DENC_instructions_2024_

Notice Instructions for the Detailed Explanation of Non-Coverage (DENC)

CMS-10124

A Medicare provider/plan (Medicare Advantage plans and cost plans, collectively referred to as “plans”) must deliver a completed copy of this notice to beneficiaries/enrollees receiving covered skilled nursing, home health, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility, and hospice services upon notice from the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) that the beneficiary/enrollee has appealed the termination of services in these settings. The DENC must be provided no later than close of business of the day of the QIO’s notification.

Providers/plans completing this notice must use complete sentences written in plain English, understandable to beneficiaries/enrollees.

Alterations to the DENC: Providers/plans may include their business logo and contact information on the top of the DENC. Text may not be moved to a second page to accommodate large logos, address headers, etc.

Heading: Insert contact information here. The name, address and telephone number of the provider or plan that delivers the notice must appear above the title of the form. The entity’s registered logo is not required but may be used.

Date: Fill in the date the notice is generated by the provider or plan.

Patient Name: Fill in the beneficiary’s/enrollee’s first and last name.

Member number: Fill in the beneficiary’s/enrollee’s medical record or identification number. The beneficiary’s/enrollee’s MBI number must not be used.

{Insert type}: Insert the kind of service being terminated, i.e., skilled nursing, home health, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation service, or hospice.

Bullet # 1: The facts used to make this decision: Fill in the patient specific information that describes the current functioning and progress of the beneficiary/enrollee with respect to the services being provided.

Bullet # 2: The detailed explanation of why the services are no longer covered. Fill in the detailed and specific reasons why services are either no longer reasonable or necessary for the beneficiary/enrollee or are no longer covered according to the Medicare guidelines. Describe how the beneficiary/enrollee does not meet these

guidelines.

Bullet # 3: (plans only) Specify the plan policy used in the decision if the notice is delivered to a health plan enrollee: Fill in the reasons services are no longer covered according to the plan’s policy guidelines, if applicable. Describe how the enrollee does not meet these guidelines. If the plan relied exclusively on Medicare coverage guidelines, please explain that here.

Special instructions for repeat appeals within the same episode of care:

If the enrollee has previously received a favorable QIO appeal decision during the current episode of care, detail the specific change(s) in the enrollee’s condition since the previous appeal that provide the basis for this decision to terminate services.

If the beneficiary/enrollee would like a copy of the policy: If the plan has not provided the Medicare guidelines or policy used to decide the termination date, inform the beneficiary/enrollee how and where to obtain the policy. Provide a telephone number for beneficiaries/enrollees to get a copy of the relevant documents sent to the QIO.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0938–0953. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 1.25 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: CMS, 7500 Security Boulevard, Attention: PRA Reports Clearance Officer, Mail Stop C4-26-05, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.

Form Instructions CMS-10124-DENC

OMB Approval No. 0938-0953