<\/p>\n
In the heart of Northwest Arkansas, a groundbreaking legal tech startup is changing the landscape of Social Security disability claims. LexMed, founded by Nick Coleman and joined by Phillip Cannon, is leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to streamline the often complicated and time-consuming process of disability claims.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/h3>\nThe Genesis of LexMed<\/h3>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SJ-LexMed-7.9.24-1-scaled.jpg” title_text=”SJ – LexMed 7.9.24-1″ _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Nick Coleman<\/em><\/h4>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Nick has deep roots in the legal profession. Growing up in the Arkansa Delta town of Blytheville, Nick was first introduced to practicing law by his father, a local trial attorney. This early exposure laid the foundation for his own future as an attorney.<\/p>\n
After law school, Nick decided to settle in Northwest Arkansas, drawn by the area’s natural beauty and outdoor activities. His legal career took a significant turn when he joined a large volume Social Security disability practice in 2012.<\/p>\n
“I handled anywhere from 200 to 300 cases a year and traveled all around Arkansas,\u201d he recalled. \u201cI\u2019d spend 40,000 miles each year on my car.\u201d This intense workload provided Nick with extensive exposure to Social Security disability cases, allowing him to develop a particular expertise in the field, especially in appellate work.<\/p>\n
As Nick gained experience in the field of Social Security disability law, he began to recognize significant inefficiencies in the process. The sheer volume of medical evidence that needs to be reviewed for each case, coupled with the complexities of navigating the Social Security Administration’s bureaucracy, creates a challenging environment for attorneys and their clients.<\/p>\n
“You’re dealing with the bureaucratic nightmare, which is the Social Security Administration. Everything about it is really complicated\u2014everything about the process, from communicating with the agency to working with your clients and getting the critical information you need to effectively advocate for them. It’s just chaotic,” Nick explained.<\/p>\n
One of the most time-consuming aspects of disability cases is reviewing extensive medical records. Nick described the traditional process: “Think of a 2,000 page medical record. It takes hours to review. And the current way of getting through it is \u2018Control F\u2019 looking for words like restricted range of motion, abnormal gait. And so we first wanted to find a way to pull all this critical information and match it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another significant pain point for attorneys is the need to review audio recordings of hearings. These recordings are often lengthy and filled with repetitive questions, making them a tedious task for attorneys to review, especially after a long day of multiple hearings. Some firms handle anywhere from 25 to 30 hearings each month.<\/p>\n
Recognizing these challenges, Nick saw an opportunity to leverage technology to streamline the process. Initially, LexMed focused on developing a system to efficiently review medical records and match critical information to relevant regulations. However, they soon pivoted to address another pressing need: transcribing and analyzing hearing recordings.<\/p>\n
LexMed’s innovative solution uses AI and natural language processing to quickly transcribe hearing recordings and provide attorneys with a searchable, written record of the proceedings. But they didn’t stop there.<\/p>\n
“We’re taking it a step further where we’ll have an audit program that comes with the transcript and gives you the critical pieces of evidence that you need,\u201d he explained. \u201cIf you do a post-hearing objection right after the hearing, you can send it to the judge, \u2018Hey, this happened at the hearing. The expert\u2019s testimony is not consistent with these resources.\u2019 You build the record for the appeal and it gives you a better chance of success.\u201d<\/p>\n
This advanced feature not only saves attorneys time but also enhances their ability to advocate for their clients by quickly identifying inconsistencies or errors in expert testimony.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Technological Backbone: Phillip Cannon on Joining LexMed<\/h3>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SJ-LexMed-7.9.24-6-scaled.jpg” title_text=”SJ – LexMed 7.9.24-6″ _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Phillip Cannon<\/em><\/h4>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
While Nick brings the legal expertise and vision to LexMed, the technological know-how comes from Phillip Cannon. Phillip, who grew up in central Arkansas, found his passion for computer science while studying engineering at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.<\/span><\/p>\n“I ended up taking computer science as elective and loved it so much that I just went the rest of the way through with that,” Phillip shared. His background includes working for various startups in the area, including a medical software company and SupplyPike. This experience provided him with valuable insights into modern web development and the startup ecosystem.<\/span><\/p>\nPhillip’s journey to LexMed was serendipitous. He explained, “I got connected to Nick through his wife, Kelsey. She was a coworker of mine at Ox, and she told me that Nick was working on some really cool AI stuff, and I’d been looking for something like that.\u201d This connection came at a perfect time, as Phillip had recently decided to pursue AI full-time, recognizing the paradigm shift occurring in the tech world.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
The ARise Program and Doing Business in Arkansas<\/h3>\n
