| hca_offers_clarity_around_42_cfr_part_2_confidentiality_requirements | HCA Offers Clarity Around 42 CFR Part 2 Confidentiality Requirements | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190710/hca_offers_clarity_around_42_cfr_part_2_confidentiality_requirements | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Sharing Substance Use Disorder Information logo" src="/images/News/Sharing-SUD-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
July 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>HCA Offers Clarity Around 42 CFR Part 2 Confidentiality Requirements</h2>
<p>Substance use disorder treatment information is subject to stringent regulations in 42 Code of Federal Regulations Part 2. In response to physician and provider requests for clarity around the confidentiality requirements, the Health Care Authority now offers <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/billers-and-providers/60-0015-sharing-substance-use-disorder-information-guide.pdf" target="_blank">Sharing Substance Use Disorder Information: A Guide for Washington State</a>. Developed with input from the WSMA, the guidance helps promote a common understanding of Part 2 and applicable laws, and offers common scenarios in which substance use disorder information sharing is needed. The resource also includes additional provider and patient resources, such as a sample Part 2 compliant consent form.</p>
</div> | 7/10/2019 2:20:35 PM | 7/8/2019 11:25:13 AM | 7/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| medical_commission_license_renewal_fee_increase_still_under_consideration | Physician/PA License Renewal Fee Increase Rulemaking Still Active | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190710/medical_commission_license_renewal_fee_increase_still_under_consideration | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/Stethoscope-on-table-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
July 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Physician/PA License Renewal Fee Increase Rulemaking Still Active</h2>
<p>In May, the WSMA <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190424/last_chance_to_act_medical_commission_releases_rulemaking_for_license_renewal_fee_increase">called on members to act</a> in response to the Washington Medical Commission's release of proposed rulemaking raising license renewal fees for allopathic physicians (from $657 to $1,012) and physician assistants (from $202 to $396). While the Medical Commission reported then that the public commenting period would close on May 7 and the rule adopted on May 17, the WSMA has confirmed that the fee increase proposal is still an active rule—and commenting is still available. If you continue to have concerns, please share your comments with the Medical Commission at <a href="mailto:Medical.Rules@wmc.wa.gov">Medical.Rules@wmc.wa.gov</a>. For reference, see WSMA's formal response to the <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2019/WMC_Fee_Increase_CR-102_Comment_Letter_May_2019.pdf]" name="proposed CR-102 rule"><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2019/WMC_Fee_Increase_CR-102_Comment_Letter_May_2019.pdf]">proposed CR-102 rule</a> </a> that details our concerns regarding the commission's justifications for the fee increases. We will continue to provide updates and share any opportunities for advocacy as the rulemaking proceeds.</p>
</div> | 7/10/2019 2:38:46 PM | 7/8/2019 11:25:07 AM | 7/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| medicare_2018_mips_performance_feedback_and_payment_adjustment_for_2020_now_available | Medicare 2018 MIPS Performance Feedback (and Payment Adjustment for 2020) Now Available | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190710/medicare_2018_mips_performance_feedback_and_payment_adjustment_for_2020_now_available | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
July 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Medicare 2018 MIPS Performance Feedback Now Available</h2>
<p>If you participated in Medicare's Merit-based Incentive Payment System or a MIPS alternative payment model in 2018, your performance feedback, which includes the payment adjustment you will receive in 2020, is now available for review on <a href="https://qpp.cms.gov/login">the Quality Payment Program website</a>. To help ensure your payment adjustment is applied correctly, you are encouraged to review your feedback and alert the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services as soon as possible to any potential errors.</p>
<p>To access your 2018 MIPS performance feedback and payment adjustment information:</p>
<ul>
<li>Go to the main <a href="https://qpp.cms.gov/login">QPP sign-in webpage</a>.</li>
<li>Sign in using your HCQIS Access Roles and Profile (HARP) system credentials; these are the same credentials that allowed you to submit your 2018 MIPS data.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you don't have a HARP account, download the <a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=0d4f490c-511a40dc-0d4f7833-0cc47a6a52de-4dd60871f359b816&amp;u=https://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTkwNzAzLjc2Nzc3ODEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTkwNzAzLjc2Nzc3ODEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNjc4NjgyMiZlbWFpbGlkPWxhdXJpLnRhbkBjbXMuaGhzLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9bGF1cmkudGFuQGNtcy5oaHMuZ292JnRhcmdldGlkPSZmbD0mbXZpZD0mZXh0cmE9JiYm&amp;&amp;&amp;102&amp;&amp;&amp;https://qpp-cm-prod-content.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/335/QPP+Access+User+Guide.zip">QPP Access User Guide</a> for instructions on how to start the process.</p>
