| governor_inslee_proclaims_april_16_healthcare_decisions_day-19_Vaccines_to_R | Governor Inslee Proclaims April 16 Healthcare Decisions Day | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2021/governor_inslee_proclaims_april_16_healthcare_decisions_day-19_Vaccines_to_R | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>April 16, 2021</h5>
<h2>Governor Inslee Proclaims April 16 Healthcare Decisions Day</h2>
<p>
SEATTLE - Gov. Jay Inslee has proclaimed April 16, 2021, as Healthcare Decisions Day in Washington - a day to recognize the importance of advance care planning and encourage individuals to discuss and record choices about future healthcare decisions.
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.honoringchoicespnw.org/">Honoring Choices Pacific Northwest</a> (HCPNW), a joint initiative between the Washington State Hospital Association and the Washington State Medical Association Foundation for Health Care Improvement, is part of this national effort to highlight National Healthcare Decisions Day. In honor of Healthcare Decisions Day HCPNW is hosting <em>Whaddya Know</em>, an original game show, where the points don't matter - but the answers do!
</p>
<p>
<em>Whaddya Know</em> challenges players to match guesses to answers to irreverent and fun questions about future healthcare planning, death, and dying. Played with one partner or teams either together or at different locations, <em>Whaddya Know</em> is a live event, free, and open to the public; registration is required and most appropriate for participants 13 and older.
</p>
<p>
To participate in <em>Whaddya Know The Game Show</em> on April 16:
</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.celebratenhdd.online/the-game-show">Learn more</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bit.ly/31viiQ4">Register to play</a></li>
<li><a href="http://evite.me/T8VPGbW6Kd">Invite others to join with an evite</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bit.ly/39rWbhz">Get the Game Kit, including practice questions</a></li>
</ul>
<p>
Inspiring conversations about the care people want at the end of life, HCPNW helps to inform the public on available treatment options and supports health care organizations and community groups in discussing, recording, and honoring the expressed wishes of individuals on their choices for care should they be unable to speak for themselves. HCPNW's vision is that everyone will receive care that honors personal values and goals at the end of life.
</p>
<p>
HCPNW partners with healthcare and community organizations throughout Washington state, and many have local events to promote National Healthcare Decisions Day. Additional information can be found at HCPNW's website, <a href="https://www.honoringchoicespnw.org">www.honoringchoicespnw.org</a>, which includes a free advance directive to download and videos explaining advance care planning.
</p>
<p>
<strong>For more information, contact:</strong>
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
Washington State Medical Association<br />
206.956.3633 <br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>
</p>
<p>
Emily Pate<br />
Washington State Hospital Association<br />
206.216.2894<br />
<a href="mailto:emilyp@wsha.org">emilyp@wsha.org</a>
</p>
<h4>About Honoring Choices Pacific Northwest</h4>
<p>
Honoring Choices Pacific Northwest is a joint initiative of the Washington State Hospital Association and Washington State Medical Association Foundation for Health Care Improvement. We use a variety of approaches to inspire conversations about the care people want at the end of life, including an advance care planning program, community engagement, physician education, and advocacy. We help the public make informed choices about end-of-life care and help health care organizations and community groups discuss, record, and honor end-of-life choices. We are a philanthropic endeavor so all who want to participate can.
</p>
<h4>About the Washington State Medical Association Foundation for Health Care Improvement</h4>
<p>
At the WSMA Foundation, we believe in a future where physicians are healthy and fulfilled; where physicians, the health care team, and patients are partners; and where all Washingtonians experience quality care that aligns with their needs, goals, and values. Fulfilling that quest depends upon transformational change at all levels - individual, organizational, and statewide. We believe that change is possible, and that physicians and patients can thrive in health care settings that support them. The WSMA Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Visit <a href="[@]foundation">www.wsma.org/foundation</a> for more information.
</p>
<h4>About the Washington State Hospital Association</h4>
<p>
The Washington State Hospital Association advocates for and provides value to members in achieving their missions and improving the health of their communities. WSHA represents more than 100 hospitals and health systems in the state, including those that are non-profit, investor-owned, and county, state, and military hospitals. The Quadruple Aim guides our members and our work as we strive to reduce the cost of health care and improve the patient experience, the clinician experience and the health of our communities. Visit <a href="https://www.wsha.org">www.wsha.org</a> for more information.