Nick’s early conversations with mentors like Jeff and Brett Amerine from <\/span>Startup Junkie<\/span><\/a> helped shape the direction of LexMed. They believed LexMed would be a great candidate for the new ARise program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nARise<\/a>, which stands for Arkansas Innovators, Startups and Entrepreneurs, supports tech and tech-enabled startups in Arkansas by connecting them with coaching, consulting, and resources across the state to successfully grow their business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nBoth Nick and Phillip are passionate about building their business in Arkansas. They see the state, particularly Northwest Arkansas, as fertile ground for technology startups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n“The support for startups and entrepreneurs is growing, especially in Northwest Arkansas,\u201d he observed. \u201cI’ve seen it. There\u2019s a lot of community support. The state of Arkansas is going to continue growing. And along with that, its technological presence is going to keep growing.”<\/span><\/p>\nArkansas’ unique position as a state with one of the highest per capita disability recipient populations also makes it an ideal location for LexMed. Nick saw this as an opportunity for their technology to make a significant impact: “I think we\u2019ll ultimately help the state. I think that’s one piece of the puzzle, how a program like this doesn\u2019t just help Social Security claimants, but specifically Social Security claimants in the state of Arkansas.”<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/h3>\nA Personal Mission<\/h3>\n
For Nick, LexMed’s mission is deeply personal. He shared a poignant story about his mother, who suffered from a debilitating muscular degenerative condition and was a recipient of Social Security disability benefits. This experience opened his eyes to the disparities in access to resources for disability claimants.<\/span><\/p>\n“One of the reasons she was able to get access to benefits fairly quickly was because my dad’s an attorney, and she had resources available to her that many other people do not have,” Nick reflected. “I want everybody to have access to a zealous advocate who can help them and equal the playing field so that everybody has access to resources in times of need.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/h3>\nThe Future of LexMed<\/h3>\n
As LexMed continues to grow and refine its technology, the team remains committed to their mission of democratizing justice in the realm of Social Security disability claims. Their innovative use of AI and natural language processing is not just about creating efficiencies for attorneys; it’s about ensuring that every claimant, regardless of their resources, has the best possible chance at receiving the benefits they deserve.<\/span><\/p>\nThe startup is currently working with law firms throughout Arkansas as beta testers and early adopters, helping to iron out any kinks in the system. As they perfect their technology and expand their reach, LexMed has the potential to revolutionize how disability claims are handled across the country.<\/span><\/p>\nLexMed represents the exciting intersection of legal expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a deep-seated commitment to social justice. By addressing the pain points in the Social Security disability claims process, Nick and Phillipare not only building a successful startup, they’re also working to create a more equitable legal system for all. As they continue to grow and innovate in the heart of Arkansas, LexMed stands as a shining example of how technology can be harnessed to solve real-world problems and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SJ-LexMed-7.9.24-3-scaled.jpg” title_text=”SJ – LexMed 7.9.24-3″ _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Democratizing justice in Social Security disability claims. In the heart of Northwest Arkansas, a groundbreaking legal tech startup is changing the landscape of Social Security disability claims. LexMed, founded by Nick Coleman and joined by Phillip Cannon, is leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to streamline the often complicated and time-consuming process of disability claims. \u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3364,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
The world of entrepreneurship is filled with stories of passion, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. One such inspiring story comes from Lindsay Neely, founder of Pink Fern, a charming plant shop off College Avenue in Fayetteville, in a row of other woman-owned businesses. In this month\u2019s <\/span>Startup Stories<\/span><\/i>, Lindsay shared her entrepreneurial journey from humble roots to a blossoming business\u2014plant puns intended.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-9-200x300.jpg\")
<\/p>
Lindsay's love for plants and vintage decor began at a young age, fostered by childhood memories of frequenting garage sales and estate sales with her parents. \"I grew up going to second-hand sales with my mom and dad. We loved frequenting garage sales. We\u2019d shop on the side of the road, at estate sales, thrifting\u2026 I love a good deal. And then I started incorporating my love for plants with some of those finds.\"<\/span><\/p>Her passion for plants expanded during her college years when she transitioned from traditional gardening to nurturing houseplants. \"I grew up gardening with my parents, but then in college, in between dorms and apartments, there's not really a good place to garden. So I got more into houseplants at that point, and that was really where that hobby started.\"<\/span><\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-6-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>
