The Iron Data Disability Case Management System (DCM) is a software application which is tightly integrated with the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability case processing system. Over the years it has evolved into a multi-faceted, multi-tiered application for government agencies looking for a technologically advanced approach for their information systems operation. Image integration is a prominent feature of its functionality as is the application’s ability to import and export data between state and federal systems. DCM will accommodate both small and large agencies. DCM incorporates a modular design, allowing users a growth path to add functionality in order to achieve greater return on investment. The Iron Data DCM addresses the phases of social services case management occurring within the agency. These include intake, adjudication, evidence collection, disability determination, quality control and case closure. DCM is composed of application modules which are adaptable to the needs of the social service agency and the phases of the case management process.
The Case Worksheet is the main interface and point of interaction between the case worker and pending cases. All activity regarding the claimant is initiated through the CWS. It is here the case worker finds all pending items-case receipts, letters to be sent requesting medical evidence (MER), Consultative Exam (CE) follow-ups, etc.
Through the worksheet, the case worker can create a MER letter, order a CE, all out a closure form, or write a decisional case notice. Additional entries can be made for phone contacts or case notes. Each worksheet entry can be accompanied by a detailed notes screen that includes a keyword search function.
Integration with all DCM modules provides automatic updates of the CWS in real time avoiding redundant data entry. CWS is an aid to the case worker in the development and collection of evidence related to the claim, generation of timely follow-ups and notification of third parties with legitimate interests in the claimant's case. At any time during the process, the CWS detail may be printed.
Cases are generally received through electronic processes from external systems. An Electronic Folder is created and DCM provides an Electronic Folder Interface which allows access to all documents for the case.
Consultative Exam (CE)
CE provides the capability to automatically order and schedule medical, psychological and secondary (laboratory, x-ray) evaluations of the claimant. It contains automated follow-up functions, reminder letters, CE budget reports and vendor performance reports. It integrates with the fiscal system to authorize payments to vendors and claimants. It supports multi-language letters.
This module is an extension of the MER Outbound Fax. Often government agencies may send copies of medical evidence gathered through MER to doctors who will perform consultative exams. CE Outbound Fax allows CE request letters, medical release forms and medical evidence to be automatically faxed to participating vendors. For nonparticipating vendors, the system prints the letters, forms and medical evidence for mailing.
This application allows the case worker to select web-based forms and complete them electronically. The system allows the form to be populated with selected case information. The forms can be saved in the EF, modified and printed at the case worker's discretion.
Closure Forms Processing (CFP)
CFP automates the final processing of cases which includes creation of the case closure screen, printing of determination forms, and updating the Electronic Folder. Decision codes, standard decisional notice text and claimant explanation letters are provided for efficient case closure.
ACA automatically assigns cases to case workers based on user-definable parameters. These include new cases as well as backlog cases. Any cases not assigned are stored in the backlog for the next case assignment process.
The MER application automates the collection of medical evidence received from health care professionals. Letters are created from stored formats and paragraphs, claimant data, and case worker keyed text. The case worker may select prototype letters from a list of user defined letter types. This module can optionally be used to generate claimant and third-party letters. MER supports multi-language letters.
EFI is a totally integrated solution to electronically receive medical evidence and CE Reports from providers and manage them along with the original MER letters, CE requests, and invoices in a paperless fashion using electronic delivery and workflow technologies. When the CWS screen alerts the case worker that medical evidence or a CE report has been received, it can be delivered directly to the case worker's workstation to view and process the case in a paperless manner. The evidence can be electronically viewed, highlighted, annotated, mailed, faxed, printed, saved, etc. EF supports multiple formats including eForms, manually scanned images, imported documents, etc.
This module allows MER letters created by the case worker, to be merged with a Medical Release Form, and automatically faxed to participating vendors. For nonparticipating vendors, the system prints the letters and forms for mailing.
QA is an automated process to select cases for review. User-specified selection and sampling criteria are used to create a Sample Profile. A QA case record is created for each case that meets the Sample Profile. The reviewer can record and classify errors. A large text area is featured to provide the case worker with reviewer feedback. A variety of QA management reports are provided. Both In-Line and End-of Line QA processes are available.
The Case Management System currently operates on the IBM iSeries™ family. The system fully supports reading and writing of data in XML format for interoperation with other systems. IBM’s DB2 database is uniquely suited to support many different development environments through adherence to existing and emerging open standards. DCM's adoption of an electronic folder and a paperless environment is facilitated by IBM’s Content Manager. Content Manager for iSeries provides document imaging, integration, and workflow from entry to enterprise level. IBM WebSphere Message Queue (WMQ) allows interchange of data from statewide or nationwide locations to a central data repository. It offers comprehensive security options and assures reliable delivery of data transactions.
To learn how our Disability Case Management System (DCM) can enhance your government, please email us at BenefitsEntitlement@irondata.com or phone: 314.744.7300