<p>To learn more about performance feedback, download the most <a href="https://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTkwNzAzLjc2Nzc3ODEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTkwNzAzLjc2Nzc3ODEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNjc4NjgyMiZlbWFpbGlkPWxhdXJpLnRhbkBjbXMuaGhzLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9bGF1cmkudGFuQGNtcy5oaHMuZ292JnRhcmdldGlkPSZmbD0mbXZpZD0mZXh0cmE9JiYm&amp;&amp;&amp;103&amp;&amp;&amp;https://qpp-cm-prod-content.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/581/2018%20Performance%20Feedback%20FAQs.pdf">frequently asked questions</a>. If you believe an error has been made in your payment adjustment calculation, you have until Sept. 30 to request a targeted review. Request a review by signing into the QPP website as detailed above and following the instructions. <a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=ca607dd0-96357400-ca604cef-0cc47a6a52de-da282163f6732185&amp;u=https://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTkwNzAzLjc2Nzc3ODEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTkwNzAzLjc2Nzc3ODEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNjc4NjgyMiZlbWFpbGlkPWxhdXJpLnRhbkBjbXMuaGhzLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9bGF1cmkudGFuQGNtcy5oaHMuZ292JnRhcmdldGlkPSZmbD0mbXZpZD0mZXh0cmE9JiYm&amp;&amp;&amp;112&amp;&amp;&amp;https://qpp-cm-prod-content.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/574/2018%20Targeted%20Review%20FAQs.pdf">Learn more about requesting a targeted review</a>.</p>
<p>If you have questions, contact the Quality Payment Program at <a href="mailto:QPP@cms.hhs.gov">QPP@cms.hhs.gov</a> or 866.288.8292.</p>
<p>Previously: <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190626/are_you_a_mips_eligible_physician_you_may_be_selected_for_cms_audit">Are You a MIPS-Eligible Physician? You May Be Selected for CMS Audit</a></p>
</div> | 7/10/2019 2:22:22 PM | 7/8/2019 11:25:20 AM | 7/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| registration_now_available_for_the_2019_wsma_annual_meeting | Registration Now Available for the 2019 WSMA Annual Meeting | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190710/registration_now_available_for_the_2019_wsma_annual_meeting | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Speaker at the WSMA House of Delegates" src="/images/Events/AM_2018.10.042-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
July 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Registration Now Available for the 2019 WSMA Annual Meeting</h2>
<p>Connect with your colleagues from around the state for a weekend of policy discussions, educational sessions, and networking opportunities at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates, scheduled for Oct. 12-13 in Seattle. This year, we're once again welcoming the Washington State Radiological Society, which will hold its business meeting that Saturday afternoon and join with the WSMA to offer educational sessions throughout the day, available to all WSMA and WSRS members in attendance.</p>
<p>Key highlights at this year's meeting include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Keynote presentation: "Healthcare 3.0: How Technology is Driving the Transition to Prosumers, Platforms, and Outsurance" with <strong>Rubin Pillay, MD, PhD</strong> , chief innovation officer of the health system at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham.</li>
<li>"Physician Leadership and the Urgency of the Moment in Medicine" presented by AMA President <strong>Patrice Harris, MD</strong>.</li>
<li>Reception and inauguration of 2019-20 WSMA president, <strong>William Hirota, MD.</strong></li>
<li>Breakout educational sessions featuring physician experts on a variety of topics.</li>
</ul>
<p>Also on the agenda are returning favorites such as our welcome breakfast for first-time attendees and early career physicians, the WAMPAC luncheon (for those passionate about politics), our 2nd annual WSMA Foundation fundraising dinner, and much more.</p>
<p>The WSMA Annual Meeting is free for all WSMA and WSRS members. For a full agenda and to register, <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">visit the WSMA website</a>. Discounted rooms are available at the Hilton Seattle Airport &amp; Conference Center—reserve your room <a href="https://book.passkey.com/gt/217216982?gtid=abcdbeb3f46dbbc2488d74e96f393e5e">online</a> or by calling 1.800.HILTONS. Sept. 11 is the deadline to receive WSMA's special room rate.</p>
</div> | 7/10/2019 2:23:14 PM | 7/8/2019 11:25:28 AM | 7/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| save_the_date_for_the_washington_end_of_life_coalition_annual_meeting_nov_15_in_seattle | Save the Date for the Washington End-of-Life Coalition Annual Meeting, Nov. 15 in Seattle | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190710/save_the_date_for_the_washington_end_of_life_coalition_annual_meeting_nov_15_in_seattle | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Events/WEOLC_logo_645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
July 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Save the Date for the Washington End-of-Life Coalition Annual Meeting, Nov. 15 in Seattle</h2>
<p>Mark your calendars for the 2019 WEOLC Annual Meeting, Friday, Nov. 15 at the Seattle Airport Marriott Hotel. This annual full-day event provides an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues who share a passionate interest in the full journey of planning for end of life and after. This year's theme: "Before, During and After: Planful Death and Dying in Washington State."</p>
<p>Our sessions will address:</p>
<ul>
<li>The latest thinking on advance directives overall, plus planning for those with dementia.</li>
<li>Reimagining death through stories and visuals featuring home funerals and green burials.</li>
<li>New options for disposition of the body via Washington's landmark 2019 legislation on human composting as well as alkaline hydrolysis cremation.</li>
<li>Several regional authors addressing end-of-life topics as well as short literary pieces about death, dying, and grief.</li>
<li>
