GAO Agrees to Conduct Larson-Requested Study on Quality of Medical Reviews in Social Security Disability Eligibility Determinations

Statement

Last week, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) agreed to conduct a study requested by Chairman of the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee John B. Larson (CT-01) into whether doctors who help make Social Security disability benefit decisions are performing high-quality, accurate reviews. A recent series by the Tennessean raised concerns about reviews done by contracted doctors who are paid on a per-case basis. Larson requested the GAO conduct the study earlier this month.

"Since learning about the Tennessean's investigation, I have been very concerned about this. Many states' Disability Determination Service (DDS) agencies contract to outside doctors to help make disability determinations and little is known about these practices. I am pleased to announce that the GAO is moving forward with this study," said Larson.

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