Web News - September 2011

September 30, 2011

Author: Louise M. Tarantino| Catherine M. Callery (Kate)

Searching Social Security Regulations, Law and Cases Just Got Easier

A new research tool on the NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives) website has made searching for all manners of authority related to practicing before the Social Security Administration (SSA) much easier. Easy-to-use links connect to SSA webpage for the latest statutes, regulations, POMS, Rulings and Hallex provisions. Another link enables Google searches for case law and law journals.  http://www.nosscr.org/links.html

GAO Study Examines Work-Related Overpayments

Disability Insurance (DI) overpayments detected by SSA increased from about $860 million in fiscal year 2001 to about $1.4 billion in fiscal year 2010, though the full extent of overpayments to beneficiaries who have returned to work and are no longer eligible is unknown. A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) undertook an initial study that examined SSA’s efforts to identify, prevent, and ultimately collect overpayments related to ineligibility due to work activity. http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-756T

Website Allows National Search for Quality MDs and Hospitals

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched  a national online directory for patients to find reliable information on the quality of health care provided by physicians and hospitals in their communities. From Maine to California, medical patients can scroll over a U.S. map and find Web-based resources to help them choose a doctor or hospital in their town based on whether patients received recommended tests and treatment, the outcomes of their care, their experience with providers, or the overall cost of care. http://www.rwjf.org/qualityequality/product.jsp?id=72540

Health Care Needs for Young Adults Explored

Young adults who exit Supplemental Security Income (SSI) after their age-18 eligibility redetermination may have greater health-related unmet needs than those who remain on SSI, according to a recent Health Services Research study. Access to care, particularly insurance coverage (either Medicaid or non-Medicaid), seems to be a critical factor in explaining differences in health care, according to the study. http://www.dentistryiq.com/index/display/news-display/1467702781.html

New Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia Approved

In 2010, the American College of Rheumatology made a provisional approval of new diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia.  The article can be found at http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/classification/fibromyalgia/2010_preliminary_diagnostic_criteria.pdf