Expect big changes to Medicare appeals process

Article Overview

This article explains anticipated changes to the Medicare Part B appeals process under the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act (BIPA) of 2000. It is relevant to physicians, billing staff, and compliance professionals who follow Medicare claim denials, administrative review, and procedural updates from HCFA/CMS. The discussion focuses on the new independent review structure, appeal thresholds, shortened decision timeframes, and the rulemaking steps needed before the changes take effect.