In-line case reviews are an effective way of identifying quality problems before a final determination is made. An in-line quality assurance approach:

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  emphasizes quality review as an ongoing and continuous process for the life of the case;

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  focuses on identifying and reducing case adjudication errors;

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  recognizes that there are multiple important decision points that affect quality;

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  allows all DDS adjudicators to contribute to the quality review process; and

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  uses automated tools, such as the electronic claims analysis tool (e-CAT) and the disability case processing system to allow disability examiners to identify and correct errors in-line and in real time.

An in-line quality process can be useful for assessing case development practices and monitoring the timeliness and efficiency of actions because it identifies:

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  problems with case development;

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  delays in case development;

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  trends and training needs;

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  error-prone cases; and,

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  best practices