<p>A passionate personal story on the importance of leaving a legacy.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plan on joining colleagues from across the state for a day of thought-provoking learning on end-of-life issues!</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Agenda and registration details as well as sponsor and exhibitor information will be announced soon. For questions contact Brendan Cox at <a href="mailto:brendan@wsma.org">brendan@wsma.org</a>.</p>
<p>Also note: This year the WEOLC is sponsoring <a href="https://uw.cloud-cme.com/default.aspx?P=5&amp;EID=6154%2520">At the End of Life; Agency, Role, and Responsibilities of the Physician/Advanced Practitioner</a>, a groundbreaking two-day national conference, Sept. 13-14 at the University of Washington. Attendance is open to all—<a href="https://uw.cloud-cme.com/default.aspx?P=5&amp;EID=6154%2520">learn more and register online</a>.</p>
</div> | 7/10/2019 2:41:06 PM | 7/8/2019 11:23:50 AM | 7/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| take_hcas_annual_value_based_payment_survey | Take HCA's Annual Value-Based Payment Survey | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190710/take_hcas_annual_value_based_payment_survey | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
July 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Take HCA's Annual Value-Based Payment Survey</h2>
<p>The Washington State Health Care Authority is requesting physician and provider participation in its latest survey on the use of value-based payments in Washington. This survey will provide valuable insight into the challenges that practitioners face as they consider adopting new payment arrangements.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019P4VSurvey">2019 Paying for Value Provider Survey</a> is online. The survey is designed to be filled out by an administrative leader, with consultation from clinicians as necessary. HCA is seeking only one response per organization. The survey should take no more than 30-45 minutes to complete. Surveys must be complete by 5 p.m. PDT, Friday, Aug. 30.</p>
<p>This survey helps inform HCA's strategic direction toward its goal of 90 percent of state-financed health care and 50 percent of the commercial market in value-based purchasing arrangements by 2021. For a look at the results of the HCA's 2018 survey, click <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Practice_Alerts/20190110/value_based_payment_survey_results_show_washington_is_outpacing_annual_goals">here</a>.</p>
</div> | 7/10/2019 1:28:16 PM | 7/8/2019 11:25:24 AM | 7/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| updates_to_apple_health_opioid_prescribing_policy | Updates to Apple Health Opioid Prescribing Policy | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190710/updates_to_apple_health_opioid_prescribing_policy | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Physician inspecting prescription medicine bottle" src="/images/News/Rx_bottle_doctor_laptop_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
July 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Updates to Apple Health Opioid Prescribing Policy</h2>
<p>The Health Care Authority <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/apple-health-medicaid/support-act#Changes">recently announced</a> updates to its Apple Health (Medicaid) opioid clinical policy to align with the <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20181010/new_opioid_bill_passes_congress_with_bipartisan_support">federal SUPPORT Act passed in 2018</a>. The policy's requirements remain largely the same as when first issued by the HCA in October of last year (and endorsed by the WSMA and the Washington State Hospital Association in return for an <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2018/multi_pronged_efforts_seek_to_make_a_difference_in_opioid_epidemic">agreement by the HCA to include expedited prior authorization</a>). Changes include an attestation that chronic pain best practices are being followed when prescribing more than the acute policy limit within a 90-day period, and prior authorization on claims that exceed the 120 morphine milligram equivalent (MME) limit. Visit <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/apple-health-medicaid/support-act#Changes">the HCA website</a> to review the changes, effective Oct. 1.</p>
</div> | 7/10/2019 2:19:59 PM | 7/8/2019 11:25:10 AM | 7/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_supports_federal_bill_eliminating_cost_sharing_for_ccm | WSMA Supports Federal Bill Eliminating Cost Sharing for CCM | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190710/wsma_supports_federal_bill_eliminating_cost_sharing_for_ccm | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
July 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA Supports Federal Bill Eliminating Cost Sharing for CCM</h2>
<p>Rep. Suzan Delbene's (D-Wash.) office recently reached out to the WSMA for feedback and support for the Improving Chronic Care Management Act (H.R. 3436). If signed into law, this measure would eliminate the 20 percent beneficiary cost-sharing requirement for chronic care management services, with Medicare paying for 100 percent of the service cost.</p>
<p>CCM codes, including the cost-sharing element for non-face-to-face components, can be confusing and burdensome for patients and physicians and a barrier to important services. The WSMA urges Congress to improve access to chronic care management by passing this bill. Email Jeb Shepard, WSMA director of policy, at <a href="mailto:jeb@wsma.org">jeb@wsma.org</a>&nbsp;with questions or comments.</p>
</div> | 7/10/2019 1:17:52 PM | 7/8/2019 11:25:17 AM | 7/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| ama_welcomes_first_female_african_american_president_other_news_from_ama_annual_meeting | AMA Welcomes First Female African American President; Other News from AMA Annual Meeting | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190626/ama_welcomes_first_female_african_american_president_other_news_from_ama_annual_meeting | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/HeadShots/Patrice-Harris-MD-Circle-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
June 26, 2019
</h5>