In 2021, Lindsay took the leap and launched Pink Fern as a part-time venture, initially selling vintage home decor through Instagram. As her business evolved, she began incorporating her love for plants, crafting unique planters and terrariums. \"I started taking plant cuttings and putting them in brass vessels or vintage pottery, taking those to markets, and people really liked it.\"<\/span><\/p>Participating in local events like First Thursday in downtown Fayetteville played a crucial role in Lindsay's journey, helping her gain confidence and connect with the community. \"Doing those events really helped build my confidence. It was a great way to earn a little side money to teaching, and really just bring me out of my shell because I used to be more introverted, and it really helped bring out a more extroverted side to me, which I think is easy when you get to talk about things you love.\"<\/span><\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-2-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>
From the outset, Lindsay recognized the importance of strong branding for her budding business. \"One of my first tasks that I wanted to do was to really nail down some branding from the get-go, because I knew it was always at least going to be a side hustle. And I think for me, as a consumer, seeing a business that makes a statement with their branding and a consistent aesthetic really, really makes a statement.\"<\/span><\/p>Lindsay also tapped into the wealth of resources available in Northwest Arkansas, including <\/span>Kiva NWA<\/span><\/a>, a microloan organization that provided her with valuable consulting and financial assistance. \"I also got help from Kiva. They helped me. They have a lot of great free resources. And so I did a Zoom meeting with Martha Londagin, and she took a look at my business, heard my story, and had some great feedback on what I should be doing.\"<\/span><\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-3-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>
As the demands of her teaching career and Pink Fern grew, Lindsay found herself at a crossroads. \"The more I thought about it, and knowing myself, I knew that if I didn't at least try, I'd always play that <\/span>What if\u2026<\/span><\/i> game, right? I\u2019d always wonder, <\/span>What if I had gone all in? What if I had tried harder? What if I hadn't been so scared? <\/span><\/i>So I went all in.\"<\/span><\/p>
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
While Nick brings the legal expertise and vision to LexMed, the technological know-how comes from Phillip Cannon. Phillip, who grew up in central Arkansas, found his passion for computer science while studying engineering at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.<\/span><\/p>\n “I ended up taking computer science as elective and loved it so much that I just went the rest of the way through with that,” Phillip shared. His background includes working for various startups in the area, including a medical software company and SupplyPike. This experience provided him with valuable insights into modern web development and the startup ecosystem.<\/span><\/p>\n Phillip’s journey to LexMed was serendipitous. He explained, “I got connected to Nick through his wife, Kelsey. She was a coworker of mine at Ox, and she told me that Nick was working on some really cool AI stuff, and I’d been looking for something like that.\u201d This connection came at a perfect time, as Phillip had recently decided to pursue AI full-time, recognizing the paradigm shift occurring in the tech world.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nick’s early conversations with mentors like Jeff and Brett Amerine from <\/span>Startup Junkie<\/span><\/a> helped shape the direction of LexMed. They believed LexMed would be a great candidate for the new ARise program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ARise<\/a>, which stands for Arkansas Innovators, Startups and Entrepreneurs, supports tech and tech-enabled startups in Arkansas by connecting them with coaching, consulting, and resources across the state to successfully grow their business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Both Nick and Phillip are passionate about building their business in Arkansas. They see the state, particularly Northwest Arkansas, as fertile ground for technology startups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n “The support for startups and entrepreneurs is growing, especially in Northwest Arkansas,\u201d he observed. \u201cI’ve seen it. There\u2019s a lot of community support. The state of Arkansas is going to continue growing. And along with that, its technological presence is going to keep growing.”<\/span><\/p>\n Arkansas’ unique position as a state with one of the highest per capita disability recipient populations also makes it an ideal location for LexMed. Nick saw this as an opportunity for their technology to make a significant impact: “I think we\u2019ll ultimately help the state. I think that’s one piece of the puzzle, how a program like this doesn\u2019t just help Social Security claimants, but specifically Social Security claimants in the state of Arkansas.”<\/span><\/p>\n For Nick, LexMed’s mission is deeply personal. He shared a poignant story about his mother, who suffered from a debilitating muscular degenerative condition and was a recipient of Social Security disability benefits. This experience opened his eyes to the disparities in access to resources for disability claimants.<\/span><\/p>\n “One of the reasons she was able to get access to benefits fairly quickly was because my dad’s an attorney, and she had resources available to her that many other people do not have,” Nick reflected. “I want everybody to have access to a zealous advocate who can help them and equal the playing field so that everybody has access to resources in times of need.