Persius/hicric huggingface dataset:
Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
Varicose veins are caused by venous insufficiency as a result of valve reflux (incompetence). The venous 
insufficiency results in dilated, tortuous, superficial vessels that protrude from the skin of the lower extremities. 
Spider veins (telangiectases) are dilated capillary veins that are most often treated for cosmetic purposes.  
The accepted treatments for eliminating saphenous (great saphenous vein (GSV), anterior accessory GSV 
(AAGSV), small saphenous vein (SSV)) reflux (saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal) are radiofrequency 
ablation (RFA), laser ablation (EVLA), polidocanol microfoam (PEM), cyanoacrylate embolization (CAE) 
ablation, and mechanochemical ablation (MOCA). Coverage is only for devices with FDA approval or 
clearance consistent with saphenous ablation and used according to its approved instructions for use (IFU). 
RFA and EVLA are classified as thermal tumescent (TT) techniques; PEM, CAE and MOCA are non-thermal 
non-tumescent (NTNT) techniques. Each endovenous ablation approach has advantages and disadvantages; 
which one is best depends on the unique clinical/anatomical scenario. While saphenous vein ligation and 
stripping remains an important option in selected cases, it has been largely supplanted by endovenous ablation 
therapy as primary treatment of saphenous (axial/truncal) vein incompetence. The treatments to eliminate the 
saphenous vein reflux will be considered medically necessary if the patient remains symptomatic after a six-
week trial of conservative therapy and has reflux in a saphenous vein. 
 
The treatments for symptomatic varicose tributaries are either compressive sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy. 
The treatments of the tributary veins will be considered medically necessary if saphenous reflux is not present 
or already successfully eliminated, the veins are greater than 4 mm in diameter and if the patient remains 
symptomatic after a six-week trial of conservative therapy.   
 
You can find this rule in the Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Treatment of Varicose Veins of the Lower 
Extremity (L33575). 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules.
Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules say that cosmetic surgery and related services, except as required for the prompt repair of accidental 
injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member, is not covered. You can find this rule at 42 
CFR Section 411.15(h). 
 
The rules say that medically necessary services are those that are reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or 
treatment of an illness or injury. Medically necessary services include services to improve the functioning of a 
malformed body member. You can find this rule in the Social Security Act, Section 1862(a)(1)(A). 
 
The rules say that abdominal lipectomy/panniculectomy is surgical removal of excessive fat and skin from the 
abdomen. When surgery is performed to alleviate such complicating factors as inability to walk normally, 
chronic pain, ulceration created by the abdominal skin fold, or intertrigal dermatitis, and the above symptoms 
have been present for at least three months and are refractory to usual standard medical therapy, such surgery 
may be considered reconstructive. Preoperative photographs may be required to support justification and 
should be supplied upon request. You can find this information in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 
Services, Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Plastic Surgery (L35163). 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules.
Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules say that Medicare may cover a drug or biological if it is safe and effective and otherwise reasonable 
and necessary. You can find this rule in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Internet Only 
Manual, Publication 100-02, Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15, Section 50.4.1. 
  
Medicare rules also allow the plan to use step therapy. This is the process of beginning drug therapy for a 
medical condition with "preferred" (or more cost-effective) on-formulary drug alternative(s) and progressing to 
other drug therapies only as necessary. A plan must grant an exception to its step therapy rules if it determines 
that the requested drug is medically necessary, consistent with the prescriber's statement. The statement must 
show that the step therapy drugs: have been ineffective in treating the enrollee; or are likely to be ineffective or 
adversely affect the drug's effectiveness or patient compliance; or are likely to cause an adverse reaction or 
other harm to the enrollee.  
 
Medicare Advantage plans should ensure that new step therapy requirements do not disrupt ongoing Part B 
drug therapies for enrollees. Step therapy may only be applied to new prescriptions or administrations of Part B 
drugs for enrollees that are not actively receiving the affected medication. You can find this information at 42 
CFR Sections 422.2 and 422.136. 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules. The contract 
says that the Plan has step therapy requirements for certain Medicare Part B covered drugs/biologicals. 
Enrollees may be required to try a preferred drug before the Plan will approve the requested medication. You 
can find this information on page 75 of the Plan's 2023 Evidence of Coverage.
Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
Certain cardiac event monitors capture electrical activity with a single electrode attached to the skin. Other 
devices may employ multiple electrodes in order to record more complex electrocardiogram (EKG) tracings. 
Additionally, devices may be individually programmed to detect patient-specific factors, electrode malfunction, 
or other factors. Cardiac event monitors can be further categorized as either pre-event or post-event 
recorders, based on their memory capabilities: 
 
a. Pre-symptom Memory Loop Recorder (MLR) 
 
Upon detecting symptoms, the wearer presses a button, which activates the recorder to save (i.e., memorize) an 
interval of pre-symptom EKG data along with data during and subsequent to the symptomatic event. Self-
sensing recorders (also known as event-activated or automatic trigger) do not require patient input to capture 
these data. Single or multiple events may be recorded. The device is worn at all times, usually for up to 30 
days. 
 
o Implantable (or Insertable Loop) Recorder (ILR) 
 
Another type of pre-symptom MLR, it is implanted subcutaneously in a patients upper left chest and may 
remain implanted for many months. An ILR is used when syncope is thought to be cardiac-related but is too 
infrequent to be detected by either a HolterTM monitor or a traditional pre-symptom MLR. 
 
