Persius/hicric huggingface dataset:
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for the chest wall oscillation system provided on July 06, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the chest wall oscillation system. You say that you are requesting reconsideration 
of the denied claim. 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 the chest wall oscillation 
system provided on July 06, 2023.
Appeal type: Lab
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 87635 billed for May 15, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for these services. You say that you disagree with the denial. The Plan denied your 
request. The Plan says this claim is a duplicate of a previously paid claim and was correctly denied. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that claims or claim lines that have been determined to be 
exact duplicates of another claim or claim line are denied. However, such denials may be appealed. 
 
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. The file includes evidence that the items/services at issue were 
reimbursed by the Plan on July 11, 2023. Comparison of the two claims shows these are exact duplicates. There 
is no evidence presented to support that the billed items/services were provided twice on the same date. Based 
on this information, we decided that the Medicare rules for these services have not been met. Therefore, we 
decided that the Plan does not have to pay for procedure code 87635 billed for May 15, 2023.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for an office visit provided on March 21, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for an office visit. You say that you say that you were are unable to verify the 
authorization requirements due to time constraints. 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 March 21, 2023.
Appeal type: Lab
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for laboratory services provided on June 05, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for laboratory services. You say that the services were medically necessary. 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 laboratory services 
provided on June 05, 2023.
Appeal type: Testing
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to reduce the copayment for an in-network 
esophagogastroduodenoscopy  (EGD) with biopsy provided on May 31, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to reduce the copayment for an in-network esophagogastroduodenoscopy  (EGD) with 
biopsy. You say that you should only have to pay the $175 copayment for this procedure. 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 $390 
copayment for outpatient surgery in a hospital. 
 
You have been asked to pay a $390 copayment for an in-network esophagogastroduodenoscopy  (EGD) with 
biopsy. This item/service falls within the outpatient surgery in a hospital 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 reduce the copayment for an in-network esophagogastroduodenoscopy  (EGD) with biopsy 
provided on May 31, 2023.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for the office visit provided on June 27, 2023, by an OON 
provider.  
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the office visit. You say that you are appealing the denial with supporting 
documentation. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says this service was not authorized. 
 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 Plan contract also says that out-of-network 
physician/practitioner services are not covered. 
 
The requested provider in this case is not a network provider with the Plan. 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 the office visit provided on June 27, 2023, by an 
OON provider.
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a total electric hospital bed. 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve a total electric hospital bed. You say that the enrollee is bedridden and 
presents with chronic pain. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the requested item is not a covered 
benefit. 
 
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.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for the telehealth consultation provided on May 16, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the telehealth consultation. You say that you are requesting reconsideration of 
the denied claim. 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 the telehealth 
consultation provided on May 16, 2023.
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 LTACH admission is medically 
necessary. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the enrollee does not meet the criteria for LTACH 
admission. 
 
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's needs are currently being met at the acute care hospital. Transfer to 
LTACH would not offer any benefit. The enrollee does not demonstrate the need for >25 day stay, and their 
respiratory status is improving. LTACH is not medically reasonable or 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 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: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for an office visit and the vestibular function tests provided on 
June 19, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for an office visit and the vestibular function tests. You say that you are requesting 
reconsideration of the denied claim. 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 and the 
vestibular function tests provided on June 19, 2023.
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 enrollee needs physical and occupational 
therapy services to strengthen their legs. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says the enrollee does not 
meet the Medicare criteria for admission to a SNF. 
 
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 does not have daily skilled nursing needs that require the specialized 
skill, knowledge, and judgment of a skilled professional nurse. The enrollee does have daily skilled therapy 
needs that require the specialized skill, knowledge, and judgment of a skilled professional therapist. The 
enrollee does not require daily skilled nursing and 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: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for the subsequent nursing facility care and the nail debridement 
procedure provided on August 22, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the subsequent nursing facility care and the nail debridement procedure. You say 
that you are requesting reconsideration of the denied claim. 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 the subsequent nursing 
facility care and the nail debridement procedure provided on August 22, 2023.
Appeal type: Imaging
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to waive the copayment for an in-network chest x-ray provided on 
August 07, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to waive the copayment for an in-network chest x-ray. You say that you had to go back and 
forth in the emergency department, you feel you should not have to pay for this x-ray on top of that. 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 $45 
copayment for outpatient hospital services. 
 
