LMRP is an administrative and educational tool to assist providers, physicians and suppliers in submitting correct claims for payment. Local policies outline how contractors will review claims to ensure that they meet Medicare coverage requirements. CMS requires that LMRPs be consistent with national guidance (although they can be more detailed or specific), developed with scientific evidence and clinical practice, and are developed through certain specified federal guidelines.
Contractor Medical Directors develop these policies. Reviewing Local Medical Review Policies assists in understanding why Medicare claims may be paid or denied. For a full description of the process and criteria used in developing LMRPs, refer to Chapter 13 of the Medicare Program Integrity Manual. For information about how to request that the authoring contractor conduct a reconsideration of an LMRP, refer to Chapter 13, Section 11.