Last winter I wrote about how the Social Security offices are trying to speed up processing and also use less paper by going digital. Using technology for medical record codes is starting to work. The National Health Information Network is a first for a federal government agency, according to a published article, and it’s great that it has started with Social Security. The SSA recommends that you apply for disability benefits on-line. You can click here to get to the website, and you can submit your application electronically.

This article was written by Todd P. Oxner

Here’s an article from an Indiana newspaper that gives an update on Social Security’s advancement into using electronic medical records. This National Health Information Network is gradually rolling out across the country and this article tells of the ways it will speed up the process.

This article was written by Chip Permar

John Landry, Jr. recently joined the Workers Compensation team, working primarily in our Raleigh location. A life-long North Carolinian, John’s law background includes insight into the workings of insurance companies and employers. He is a super-smart person and a big asset to our firm. We are pleased to include him in our group of Oxner + Permar attorneys.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in Washington DC has documented a steady increase in the use of seat belts across our nation since 1994. As a result, there have been less unrestrained vehicle passenger deaths. Click here to see this research information.

In handling workers’ comp cases, we have found that company doctors may downplay the severity of accidents that occur at work. Injured workers come to attorneys complaining of problems that continue to hurt weeks after the incident. Or worse, they are concerned because they received an icepack and a band-aid from the company doctor when it’s clear that they should have been taken to the emergency room — by ambulance. What can be done and who’s to blame? Doctors report to others up the corporate ladder and profits can be more important than employee well-being. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) keeps track of reported safety concerns and incidents. Doctors and staff are under pressure to keep any concerns quiet to avoid fines for safety violations. The Whistleblower Protection Program gives rights to employees who notify OSHA of any concerns. The US Government Accountability Office has urged quicker audits and more worker interviews when concerns are reported — and also reviews at random intervals to help combat inaccurate corporate injury reporting.