physician working at laptop with stethoscope on the desk

Continuing professional development to support our members on their lifelong learning journey.

Upcoming CPD Webinars

Continuing professional development is the process of lifelong learning in which physicians acquire, through formal and informal activities, the medical and non-medical competencies they need to improve their ability to practice medicine and provide effective patient care. Engaging in continuing professional development is a professional obligation and also a prerequisite for enhancing the quality of health care. The WSMA offers continuing professional development as part of our commitment to supporting physicians and physician assistants on their lifelong learning journey. Questions? Contact Jessica Martinson at jessica@wsma.org or 206.956.3628 or Brendan Cox at brendan@wsma.org or 206.956.3625.

Health Equity M&M Webinar Series

Friday, August 12, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

The WSMA and WSMA Foundation are launching a new series: Health Equity M&M Webinar Series. Think ‘morbidity and mortality,’ but with a focus on health equity. Free for WSMA members, this webinar series is held on the second Friday of even-numbered months at noon.

Edwin Lindo, JD, facilitates case-based discussions presented by attendees. Lindo is the assistant dean for social and health justice in the Office of Healthcare Equity and acting assistant professor in the department of family medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He teaches, presents, and writes on issues of race and racism within the field of medicine and greater society. He is internationally recognized as a conscious voice for racial and social justice.

These Health Equity M&M discussions provide a framework for recognizing and examining our own biases and identifying the ways systemic racism exists in our organizations. You’ll have new tools to think critically and identify when to advocate for your patients from historically marginalized communities, ensuring they receive the highest quality clinical care. The Health Equity M&M discussions serve as one of many mechanisms to address forms of systemic marginalization of patients.

This series fosters a space conducive to building a community of professionals focused on achieving health equity; allowing for discussions of charged but necessary topics. Each webinar is protected under WSMA's CQIP as recognized by the WA DOH and pursuant to RCW 70.225.040. By registering, you agree to maintain the confidentiality of the cases discussed pursuant to RCW 43.70.510, RCW 70.41.200, and RCW 4.24.250.

CME Credit Statement for each Health Equity M&M Webinar Session

The WSMA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The WSMA designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity meets the criteria for up to 1 hour of Category I CME credit to satisfy the relicensure requirements of the Washington State Medical Quality Assurance Commission.

COVID-19 Vaccines Webinar Series

Maintaining a patient population immunized against the COVID-19 virus is a large-scale challenge requiring a coordinated effort, one where primary care physicians play a crucial role—more so now that mass vaccines clinics are becoming a thing of the past. Physicians are ideally suited to educate people about the importance of COVID-19 vaccines, communicate the safety and efficacy in an understandable way, address individual concerns and create a culture of confidence around the vaccines. By leveraging the trust patients have in their physicians, you can help ensure Washingtonians are receiving guidance based on sound science and good medical practice—and help counter the increasing barrage of misinformation circulating on- and offline.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to embed the COVID-19 vaccine into routine preventive care in your practice. The WSMA has joined the Washington State Department of Health to help physician practices and clinics access the tools and information they need to incorporate the COVID-19 vaccines into their practice workflows and employ effective strategies to engage patients in conversations about the vaccine.

Part 1 – COVID-19 Vaccines: How to Embed them into Routine Preventive Care

Friday, July 29, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

The logistics of delivering COVID-19 vaccines in a practice or clinic setting may have been a barrier in the past for some organizations, particularly our smaller practices. Today, however, there have been many advances that have made administering the vaccine more convenient for practices of all sizes. Join us for this session where you'll learn how to:

Bill for COVID-19 vaccine counseling and administration.
Access small, more manageable quantities of COVID-19 vaccines from Vaccine Depots across the state.
Join the more than 65,000 Washington physicians, PAs, and health care providers who have already committed to educating and empowering their patients to vaccinate.
Leverage the physician toolkit and public-facing resources to help protect the health and wellbeing of your community.

Guest speakers:

Alison Hilkiah, provider outreach supervisor, COVID-19 Vaccine Initiatives, Washington State Department of Health
Kim Huey, MJ, CHC, CPC, CCS-P, PCS, CPCO, COC, KGG Coding and Reimbursement Consulting, LLC
Danielle Koenig, health promotion supervisor, Center for Public Affairs, Washington State Department of Health
Mark Jowett Tan, owner, Bainbridge Island Community Pharmacy

Part 2 – COVID-19 Vaccines: Strategies to Discuss the COVID-19 Vaccine with Your Most Reluctant Patients

Friday, Aug. 26, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join an expert panel of physicians at this free webinar to learn effective strategies to engage patients in conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine by addressing their questions, fears, and concerns. Physicians from communities with low vaccination rates will provide real world examples of how to discuss the pediatric and adult vaccines, as well as booster vaccines. Representatives from DOH will outline the key elements of Power of Provider (POP) and the resources included in the toolkit.

