IRF RCD Cycle Transition Article Cycle 1 to Cycle 2

Published 09/15/2023

As the Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) services in Alabama continues, here is how we transition to Cycle 2.

If an IRF’s full affirmation rate or claim approval rate is 80 percent or greater for the previous six-month period, the provider may choose one of the subsequent review options:

  • Choice 1: Start or continue participating in pre-claim review (PCR) for another cycle
  • Choice 3: Selective postpayment review of a statistically valid random sample (SVRS) of claims every six months 
  • Choice 4: Spot Check Review of five percent of claims every six months to ensure continued compliance

Note: If an IRF is eligible for a subsequent review option but does not make a selection during the selection period, the IRF will be placed in Choice 3.

If an IRF’s full affirmation rate is less than 80 percent for the previous six-month period, it may choose one of the initial review options:

  • Choice 1: Continue participating in PCR for another cycle
  • Choice 2: 100 percent postpayment review

Note: If an IRF is eligible for an initial review option but does not make a selection during the selection period, the IRF will be placed in Choice 2.

Providers will continue in their current Cycle 1 option during the calculation and choice selection period. Palmetto GBA will calculate PCR affirmation/claim approval rates and send results letters by the end of March 2024. The choice selection period for Cycle 2 will take place from April 1, 2024, through April 15, 2024. IRFs that do not make a selection during that time period will default to either Choice 2 or Choice 3 as noted earlier in this article. 

As providers transition from Cycle 1 to Cycle 2, please be advised of the actions required when changing from one choice to another.

If Your
Cycle 1
Choice was:

And Your Cycle 2 Choice is:

Here are the actions you will need to take:

Choice 1: PCR

Choice 1: PCR

1. Continue PCR process. Data from March and April will be included in the Cycle 2 results.

Choice 1: PCR

Choice 2: Postpayment Review

1. Continue to submit PCR requests through 4/30/2024. Data from March and April will be included in the Cycle 2 results.


a. Add UTN to claims if PCR was submitted (regardless if affirmed or non-affirmed)

b. Respond to all ADRs generated for current cycle (ADRs will generate through 4/30/24)

2. As of 5/1/2024 (Cycle 2 start date), submit final claims.

a. Final bill will adjust, and the ADR will generate

b. Respond to ADR

Choice 1: PCR

Choice 3: Selective Postpayment Review

1. Continue to submit PCR requests through 4/30/2024. Data from March and April will be included in the Cycle 2 results.

a. Add UTN to claims if PCR was submitted (regardless if affirmed or non-affirmed)

b. Respond to ADRs as generated

2. As of 5/1/2024 (Cycle 2 start date), submit final claim for payment

a. Final bill will be adjusted, and the ADR will generate

b. Respond to ADR

Choice 1: PCR

Choice 4: Spot Check

1. Continue to submit PCR requests through 4/30/2024. Data from March and April will be included in the Cycle 2 results.

a. Add UTN to claims if PCR was submitted (regardless if affirmed or non-affirmed)

b. Respond to ADRs as generated

2. As of 5/1/2024 (Cycle 2 start date), submit final claim.

a. ADR will generate

b. Respond to ADR

Choice 2: Postpayment Review

Choice 1: PCR

1. Continue to respond to ADRs. Data from March and April will be included in the Cycle 2 results.

2. Begin submitting PCR requests on 5/1/2024 for any claim that will be submitted on or after 5/1/2024 with an admission date beginning on or after 8/21/2023

a. Add UTN to claims with PCR requests

Choice 2: Postpayment Review

Choice 2: Postpayment Review

1. Continue to respond to ADRs. Data from March and April will be included in the Cycle 2 results. 

Choice 2: Postpayment Review

Choice 3: Selective Postpayment Review

1. Continue to respond to ADRs. Data from March and April will be included in the Cycle 2 results. 

Choice 2: Postpayment Review

Choice 4: Spot Check

1. Continue to respond to ADRs. Data from March and April will be included in the Cycle 2 results. 


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