(a) General rules.
(1)
A provider or practitioner dissatisfied with a change to the diagnostic or procedural coding information made by a QIO as a result of DRG validation under section 1866(a)(1)(F) of the Act is entitled to a review of that change if—
(i)
The change caused an assignment of a different DRG; and
(ii)
Resulted in a lower payment.
(2)
A beneficiary may obtain a review of a QIO DRG coding change only if that change results in noncoverage of a furnished service.
(3)
The individual who reviews changes in DRG procedural or diagnostic information must be a physician, and the individual who reviews changes in DRG coding must be qualified through training and experience with ICD-9-CM coding.
(b) Procedures.
Procedures described in §§ 473.18 through 473.36, and 473.48 (a) and (c) for a QIO reconsideration or reopening also apply to QIO review of a DRG coding change.
(c) Finality of review.
No additional review or appeal for matters governed by paragraph (a) of this section is available.
[50 FR 15372, Apr. 17, 1985; 50 FR 41887, Oct. 16, 1985. Redesignated at 64 FR 66279, Nov. 24, 1999]