[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 42, Volume 3]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 42CFR476.93]

[Page 458]
 
                         TITLE 42--PUBLIC HEALTH
 
  CHAPTER IV--CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF 
                  HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED)
 
PART 476_UTILIZATION AND QUALITY CONTROL REVIEW--Table of Contents
 
  Subpart C_Review Responsibilities of Utilization and Quality Control 
                Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs)
 
Sec. 476.93  Opportunity to discuss proposed initial denial determination 
and changes as a result of a DRG validation.

    Before a QIO reaches an initial denial determination or makes a 
change as a result of a DRG validation, it must--
    (a) Promptly notify the provider or supplier and the patient's 
attending physician (or other attending health care practitioner) of the 
proposed determination or DRG change; and
    (b) Afford an opportunity for the provider or supplier and the 
physician (or other attending health care practitioner) to discuss the 
matter with the QIO physician advisor and to explain the nature of the 
patient's need for health care services, including all factors which 
preclude treatment of the patient as an outpatient or in an alternative 
level of inpatient care.