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. 
 
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 & 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 pages 65 of the 2024 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 plans may choose the networks of providers available to enrollees and may require enrollees 
to obtain authorization before receiving services. You can find this rule at 42 CFR Section 422.112(a) and in 
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Internet Only Manual, Publication 100-16, Medicare 
Managed Care Manual, Chapter 1, Section 20.2. 
 
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(s) 40-43 of the Plan's 
2023 Schedule of Cost Sharing.
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 will not pay for dental services. Dental services are items and services involving 
the care, treatment, filling, removal or replacement of teeth or structures directly supporting the teeth. Medicare 
defines "structures directly supporting the teeth" as the periodontium, which includes the gingivae, 
dentogingival junction, periodontal membrane, cementum of the teeth, and alveolar process. You can find this 
rule in the Social Security Act, Section 1862(a)(12) and in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 
Internet Only Manual, Publication 100-02, Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15, Section 150. 
 
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 covers certain dental services as a supplemental (extra) benefit. Enrollees pay a $0 copay up 
to the $2000 allowance for all covered dental services. You pay 100% of the charges beyond the $2,000 
allowance or if you exceed a service limit. You can find this information on pages 64-65 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 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 one to two levels, either unilateral or bilateral, are allowed per session per spine region. The 
need for a three or four-level procedure bilaterally may be considered under unique circumstances and with 
sufficient documentation of medical necessity on appeal. A session is a time period, which includes all 
procedures (i.e., medial branch block (MBB), intraarticular injections (IA), facet cyst ruptures, and 
radiofrequency ablations (RFA) that are performed during the same day.  
 
The rules say that General anesthesia is considered not reasonable and necessary for facet joint interventions. 
Neither conscious sedation nor monitored anesthesia care (MAC) is routinely necessary for intraarticular facet 
joint injections or medial branch blocks and are not routinely reimbursable. Individual consideration may be 
given on redetermination (appeal) for payment in rare, unique circumstances if the medical necessity of 
sedation is unequivocal and clearly documented in the medical record.  
 
You can find this information in the Local coverage Determination (LCD) L38765: Facet Joint Interventions 
for Pain Management. 
 
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 spinal fusion should only be considered as a last step in the treatment of chronic back pain 
and is not indicated for most persons suffering from back pain. Lumbar spinal fusion surgery may be 
considered medically necessary and covered for the following indications:  
 
1. Lumbar spinal instability for ANY of the following indications when confirmed by appropriate diagnostic 
testing (e.g., radiographic imaging, biopsy, bone aspirate, bone scan and gallium scan): 
 
Acute spinal fracture 
Progressive or significant acute neurological impairment (e.g., increased weakness or bladder instability) 
Neural compression after spinal fracture 
Epidural compression or vertebral destruction from tumor or abscess 
Spinal tuberculosis 
Spinal debridement for infection (e.g., osteomyelitis) 
Spinal deformity (examples include but not limited to idiopathic scoliosis over 40 degrees, progressive 
degenerative scoliosis [including spinal levels from the cranial to caudal ends of the deformity and the adjacent 
normal segment], and sagittal plane deformity + sagittal balance over 10cm) 
2. Spinal stenosis for a single level (for example, L4-L5) with associated spondylolisthesis (see classifications 
below in section 3) or other documented evidence of instability (for example, facet joint instability [iatrogenic] 
related to decompression), AND symptoms of spinal claudication and radicular pain. The pain must represent a 
significant functional impairment despite a history of 3 months of conservative therapy (non-surgical medical 
management) as clinically appropriate addressing the following: 
 
Activity lifestyle modification 
Daily exercise 
Supervised physical therapy (PT) (activities of daily living [ADLs] diminished despite completing a plan of 
care) 
Anti-inflammatory medications, oral or injection therapy as appropriate, and analgesics 
 
You can find this information in the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) Lumbar Spinal Fusion for 
Instability and Degenerative Disc Conditions L33382. 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com.
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 a determination of the medical necessity for certain components/additions to the prosthesis 
is based on the beneficiarys potential functional abilities. Potential functional ability is based on the reasonable 
expectations of the prosthetist, and treating practitioner, considering factors including, but not limited to: 
 
The beneficiarys past history (including prior prosthetic use if applicable); and 
 
The beneficiarys current condition including the status of the residual limb and the nature of other medical 
problems; and 
 
The beneficiarys desire to ambulate. 
 
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. 
 
A microprocessor controlled ankle foot system (L5973), energy storing foot (L5976), dynamic response foot with multi-axial ankle (L5979), flex foot system (L5980), flex-walk system or equal (L5981), or shank foot 
system with vertical loading pylon (L5987) is covered for beneficiaries whose functional level is 3 or above. 
 
You can find this information in the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) Lower Limb Prostheses L33787. 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com.
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 will not pay for dental services. Dental services are items and services involving 
the care, treatment, filling, removal or replacement of teeth or structures directly supporting the teeth. Medicare 
defines "structures directly supporting the teeth" as the periodontium, which includes the gingivae, 
dentogingival junction, periodontal membrane, cementum of the teeth, and alveolar process. You can find this 
rule in the Social Security Act, Section 1862(a)(12) and in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 
Internet Only Manual, Publication 100-02, Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15, Section 150. 
 
