Nutex Health Issues No Surprises Act (NSA) Arbitration Update

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HOUSTON, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nutex Health Inc. ("Nutex Health" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: NUTX), a physician-led, integrated healthcare delivery system comprised of 24 state-of-the-art micro-hospitals in 11 states and primary care-centric, risk-bearing physician networks, today provided an update regarding its strategic participation in arbitration known as the Independent Dispute Resolution ("IDR") process under the No Surprises Act ("NSA").

As previously disclosed in our September 30, 2024 Form 10-Q, on July 1, 2024 the Company contracted with a third-party vendor to assist in the recovery of certain out of network claims under the arbitration process. Since implementing its arbitration strategy, the Company has reached its goal of submitting between 60-70% of its billable visits to arbitration each month, achieving an arbitration success rate in excess of 80% during the fourth quarter of 2024.

These increasingly favorable outcomes are expected to allow the Company to recover substantial amounts previously underpaid by insurers. Due to significant administrative time built into the federal arbitration process and delays in collections, the Company is now beginning to realize the full cash impact of its enhanced arbitration process that was commenced in July 2024.

Additionally, there is a significant cost to enter the arbitration process. The arbitration process includes expenses associated with third party providers, including independent dispute resolution entities, which typically collect fees at the beginning of the process, before the claim award amounts are decided by arbitrators.

"Our proactive approach to arbitration under the No Surprises Act has yielded positive results thus far, reinforcing our commitment to fair reimbursement. By effectively leveraging our industry leading expertise and knowledge, we have been able to secure rightful payments for our facilities and providers while continuing to deliver high-quality, accessible care to our communities," stated Tom Vo, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nutex Health. "The momentum we have built in 2024 places Nutex Health in a strong position for continued success in the coming year."

The Company's arbitration success aligns with its broader strategic initiatives, which include optimizing hospital operations, expanding physician networks, and driving efficiencies across its integrated healthcare delivery model.

The Company cannot predict whether arbitration successes and claim recovery will continue at current levels. Any significant revisions to the federal arbitration process may result in a substantial decrease in claim amounts recovered in the future. In addition, Nutex Health is unable to predict future regulatory changes, evolving arbitration practices, and payer responses to ongoing enforcement of the NSA, all of which may have an adverse impact on the Company's ability to recover on its claims.