Which term is used to describe the first level of appeal in Medicare claims?

• A. Redetermination
• B. Reconsideration
• C. RAC
• D. Qui tam

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is the sequence of Medicare claim appeals, starting with the first level of formal review. Redetermination is the initial appeal you pursue after a claim denial, and it is conducted by the Medicare Administrative Contractor. This step re-examines the original decision, focusing on the facts and Medicare rules, and it results in a new, written determination. If you disagree with the redetermination, you can move to the next level, such as reconsideration, before proceeding to higher levels like an Administrative Law Judge hearing. The other terms don’t describe the first appeal level: RAC refers to a Recovery Audit Contractor that looks for improper payments, and qui tam relates to whistleblower actions under the False Claims Act. Reconsideration is the next stage, not the first.