Social Security early on expressed their interest with electronic medical records 
and there have been some pilot programs working in this area too. Back in August there were hints that some new big contracts were coming up and this looks like this is it or a part of it.
Social Security Big Contract Coming Up–IT and Infrastructure Updates Really Needed–Cobol Still In Place In Some Areas
In Boston at Beth Israel Deaconess, a pilot program was created and is in use, beginning in 2008 and they have been exchanging records, and I believe they were the actual first program started by Social Security. Social Security is also sharing records with the VA and DOD. The medical records are relative to disability claims being filed and speeds up the process tremendously. In August of 2009 Social Security set their own budget for electronic medical records. Back in February of this year Social Security announced 15 healthcare facilities who would be participating in the exchange of records with additional pilots. 
Social Security Awards Contracts for Electronic Medical Records – 15 New Recipients for Disability Claim Info
We see some familiar faces here such as Grumman who also was awarded the meaningful use contract for provider reporting data base work. Since defense contracts are down, many companies have switched their focus to IT as that field is still growing.
CMS Outsourcing Creation of “Meaningful Use” Database to Northrop Grumman in a $34 Million Contract
Accenture has a big job with their portion of the contract with the data integration processes to include mobile and web portals. Social Security well on their way on getting things in motion to be connected. BD
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has selected four prime contractors under the Information Technology Support Services Contract (ITSSC) that will be used, in part, to acquire health information technology that works with electronic health record (EHR) systems to process applications for disability benefits.
The ITSSC includes a one-year base period plus six additional one-year options with an aggregate ceiling valued at $2.8 billion.
The four prime contractors under ITSSC are Accenture, Computer Sciences Corp., Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin.
"All four companies are prime contractors, but SSA has directed different paths" for each, he said.
For instance, Accenture's focus is on "emerging technologies," including projects involving analytics, mobile, and web portals, Shane said. Accenture will also focus on integrating data from EHRs into SSA systems to assist in disability and other entitlement program determinations, he said.
The scope of ITSSC underscores SSA's increasing need for health IT, as the data contained in EHRs will enable disability claims and other entitlement program determinations to be done more quickly, efficiently, and accurately, he said.
Social Security Awards Health IT Contracts -- Electronic Health Records -- InformationWeek
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