Guest speakers:

Amy Carter, MD, FAAP, chief medical officer, Allegro Pediatrics
Shireesha Dhanireddy, MD, medical director, Infectious Disease Clinic, Harborview Medical Center
Alison Hilkiah, provider outreach supervisor, COVID-19 Vaccine Initiatives, Washington State Department of Health
Geoff Jones, MD, hospitalist and family medicine, Newport Health Center
Gretchen LaSalle, MD, family medicine, MultiCare Rockwood Clinic – Quail Run

CME Credit Statement for each COVID-19 Vaccines Webinar Session

The WSMA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The WSMA designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity meets the criteria for up to 1 hour of Category I CME credit to satisfy the relicensure requirements of the Washington State Medical Quality Assurance Commission.

Latest News

More...

Data pager
Data pager
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Item 1 to 3 of 20 Page:of 7 Page size:

Data pager
Data pager
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Item 1 to 3 of 20 Page:of 7 Page size:

Show all 20

scotus_overturns_roe_wsma_and_washington_state_law_primed_to_protect_patients

SCOTUS Overturns Roe: WSMA and Washington State Law Primed to Protect Patients

Latest_News

Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/June_24/scotus_overturns_roe_wsma_and_washington_state_law_primed_to_protect_patients

<div class="col-md-12"> <div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/june/us-supreme-court-sun-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="US Supreme Court building" /></div> <h5>June 24, 2022</h5> <h2>SCOTUS Overturns Roe: WSMA and Washington State Law Primed to Protect Patients</h2> <p> Today the U.S. Supreme Court released an opinion undercutting the longstanding legal precedent established by Roe v. Wade and the federal protections to legally obtain an abortion. While today's decision in <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization</a> requires further analysis - and some impacts may take time to play out - it is important for WSMA members to be aware of where things stand in our state. </p> <p> Washington state has strong laws in place that ensure abortion services will remain legal here regardless of the ruling, but other states may set their own abortion policies that could restrict or ban the procedure, as well as impacting access to other reproductive health care services. Abortion is health care, and based on WSMA policy we will advocate at both the state and federal levels to ensure that patients seeking abortions, clinicians performing them, and any individuals providing assistance will not incur undue liability under the laws of Washington state or other states. </p> <p> The professional health care regulators of the state of Washington recognize that the Supreme Court's decision may raise practice concerns for physicians, physician assistants, and health care practitioners. In advance of today's ruling, last week the Washington State Medical Commission, Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, and Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission released a set of <a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/news/wa-regulation-health-professionals-and-abortions-faq">frequently asked questions</a> to clarify how Washington regulators will continue to address practice matters related to abortion and reproductive care. </p> <p> The FAQ includes: </p> <ul> <li>What is the history of abortion laws in Washington state?</li> <li>Will abortions remain legal in Washington state?</li> <li>How do state regulators determine discipline and licensure if Roe v. Wade is overturned?</li> <li>Who may perform an abortion in Washington state?</li> <li>May a pharmacist dispense hormonal, non-hormonal, or emergency contraceptives in Washington State?</li> </ul> </div>

6/24/2022 12:00:00 AM

1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM

covid_19_vaccines_approved_for_kids_6_months_to_5_years

COVID-19 Vaccines Approved for Kids 6 Months to 5 Years

Latest_News

Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/June_24/covid_19_vaccines_approved_for_kids_6_months_to_5_years

