Which process reviews requests for medical services against established treatment guidelines?

Utilization review is the process that specifically focuses on evaluating requests for medical services against established treatment guidelines to ensure that the services are necessary and appropriate for the patient's condition. This process involves assessing the medical necessity of treatments, procedures, and hospital admissions, comparing them with evidence-based criteria and industry standards. By doing so, utilization review helps manage healthcare costs while ensuring that patients receive the right treatment at the right time.

Choosing this option highlights a key component of the healthcare system's efforts to maintain high standards of care and manage resources effectively. In contrast to this process, quality assurance typically encompasses broader evaluations of the healthcare delivery system and its outcomes rather than focusing solely on individual requests for treatment. Claims processing is concerned with the administrative handling of billing and reimbursement for services rendered. Service comparison review may involve contrasting different services or providers but does not specifically address the evaluation of treatment requests against established guidelines. Thus, the focus on established treatment guidelines in utilization review makes it the correct choice in this context.