You have been asked to pay a $45 copayment for an in-network chest x-ray. This item/service falls within the 
outpatient 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 chest x-ray provided on August 07, 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 LTACH care is necessary. The Plan 
denied your request. The Plan says LTACH care 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 enrollee does not require services at the LTACH that are not available at the acute 
care hospital. There are no services available at the LTACH that the enrollee requires that are not available at 
the health care setting being offered by the Plan. Given there are offered alternatives, a LTACH admission 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 LTACH services have not been met. Therefore, we decided that the Plan 
does not have to pre-approve LTACH services.
Appeal type: Lab
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for the laboratory service provided on May 23, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the laboratory service. You say that you are requesting reconsideration of the 
denied claim. 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 the laboratory service 
provided on May 23, 2023.
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for a pneumatic compression device (E0676) with appliance 
provided on April 26, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for a pneumatic compression device. You say that this was issued to the enrollee 
during surgery. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says this device is not covered in an ambulatory 
surgical center place of service. 
 
The Plan follows Medicare rules. The rules state that a PCD that provides intermittent limb compression for the 
purpose of prevention of venous thromboembolism (E0676) is a preventive service. The rules also say that a 
PCD coded as E0675 to treat peripheral arterial disease is not eligible for reimbursement.  
We looked at the file and Medicare rules. Based on this information we decided that Medicare rules for 
coverage of the PCD have not been met. Specifically, this item is not a covered benefit of Medicare or the Plan. 
PCDs are not covered for preventions of venous thromboembolism nor for treatment of peripheral artery 
disease, regardless of how they are billed on the claim. Therefore, we decided that the Plan does not have to 
pay for a pneumatic compression device (E0676) with appliance provided on April 26, 2023.
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pay for the office visit provided on March 10, 2023, by an out-of-
network (OON) provider.  
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the practitioner service. You say that this should be reprocessed and paid. The 
Plan denied your request. The Plan says 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.  
Although the enrollees plan has a Point of Service (POS) benefit, authorization is still required to see any out 
of network providers. The provider in this case is not a network provider with the Plan. 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 the office visit provided on March 
10, 2023, by an out-of-network (OON) provider.
Appeal type: DME/ Orthotics
Decision: Unfavorable

 
We decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a scooter lift (E1399). 
 
You asked the Plan to pre-approve a scooter lift. You say that you feel you really need this because without it 
you cannot get in your and cannot go anywhere. The Plan denied your request. The Plan says this item is not 
covered. 
 
The Plan must follow Medicare rules. The rules say that for equipment to be covered, it must primarily serve a 
medical purpose.   
 
The item at issue in this appeal does not serve a purpose that is primarily medical in nature. This item is 
available to the general public and would be helpful even to those who are not sick or injured. Therefore, we 
decided that the Plan does not have to pre-approve a scooter lift (E1399).
Appeal type: Practitioner Services
Decision: Favorable

 
We decided that the Plan has to pay for procedure code 36556 rendered on June 15, 2023. 
 
You asked the Plan to pay for the services. You say that this should be paid for. The Plan denied your request. 
The Plan says that Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 36556 (1 Unit) remains not supported. 
 
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 36556 is "Insertion of non-tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter; age 5 years or older." 
 
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 documentation supports that the 
services in question were rendered and appropriately coded. There is satisfactory documentation that a central 
line was placed via the internal jugular vein. There is satisfactory documentation that the line was placed 
centrally. As most central lines placed outside an endovascular suite are not placed under fluoroscopic 
guidance, the exact location of the tip cannot be documented, and it is not reasonable to require this 
information to justify billing. However, in this case, there is x-ray documentation of appropriate placement of 
the central line. 
 
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 
procedure code 36556 rendered on June 15, 2023.  
 
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.