Healthcare Providers Can Help Social Security Improve the Disability Process
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: April 18, 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced today a renewed emphasis on expanding opportunities for organizations to join the agency’s Health Information Technology (Health IT) program. Health IT allows SSA to use electronic data exchanges to obtain medical records directly from the provider, resulting in faster disability determinations for people applying for benefits.
Faster allowances means putting much needed benefits in the hands of people in critical need. Additionally, expanding Health IT helps save taxpayer money, as each year SSA receives over 3 million new applications for disability benefits and spends over $500 million dollars to collect medical records for applicants. Health care organization partners benefit through cost reduction, streamlined operations, and providing better customer service to their patients.
“I’ve directed the reinvigoration of the Health IT initiative, as it benefits everyone involved – SSA, our customers, health care providers, and American taxpayers,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “We are committed to more effectively and efficiently obtaining medical records through this program. I thank those healthcare providers that exchange information with us through Health IT and encourage other providers to partner with us.”
Health IT enhances the quality and efficiency of the Social Security disability determination process, reducing costs and offering a variety of benefits to customers. The program facilitates the exchange of up-to-date information directly from a person’s sources of care, potentially reducing the need for costly SSA consultative examinations. Receiving medical records sooner enables SSA to make determinations more quickly. On average, the agency identifies allowances 50 percent faster when processing applications with Health IT records.
SSA has successfully used Health IT to obtain medical records for decades, but the portion of information obtained through the process has stalled over the years. The renewed campaign includes partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services; expanding marketing and outreach to healthcare organizations, and leveraging automation to improve the onboarding process.
Current SSA partners include a variety of Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), vendor networks, hospitals, and other qualified health care organizations. The agency has 266 partner organizations covering all 50 states, with about 46,000 participating providers. For the full list of Health IT Partners, visit HIT | Partners | SSA.
To learn more about Health IT, including how organizations can partner with SSA, please visit Health Information Technology (HIT) | SSA.
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Tags: Disability, Federal Agencies, supplemental security income
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raymond s.
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Bench W.
Thank you for this informative article about how healthcare providers can play a crucial role in enhancing the Social Security disability process. I found the emphasis on clear communication and collaboration particularly valuable. To build on your points, it’s worth noting that the disability adjudication process can be further streamlined through the use of technology. For instance, electronic health records (EHRs) allow healthcare providers to efficiently share critical patient information with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This could significantly reduce the time taken to gather necessary documentation, ultimately benefiting applicants who often face financial pressures during the waiting period. Additionally, involving peer support systems for individuals navigating the disability process can also provide valuable insights and encouragement. Support groups or community forums can help demystify the application process and offer practical tips based on real-life experiences, making it less overwhelming for applicants. Considering these aspects, how do you think the concept of a “writ of mandamus” could intersect with the challenges individuals face in their disability claims? Could it serve as a powerful tool to expedite unjustly delayed applications? https://criminalimmigrationlaw.com/2025/06/19/bench-warrants-understanding-the-legal-implications/
Josh P.
The SSA’s renewed focus on Health IT is a significant step toward streamlining the SSDI disability determination process. By enabling direct electronic access to medical records, the agency can make faster, more accurate decisions, benefiting both applicants and healthcare providers.
SSDI Representatives
Disability services and support organization in Cheektowaga, New York
Check out our SSDI guides and resources at
https://ssdibenefitsgroup.com/
Jessica E.
It’s about time integrated health becomes the standard and not the exception. I personally had a horrible experience with disability, they telephone interviews me during covid, I told them my evidence/ paperwork was in storage. I was I’ll prepared and they denied me.
Mandamus
Thank you for this insightful article on how healthcare providers can enhance the Social Security disability process. I especially appreciated the emphasis on the importance of comprehensive medical documentation, as this can significantly influence the outcome of disability claims. In addition to the points mentioned, it’s worth noting that collaboration between healthcare providers and social workers can play a pivotal role in this process. Social workers can assist in navigating the complexities of disability applications and ensure that claimants receive the necessary support throughout the journey. For instance, they can help clients gather evidence, address barriers to receiving care, and connect them with resources that may improve their quality of life while their claims are being processed. Moreover, the use of telehealth services has become increasingly significant in this context. Recent studies indicate that patients who utilize telehealth can more easily access specialists for their conditions, which may be crucial in building stronger cases for disability claims. This is especially true for individuals in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. Given this multi-faceted approach, how do you think mechanisms like the writ of mandamus https://dallasimmigration.org/2024/10/01/texas-writ-of-mandamus-lawyer/ could be effectively utilized to expedite cases where the administrative process seems to unduly delay justice for claimants?
Randall R.
