Leaving No Stone Unturned: Factors Associated With Overturning Insurance Claim Denials for Urological Conditions in New York State

Abstract

Denied health claims in New York State may be appealed by external review. After appeal, the denial can either be upheld or overturned. Regardless, an appeal process results in delays in care and can negatively impact patient health and practice efficiency. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of New York State urological external appeals and assess factors associated with successful appeals. The New York State External Appeals database was queried for 2019-2021 urological cases (N=408). Patient age, gender, decision year, appeal reason, diagnosis, treatment, and reference to American Urological Association were extracted. Annual appeal volume was analyzed by linear regression. Relationships between appeal outcomes and characteristics were analyzed by χ2 tests. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors related to overturns. Overall, 39.5% of denials in this data set were overturned. Appeal volume increased annually, with overturned cases increasing 244% (mean 29.5, P = .068). Of reviewers, 15.6% referenced American Urological Association guidelines in their decision. Appeals mostly involved ages 40-59 years (32.4%), inpatient stays (63.5%), and infections (32.4%). Female sex, age 80+, diagnosis of incontinence/lower urinary tract symptoms, treatment with home health care, medications, or surgical services, and not referencing American Urological Association guidelines were significantly associated with successful appeal. Referencing American Urological Association guidelines had 70% decreased odds of overturning denials. Our findings suggest that upon appeal of denied claims, practices may have a high chance of overturning an initial denial and this trend is rising. These findings will help serve as a reference for future external appeals research and urology policy and advocacy groups.