plan's denial. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says a medical necessity determination could not be made 
as insufficient information was received from the provider.  
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that the provider, supplier, or beneficiary, as 
appropriate, must furnish to the intermediary or carrier sufficient information to determine whether payment is 
due and the amount of payment. 
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. Based on this information, we decided that there is insufficient 
information in the record to determine if Medicare rules for coverage of these services have been met.   
  
 
 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve 6 chiropractic manipulative treatments.
Appeal type: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve core buildup (D2950). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve core buildup. You say that this should be covered. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says this is not a covered service. 
 
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 core 
buildup (D2950).
Appeal type: Imaging
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provided on September 
11, 2022. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You say that you are appealing the claim 
payment denial. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says that unauthorized, out-of-network care is not 
covered. 
 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 provider of the item(s)/service(s) at issue in this appeal is not a network provider with the Plan. The Plan 
did not pre-approve the item(s)/service(s) at issue. We found no exception that would require the Plan to pay 
for the item(s)/service(s). Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for magnetic resonance 
imaging (MRI) provided on September 11, 2022.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for skilled nursing facility care provided on September 01, 2022, 
by an out-of-network (OON) provider.  
 
 You asked the Plan to pay for skilled nursing facility care. You say that you are requesting reconsideration. The 
Plan denied your request. The Plan says as a member of the plan, the enrollee must use network providers. If 
the enrollee receives unauthorized care from an out-of-network provider, the plan may deny coverage and the 
enrollee will be responsible for the entire cost. 
 
