Expedited appeals: when to ask for an urgent review
If waiting on a standard appeal would seriously jeopardize your health, you can request an expedited (urgent) appeal with a 72-hour turnaround.
When expedited applies
The standard for expedited review is whether a delay would seriously jeopardize life, health, or ability to regain function.
Examples: ongoing inpatient stay, active cancer treatment, urgent surgery, mental health crisis.
How to request
Have the treating physician submit a written statement that the standard timeline would jeopardize your health.
Submit by phone and fax simultaneously, and document who you spoke with.
Internal expedited appeals must be decided within 72 hours. External expedited review is also available in parallel.
Upload the denial letter. Free analysis first, finished letter second.
FAQ
Can I file expedited internal and external review at the same time?+
Yes. For urgent cases, federal rules allow simultaneous filing rather than waiting for internal review to finish.
More guides
- How to write a health insurance appeal letter
- Internal appeal vs external review: what is the difference
- The No Surprises Act and out-of-network bills
- Health insurance appeal deadlines you need to know