What review process assesses the medical necessity of tests or procedures ordered during a patient's inpatient hospitalization?

The process that evaluates the medical necessity of tests or procedures ordered during a patient's inpatient hospitalization is known as concurrent review. This review takes place while the patient is still receiving care, allowing healthcare providers to determine if the treatments and interventions being provided are necessary and appropriate based on the patient's condition.

During concurrent review, insurance companies or healthcare organizations assess ongoing hospitalization and treatment plans to ensure that they meet established criteria for medical necessity. This can help prevent unnecessary procedures, reduce costs, and ensure that patients receive appropriate care aligned with their medical needs.

This differs from other review processes. Quality assurance review focuses on the overall quality of care provided but doesn't specifically assess medical necessity in real time. Retrospective review occurs after the patient has been discharged, reviewing care and treatment for compliance with policies but not intervening while the patient is hospitalized. Utilization review is a broader term that includes various assessments of healthcare services, including medical necessity evaluations, but in this context, concurrent review specifically relates to the in-hospital assessment of ongoing care. Therefore, concurrent review is the most suitable choice for assessing the immediate necessity of tests or procedures during inpatient hospitalization.