<h2>AMA Welcomes First Female African American President; Other News from AMA Annual Meeting</h2>
<p>Patrice Harris, MD, was sworn in as the American Medical Association's 174th president at the AMA's annual House of Delegates meeting in Chicago earlier this month. Dr. Harris is the first African American woman to hold the office and only the fifth female president in the organization's history.</p>
<p>Watch the live broadcast of Dr. Harris' historic inauguration <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanMedicalAssociation/videos/853283701704193/?notif_id=1559682244507710&amp;notif_t=live_video_schedule_broadcaster">here</a> (her swearing in and inaugural address begin at timestamp 48:45) and read <a href="https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/generalprofessionalissues/80573?trw=no">a Q&amp;A with the new AMA president</a> to learn more about her goals for the AMA in the coming year.</p>
<p>In other news from the meeting, AMA delegates narrowly voted to continue its opposition to a single-payer health system, adopting new policy instead to push for universal coverage by supporting improvements to the Affordable Care Act, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Eliminating the subsidy "cliff," thereby expanding eligibility for premium tax credits beyond 400 percent of the federal poverty level.</li>
<li>Increasing the generosity of premium tax credits.</li>
<li>Expanding eligibility of cost-sharing reductions.</li>
</ul>
<p>See <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/house-delegates/annual-meeting/highlights-2019-ama-annual-meeting">this AMA report</a> for more highlights from the meeting. As they do every year, the WSMA's AMA delegation, comprised of four WSMA members representing the interests of Washington physicians and patients, brought forward several issues during the meeting, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>The concept of offering state employee health plans to every state resident and making the federal employee health benefits program health insurance plans available to everyone (referred for further study).</li>
<li>Alignment of federal privacy law and regulations with HIPAA for the purposes of treatment, payment, and health operations, while ensuring protections are in place against the use of "Part 2" substance use disorder records in criminal proceedings (amended to reference applicable state laws).</li>
<li>Universal access for essential public health services (alternative language adopted).</li>
<li>An AMA study and report on the conditions under which our country could successfully eliminate the manufacture, distribution, and sale of combustible cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products (referred for decision).</li>
</ul>
</div> | 6/26/2019 1:53:57 PM | 6/26/2019 9:15:29 AM | 6/26/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| are_you_a_mips_eligible_physician_you_may_be_selected_for_cms_audit | Are You a MIPS-Eligible Physician? You May Be Selected for CMS Audit | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190626/are_you_a_mips_eligible_physician_you_may_be_selected_for_cms_audit | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
June 26, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Are You a MIPS-Eligible Physician? You May Be Selected for CMS Audit</h2>
<p>The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services is conducting data validation and audits of a select number of Merit-based Incentive Payment System-eligible clinicians beginning this month. CMS has explained that these processes will help ensure MIPS is operating with accurate and useful data. MIPS-eligible clinicians, groups and virtual groups are required by regulation to comply with data-sharing requests, providing all data as requested by CMS.</p>
<p>If you are selected for data validation and/or audit, you will receive a request for information from Guidehouse, the IT vendor CMS has hired to conduct the reviews. The request will be sent via email or by certified mail. You will have 45 calendar days from the date of the notice to provide the requested information.</p>
<p>CMS currently offers the following data validation and audit resources:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=d0fbfee2-8cafe79e-d0fbcfdd-0cc47adc5fa2-0fc3c50acfab63f4&amp;u=https://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTkwNjIwLjcxOTM5NzEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTkwNjIwLjcxOTM5NzEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNjgwNDEyNiZlbWFpbGlkPW5hbmN5LmZpc2hlckBjbXMuaGhzLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9bmFuY3kuZmlzaGVyQGNtcy5oaHMuZ292JnRhcmdldGlkPSZmbD0mbXZpZD0mZXh0cmE9JiYm&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;https://qpp-cm-prod-content.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/73/2017%20-%20MIPS%20Data%20Validation%20Criteria.zip">2017 MIPS Data Validation Criteria</a> - 2017 criteria used to audit and validate data submitted in each performance category.</li>
<li><a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=80dd3e0a-dc892776-80dd0f35-0cc47adc5fa2-d6c0306407669a12&amp;u=https://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTkwNjIwLjcxOTM5NzEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTkwNjIwLjcxOTM5NzEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNjgwNDEyNiZlbWFpbGlkPW5hbmN5LmZpc2hlckBjbXMuaGhzLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9bmFuY3kuZmlzaGVyQGNtcy5oaHMuZ292JnRhcmdldGlkPSZmbD0mbXZpZD0mZXh0cmE9JiYm&amp;&amp;&amp;102&amp;&amp;&amp;https://qpp-cm-prod-content.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/163/2018%20MIPS%20Data%20Validation%20Criteria.Updated_11.2.18.zip">2018 MIPS Data Validation Criteria</a> - 2018 criteria used to audit and validate data submitted in each performance category</li>
</ul>
<p>Find more resources on the CMS <a href="https://qpp.cms.gov/about/resource-library">Quality Payment Program Resource Library</a>. CMS has indicated it is in the process of developing more resources to support clinicians selected to participate.</p>
