VA tests faster methods for medical records review

The Veterans Affairs Department will begin using a private contractor to help collect veterans' medical records from their health care providers in an attempt to streamline the claims process.

Under the pilot program, which the department announced Monday, the contractor will get the records, scan them and securely transmit them to the VA. The department expects the process to cut down wait times on claims by a month, to as little as seven to 10 days.

"Innovations that will speed, simplify or improve our services to veterans are receiving rigorous tests at VA," said Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. "We are committed to harnessing the best technology and the brightest minds in the government and private sector to ensure veterans receive the benefits they have earned."

The test program will involve 60,000 record requests in Phoenix; New York City; St. Louis; Portland, Ore.; Chicago; Anchorage, Alaska; Jackson, Miss.; and Indianapolis.