- Tip Sheet for Medicare Providers on First Level of Appeals (Redeterminations)
- Tip Sheet for Medicare Providers on First Level of Appeals (Redeterminations)
- Tip Sheet for Medicare Providers on First Level of Appeals (Redeterminations)
- About Appeals
- About Appeals
- About Appeals
- Reopening versus Redetermination
- Who May File an Appeal
- Who May File an Appeal
- Who May File an Appeal?
- Who May File an Appeal?
- Levels of Appeals and Time Limits for Filing
- What Documents are Needed
- What Documents are Needed
- MSP Overpayments
- Submit an Adjustment to Correct Claims Partially Denied by Automated LCD-NCD Denials
- What Documents are Needed
- Submit an Appeal Electronically with NGSConnex
- Submit an Appeal Electronically via esMD
- Initiate Part B Reopenings or Non-MSP Overpayment Adjustments in NGSConnex
- Submit an Appeal Electronically via esMD
- What Documents are Needed
- Submit an Appeal Electronically via esMD
- Get Help Submitting an Appeal Hard Copy
- Get Help Submitting an Appeal Hard Copy
- Get Help Submitting an Appeal Hard Copy
- Submit an Appeal Electronically with NGSConnex
- Submit an Appeal Electronically via esMD
- Get Help Submitting a Appeal Hard Copy
- How to Prevent Duplicate Appeal and Clerical Error Reopening Requests in NGSConnex
- How to Avoid Costly Appeals
About Appeals
Providers and beneficiaries have the right to appeal claim determinations made by National Government Services. The purpose of the appeals process is to ensure the correct adjudication of claims. Appeals activities conducted by National Government Services are governed by CMS.
First Level of Appeal (Redetermination) Processing Timeline
Per the CMS IOM Publication, Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 29 – Appeals of Claims Decisions, Section 310.5:
310.5 - The Redetermination Decision
(Rev. 3549, Issued: 06-24-16, Effective: 07-26-16, Implementation: 07-26-16)
A. Redetermination Decision Letters
The law requires contractors to conclude and mail and/or otherwise transmit the redetermination decision within 60 days of receipt of the appellant's request, as indicated in Section 310.4. For unfavorable redeterminations, the contractor mails the decision letter to the appellant, and mails copies to each party to the initial determination (or the party’s authorized representative and/or appointed representative, if applicable).
Because of the 60 day decision turnaround time allowed, NGS asks for your patience in waiting up to 60 days for an appeal decision to be made. Submitting duplicate appeal requests, either via paper or NGSConnex in an effort to speed up this process causes administrative delays and slow down the processing of your appeal.
Please keep in mind the 60 day turnaround NGS has to process your appeal. We appreciate your patience as we work diligently to process your Redeterminations.
- To appeal determinations resulting from minor errors, you should use the reopening process.
- For denials resulting from more complex issues, you must use a redetermination and the full appeals process.
Reopening versus Redetermination
Reopening
- Minor clerical errors
- Transposing numbers
- Entering the incorrect number of units
- Failing to include all pertinent medical diagnoses
Redetermination
- Coverage/medical necessity of furnished items and service
- Amount of the deductible and/or application of the coinsurance provision
- Physician certification requirement
- Determination with respect to the limitation of liability provision
- Issue(s) affecting the amount of benefits payable (including over/underpayments)
- Prepay/postpay probes
- CERT and RAC denials
Please share your thoughts about your experience with our redetermination process.
Helpful Resources
Log Into NGSConnex
Appeals Timeline Calculator
YouTube Video: Holistic Approach to Avoiding Administrative Burden
Form(s) you'll need: