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Utilization review process: The 2-midnight rule

The utilization review (UR) process is a required process to determine if the care a physician provides the patient is medically necessary and reimbursable by the payer source. While the exact definition of medical necessity varies amongst insurers and government agencies, section 1862 (a)(1)(a) of the Social Security Act provides the basic groundwork, stating, "Notwithstanding any other provisions of this tile, no payment may be made … for any expenses incurred for items or services, which are not reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member."

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