Noteboom The Law Firm

SSA will streamline claims process with access to national health network

The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg work diligently to gather our clients' medical records. We recognized early on that gathering the right kind of medical evidence can help win a case, but it can also be a real struggle. Some doctors' offices refuse to review our clients' files for types of records we need, others want to charge an exorbitant amount of money for copying records, while others agree to send them, but never do. Despite these obstacles, our commitment to our clients remains, which is why we gladly take on the task for the thousands of clients our firm represents.

But, the buck doesn't stop there... 

Once we obtain the necessary medical evidence from our clients' past and present doctors, our staff must then submit the records to Social Security. Now, it's no secret that that the Social Security Administration's (SSA) claims process is a bit outdated. And, for the sake of time, this is a process we will not outline. Let's just say that the process is cumbersome.

There just might be a light at the end of this dismal tunnel (hopefully... maybe...)...

The Social Security Administration has been working on a secure, interoperable national health network to access electronic medical records held by a private health information exchange. Though the project will not have the kind of direct clinical payoff the Health and Human Services Department envisioned when it drafted the plan, the SSA's secondary use of the health information nonetheless marks the onset of the Nationwide Health Information Network's (NHIN's) production phase.

At the heart of the rollout is SSA's use of a federal NHIN gateway to receive medical information held by MedVirginia, an HIE based in Richmond, Va. When someone seeks disability benefits, SSA will contact MedVirginia, show authorization from the patient and electronically access the appropriate health records from the beneficiary's medical provider. 

"Social Security is proud to be a leader in the use of health information technology," SSA Commissioner Michael Astrue said. "This safe and secure method for receiving electronic medical records will allow us to improve our service to the public by cutting days, if not weeks, off the time it takes to make a disability decision."

Are you deep in the crux of a disability hearing and in need of medical records? We can help you gather the evidence you need to build a strong case and increase your chances of winning your claim. Give us 15 minutes and we will evaluate your case for FREE.