(1) In general. Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(2) and (3) of this section and § 54.9817-2T(b)(2) and (4), in determining the out-of-network rate to be paid by group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group health insurance coverage for out-of-network air ambulance services, plans and issuers must comply with the requirements of §§ 54.9816-8T and 54.9816-8, except that references in §§ 54.9816-8T and 54.9816-8 to the additional circumstances in § 54.9816-8(c)(4)(iii)(B) shall be understood to refer to paragraph (b)(2) of this section and § 54.9817-2T(b)(2).

(2) Considerations for air ambulance services. In determining which offer to select, in addition to considering the applicable qualifying payment amount(s), the certified IDR entity must consider information submitted by a party that relates to the following circumstances:

(3) Weighing considerations. In weighing the considerations described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section and § 54.9817-2T(b)(2), the certified IDR entity should evaluate whether the information is credible and relates to the offer submitted by either party for the payment amount for the qualified IDR service that is the subject of the payment determination. The certified IDR entity should not give weight to information to the extent it is not credible, it does not relate to either party's offer for the payment amount for the qualified IDR service, or it is already accounted for by the qualifying payment amount under § 54.9816-8(c)(4)(iii)(A) or other credible information under § 54.9816-8(c)(4)(iii)(B) through (D), except that the additional circumstances in § 54.9816-8(c)(4)(iii)(B) shall be understood to refer to paragraph (b)(2) of this section and § 54.9817-2T(b)(2).

(4) For further guidance see § 54.9817-2T(b)(4) introductory text through (b)(4)(iii).