You can find this rule in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Internet Only Manual, Publication 
100-03, Medicare National Coverage Determinations Manual, Section 20.15. 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules.
Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules say that a Medicare plan may restrict members to a network of providers as long as medically 
necessary covered care is accessible and available through this network. The rules say that the Plan must 
arrange for and cover any medically necessary covered benefit of the plan provider network, but at in-network 
cost sharing, when an in-network provider or benefit is unavailable or inadequate to meet a member's medical 
needs. You can find this rule at 42 CFR Section 422.112(a)(1)(iii). 
 
The rules say that TENS is covered for chronic, intractable pain other than chronic low back pain when all of 
the following criteria must be met:  
 The presumed etiology of the pain must be a type that is accepted as responding to TENS therapy. 
Examples of conditions for which TENS therapy is not considered to be reasonable and necessary are 
(not all-inclusive):  
o headache 
o visceral abdominal pain 
o pelvic pain 
o temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain 
 The pain must have been present for at least three months. 
 Other appropriate treatment modalities must have been tried and failed. 
TENS therapy for chronic pain that does not meet these criteria will be denied as not reasonable and necessary. 
You can find this rule in Local Coverage Determination (LCD) Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators 
(TENS) L33802. 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules. The Plan 
contract says that, with limited exceptions, members of the Plan must use network providers to get medical care 
and services. The only exceptions are emergencies, urgently needed care when the network is not available 
(generally, when the enrollee is out of the area), out-of-area dialysis services, and cases in which the Plan authorizes the use of out-of-network providers. You can find this information on page 21 of the Plan's 2023 
Evidence of Coverage (EOC).
Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules say that clinical assessments of beneficiary rehabilitation potential must be based on the following 
classification levels: 
 
Level 0: Does not have the ability or potential to ambulate or transfer safely with or without assistance and a 
prosthesis does not enhance their quality of life or mobility. 
Level 1: Has the ability or potential to use a prosthesis for transfers or ambulation on level surfaces at fixed 
cadence. Typical of the limited and unlimited household ambulator. 
Level 2: Has the ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse low level environmental barriers 
such as curbs, stairs or uneven surfaces. Typical of the limited community ambulator. 
Level 3: Has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence. Typical of the community ambulator 
who has the ability to traverse most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic, or exercise 
activity that demands prosthetic utilization beyond simple locomotion. 
Level 4: Has the ability or potential for prosthetic ambulation that exceeds basic ambulation skills, exhibiting 
high impact, stress, or energy levels. Typical of the prosthetic demands of the child, active adult, or athlete. 
 
The records must document the beneficiarys current functional capabilities and his/her expected functional 
potential, including an explanation for the difference, if that is the case. It is recognized, within the functional 
classification hierarchy, that bilateral amputees often cannot be strictly bound by functional level 
classifications. 
 
A flex-walk system or equal (L5981) is covered for beneficiaries whose functional level is 3 or above. 
L5968 describes a product that is used as an addition to L-code foot systems for lower limb prosthesis 
construction. The product provides multiaxial motion in the coronal and sagittal plane from articulating 
components. At transition of stance phase to swing phase, the product will increase the ankles dorsiflexion 
angle and maintain it throughout swing phase.  
 
Code L5968 describes separate products which provide either a single motion or a combination of motions 
generally attributed to functional movement of the lower limb during ambulation. The use of these codes can 
be used to fully describe additional features or functions not found in the prosthetic foot system (L5981). 
 