<p>The Quality Payment Program can be reached at <a href="mailto:QPP@cms.hhs.gov">QPP@cms.hhs.gov</a> or 866.288.8292, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m.-5 p.m Pacific Time.</p>
</div> | 6/26/2019 1:54:33 PM | 6/26/2019 9:15:39 AM | 6/26/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| balance_billing_debate_and_wsma_advocacy_shifts_to_dc | Balance Billing Debate and WSMA Advocacy Shifts to D.C. | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190626/balance_billing_debate_and_wsma_advocacy_shifts_to_dc | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
June 26, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Balance Billing Debate and WSMA Advocacy Shifts to D.C.</h2>
<p>After years of negotiation on balance billing in the Washington state legislature, the debate has moved to the federal level as Congress considers multiple approaches to protect patients from surprise bills. A <a href="https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-policy/senate-health-bill-includes-pay-cap-surprise-bill-disputes">recently released bipartisan Senate health care bill</a> would, among many provisions, ban balance billing and risk disrupting incentives to contract for insurance carriers. This week, Seattle anesthesiologist James Burkman, MD, and WSMA's Sean Graham traveled to Washington, D.C. to share the physician perspective on this issue with Sen. Patty Murray, the lead Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee, where the bill is currently being considered.</p>
<p>The Senate bill would reimburse physicians at an insurer's median contracted rate for care delivered under the bill. Importantly, unlike <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1065&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1065</a>, the balance billing legislation passed in by the state Legislature earlier this year, the Senate bill does not include an arbitration process to allow physicians to seek additional reimbursement from insurers when their initial payment is insufficient. The arbitration component of the state bill was intended to maintain incentives to contract for both insurance carriers and physicians, to encourage the two parties to voluntarily reach an agreement on an acceptable reimbursement rate. Allowing carriers to use internal methodology to determine reimbursement will lead to fewer in-network providers, jeopardizing access to care for patients in some circumstances.</p>
<p>Members of Congress need to hear from you on this important issue. Visit the <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/be-heard?vvsrc=%2fcampaigns%2f66880%2frespond">AMA Physician Grassroots Network</a> for more details on the federal bills and for a link to message your members of Congress. When sending a message, be sure to reference Washington's balance billing legislation as a model. Learn more about that bill <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2019/weekly_rounds_apr_15_2019_taking_action_makes_a_difference">here</a>.</p>
</div> | 6/26/2019 1:53:32 PM | 6/26/2019 9:15:25 AM | 6/26/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| mmr_exemption_update_updated_form_and_new_webinar | MMR Exemption Update: Updated Form and New Webinar | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190626/mmr_exemption_update_updated_form_and_new_webinar | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>
June 26, 2019
</h5>
<h2>MMR Exemption Update: Updated Form and New Webinar</h2>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1638&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1638</a>, WSMA-backed legislation eliminating the personal and philosophical exemption for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, takes effect July 28. Make sure you're prepared with the following new resources.</p>
<p>The Department of Health recently released an updated certificate of exemption form for school, childcare, and preschool immunization requirements. Download the new form from the Department of Health's <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Immunization/FormsandPublications/Forms">Immunizations Forms page</a>.</p>
<p>Important: Several WSMA members have contacted us regarding the new certificate of exemption form. With the elimination of the personal and philosophical exemption for the MMR vaccine, you may notice an uptick in the number of parents claiming a religious exemption to the vaccine. For the form to be valid, a physician or other authorized provider must sign the document attesting they have "…discussed the benefits and risks of immunizations with the parent/legal guardian as a condition for exempting their child." By signing the form, you are indicating that you have discussed the benefits and risks of immunizations. You are not affirming the validity of their religious beliefs.</p>
<p>According to the Department of Health, there is nothing in state statute that requires a physician to sign the form. However, a physician may open themselves up to discrimination claims if they attempt to evaluate the validity of a patient's religion or religious claims prior to signing the form. While the risk for litigation may be lower, this warning extends to physicians who refuse to sign any religious exemptions at all. The WSMA recommends consulting with legal counsel before making any decisions about whether or not to sign these exemption forms.</p>
<p>If you have additional questions about the exemption policy and the new immunization law, the Department of Health and Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians are hosting a joint webinar this Friday, June 28 from 7-8 a.m. <a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7809027748702815235">Pre-register for the free webinar here</a>. If you are unable to attend the webinar, you can send follow-up questions to Billie Dickinson, WSMA policy analyst, at <a href="mailto:billie@wsma.org">billie@wsma.org</a>.</p>
