Current language: The goal of this IG is to support the request for cost information for specific services and items from the payer and return them in near real-time to allow effective decision making by the patient in consultation with the 'ordering' provider.

Comment: is the use of the term "near real time" realistic? For services scheduled in 3-9 days, the plan has 1 business day after receiving the GFE to provide the AEOB; for services scheduled 10 days or more in the future, the plan has 3 business days. Wouldn't a real-time response to the GFE presume that plans are capable of real-time claim adjudication, which has very low adoption right now in the industry? Just doesn't seem realistic for payers to accomplish at this time...