Settlement Step-By-Step External Billing Dispute Procedure
Listed below are the steps to take to challenge a payment by Aetna or CIGNA which you believe violates your contract or that Settlement Agreement in connection with health plan's application of coding and payment rules or methodologies to patient-specific factual situations. This process does not apply to disputes over medical records submission requirements or Medical Necessity Denials. For these types of disputes, obtain the relevant dispute form and follow the instructions. Also, if your dispute involves a violation of Section 7.19 or 7.20 or other systemic issue, you may pursue your complaint as a Compliance Dispute .
How do I file a billing dispute?
- You must complete an External Billing Dispute Resolution Form ("Form") and submit the Form to the Billing Dispute External Review Board (BDERB):
HAYES Plus, Inc.
157 S. Broad Street, Suite 400
Lansdale, PA 19446
Phone: (215) 855-0615, Fax: (215) 855-5318
www.hayesplus.com
- Copies of the forms applicable to each Settlement and each dispute resolution process are also available at www.hmosettlements.com .
What are the prerequisites to filing?
When will the decision be made?
Dispute decisions must be rendered by the BDERB within 30 calendar days of receipt of all necessary documentation, which should generally be no later than 60 calendar days from the physician's original submission of claims satisfying the $500 threshold.
What happens when the BDERB issues a decision?
The decision of the BDERB is binding upon both the health plan and the physician.
- If the BDERB decides against the health plan, the physician or physician group must be paid within 15 calendar days of the decision.
The health plan will record, in writing, a summary of the results of the proceedings conducted by the BDERB.
If the same issue is the subject of 20 proceedings or more, and the health plan's position is overturned 50% of the time, the issue will be brought to the attention of the Physician Advisory Committee. (NOTE: The purpose of the Physician Advisory Committee is to provide input to the health plan on issues of common concern to physicians nationwide. The Committee includes nine (9) physician members who have authority to recommend changes to the health plan's business practices. A listing of the Physician Advisory Committee members for each Settlement is available at
www.hmosettlements.com .)
Why should I consider using this process?
- The dispute will be decided by certified coders and, as necessary, professionals in the clinical specialty or area at issue.
The BDERB will apply the Settlement terms, applicable contract terms that are consistent with the Settlement and "generally accepted medical billing standards" where these are silent. The Settlement incorporates state laws that are more protective of physicians' rights, so physicians retain the benefits of those laws.
The process is cheaper and faster than arbitration or litigation.
Do I have to use this process?
Last Updated On
September 30, 2010
Originally Published On
March 23, 2010