<p><em>Photo: WSMA member Alan Melnick, MD, right, with Gov. Inslee as he signs House Bill 1638, removing the personal/philosophical exemption for the MMR vaccine.</em></p>
</div> | 6/26/2019 2:09:34 PM | 6/26/2019 9:15:18 AM | 6/26/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| register_for_the_2019_washington_immunization_summit | Register for the 2019 Washington Immunization Summit | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190626/register_for_the_2019_washington_immunization_summit | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>
June 26, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Register for the 2019 Washington Immunization Summit</h2>
<p>The Department of Health is hosting its second Washington State Immunization Summit on Oct. 8, 2019 at the Lynnwood Convention Center. The day-long event will focus on the measles outbreak, vaccination schedule updates, communicating about vaccines, working with special and at-risk populations, and the Washington State Immunization Information System.</p>
<p>The cost to register for the summit is $150 (includes free parking and complimentary meals) at the early bird rate. Early bird tickets are on sale until July 26 or until tickets are sold out. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register, visit <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/washington-state-immunization-summit-tickets-60602427492">the event webpage</a>.</p>
</div> | 6/26/2019 1:54:55 PM | 6/25/2019 11:39:39 AM | 6/26/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| register_today_for_physician_agency_in_end_of_life_conference | Register Today for Physician Agency in End-of-Life Conference | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190626/register_today_for_physician_agency_in_end_of_life_conference | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>
June 26, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Register Today for Physician Agency in End-of-Life Conference</h2>
<p>Beauty, meaning, and agency at the end of life. The passion and peril of storytelling in medicine. The physician's mantle. Hippocrates and the rabbis: What do these have in common?</p>
<p>Four leading writers and thinkers in American medicine, ethics, religion, and culture will take on these topics this fall in Seattle at <a href="https://uw.cloud-cme.com/default.aspx?P=5&amp;EID=6154">At the End of Life: Agency, Role and Responsibilities of the Physician/Advanced Practitioner</a>, the first-ever national conference devoted to exploration of the issues that physicians and advanced practitioners who care for dying patients often face as both medical technology and patients' requests for planned death evolve.</p>
<ul>
<li>Haider Warraich, MD</li>
<li>Danielle Ofri, MD, PhD, D Litt (Hon), FACP</li>
<li>Aasim Padela, MD, MSc</li>
<li>Rami Shapiro, PhD</li>
</ul>
<p>Join these leading thinkers and more than 20 national experts Sept. 13-14 at the University of Washington in Seattle as they explore these topics and engage in a series of panel discussions exploring the complexities that arise when physicians/advanced practitioners are asked by patients to stop machines (ventilators, cardiac devices, and dialysis); prescribe medications that may result in death (physician aid-in-dying, palliative sedation); and support patients who choose to stop eating and drinking (VSED).</p>
<p>The Washington End of Life Coalition—sponsored by the WSMA Foundation for Health Care Improvement—is partnering with the Washington State Medical Association, UW School of Medicine Department of Bioethics &amp; Humanities, Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence at the University of Washington, and UW School of Law to present this national conference. <a href="https://uw.cloud-cme.com/default.aspx?P=5&amp;EID=6154">Click here for course details and to register</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.</em></p>
</div> | 6/26/2019 1:55:31 PM | 6/26/2019 9:15:12 AM | 6/26/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| submissions_for_the_2019_william_o_robertson_patient_safety_award_due_july_17 | Submissions for the 2019 William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award Due July 17 | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190626/submissions_for_the_2019_william_o_robertson_patient_safety_award_due_july_17 | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
June 26, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Submissions for the 2019 William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award Due July 17</h2>
<p>The WSMA's William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award recognizes and honors patient safety initiatives being pioneered in ambulatory care settings throughout Washington state. The award was named after WSMA past president William O. Robertson, MD, who was a champion for patient safety, risk management, and quality improvement throughout his long and distinguished career. The WSMA is now accepting submissions for the 2019 award. To have your patient safety initiative considered, <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PYJ3C5R">submit your information online</a> by Wednesday, July 17. The award will be presented during the 2019 WSMA Annual Meeting in Seattle, Oct. 12-13.</p>
</div> | 6/26/2019 1:55:54 PM | 6/26/2019 9:15:43 AM | 6/26/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_guidance_on_setting_up_your_prescription_monitoring_program_account | WSMA Guidance on Setting Up Your Prescription Monitoring Program Account | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190626/wsma_guidance_on_setting_up_your_prescription_monitoring_program_account | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>
June 26, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA Guidance on Setting Up Your Prescription Monitoring Program Account</h2>
