HCRS: A Cornerstone in Supporting Case Management for the Defense Health Agency

For two decades, HCRS has been an invaluable partner to the Defense Health Agency (DHA) by supporting their case management, particularly with regard to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). A collaborative endeavor between the Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA), IDES has significantly streamlined the process of evaluating disability among service members.

Its success is due in large part to the dedicated efforts of case managers from HCRS. Their comprehensive guidance, liaison support, and meticulous coordination across various facets of IDES has allowed them to counsel service members and commanders on adherence to established guidelines and regulations. Ultimately, this has led to smoother, fairer, and more efficient evaluations for those transitioning through the system.

HCRS has played a pivotal role in IDES from its inception. Its pilot program was originally launched across three military treatment facilities in 2007, distinguishing itself by eliminating redundancies in disability examinations and ratings. Moreover, the inclusion of VA counselors within these facilities ensured a seamless transition for service members from active duty to veteran status.

Feedback from participants and their families reinforced the effectiveness of the IDES pilot. Reports consistently highlighted higher levels of satisfaction with fairness, customer service, and overall experience compared to legacy systems. Notably, participants completed the process faster, reducing wait times for benefits — a testament to the program’s efficacy.

Building on this success, IDES would eventually expand to 27 locations and become the standard across all worldwide sites. 

Throughout this evolution, HCRS case managers have remained steadfast in their commitment to excellence, guiding service members through the intricacies of the process with professionalism and compassion. Their diverse skill sets, extensive knowledge of military healthcare structures and policies, and analytical approach allow them to navigate complex systems and address the needs of service members and their families.

If you have questions or needs regarding case management programs, we want to hear from you. Our dedicated team can manage and scale your efforts locally to nationwide. Contact us to learn more about a program.