Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Is Reshaping Air Ambulance Reimbursement

Over the past few years, IDR has shifted from a safeguard under the No Surprises Act to something much more central to how air ambulance reimbursement is being determined.

This week, at Executive Innovation and abc360 in Law Vegas – PWW|AG is releasing a new report:
“Waiting for Clearance at 10,000 Feet: What Air Ambulance IDR Data Reveals.”

It takes a closer look at what’s happening inside the IDR process and where things are heading.

Here’s what stands out:

Arbitrators continue to land well above QPA – Awards average nearly 3x higher, raising real questions about QPA as a benchmark

Timelines remain extended – Decisions are often taking 90+ days, creating ongoing cash flow pressure

Backlogs are building – A meaningful share of claims remain unresolved for extended periods

Volume is no longer episodic – IDR activity has become a consistent part of the reimbursement landscape

The takeaway is that’s it’s becoming  harder to ignore: IDR is no longer something providers occasionally navigate. It’s something they must be built to manage.