Rachel Roberson is an associate in the Health Care Litigation practice. She approaches the law through detailed analysis, thoughtful research, and deep respect for public policy. With a clinical background, Rachel regularly counsels business entities in the health care industries, specifically in provider-managed care disputes as well as surprise and balance billing.

Managed Care Strategy

Rachel guides healthcare providers and their vendors on managed care in-network and out-of-network strategies, including payor authorization and reimbursement practices, surprise and balance billing, federal and state legislation and implementing regulations, National Coverage Determination coverage requirements, and internal appeals and grievances processes for coverage and reimbursement.

Managed Care Disputes

She litigates numerous managed care matters, including managed care in-network and out-of-network underpayment disputes regarding DRG downgrades, payor pre- and post-payment audits, recoupments/offsets, unilateral payor policies, general claim denials–such as medical necessity, level of care, and authorization–and related legal issues involving the Affordable Care Act, the federal No Surprises Act, CMS Medicare and Provider Reimbursement Guidelines, EMTALA, prompt pay laws.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

On behalf of healthcare providers, she works to resolve managed care disputes through mediation or arbitrations with the American Arbitration Association, American Health Lawyers Association, and JAMS regarding coverage and reimbursement disputes with payors on a national level.

Education

  • Belmont University College of Law (J.D., 2018)
    • Managing Editor, Belmont Health Law Journal; Belmont Health Law Certificate; Belmont College of Law Board of Advocates, Health Law Transactional Moot Court; Best Performance Award in Legal Writing & Communication
  • University of Tennessee at Martin (B.S., cum laude, 2011)
    • Cell & Molecular Biology

Bar Admission

  • Tennessee, 2018

Court Admissions

  • State of Tennessee
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

Professional Affiliations

  • Leadership Tennessee NEXT Program, Class VIII
  • Harry Phillips American Inn of Court
    • Barrister Member
  • American Health Law Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Tennessee Bar Association
  • Nashville Bar Association

Recognition

  • Participant, Polsinelli Trial Academy facilitated by NITA, 2026
  • Named one of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America in:
    • Commercial Litigation, 2026
    • Health Care Law, 2025-2026
Publications
Federal Agencies Finalize Long-Pending No Surprises Act IDR Operations Rule
Key Takeaways Federal agencies have finalized the No Surprises Act federal IDR Operations rule after more than two years, with effectiveness tied to Federal Register publication. The final rule governs key operational steps in the federal IDR process for out-of-network payment disputes, but does not change the substantive standard IDR entities apply when selecting between offers. The rule lowers the administrative fee to $15 while making the federal IDR process more formal and documentation-driven. Payors will also face new disclosure, remittance-code, registry, open negotiation and IDR response requirements. Providers and facilities should prepare for implementation while watching for agency guidance and federal IDR portal updates. The final rule does not announce a new formal comment period, but implementation may create opportunities for facility
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2026 Health Care Reimbursement Newsletter
2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for health care reimbursement. From major CMS payment rules to evolving disclosure requirements, AI scrutiny, and mounting pressure on providers across the care continuum, the 2026 Health Care Reimbursement Newsletter highlights the developments you need to understand now to stay ahead. In this issue: 2025 Wrap-Up: Key CMS Enrollment Changes and Disclosure Developments What Hospitals & ASCs Need to Know About the 2026 Outpatient Prospective Payment and ASC Final Rule Durable Medical Equipment Update 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule Highlights Forecasting Medicaid Challenges for Providers in 2026 Rural Health Providers Face a Tough Financial Road in 2026 – Will the Rural Health Transformation Program Save Them? Medicare Advantage Reimbursement Implications from the 2027 Proposed Rule Looking Ahead to 2026: CMS
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