<div class="col-md-12"> <div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/june/boy-with-mask-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="boy wearing mask" /></div> <h5>June 24, 2022</h5> <h2>COVID-19 Vaccines Approved for Kids 6 Months to 5 Years</h2> <p>Following approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup on Sunday <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nklm7aMqcyNrOrxZ-19-fGy-8i2wkxp1/view">concluded</a> that the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for children as young as 6 months old, making the more than 380,000 children ages 6 months to 5 years in Washington eligible for vaccination. The authorization includes:</p> <ul> <li>A 3-dose Pfizer vaccine primary series for children ages 6 months - 4 years</li> <li>A 2-dose Moderna vaccine primary series for children ages 6 months - 5 years</li> </ul> <p>During the rise of the omicron variant in late December 2021, infants and children ages 0-4 in the U.S. were hospitalized at approximately five times the rate of the previous peak resulting from the delta variant. Vaccination has continually shown to be the strongest measure to prevent serious disease and death caused by COVID-19.</p> <p>While the Washington State Department of Health has indicated delays in initial supply from the federal government, they expect inventory to build over the coming days and weeks. Once you have the Pfizer and Moderna pediatric COVID-19 vaccines in stock, you may begin administering them to children ages 6 months and up.</p> <p>The following resources are now available for physicians and clinicians vaccinating this age group:</p> <ul> <li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2022/baby-peds-june-16-update.pdf]">Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Plan for 6 months through 4 years</a> </li> <li>Moderna <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/159307/download">fact sheet</a></li> <li>Pfizer <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/159312/download">fact sheet</a> and <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/159303/download">Dear Provider letter</a></li> </ul> <p> If your practice is providing the new pediatric vaccine and experiences operational or administrative barriers, please email <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a> so that we may inform the Department of Health and other relevant state agencies. </p> <p>If your clinic is not yet enrolled in the federal COVID-19 Vaccination Program (enrollment is required to administer COVID-19 vaccines), learn more and enroll on the <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/healthcare-providers/vaccine-information-health-care-providers/federal-program-enrollment">DOH website</a>, and join the <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/vaccine-information/power-providers-initiative">Power of Providers Initiative</a> to help educate and empower your patients to get vaccinated. If your practice does not offer the vaccine and patients are asking where they can locate the vaccine for their child, direct them to the state's <a href="https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/">vaccine locator</a>.</p> <h3>WSMA-DOH COVID-19 Vaccines Webinar Series</h3> <p>If you haven't already, it's time to embed the COVID-19 vaccine into routine preventive care in your practice. The WSMA has joined the Washington State Department of Health to host a new webinar series to help physician practices and clinics access the tools and information they need to incorporate the COVID-19 vaccines into their practice workflows and employ effective strategies to engage patients in conversations about the vaccine. The first session, focused on embedding vaccines into preventative care, is scheduled for Friday, July 29 from noon-1 p.m. <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Upcoming_Webinars/WSMA/education/Upcoming_Webinars/Upcoming_Webinars.aspx?hkey=b760d6bd-1833-412d-b681-babf251792a8">Register online</a>.</p> </div>

6/23/2022 12:00:00 AM

1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM

full_medicare_sequester_will_be_applied_on_july_1

Full Medicare Sequester Will Be Applied on July 1

Latest_News

Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/June_24/full_medicare_sequester_will_be_applied_on_july_1

<div class="col-md-12"> <div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/june/medicare-barcode-645px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Medicar barcode" /></div> <h5>June 24, 2022</h5> <h2>Full Medicare Sequester Will Be Applied on July 1</h2> <p>On July 1, the full 2% Medicare sequester is set to <a href="https://www.cms.gov/outreach-and-educationoutreachffsprovpartprogprovider-partnership-email-archive/2021-12-16-mlnc?mkt_tok=MTQ0LUFNSi02MzkAAAGFL2zEkvuccEqvy2k2OvsN89iZ0tsbQcymMK8To_VHOY1-uWCm_LDX6Sdu5pYDL-sGFGxjLxZZIXedMVIwYgVPxwzg2w0rMKhNKhi74zV60g#_Toc90391082">phase-in</a>. Effective since 2013, the Medicare sequester was suspended early in the pandemic by The Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act along the following timeline:</p> <ul> <li>No payment adjustment through March 31, 2022</li> <li>1% payment adjustment April 1 - June 30, 2022</li> <li>2% payment adjustment beginning July 1, 2022</li> </ul> <p>Looking ahead to 2023, physicians are facing a combined 7-10% Medicare reimbursement cut. Earlier this year, the WSMA met with and <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2022/wsma-comment-federal-flexibilities-sen-murray.pdf]">sent letters</a>&nbsp;to every member of Washington state's congressional delegation noting "We are deeply alarmed about the growing financial instability of the Medicare and Medicaid physician payment systems due to a confluence of fiscal uncertainties physician practices face related to the ongoing pandemic, statutory payment cuts, lack of inflationary updates, and significant administrative barriers." The WSMA goes on to urge our members of Congress to make significant investments in the stability of the Medicare payment system.</p> <p>The WSMA is also one of over 100 organizations to endorse the AMA's Medicare Payment Reform Principles. The <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/characteristics-rational-medicare-payment-principles-signatories.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Characteristics of a Rational Medicare Physician Payment System</a>, which, among other things, urges Congress to aim for simplicity, relevance, alignment, and predictability for physician practices and the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services.</p> <p>Stay tuned for opportunities to engage with your congressional delegation in advance of 2023 to let them know that after several years of financial uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the expected Jan. 1, 2023 payment cuts would have devastating impact on practice viability and access to patient care.</p> </div>

6/23/2022 12:00:00 AM

1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM

Join or renew your membership today!

Join/Renew