Once a decision is recorded on an original case or issue, there is a defined time period for appealing that decision. This defined time period is based on the date the appellant's request for an appeal is received by the organization and the effective date of the decision. The organization defines the maximum length of time between the appeal receipt date and the effective date, i.e., the original case or issue decision date. The system compares the appeal request receipt date to the original decision date to determine whether or not the appeal exceeds the maximum time limit. If the time limit does not exceed the maximum period of time, the appeal is timely. If the time limit exceeds the maximum period of time, the appeal is untimely. Note that the organization determines how to handle untimely appeals.