Indianapolis Social Security Claims to be Digitized

Long wait times are a common problem for people seeking Social Security disability benefits. After filing a claim, many people have to wait for months or even years before they receive a decision from the Social Security Administration. Fortunately, new technology may lead to shorter waiting periods for claimants in Indianapolis and 14 other cities across the US.

In order to receive Social Security benefits, people must submit medical records detailing their conditions and past treatments. Currently, these records must be scanned, printed, and mailed to the Social Security Administration – a lengthy process that significantly contributes to claimants’ wait times. Now, the Indiana Network for Patient Care is preparing a new system for collecting and sending medical records electronically.

This electronic system is expected to have many advantages. Not only is it faster than traditional mail, it is also makes medical records easier to search and organize. In addition, the computer program will have the ability to scan patients’ files for certain types of information. If a patient has an urgent condition, for example, the program will be able to alert Social Security employees to the problem.

Representatives from the Regenstrie Institute, the organization that operates the Indiana Network for Patient Care, are optimistic about the program. It will be implemented in fall of 2010 and will continue until spring of 2011. If the program is successful, the federal government may then choose to continue and potentially even expand it.

Original article.