Inside Claims: Decoding the Appeals Process

Strategic insights into medical insurance mechanics, denial patterns, and the framework for successful appeals.

Most people view an insurance denial as a final decision. In reality, it is often just the beginning of a technical process. Inside Claims is a dedicated resource where I break down the "why" behind claim rejections and the "how" of professional advocacy.


What You Will Find Here

The content within Inside Claims is built on real-world observation and technical analysis. I focus on evergreen strategies that remain effective regardless of changing news cycles or temporary trends.

  • Claim Mechanics: Deep dives into how claims move through the system, from the first submission to the final internal and external review.
  • Appeals Strategy: Frameworks for building a "burden of proof" that aligns with what insurance adjusters are legally required to review.
  • Pattern Recognition: Analysis of common denial codes (CO-50, CO-197, etc.) and the specific documentation required to overturn them.
  • System Breakdowns: Plain-language explanations of complex regulations like ERISA, medical necessity criteria, and clinical policy bulletins.
  • Common Pitfalls: Identifying the most frequent mistakes policyholders make during the appeal process that lead to permanent denials.

Who This Is For

The insights shared here are designed for those who need to understand the logic of the system to achieve a better outcome.

  • Self-Advocating Patients: People who have the time and resolve to handle their own appeals but need a professional roadmap to follow.
  • Professional Advocates: Medical billers, coders, and patient advocates looking to deepen their strategic understanding of high-level denials.
  • Human Resource Leaders: Professionals looking to better understand the claim landscape to support their employees’ health benefits.

An Education-First Approach

I believe that transparency builds trust. My goal with Inside Claims is to give you the knowledge to handle most disputes on your own.

This section is the foundation of my digital ecosystem. While I provide the high-level strategy and education here for free, I offer ready-to-use tools and templates at ClaimsValidated.com for those who want to skip the trial and error and use a proven structure.

Compliance Note: The content in Inside Claims is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Because every insurance policy and medical situation is unique, always review your specific plan documents or consult with a qualified professional.


Explore the Resources

To get started, you can browse my latest strategy breakdowns or access the specific tools mentioned in my guides.