How Healthcare Providers Can Help SSA Expedite Disability Claims

When people become disabled and unable to work, they often rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to help them pay bills and everyday necessities. However, the process can be time-consuming. Applicants are not approved for benefits overnight. In fact, most are denied the first time around.

Of course, everyone wants to get paid as quickly as possible. What can applicants do to expedite their claims?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is looking for organizations to join the Health Information Technology (Health IT) program. This initiative enables the SSA to electronically retrieve medical records directly from providers, allowing for faster and more efficient disability determinations.

Health IT provides SSDI beneficiaries with more timely decisions. Quicker decisions mean critical benefits reach applicants sooner. With applicants unable to work, the need is there. They may already be dealing with unpaid bills and mounting debt as they try to stay afloat.

Health IT can greatly help in this regard. Approvals can lead to faster access to healthcare, ease of mind and improved financial standing.

Expanding Health IT can also mean cost savings. The SSA receives more than 3 million disability applications every year and spends more than $500 million to collect medical records. This process is necessary to prevent fraud but results in bottlenecks in the process. Healthcare partners benefit through lower administrative costs, streamlined workflows, and enhanced service to their patients.

It’s a win-win situation for all involved. Health IT benefits everyone involved, including the SSA, customers, healthcare providers, and taxpayers. Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, says “We are committed to more effectively and efficiently obtaining medical records through this program.” He is grateful for the healthcare providers that already use Health IT and encourages other providers to partner with the SSA to help claimants.

Health IT strengthens the disability determination process by facilitating direct access to updated medical records, often reducing the need for expensive consultative exams. Applications supported by Health IT data are processed up to 50% faster, speeding up the delivery of benefits.

Health IT is not new though. The SSA has been using it for decades. However, growth has slowed in recent years and to boost participation, the SSA is collaborating with the Department of Health and Human Services, enhancing outreach to healthcare providers, and streamlining onboarding through automation.

The SSA’s current network includes 266 partner organizations across all 50 states, representing approximately 46,000 participating providers, including Health Information Exchanges, vendor networks, and hospitals.

Learn More About Social Security Disability Benefits

SSDI is crucial income for those who cannot work. It’s important to get this money as soon as possible, and healthcare providers play a role in this.

With the right advocate on your side, you can get your claim approved and obtain benefits quickly. A White Plains Social Security Disability lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon can assist you. Let us answer your questions and guide you through the process. Call (914) 228-1770 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Source:

blog.ssa.gov/healthcare-providers-can-help-social-security-improve-the-disability-process/