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 skilled nursing facility care provided on 
September 01, 2022, by an out-of-network (OON) provider.
Appeal type: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve upper and lower dentures (D5110, D5120). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the dental services. You say that this should be covered. 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 October 21, 2020. 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve upper and lower dentures (D5110, D5120).
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve the Freestyle Lite test strips. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the blood glucose test or reagent strips. You say that you are appealing the 
denied test strips. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says only the preferred brand products listed in the 
EOC are covered.  
  The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that plans may specify brands and manufacturers as 
preferred and charge lower cost-sharing for the preferred brands or may limit the DME to only those preferred 
brands and manufacturers. Plans must ensure that enrollees have access to all medically necessary (including 
non- preferred) DME products or brands. The rules also say that a health plan must disclose to its enrollees, in 
clear accurate terms, the benefits offered under a plan, including applicable conditions and limitations 
associated with receipt or use of benefits. 
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. According to the EOC, the requested brand is not a preferred brand 
for the blood glucose test or reagent strips. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve 
the Freestyle Lite test strips.
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).  
You asked the Plan to pre-approve a CGM. You say that a CGM would help the enrollee. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says the medical criteria for a CGM have not been met. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that therapeutic CGMs are considered medically 
reasonable and necessary when prescribed in accordance with their FDA indications for enrollees with diabetes 
who are insulin treated or who have a history of problematic hypoglycemia, and have had an in-person visit 
with their treating physician to evaluate their diabetes control and determine whether the criteria for coverage 
have been met. 
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. The documentation indicates that the enrollee does not use insulin. 
Based on this information, we decided that Medicare rules for coverage of a CGM have not been met. 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a FreeStyle Libre 14 continuous glucose monitor 
(CGM). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the FreeStyle Libre 14 CGM. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says a 
CGM is not covered under Medicare if the member is not on insulin or does not have documentation of 
recurrent problematic hypoglycemia. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that therapeutic CGMs are considered medically 
reasonable and necessary when prescribed in accordance with their FDA indications for enrollees with diabetes 
who are insulin treated or who have a history of problematic hypoglycemia, and have had an in-person visit 
with their treating physician to evaluate their diabetes control and determine whether the criteria for coverage 
have been met. 
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. The documentation indicates that the enrollee does not use insulin or 
have a history of problematic hypoglycemia. Based on this information, we decided that Medicare rules for 
coverage of the FreeStyle Libre 14 CGM have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have 
to pre-approve a FreeStyle Libre 14 continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the CGM. You say that the services should be covered as the enrollee 
disagrees with the denial. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the services denied correctly as the 
enrollee does not meet the clinical requirements to be approved. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that therapeutic CGMs are considered medically 
reasonable and necessary when prescribed in accordance with their FDA indications for enrollees with diabetes 
who are insulin treated or who have a history of problematic hypoglycemia, and have had an in-person visit 
with their treating physician to evaluate their diabetes control and determine whether the criteria for coverage 
have been met. 
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. The documentation indicates that the enrollee does not have diabetes, 
use insulin or have a history of problematic hypoglycemia, had an in-person visit with their treating physician 
to evaluate their diabetes control and to determine whether the criteria for coverage have been met.  Based on 
this information, we decided that Medicare rules for coverage of the CGM have not been met. Therefore, we 
decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) (A4239). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the CGM. You say that the items should be covered as the enrollee 
disagrees with the denial. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the items denied correctly as the 
enrollee does not meet the clinical requirements to be approved. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that therapeutic CGMs are considered medically 
reasonable and necessary when prescribed in accordance with their FDA indications for enrollees with diabetes 
who are insulin treated or who have a history of problematic hypoglycemia, and have had an in-person visit 
with their treating physician to evaluate their diabetes control and determine whether the criteria for coverage 
have been met. 
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. The documentation indicates that the enrollee does not have diabetes, 
use insulin or have a history of problematic hypoglycemia, had an in-person visit with their treating physician 
to evaluate their diabetes control and to determine whether the criteria for coverage have been met.  Based on 
this information, we decided that Medicare rules for coverage of the CGM have not been met. Therefore, we 
decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) (A4239).
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve the supply allowance for a continuous glucose monitor 
(CGM). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the supply allowance for the CGM. You say that an exception should be 
made so the enrollee can control their diabetes better. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the 
Medicare criteria was not met. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that therapeutic CGMs are considered medically 
reasonable and necessary when prescribed in accordance with their FDA indications for enrollees with diabetes 
who are insulin treated or who have a history of problematic hypoglycemia and have had an in-person visit 
with their treating physician to evaluate their diabetes control and determine whether the criteria for coverage 
have been met. 
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. Specifically, the documentation from the enrollees physician 
indicates that the enrollee does not use insulin or have a history of problematic hypoglycemia. Based on this 
information, we decided that Medicare rules for coverage of the supply allowance for the CGM have not been 
met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve the supply allowance for a continuous 
glucose monitor (CGM).
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve contour next test strips. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the test strips. You say that the items should be covered as the enrollee 
disagrees with the denial. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the items denied correctly as the 
enrollee does not meet the clinical requirements to be approved. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that plans may specify brands and manufacturers as 
preferred and charge lower cost-sharing for the preferred brands or may limit the DME to only those preferred 
brands and manufacturers. Plans must ensure that enrollees have access to all medically necessary (including 
non- preferred) DME products or brands. The rules also say that a health plan must disclose to its enrollees, in 
clear accurate terms, the benefits offered under a plan, including applicable conditions and limitations 
associated with receipt or use of benefits. 
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. According to the EOC, the requested brand is not a preferred brand 
for the test strips. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve contour next test strips.
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). You asked the Plan to pre-approve the CGM. You say that the enrollee needs the CGM due to the inability to 
work application on the phone and the enrollee can monitor their blood sugar. The Plan denied your request. 
The Plan says the Medicare criteria was not met. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. Medicare rules say that therapeutic CGMs are considered medically 
reasonable and necessary when prescribed in accordance with their FDA indications for enrollees with diabetes 
who are insulin treated or who have a history of problematic hypoglycemia and have had an in-person visit 
with their treating physician to evaluate their diabetes control and determine whether the criteria for coverage 
have been met. 
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. Specifically, the documentation signed by the enrollees physician 
indicates that the enrollee does not use insulin or have a history of problematic hypoglycemia. Based on this 
information, we decided that Medicare rules for coverage of the CGM have not been met. Therefore, we 
decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
Appeal type: Inpatient Hospital
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a hospital readmission. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve the requested services. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the 
admission is linked to the prior admission. 
 
The Plan follows Medicare Rules. Medicare rules say that inpatient readmission is covered when medically 
necessary, and if the readmission did not result from a premature discharge from the same hospital. 
 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 requested services. Our physician 
reviewer found that the enrollee was previously admitted on June 7, 2023, to the hospital with report of chronic 
recurrent nausea/vomiting with abdominal pain since gastric bypass surgery 8 months prior. The workup was 
unremarkable. The enrollee was treated with intravenous medications, fluids, and clear liquid diet. On the 
discharge day she was tolerating diet. The enrollee presented again to the hospital on June 26, 2023, with the 
same symptoms. The workup was again unremarkable. Based on the enrollee having recently been admitted for 
the exact same chronic symptoms which without a definitive treatment planned to prevent her symptoms from 
recurring, the second admission should be combined with the first one. A second admission is not medically 
necessary. The records do not show that the enrollee was prematurely discharged without a definitive clinical 
plan to prevent readmission. Therefore, the request is not medically necessary. 
 
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 requested services have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan 
does not have to pre-approve a hospital readmission.
Appeal type: Supplemental Benefit
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for an additional extraction (D7140) provided on January 10, 
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 January 10, 2023. 
Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to pay for an additional extraction (D7140) provided on 
January 10, 2023.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for the office visit (99203) provided on April 26, 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 26, 2023.