<p>Washington state's prescription monitoring program is a crucial tool in helping to stem the frequency of medication abuse and overdose. Physicians and providers who prescribe opioids are now required to individually register with the PMP as per <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Resources/Opioids/Prescribing_Rules_And_Guidelines/WSMA/Resources/Opioids/Prescribing_Rules_And_Guidelines/prescribing_rules_and_guidelines.aspx?hkey=dfe4668d-9a1a-43fe-9468-6c20117713e4">new state rules</a>. If you haven't yet set up your account, the WSMA can help.</p>
<p>The Department of Health features <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/ForPublicHealthandHealthcareProviders/HealthcareProfessionsandFacilities/PrescriptionMonitoringProgramPMP">a dedicated webpage for the PMP</a> (also known as Prescription Review), which has information on registration, access, and use of the program. For additional guidance, the WSMA has created the following checklist.</p>
<p><strong>Checklist for creating your PMP account</strong></p>
<p>Before registering with the PMP, you need to create an account with SecureAccess Washington (SAW), the secure central login platform used by state agencies. Once you have a SAW account, you can apply for PMP access through the SAW portal.</p>
<ul>
<li>Creating your SAW account
<ul>
<li>Go to <a href="http://www.wapmp.org/practitioner/pharmacist/">http://www.wapmp.org/practitioner/pharmacist/</a>.</li>
<li>Click on "proceed to terms and conditions" at the bottom of the page, which is titled Registering for Prescription Review.</li>
<li>Read the "<a href="http://www.wapmp.org/terms-and-conditions.html">Terms and Conditions</a>" and then click on "Proceed to Training Guide" at the bottom of the page.</li>
<li>The <a href="http://www.wapmp.org/assets/files/2017/WA_PMP_Practitioners_Training_Guide.pdf">training guide</a> provides instructions on how to set up your SAW account, and contains the secure service code that you will need to add the PMP to your SAW account (page 7 step 6) – CODE IS: PMP-PR.</li>
<li>Once you have reviewed the training guide, go to <a href="https://secureaccess.wa.gov">https://secureaccess.wa.gov</a> – this is the SAW login page.</li>
<li>Click on "Sign Up" (refer to the training guide if you need assistance).</li>
<li>Once your account is created, input your userID and password, and click "login."</li>
<li>Once you are logged in, click the "Add a New Service" button to add Prescription Review to your "My Services" tab.</li>
<li>Enter the secure service code (PMP-PR) and click "apply."</li>
<li>If this is your first time using the SAW portal, you will be prompted to answer several questions to verify your identity (this service is called Knowledge Based Authentication). Because the questions come from public record, you need to provide a complete address and your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license or birth certificate.</li>
<li>Once you have answered these questions and successfully verified your identity, you will be prompted to enroll in Adaptive Authentication.
<ul>
<li>You must first establish your security questions and answers. Special characters are not permitted when answering the security questions.</li>
<li>You will then provide phone numbers (the country code for USA is at the top of the drop-down list) and email addresses. Phone numbers should be direct lines, as you may get a call from the system when you attempt to login.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Once identity verification and authentication processes in SAW are completed, you'll be passed to the PMP for the final step.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Creating your PMP account
<ul>
<li>If you don't have an existing PMP account, click on "no, I need to create a new WA PMP account" and click submit.
<ul>
<li>The info you provide in PMP registration will be verified against your Washington health care provider license file (if that file contains incorrect information, e.g., incorrect birth date or social security number, your registration attempt will not be successful. If that's the case, call the licensing department at DOH 360.236.4700.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Complete the registration form fields and click "accept and submit" when you're done.</li>
<li>Your registration should now be complete.</li>
<li>Once approved you will receive an email. Follow the instructions in the email to complete your registration.
<ul>
<li>If the registration doesn't auto-approve, the system will email you</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Washington licensed health care providers who successfully complete the above steps will be provided immediate access to the system. Delegate accounts will not have access for patient query functions until selected/linked by a prescriber.</p>
<p>For additional guidance, the DOH features two helpful YouTube videos: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj0EnIjG3RQ">how to obtain a SAW account</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og8ldqqBR2E&amp;feature=youtu.be">how to register with the PMP</a>. For personal assistance, the state provides the following contact information: 877.719.3121 or <a href="mailto:wapmp-info@hidinc.com">wapmp-info@hidinc.com</a> for technical help and 360.236.4806 or <a href="mailto:prescriptionmonitoring@doh.wa.gov">prescriptionmonitoring@doh.wa.gov</a> for general PMP questions.</p>
</div> | 6/26/2019 3:05:02 PM | 6/26/2019 9:15:36 AM | 6/26/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_is_hitting_the_road | WSMA is Hitting the Road! | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190626/wsma_is_hitting_the_road | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>
June 26, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA is Hitting the Road!</h2>
<p>WSMA leaders are hitting the road this summer to connect with you in person and hear from you directly about what's impacting you in the practice of medicine. Everyone is welcome to join us for these free events, which will feature food and beverages, an update from legislative session, a Q&amp;A with WSMA leadership, networking with peers, and more! Don't miss this meet-up with the WSMA. Registration details to come—for now, save the date: The WSMA Road Trip will visit Spokane on Thursday, Aug. 22; Vancouver, Thursday, Aug. 29; and Bellingham, Thursday, Sept. 5.</p>