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 covers certain dental services as a supplemental (extra) benefit. This benefit includes the 
panoramic radiographic image but is limited to one procedure code every 5 calendar years. This benefit does 
not include oral/facial photographic images or oral hygiene instructions. You can find this information on 
pages 73-81 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 Medicare will not pay for dental services. Dental services are items and services involving 
the care, treatment, filling, removal or replacement of teeth or structures directly supporting the teeth. Medicare 
defines "structures directly supporting the teeth" as the periodontium, which includes the gingivae, 
dentogingival junction, periodontal membrane, cementum of the teeth, and alveolar process. You can find this 
rule in the Social Security Act, Section 1862(a)(12) and in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 
Internet Only Manual, Publication 100-02, Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15, Section 150. 
 
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 covers certain dental services as a supplemental (extra) benefit. This benefit includes periodic 
oral exams, emergency diagnostic exams, bitewing x-ryas, periapical x-rays, occlusal x-rays, full mouth or 
panoramic x-ray, prophylaxis (cleaning), periodontal maintenance, fluoride, fillings, extractions, scaling, root 
canal, retreatment of previous root canal therapy, crowns, onlay, inlay, removable partial dentures, dentures 
oral surgery, denture adjustments, denture reline, denture repairs, tissue conditioning, occlusal adjustments, 
pain management, anesthesia, recementation of crowns and diagnostic services. You can find this information 
on pages 72 to 75of the Plans 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 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 services that are not medically necessary are not covered. The rules also say that 
experimental and investigational devices are not covered. You can find this rule at 42 CFR Sections 411.15 and 
411.15(o). 
 
The rules say that the following are examples of wound care items which are non-covered under the surgical 
dressing benefit because they do not meet the statutory definition of a dressing (not all-inclusive): Skin sealants 
or barriers (A6250). These dressings are noncovered under the surgical dressing benefit. You can find this rule 
in Local Coverage Article, Surgical Dressings - Policy Article A54563. 
 
The rules say that ostomy supplies are covered for use on a beneficiary with a surgically created opening 
(stoma) to divert urine, or fecal contents outside the body. Ostomy supplies are appropriately used for 
colostomies, ileostomies or urinary ostomies (see covered diagnosis codes below.) Use for other conditions will 
be denied as noncovered. Claims for tape and adhesive (A4450, A4452, A5120) that are billed without an AU modifier or another modifier indicating coverage under a different policy will be rejected as missing 
information. You can find the rules in Local Coverage Article, Ostomy Supplies - Policy Article A52487. 
 
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 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 it is not considered medically reasonable and necessary to perform caudal epidural steroid 
injections (ESIs) or ILESIs at more than one (1) level during the same session. You can find this information in 
the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) L33906:  Epidural Steroid Injections for Pain Management. 
 
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 a health plan must disclose to its enrollees in clear, accurate terms all cost sharing information 
(such as copayments, deductibles and coinsurance). You can find this rule at 42 CFR Section 422.111(a) and 
(b). 
 
The rules say that a copayment is a fixed amount charged to an enrollee on a per-service basis. The rules say 
that coinsurance is a fixed percentage of the total amount paid for a health care service that can be charged to 
an enrollee on a per-service basis. You can find this rule at 42 CFR Section 422.2. 
 
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 enrollees must pay a $50 copayment for emergency care. You can find this information on 
page(s) 60 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. 
 
The rules state that standard walker (E0130, E0135, E0141, E0143) and related accessories are covered if all of 
the following criteria (1-3) are met:  
 
1. The beneficiary has a mobility limitation that significantly impairs his/her ability to participate in one or 
more mobility-related activities of daily living (MRADL) in the home.  
2. The beneficiary is able to safely use the walker; and  
3. The functional mobility deficit can be sufficiently resolved with use of a walker. 
 
This information is found in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Walkers (L33791). 
 
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 Facet Joint Interventions are considered medically reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis 
and treatment of chronic pain in patients who meet ALL the following criteria: 
1. Moderate to severe chronic neck or low back pain, predominantly axial, that causes functional deficit 
measured on pain or disability scale 
2. Pain present for minimum of 3 months with documented failure to respond to noninvasive conservative 
management (as tolerated) 
3. Absence of untreated radiculopathy or neurogenic claudication (except for radiculopathy caused by 
facet joint synovial cyst) 
4. There is no non-facet pathology per clinical assessment or radiology studies that could explain the 
source of the patients pain, including but not limited to fracture, tumor, infection, or significant deformity. 
You can find this information in the Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Facet Joint Interventions for Pain 
Management (L35936). 
 
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 a health plan must disclose to its enrollees in clear, accurate terms all cost sharing information 
(such as copayments, deductibles and coinsurance). You can find this rule at 42 CFR Section 422.111(a) and 
(b). 
 
The rules say that a copayment is a fixed amount charged to an enrollee on a per-service basis. The rules say 
that coinsurance is a fixed percentage of the total amount paid for a health care service that can be charged to 
an enrollee on a per-service basis. You can find this rule at 42 CFR Section 422.2. 
 
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 enrollees must pay a $250 copayment for diagnostic radiology services, such as ultrasound, 
nuclear cardiac imaging, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, magnetic resonance (MRI), and CT scan. 
You can find this information on page(s) 91 of the Plan's 2023 Schedule of Cost Sharing.