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Diag/ MD Eval denials: what the review data shows
Independent reviewers have decided 776 published cases where an insurer denied diag/ md eval — and they overturned the insurer 47.7% of the time. If your denial is in this category, the odds say: appeal.
Published decisions
776
2001–2026
Overturned
47.7%
370 denials reversed
By denial reason
The excuse on the letter changes the odds — and the counter-strategy.
| Denial reason | Decisions | Overturned |
|---|---|---|
| medical necessity | 734 | 49.7% |
| experimental / investigational | 34 | 11.8% |
Within this category
Subcategories with at least 15 published decisions.
| Subcategory | Decisions | Overturned |
|---|---|---|
| SCP Consult Refer | 348 | 59.2% |
| OON Referral | 183 | 27.3% |
| Other | 132 | 51.5% |
| Ongoing OON Tx | 57 | 36.8% |
| Req 2nd Opin/OON | 28 | 46.4% |
| Referral out of MG | 17 | 29.4% |
How to use this in your appeal
These are outcomes from California’s external review program — an independent physician panel that binds the insurer. Every state has an equivalent process, and internal appeals succeed even more often. Cite the category outcome when you appeal: reviewers routinely find that denials like yours didn’t hold up.
SOURCE: CALIFORNIA DMHC INDEPENDENT MEDICAL REVIEW OUTCOMES (CHHS OPEN DATA) · DERIVED AGGREGATE STATISTICS ONLY · METHODOLOGY
Not legal or medical advice. Coverage Rights is a self-help tool that helps you prepare your own appeal. For advice about your specific situation, talk to a licensed attorney or your doctor.