</div> | 6/26/2019 1:56:47 PM | 6/26/2019 9:15:32 AM | 6/26/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_signs_on_to_support_federal_vaccines_act_legislation | WSMA Signs on to Support Federal VACCINES Act Legislation | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190626/wsma_signs_on_to_support_federal_vaccines_act_legislation | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
June 26, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA Signs on to Support Federal VACCINES Act Legislation</h2>
<p>The WSMA has joined a sign-on letter in support of the federal Vaccine Awareness Campaign to Champion Immunization and Enhance Safety (VACCINES) Act. The bill, developed by Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman and Congresswoman Kim Schrier, MD, would provide necessary tools to increase vaccine rates and reduce vaccine misinformation.</p>
<p>Among its provisions, the bill would:</p>
<ul>
<li>Provide grants for research to learn more about the factors that drive vaccine hesitancy and barriers to immunization.</li>
<li>Require the CDC to track where there are changes in vaccination confidence, coverage, and refusal rates to assist public health agencies.</li>
<li>Support an evidence-based public awareness campaign on the importance of vaccinations, which will include culturally and linguistically competent resources tailored for communities with high rates of unvaccinated individuals.</li>
<li>Authorize grants to state, local, and tribal public health departments.</li>
</ul>
<p>To learn more, read the <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2019/VACCINES-Act.pdf]">bill language</a> for the VACCINES Act. A <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2019/VACCINES-One-Pager.pdf]">one-pager</a> on the bill is also available.</p>
</div> | 6/26/2019 1:52:36 PM | 6/26/2019 9:15:22 AM | 6/26/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| 2019_wsma_annual_meeting_how_to_propose_policy_serve_as_delegate | 2019 WSMA Annual Meeting: How to Propose Policy, Serve as Delegate | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190612/2019_wsma_annual_meeting_how_to_propose_policy_serve_as_delegate | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>
June 12, 2019
</h5>
<h2>2019 WSMA Annual Meeting: How to Propose Policy, Serve as Delegate</h2>
<p>
If you are interested in proposing policy or serving as a delegate at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates, Oct. 12 and 13 at the Hilton Seattle Airport &amp; Conference Center, be sure to take note of the following guidance and key dates.
</p>
<h3>Deadlines for submitting resolutions</h3>
<p>
Resolutions, one of the key policy drivers for the association, are considered for adoption by the House of Delegates at its annual meeting each fall. Resolutions must be sponsored by a WSMA delegate, alternate delegate or member of the board of trustees. If you are interested in authoring a resolution but are not a delegate or board member, the WSMA will work with you to develop your resolution idea and help find a sponsor. <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/How_to_Write_a_Resolution/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/How_to_Write_a_Resolution/How_to_Write_a_Resolution.aspx?hkey=a22cd977-aaed-4445-9ee2-6fc4716a7136">Learn more about resolutions on the WSMA website</a> and be sure to mark your calendar for the following dates:
</p>
<p>
<strong>Aug. 16</strong> – Deadline to submit your resolution for publication in the delegate handbook, the compilation of resolutions and other business to be considered by the House of Delegates.<br />
<strong>Aug. 30</strong> – Delegate handbook will be available from the WSMA website for download.<br />
<strong>Sept. 13</strong> – Final deadline to submit your resolution. Resolutions received after this date must have consent of two-thirds of the House at the opening session to be considered.</p>
<h3>How to serve as a delegate</h3>
<p>The House of Delegates is composed of WSMA members who represent, and are designated by, their respective county society or specialty society, as well as representatives of WSMA's special sections and board of trustees. If you would like to serve as a delegate at the 2019 WSMA Annual Meeting, please contact your local county society or state specialty society.
</p>
</div> | 6/12/2019 1:01:14 PM | 6/12/2019 11:31:59 AM | 6/12/2019 12:00:00 AM |
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<h5>
June 12, 2019
</h5>
<h2>AMA Urges Physician Action in Response to Federal Balance Billing Efforts</h2>
<p>
This week, the AMA is calling on physicians across the country to contact their Congressional representatives and urge support of physician- and patient-friendly balance billing legislation, in anticipation of the issue being taken up by Congress in the upcoming weeks. With Washington state having passed one of the most physician-friendly balance billing bills in the nation this past session, WSMA members are encouraged to contact their representatives in Congress to help ensure potential federal efforts achieve the same standard—and don't negatively impact the progress made in our state.
</p>
<p>
For details on the AMA call to action and to send a message to your Congressional representatives, visit the <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/be-heard?vvsrc=%2fcampaigns%2f66880%2frespond">AMA Physician Grassroots Network</a>. When sending a message, be sure to reference Washington's balance billing legislation, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1065&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1065</a>, as a model. Learn more about that bill <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2019/weekly_rounds_apr_15_2019_taking_action_makes_a_difference">here</a>.
</p>
</div> | 6/12/2019 1:10:07 PM | 6/12/2019 1:07:51 PM | 6/12/2019 12:00:00 AM |