</p>
</div> | 4/16/2021 11:29:14 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| ppe_reimbursement_bill_signed_into_law | PPE Reimbursement Bill Signed Into Law | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/ppe_reimbursement_bill_signed_into_law | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/April/Spring-WA-Capitol-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Washington cap" />
</div>
<h5>April 16, 2021</h5>
<h2>PPE Reimbursement Bill Signed Into Law</h2>
<p>
With the 2021 legislative session slated to adjourn on April 25, WSMA's legislative priorities are in strong shape, with one major win for the physician community coming in mere moments. Senate Bill 5169, requiring commercial insurance carriers to begin reimbursing for PPE costs during the pandemic, will be signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today, April 16. The bill will take effect immediately upon signature, and Washington will become the first state in the country to require reimbursement for PPE in this way. The WSMA and other supporters believe this important legislation will help spread the increased costs of delivering care during the pandemic and ensure everyone is paying their fair share.
</p>
<h3>What SB 5169 means for physician practices</h3>
<p>
As soon as the bill is signed into law and for the duration of the federal public health emergency, any physician or health care provider treating patients in state-regulated commercial health plans who has incurred costs for PPE will be able to bill the newly created CPT code 99072 and be reimbursed $6.57 per patient encounter as recommended by the AMA's RUC committee.
</p>
<p>
Given that it can be difficult to know whether a health plan is fully insured and subject to state regulation, or self-insured and generally exempt from state laws, the WSMA recommends billing the code liberally in appropriate circumstances as those health plans which are not subject to the law may opt to reimburse the code. More guidance on the use of the code can be found in <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2020-09/cpt-assistant-guide-coronavirus-september-2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">this edition of the AMA CPT Assistant</a>. (If your practice experiences any implementation issues with insurers, please reach out to WSMA's policy department at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.)
</p>
<p>
The WSMA conducted several surveys last year to assess the impact of the pandemic on physician practices. One recurring theme we heard was that PPE was increasingly difficult to procure, and when available, the costs were much higher compared to pre-pandemic rates. Based on this feedback, the WSMA helped develop and introduce SB 5169 as one way to ensure support for physician practices. We want to thank everyone that took the time to respond to these surveys during an incredibly stressful time.
</p>
<p>
In developing and advancing this legislation, the WSMA also worked closely with the Washington State Medical Group Management Association, as well as a host of health care provider organizations. We appreciate their input and partnership in this work. Finally, we want to thank Sen. David Frockt (D-North Seattle) for sponsoring the bill and prioritizing it to help support the physician and provider community during this challenging time.
</p>
<h3>Other practice sustainability policies poised to pass</h3>
<p>
That's not the only good news to report from Olympia. As it stands, all of WSMA's priority issues are faring well, including:
</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Medicaid reimbursement:</strong> Budget writers in Olympia have proposed investing up to $160 million over the next two years in Medicaid reimbursement rate increases for primary care, behavioral health, and certain pediatric services. These rate increases are a longstanding priority for your WSMA and represent a positive first step in addressing Medicaid reimbursement more broadly. Budget negotiations are ongoing, but we are optimistic that funds will be included in the final budget.</li>
<li><strong>Audio-only telemedicine:</strong>, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1196&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021">HB 1196</a> Generally requires that insurers provide the same coverage and reimbursement for audio-only telemedicine services as they would for care delivered in person or via audio/visual telemedicine. The bill has passed both the House and Senate, but the House will need to agree with changes adopted in the Senate before the bill heads to the governor's desk.</li>
<li><strong>COVID-19 liability protections</strong>, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5271&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021">SB 5271</a>: Establishes that the context in which care was delivered during COVID-19 will be taken into account in malpractice actions. The bill would help ensure courts will consider the difficult regulatory and logistical landscape physician practices were operating under during the pandemic. The bill has passed both the House and Senate and now heads to the governor's desk. SB 5271 will take effect immediately upon being signed.</li>
</ul>
<p>
For more information regarding WSMA's legislative advocacy, please visit our <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/Legislative___Regulatory/WSMA/Advocacy/Legislative_Regulatory/Legislative_Regulatory.aspx?hkey=c0dc6e7c-4385-497a-99db-4a6b6f4e56bd">Legislative &amp; Regulatory
page</a> or reach out to WSMA Government Affairs Director Sean Graham at <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">sean@wsma.org</a>.
</p>
</div> | 4/16/2021 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| video_legislative_session_week_14_in_brief | Video: Legislative Session Week 14 in Brief | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/video_legislative_session_week_14_in_brief | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/535933862"><img alt="" src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2021/April/Leg-Update-Video-Wk-14-645x425px.jpg" /></a>
</div>
<h5>April 12, 2021</h5>
<h2>Video: Legislative Session Week 14 in Brief</h2>
<p>
WSMA Director of Government Affairs Sean Graham explains the legislative reconciliation process, and unpacks recently passed Senate Bill 5169, which requires state-regulated commercial health plans to cover PPE costs that have increased due to the pandemic. <a href="https://vimeo.com/535933862">Watch the video</a>.</p>
</div> | 4/12/2021 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |