In March, Social Security became the first government agency to use the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN). This initiative will cut the time it takes Social Security to get number of the people applying for disability benefits, but it will gradually expand.
This year, Social Security will handle almost three million disability claims a year and make over 15 million requests for medical records from over 900,000 medical providers. Providers have a number of options to respond to these requests, but all require manual intervention before evidence can be entered into Social Security’s electronic disability folder.
Using the NHIN, when an applicant lists certain medical facilities as treating sources, Social Security’s system automatically sends an electronic message to the hospital’s system requesting the medical record and providing the patient’s authorization. The hospital’s system automatically responds. Within minutes, the medical evidence is available for evaluation.
In addition, we’ve identified medical codes that match portions of 43 conditions in our medical listings. The agency’s computer system analyzes the data for these codes after receiving hospital records and alerts the disability decision maker so the case can be processed more quickly.
We at Social Security are doing our part to make the disability determination process more efficient for those who depend on it. You can do your part, too. If you need to apply for disability benefits, do it online. You can learn about Social Security disability benefits, take advantage of our online disability planner and even apply for benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. You don’t have to complete the application all in one sitting; you can take a break and log back on to complete it later without starting over. Also, you’re able to check the status of your pending application online after you’ve submitted it.
With innovative new technologies like the NHIN, medical codes, and the online application, Social Security is working to reverse the growing disability backlog and reduce the time it takes to make a decision. To learn more about disability benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and select the “Disability” button along the top banner.
—————
Polly Winn is district manager of the Corsicana Social Security office.
Latest News
Related Photos
Discussion
SOCIAL SECURITY: New technologies help disabled
- Latest News
-
-
AAA: 31.2M drivers to take Memorial Day road trip
It's going to be another busy Memorial Day weekend on the nation's highways. From Thursday through Monday, 31.2 million Americans will drive 50 miles or more to a beach, campground or other getaway, according to car lobbying group AAA.
-
Mental health exam ordered for former West paramedic
WEST — A judge has ordered that a mental health evaluation be done for a former West, Texas paramedic who's accused of possessing bomb-making material.
-
Texas House girds for major budget vote Wednesday
AUSTIN — In the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature, a furious final week is being dominated by distrust, deadlines and delays.
-
Council OKs airport rules
The Corsicana City Council approved minimum rules and standards for the Corsicana airport when the group met in regular session Tuesday. The written rules will allow the city to receive grant money from the Federal Aviation Administration, which comes through the Texas Department of Transportation.
-
Rescue and recovery efforts continue in Oklahoma twister
MOORE, Okla. — Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives.
-
Memorial Day ceremonies planned
There will be two public opportunities to honor those who gave their lives in service to their country on Memorial Day Monday, one at the courthouse and a second at Woodland Memorial Park.
-
Club News
-
Local Beat 5/22/13
A listing of meetings and events of interest from throughout Navarro County.
-
6:30 p.m. update: Heaviest storms pass to the east
Light rain and a few thunderstorms remain, but the heaviest of the weather had moved to the east of Navarro County at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
-
5 p.m. Update: Storms cover most of county, Tornado Watch remains in effect
At 5 p.m. radar imagery shows the line of storms covering most of Navarro County, with the heaviest storms in the northern half of the county.
There have been no reports of severe weather as of 5 p.m., but frequent lightening, gusty winds and rainfall are occurring across the county.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 7 p.m.
- More Latest News Headlines
-
AAA: 31.2M drivers to take Memorial Day road trip
Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Former Rep. Weiner Running for New York Mayor
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore
Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Protests Outside Cincinnati IRS Office
New Xbox One Entertainment Console Unveiled
