SSA to use EMRs to speed disability claims

The Social Security Administration is planning to use electronic medical records to solve a vexing problem--cutting down on its backlog of applications for disability claims.

Even before EMRs become part of the health record system, as envisioned by the Obama administration, SSA is planning to electronically receive clinical information from health providers treating patients seeking disability benefits. SSA has long been criticized for failing to swiftly deal with applications for disabilities benefits. It still uses a paper-based system, and the backlog to get approval for benefits stretches longer than two years.

The agency has been testing the use of EMRs in the application process for about a year at two pilot programs. The agency says it's significantly reduced the processing time for those applications.

Now, SSA is hoping to speed up the process even more by collecting applications electronically and receiving a person's medical record using EMR software.

For more on SSA's EMR plans:
- check out this InformationWeek article
- also, check out this FierceHealthIT piece