You can find this rule in the Local Coverage Determination and Article for Lower Limb Prostheses, L33787 
and A52496. 
 If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules.
Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules say that, to be recognized as a waived test, some CLIA waived tests have unique HCPCS procedure 
codes and some must have a QW modifier included with the HCPCS code. You can find this rule in the 
Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 16, Section 70.8. 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules.
Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules say PVA (percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or kyphoplasty (PKP)) is covered in patients 
with BOTH the following: 
1. Inclusion criteria (ALL are required): 
a. Acute (< 6 weeks) or subacute (6-12 weeks) osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (VCF) 
(T1  L5), based on symptom onset, and documented by advanced imaging (bone marrow 
edema on magnetic resonance imaging or bone-scan/single photon emission computed 
tomography/ uptake)  
b. Symptomatic (ONE): 
1. Hospitalized with severe pain (Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) or Visual Analog Scale 
(VAS) pain score  8) 
2. Non-hospitalized with moderate to severe pain (NRS or VAS 5) despite optimal non-
surgical management (NSM) (ONE): 
1. Worsening pain 
2. Stable to improved pain (but NRS or VAS still 5) (with  2 of the following): 
A. Progression of vertebral body height loss 
B. > 25% vertebral body height reduction 
C. Kyphotic deformity 
D. Severe impact of VCF on daily functioning (Roland Morris Disability 
Questionnaire (RDQ) >17 
c. Continuum of care (Both)  
1. All patients presenting with VCF should be referred for evaluation of bone mineral 
density (BMD) and osteoporosis education for subsequent treatment as indicated. 
2. All patients with VCF should be instructed to take part in an osteoporosis 
prevention/treatment program. 
2. Exclusion criteria (Can have NONE of the following):   
a. Absolute contraindication 
1. Current back pain is not primarily due to the identified acute or subacute VCF(s). 
2. Osteomyelitis, discitis, active systemic or surgical site infection 
3. Pregnancy b. Relative contraindication 
1. Greater than three vertebral fractures per procedure 
2. Allergy to bone cement or opacification agents 
3. Uncorrected coagulopathy 
4. Spinal instability 
5. Myelopathy from the fracture 
6. Neurologic deficit 
7. Neural impingement 
8. Fracture retropulsion/canal compromise 
 
You can find this information in the Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Percutaneous Vertebral 
Augmentation (PVA) for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF) (L33569). 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules.
Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules say that a Medicare plan may restrict members to a network of providers as long as medically 
necessary covered care is accessible and available through this network. The rules say that the Plan must 
arrange for and cover any medically necessary covered benefit of the plan provider network, but at in-network 
cost sharing, when an in-network provider or benefit is unavailable or inadequate to meet a member's medical 
needs. You can find this rule at 42 CFR Section 422.112(a)(1)(iii). 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules. The Plan 
contract says that, with limited exceptions, members of the Plan must use network providers to get medical care 
and services. The only exceptions are emergencies, urgently needed care when the network is not available 
(generally, when the enrollee is out of the area), out-of-area dialysis services, and cases in which the Plan 
authorizes the use of out-of-network providers. You can find this information on page 22 in the Plan's 2023 
Evidence of Coverage.
Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
Certain cardiac event monitors capture electrical activity with a single electrode attached to the skin. Other 
devices may employ multiple electrodes in order to record more complex electrocardiogram (EKG) tracings. 
Additionally, devices may be individually programmed to detect patient-specific factors, electrode malfunction, 
or other factors. Cardiac event monitors can be further categorized as either pre-event or post-event 
recorders, based on their memory capabilities: 
  
a. Pre-symptom Memory Loop Recorder (MLR) 
  
Upon detecting symptoms, the wearer presses a button, which activates the recorder to save (i.e., memorize) an 
interval of pre-symptom EKG data along with data during and subsequent to the symptomatic event. Self-
sensing recorders (also known as event-activated or automatic trigger) do not require patient input to capture 
these data. Single or multiple events may be recorded. The device is worn at all times, usually for up to 30 
days. 
  
o Implantable (or Insertable Loop) Recorder (ILR) 
  
Another type of pre-symptom MLR, it is implanted subcutaneously in a patients upper left chest and may 
remain implanted for many months. An ILR is used when syncope is thought to be cardiac-related but is too 
infrequent to be detected by either a HolterTM monitor or a traditional pre-symptom MLR. 
  
You can find this rule in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Internet Only Manual, Publication 
100-03, Medicare National Coverage Determinations Manual, Section 20.15. 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules.
Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules state that an expandable controller is capable of accommodating one or more of the following 
additional functions: 
1. Other types of proportional input devices (e.g., mini-proportional or compact joysticks, touchpads, chin 
control, head control, etc.) 
2. Non-proportional input devices (e.g., sip and puff, head array, etc.) 
3. Operate 3 or more powered seating actuators through the drive control. (Note: Control of the power seating 
actuators though the Control Input Device would require the use of an additional component, E2310 or E2311.) 
 
An expandable controller may also be able to operate one or more of the following: 
1. A separate display (i.e., for alternate control devices) 
2. Other electronic devices (e.g., control of an augmentative speech device or computer through the chair's 
drive control) 
3. An attendant control 
You can find these rules in the Local Coverage Article for Wheelchair Options/Accessories - Policy Article, 
A52504. 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules.
Appeal type: unknown
Decision: unknown

 
The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules say that L5925, L5930, L5845, L5848, L5850, L5856, L5857, L5858, L5859 are additional features 
and/or functions that do not describe a complete endoskeletal knee-shin system and must be used in 
combination with an L-code for a knee-shin system (L5610, L5611, L5613, L5616, L5810, L5811, L5812, 
L5814, L5816, L5818, L5822, L5824, L5826, L5828, L5830, L5840). The use of additional feature L-codes 
may also depend on the assigned K-Level modifier (K0-K4), as referenced in the Local Coverage 
Determination (LCD). You can find this information in the Local Coverage Article (LCA): Lower Limb 
Prostheses - Policy Article (A52496). 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com.