When a claim for care or a request for prior approval for nonemergency care is initially denied by an adjudication authority, the member may appeal the denial as outlined below. Any level in the appeal process may over-rule the previous decision and order payment of the claim in whole or in part or grant the request for prior approval of care.
(a) Level I--Reconsideration by the adjudication authority making the initial denial. The member should submit any additional information that may mitigate the initial denial.
(b) Level II--Consideration by the commander of the regional medical command having cognizance over the adjudication authority which upheld the initial denial on reconsideration.
(c) Level III--Consideration by COMNAVMEDCOM (MEDCOM-333).