ABOUT

WHAT IS INDEPENDENT MEDICAL REVIEW?

Peer review, independent medical review, hospital peer review, and medical peer review, have all become interchangeable terms in the healthcare industry. As is often the case, different organizations and individuals use their own vocabulary when talking about the same thing. In general, the term “Peer Review” has become a simplified substitute for all these phrases.

Whatever term is applied, the core function is to obtain the objective determinations of physicians who are not a party to a particular treatment. They can approve or deny medical claims based on medical evidence, and accepted standards of care. These physicians must be board-certified and in active practice.

Independent review typically (but not always) occurs after all appeals mechanisms available within a health benefits plan have been exhausted. Independent review can be voluntary or mandated by law.

ORGANIZING THE INDUSTRY

While URAC has developed evidence-based measures and accreditation programs for independent medical review since 1990, their charter as a standards body precludes ties to any industry-interest group.

In 2001, Dr. Winifred Hayes led efforts to form the National Association of Independent Review Organizations, or NAIRO. The primary objectives of NAIRO are:

  • developing guidelines for solving common industry problems,
  • promoting standards for these reviews,
  • educating consumers about their rights for claims appeal,
  • helping define the role of IROs in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Since its formation, NAIRO has assisted policy makers at both the federal and state level with position papers and analysis of issues. NAIRO has also helped its member organizations demonstrate the value of URAC accreditation and their processes for independent medical review.

NAIRO LEADERSHIP

NAIRO is a member-driven, non-profit association. NAIRO Officers are elected to a two-year term by ballot of member organizations with voting rights. These Officers, along with the Executive Director and the previous NAIRO President, form the NAIRO Executive Committee.

NAIRO’s 2022-23 Executive Officers include:

President: Frances Scott, RHIA

Frances Scott is the Director of Operations for the Empire State Medical, Scientific and Educational Foundation (Foundation), an independent review organization and coding validation company.  Ms. Scott is responsible for the administration and management of all review programs and activities in the Foundation’s Upstate NY office.  She works with the management team in the development and implementation of ongoing organizational strategies, policies and procedures.  Ms. Scott also is involved in contract negotiations with hospitals and payors seeking medical review services from the Foundation.  She currently serves as Finance Director for the New York Health Information Management Association (NYHIMA), where she has also served as President and Education Director.

Vice President: Valerie Aiello, RN, MSHI

Valerie Aiello is Vice President of Healthcare at Healthcare Quality Strategies, Inc. (HQSI) located in East Brunswick, New Jersey.  She has over 20 years of experience managing medical review and quality assurance for federal, state and commercial contracts.  She plays an integral role in the leadership of a national panel of physician and nurse reviewers at HQSI, as well as the strategic development team.

Secretary: Charlene Beyah

Charlene Beyah, R.N., BSN, J.D., serves as the Corporate Compliance Officer for iMPROve Health, formerly known as MPRO, Michigan’s designated Quality Improvement Organization (QIO). iMPROve Health, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation, is a recognized leader in healthcare quality improvement, with wide-ranging experience in independent medical review, utilization review, Medicare and Medicaid programs, research methodologies, data analysis, and outreach strategies. As chair of iMPROve Health’s Compliance Committee, she is responsible for monitoring adherence to iMPROve Health’s Compliance and Ethics Plan. Ms. Beyah also brings more than 20 years of long-term care nursing experience in her additional role as an Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR) reviewer.

Treasurer: Brian Isaac, PMP, CSM 

 

Executive Director: Gib Smith, Esq.

Mr. Smith is an independent management consultant, based in Purcellville, VA. He has been Executive Director of NAIRO since October 2008. Prior to NAIRO, he served in positions with MAXIMUS and MCMC, backing his three decades of experience in the IRO industry.