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n As LexMed continues to grow and refine its technology, the team remains committed to their mission of democratizing justice in the realm of Social Security disability claims. Their innovative use of AI and natural language processing is not just about creating efficiencies for attorneys; it’s about ensuring that every claimant, regardless of their resources, has the best possible chance at receiving the benefits they deserve.<\/span><\/p>\n The startup is currently working with law firms throughout Arkansas as beta testers and early adopters, helping to iron out any kinks in the system. As they perfect their technology and expand their reach, LexMed has the potential to revolutionize how disability claims are handled across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n LexMed represents the exciting intersection of legal expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a deep-seated commitment to social justice. By addressing the pain points in the Social Security disability claims process, Nick and Phillipare not only building a successful startup, they’re also working to create a more equitable legal system for all. As they continue to grow and innovate in the heart of Arkansas, LexMed stands as a shining example of how technology can be harnessed to solve real-world problems and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SJ-LexMed-7.9.24-3-scaled.jpg” title_text=”SJ – LexMed 7.9.24-3″ _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Democratizing justice in Social Security disability claims. In the heart of Northwest Arkansas, a groundbreaking legal tech startup is changing the landscape of Social Security disability claims. LexMed, founded by Nick Coleman and joined by Phillip Cannon, is leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to streamline the often complicated and time-consuming process of disability claims. \u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3364,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" The world of entrepreneurship is filled with stories of passion, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. One such inspiring story comes from Lindsay Neely, founder of Pink Fern, a charming plant shop off College Avenue in Fayetteville, in a row of other woman-owned businesses. In this month\u2019s <\/span>Startup Stories<\/span><\/i>, Lindsay shared her entrepreneurial journey from humble roots to a blossoming business\u2014plant puns intended.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> Lindsay's love for plants and vintage decor began at a young age, fostered by childhood memories of frequenting garage sales and estate sales with her parents. \"I grew up going to second-hand sales with my mom and dad. We loved frequenting garage sales. We\u2019d shop on the side of the road, at estate sales, thrifting\u2026 I love a good deal. And then I started incorporating my love for plants with some of those finds.\"<\/span><\/p> Her passion for plants expanded during her college years when she transitioned from traditional gardening to nurturing houseplants. \"I grew up gardening with my parents, but then in college, in between dorms and apartments, there's not really a good place to garden. So I got more into houseplants at that point, and that was really where that hobby started.\"<\/span><\/p> In 2021, Lindsay took the leap and launched Pink Fern as a part-time venture, initially selling vintage home decor through Instagram. As her business evolved, she began incorporating her love for plants, crafting unique planters and terrariums. \"I started taking plant cuttings and putting them in brass vessels or vintage pottery, taking those to markets, and people really liked it.\"<\/span><\/p> Participating in local events like First Thursday in downtown Fayetteville played a crucial role in Lindsay's journey, helping her gain confidence and connect with the community. \"Doing those events really helped build my confidence. It was a great way to earn a little side money to teaching, and really just bring me out of my shell because I used to be more introverted, and it really helped bring out a more extroverted side to me, which I think is easy when you get to talk about things you love.\"<\/span><\/p> From the outset, Lindsay recognized the importance of strong branding for her budding business. \"One of my first tasks that I wanted to do was to really nail down some branding from the get-go, because I knew it was always at least going to be a side hustle. And I think for me, as a consumer, seeing a business that makes a statement with their branding and a consistent aesthetic really, really makes a statement.\"<\/span><\/p> Lindsay also tapped into the wealth of resources available in Northwest Arkansas, including <\/span>Kiva NWA<\/span><\/a>, a microloan organization that provided her with valuable consulting and financial assistance. \"I also got help from Kiva. They helped me. They have a lot of great free resources. And so I did a Zoom meeting with Martha Londagin, and she took a look at my business, heard my story, and had some great feedback on what I should be doing.\"<\/span><\/p> As the demands of her teaching career and Pink Fern grew, Lindsay found herself at a crossroads. \"The more I thought about it, and knowing myself, I knew that if I didn't at least try, I'd always play that <\/span>What if\u2026<\/span><\/i> game, right? I\u2019d always wonder, <\/span>What if I had gone all in? What if I had tried harder? What if I hadn't been so scared? <\/span><\/i>So I went all in.\"<\/span><\/p>The ARise Program and Doing Business in Arkansas<\/h3>\n
\u00a0<\/h3>\n
A Personal Mission<\/h3>\n
\u00a0<\/h3>\n
The Future of LexMed<\/h3>\n
<\/p><\/p><\/p><\/p>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-8-300x200.jpg\")
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