Technology has played a key role in how you pursue an appeal of your SSDI benefits denial in Washington state. Digital record keeping has made it far easier and more convenient to ensure your complete medical records get to Social Security Administration (SSA) decision-makers by the deadline in order to obtain a fair appeal. However, the potential pitfalls of this technology are there, and it always makes sense to have an experienced SSDI attorney on your side as you make your appeal.
Using Electronic Medical Records for Your SSDI Appeal
Through the Electronic Records Express initiative, the Social Security Administration (SSA) and state Disability Determination Services (DDS) offer electronic options for submitting health and school records related to disability claims. When you get a request for your health records or other information as you appeal the denial of your SSDI benefits, you or your medical providers can send them online via Social Security’s secure website or via fax to your state DDS or to Social Security. The records they send are automatically associated with your unique disability claim folder.
There are clear benefits to having your records sent electronically for your SSDI appeal. It’s more convenient than gathering and sending your records to DDS or Social Security on your own before deadlines. Sending your records electronically can also help speed up your appeal decision and start your reimbursement process sooner. It can also help you save on document copying and postage costs and eliminate the need to follow up with SSA due to potential mail delays.
How Telehealth Records Can Play a Role
Telehealth technology enables your doctor to generate a digital health record for you by conducting a medical evaluation with you online. Because these telehealth records offer more convenience and accessibility, they’re key to SSDI appeals. They capture real-time doctor-patient interactions, ensuring up-to-date information is available.
Potential Issues With Technology In Your SSDI Appeal
Although tech advancements like electronic medical records and telehealth have made it more convenient for you to produce evidence for your SSDI appeal, there are some potential issues with handling this information digitally.
Data privacy is one concern. When you have your sensitive health information stored and transmitted digitally, there can potentially be privacy issues. Cyberattacks or unintentional data breaches can expose your personal medical history. While data security technology is also evolving, it pays to stay vigilant about any potential breach of your medical records.
It’s also possible that decision-makers in your SSDI appeal process may misinterpret your electronic medical records after they are transmitted. Some digital formats may lack context—for example, truncated notes or standardized templates in your file may not capture all the details of your condition. This is a good reason to review your records and retain digital copies of what you send.
How an SSDI Attorney Can Help
Hiring an experienced SSDI attorney can really pay off when it comes to submitting your records electronically as part of your SSDI appeals process. Your attorney may be able to pinpoint discrepancies in your telehealth records or use time-stamped data in those records to reinforce a claim. Your attorney can ensure that all the digital records you submit are complete and correctly categorized. Finally, as part of your appeal strategy, your attorney may be able to emphasize unique aspects of your case–like specific medical consultations or patterns in your medical history—to increase the chances of your appeal.
Working With Schott Law
If you need help providing your complete medical records for your SSDI appeal, Schott Law is here for you. Maggie Schott is an SSDI & SSI lawyer serving Washington and Idaho. Contact us now at (509) 328-5789 to start your application.