My wife has been on SS disability since she was 25 years old. Her monthly income benefit is very low, around $750 per month. She will be 65 this month. We were told from a SS agent on the phone last week that she can not start collecting off of my SS, and she would need to wait till she would be at full retirement age. I am 65 and started my SS benefits this past January. From what I see on line is that, she should be able to start to collect off of my SS. Can she ?
Prema V.
Randall, are you retired or full retirement age? If you are claiming your SS benefit, then the spouse is eligible to your benefit. She can see her own benefit after creating account at SS website. If 50% (adjustment to early benefit will also be made) of your SS benefit is lower than her own benefit, then she should claim her SS benefit. Again if she is taking her SS benefit, it will be reduced for claiming it earlier than full retirement age
Also, confirm if SSDI benefit is taxable? Right now part of SS benefit is taxable depending on income. Do your homework and make appointment and go with all the documents SS needs.
Prema V.
Randall,
SS is very complex and the rules keep changing every day. Per my knowledge the spouse (wife)should claim 50% of your benefit, which will be 50% and some adjustment. She should also consider if her SSDI is higher or lower of your 50% spousal benefit. Also, if SSDI is taxable or not. It is beyond most of seniors who do not have full knowledge of SS. May be make an appointment in person and take all the documents with you, SS cards, your benefit letter, wife’s SSDI benefit letter, IDs etc.
.Mary C.
what and how can I start receiving SS Disability. I started the work process at least 5 years ago with no response or resolution.
Tonya H.
You may not like my response, but it should get you results: Get yourself a Disability Law attorney. They will take one third of your initial award, but with your having applied 5 years ago, your initial award ($ dating back from the time you applied to the time you are approved) should be quite hefty. Or would you prefer to wait another 5 years?
Teresa
They only go back 6 months for back pay now… Sad!!!
Prema V.
Mary C.
Just go to SS blog and there is an article about SSDI steps and how health care providers can help to efficient process. In the meanwhile,,if eligible apply for early SS as no one knows how long SSDI claim will take.
I am helping someone with cancer and she has no energy to deal with complicated SS system. She is 64 and started getting early SS benefit though reduced. Better something than nothing. The new BBB signed by President indicate that SS benefit will not be taxed make sure to sign Representative form so someone can deal with SS on your behalf.
James T.
I receive social security disability every month.I pay 100.00 child support out of my check.recently my child support obligation was met,and the child support enforcement office sent paperwork to the social security administration to stop taking money out of my check. But they have taken 2 extra payments out that were entitled to me.when will I get reimbursed?I have been overpaying.
sandra L.
Is it possible to allow to sort or relist by state rather by IT contact name?
Dadayray
That’s why they still taken money out of your check Childsupport office employees are the biggest Man ,Dads,Grandfather ,Transman 2 hating Discrimination Fraudulent documenting agency full woman that don’t give a $uck about anything that has to do with Stoped payments fathers that actually live with their kids and have support payments …I wish I could have put my situation out their.Ill say this children of a disabled parent get axillary benefits..They get a % of the Disabled parents monthly total …Example say you get $500.00 total monthly you get your 500 and each child will get 175.00 monthly payment each month that will offset your total support obligation of 100.00 and mater of fact they have to pay you back the 75.00 extra that they have been illegally taxing you for as long as you’ve Been disabled .Disabilty SSDI Childsupport employees think disabilty payments were earned wages so their for they can garnish disabilty ..for arrears support payments only …I’ll stop here I do know so much more But basically Them Support agency’s and family service Protection agency Needs to be Doge investigated charge with Rico act…sums up everything bout They contract workers Not Goverment workers my opion FYI I did get 17 Individual checks from wellsfargo bank and San Bernardino County department of Childsupport..as the payers. And My Name address And took my daughters cashed them and they spent every single dollar on them selfs..And sent over a picture with a finger in the air with smiles and receipts..
Tracy S.
I agree with and believe everything you’re saying. They are the most corrupt, well since they’re all on the same computer matching system as DCF, DDD, DOH, HUD, DEO, and can see each others records, the whole government is corrupt. I could tell you my story but it doesn’t matter, let’s just say , I was given a favorable decision on 4/15/21, I’m on SSI MEDICAID but I have never received one dime in benefits. It appears as though three different entities has three different sets of information on me.???? This came straight from the supervisors mouth at DDD IN Pensacola FL. Do you happen to know the agency that can help me, I need my case to get to the commissioner NOW, there’s fraud from beginning to now, I have my records, it’s all in there, I have indisputable proof, of forged documents, falsifying documents, maybe dating back to 2008. I finally got a lawyer but he’s not addressing the fraud??? I need help, it’s been almost 5 years.
Joan L.
Very Informative.
Norma R.
Thank you for keeping us informed on how this process will help our fellow Americans. Please continue to keep us informed. Now more than ever Americans depend on their social security being available to them when needed.