Sec. 15. (a) An independent review organization shall:
(1) for an expedited external grievance filed under section 13(a)(2)(A) of this chapter, within seventy-two (72) hours after the external grievance is filed; or
(2) for a standard external grievance filed under section 13(a)(2)(B) of this chapter, within fifteen (15) business days after the external grievance is filed;
make a determination to uphold or reverse the insurer's appeal resolution under IC 27-8-28-17 based on information gathered from the covered individual or the covered individual's designee, the insurer, and the treating health care provider, and any additional information that the independent review organization considers necessary and appropriate.
(b) When making the determination under this section, the independent review organization shall apply:
(1) standards of decision making that are based on objective clinical evidence; and
(2) the terms of the covered individual's accident and sickness insurance policy.
(c) In an external grievance described in section 12(1)(D) of this chapter, the insurer bears the burden of proving that the insurer properly denied coverage for a condition, complication, service, or treatment because the condition, complication, service, or treatment is directly related to a condition for which coverage has been waived under IC 27-8-5-2.5(e) (expired July 1, 2007, and removed) or IC 27-8-5-19.2 (expired July 1, 2007, and repealed).
(d) The independent review organization shall notify the insurer and the covered individual of the determination made under this section:
(1) for an expedited external grievance filed under section 13(a)(2)(A) of this chapter, within seventy-two (72) hours after the external grievance is filed; and
(2) for a standard external grievance filed under section 13(a)(2)(B) of this chapter, within seventy-two (72) hours after making the determination.
As added by P.L.66-2001, SEC.3 and P.L.203-2001, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.211-2003, SEC.9; P.L.3-2008, SEC.218; P.L.81-2012, SEC.37; P.L.72-2016, SEC.21.
Structure Indiana Code
Article 8. Life, Accident, and Health
Chapter 29. External Review of Grievances
27-8-29-1. "Accident and Sickness Insurance Policy" Defined
27-8-29-3. "Commissioner" Defined
27-8-29-4. "Covered Individual" Defined
27-8-29-5. "Department" Defined
27-8-29-6. "External Grievance" Defined
27-8-29-7. "Grievance" Defined
27-8-29-8. "Grievance Procedure" Defined
27-8-29-9. "Health Care Provider" Defined
27-8-29-12. Insurer to Establish External Grievance Procedures
27-8-29-13. Requirements for External Grievance Procedure; Independent Review Organizations
27-8-29-14. Rights of Individuals Who File Grievances
27-8-29-15. Independent Review Organizations; Determinations
27-8-29-15.5. Information From Independent Review Organization
27-8-29-16. Binding Determinations
27-8-29-17. Reconsideration of Resolution by Insurer
27-8-29-18. Applicability of Chapter
27-8-29-19. Annual Certifications of Independent Review Organizations
27-8-29-20. Documents of Review Organizations
27-8-29-21. Filing Description of Grievance Procedure
27-8-29-22. Immunity From Civil Liability; Work Product or Determination