Concurrent Reviews vs. Peer Reviews

What Is Concurrent Review By An Insurance Provider?

Many people wonder what the standard concurrent review definition is. A concurrent review is a review that takes place while the patient is actively receiving care during an admission to a healthcare facility. The concurrent review’s purpose is to have some framework for oversight during treatment that allows examination and scrutiny of the type of care that is being administered to the patient. It also evaluates the necessity for that level of care, as well as the setting.

Why Are Concurrent Reviews Needed?

The goal of concurrent reviews is to make sure that healthcare is delivered effectively and efficiently, to reduce or prevent the improper use of inpatient medical services and treatment, and to ensure that all patients receive the high quality of care that is indicative of inpatient treatment. It works similarly to prior authorization, in that the concurrent review can help foster more effective communication about the patient to various areas or departments of the healthcare organization itself. 

Additionally, concurrent reviews also help provide access to other health services and support features that may help with the coordination or continuation of care, particularly in regard to transitions from one level of care to the next. This may be either discharged to a care facility, or even to their home. A concurrent review is also able to identify patients that may benefit from various care methods, including case or disease management, or any number of other options depending on the diagnosis and treatment needs. 

The Concurrent Review Process

The concurrent review process is designed to optimize care during a hospital or treatment facility admission. The goal is to ensure that the patient receives the right care, right when it’s needed and that the treatment is in line with the insurance plan and coverage requirements. The concurrent review process includes aspects such as:

• Collection and aggregation of all patient information directly from the care team regarding their condition and progress in treatment
• Evaluating patient treatment information from the care team to determine treatment coverage
• Maintaining informative communication between all parties involved in the patient’s care when a decision regarding coverage is made
• Identifying situations when patients may be given a discharge and continuing care plan early in the stay
• Continual evaluation and assessment of the care plan during the stay
• Identifying and referring any potential concerns about the quality of care or patient safety that may require additional review

Concurrent Review vs. Peer Review

A concurrent review is functionally much different than a peer review when it comes to the process by which they happen, as well as the goal of each. The concurrent review process is an ongoing process that should be happening seamlessly as a part of all levels of care for an insured individual. 

The peer review process, however, is meant to address specific and often highly complex treatment needs on an ad hoc basis. This process consists of any current treating practitioner submitting a request to consult with a medical health professional within the insurance company. Often this is to discuss a utilization issue or to go over needed care that may be required for long-term care services and other continued care support services.

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