| 2021_wsma_legislative_summit_save_the_date | 2021 WSMA Legislative Summit - Register Today! | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/January_7/2021_wsma_legislative_summit_save_the_date | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/January/2021-Leg-Summit1-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA 2021 Legislative Summit graphic" />
</div>
<h5>January 7, 2020</h5>
<h2>2021 WSMA Legislative Summit - Register Today! </h2>
<p>As a result of the pandemic, leadership in the state House of Representatives and Senate have decided to hold the 2021 legislative session remotely and close the Capitol to the public, following public health guidelines. In response, the WSMA will hold the 2021 Legislative Summit virtually on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The event is free for WSMA members - one of the many benefits made possible by your dues dollars. The event is free for WSMA members—one of the many benefits made possible by your dues dollars. Registration is now available.</p>
<p>This year's session will be dominated by issues of import to the physician community, as legislators seek to respond to the pandemic, balance the state's budget, and continue to reform the state's health care system. During the Summit you will receive an update on everything happening in Olympia, including WSMA's legislative priorities.</p>
<p>The event will again feature prominent speakers and information on how to connect with your legislators via Zoom. And now there is no need to travel to Olympia to participate! We appreciate your understanding as we move this event online.</p>
<p><a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Legislative_Summit/WSMA/Events/WSMA_Legislative_Summit/Legislative_Summit.aspx?hkey=795731a5-79ba-45b0-b78b-b9dfbfc336e5">Learn more and register for the 2021 Legislative Summit</a>.</p>
<h3>About the 2021 legislative session</h3>
<p>The 2021 legislative session will convene on Monday, Jan. 11 for a virtual "long session," lasting 105 days. During session, the WSMA Outreach and Advocacy report will be disseminated on a weekly basis and will include updates about WSMA's advocacy efforts and opportunities for engagement - if you'd like to receive this weekly report, send your request to Alex Wehinger at <a href="mailto:alex@wsma.org">alex@wsma.org</a>. Legislators will spend the majority of the first few weeks of session in virtual committee hearings, which will be streamed live and archived on <a href="https://www.tvw.org/">TVW</a>, Washington's public affairs network, for your viewing.</p>
</div> | 1/7/2021 4:49:12 PM | 1/4/2021 2:30:44 PM | 1/7/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| cms_issues_updated_2021_conversion_factor_and_rvus | CMS Issues Updated 2021 Conversion Factor and RVUs | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/January_7/cms_issues_updated_2021_conversion_factor_and_rvus | <div class="col-md-12">
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</div>
<h5>January 7, 2020</h5>
<h2>CMS Issues Updated 2021 Conversion Factor and RVUs</h2>
<p>The $900 billion federal stimulus relief passed in December provided for a one-time, one-year increase to all payments in the 2021 Medicare physician fee schedule by adding $3 billion and delaying payment of HCPCS add-on code G2211 for three years. This provision is intended to support physicians and other professionals in adjusting to changes in the Medicare physician fee schedule during 2021, and to provide relief during the COVID-19 public health emergency. CMS has now clarified, in a follow up to the relief package, an update to the 2021 conversion factor and payment rates.</p>
<p>The Center for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services has confirmed that the new 2021 conversion factor will be $34.8931 instead of $32.4085 (download the updated impact on 2021 payments for select procedures <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/zip/cy-2021-pfs-final-rule-impact-payment-selected-procedures-updated-12292020.zip">here</a>). CMS also updated the 2021 RVU file (download the RVUs and related information used for the 2021 Medicare final rule <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/zip/cy-2021-pfs-final-rule-addenda-updated-12292020.zip">here</a>). For accurate rates based on your geographic area, check with your <a href="https://med.noridianmedicare.com/">Medicare administrative contractor</a>.</p>
</div> | 1/7/2021 2:51:09 PM | 1/4/2021 2:30:46 PM | 1/7/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| doh_announces_details_on_next_phase_of_covid_19_vaccinations | DOH Announces Details on Next Phase of COVID-19 Vaccinations | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/January_7/doh_announces_details_on_next_phase_of_covid_19_vaccinations | <div class="col-md-12">
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</div>
<h5>January 7, 2020</h5>
<h2>DOH Announces Details on Next Phase of COVID-19 Vaccinations</h2>
<p>Washington State Department of Health officials this week announced details on the next phase of COVID-19 vaccinations, Phase 1B, while also committing to redoubling efforts to ensure all workers in health care settings in Phase 1A are able to get their vaccination.</p>
<p>The state made clear in its announcement that it is not moving into Phase 1B yet, and that Washington is still in Phase 1A. Details and a timeline are being released by the DOH to allow for logistical and administrative planning.</p>
<h3>Phase 1B details and timeline</h3>
<p>The state has broken its Phase 1B into four tiers. This next phase is based upon the broad guidance provided by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices as well as input from state partners and the public.</p>
<h4>1B1 (Tier 1) </h4>
<ul>
<li>All people 70 years and older.</li>
<li>People 50 years and older who live in multigenerational households.</li>
</ul>
<h4>1B2 (Tier 2)</h4>
<ul>
<li>High-risk critical workers 50 years and older who work in congregate settings:
<ul>
<li>Agriculture; food processing; grocery stores; K-12 (teachers and school staff); child care; corrections, prisons, jails, or detention facilities (staff); public transit; fire; law enforcement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4>1B3 (Tier 3)</h4>
<ul>
<li>People 16 years or older with two or more co-morbidities or underlying condition.</li>
</ul>
<h4>1B4 (Tier 4)</h4>
<ul>
<li>High-risk critical workers in congregate settings under 50 years old.</li>
<li>People, staff, and volunteers of all ages in congregate living settings:</li>
<li>Correctional facilities; group homes for people with disabilities; shelters for people experiencing homelessness.</li>
</ul>
<p>The DOH has released a <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/VaccinationPhasesInfographic.pdf">timeline for phase 1B</a> and in-depth guidance for all released phases to in its <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/820-112-InterimVaccineAllocationPrioritization.pdf">COVID-19 Vaccine
Prioritization Guidance and
Interim Allocation Framework
</a>(updated Jan. 7, 2021). More details on the state's vaccine distribution planning can be found on the <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/Vaccine">DOH COVID-19 Vaccine webpage</a>.</p>
<h3>Phase 1A vaccinations</h3>
<p>In announcing the new phase, DOH officials emphasized that pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals in Washington are still hard at work vaccinating people in Phase 1A, tiers 1 and 2. The DOH is working closely with the WSMA, the Washington State Hospital Association, and other health care partners to help ensure all workers in health care settings get vaccinated as quickly as possible. However, the state did indicate some communities may move into phase 1B before other communities have finished 1A, in recognition of the differing makeup and needs of localities. If you are having issues accessing vaccinations for yourself or your staff, see our update in this issue ("<a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/January_7/getting_you_and_your_staff_vaccinated.aspx">Getting You and Your Staff Vaccinated</a>").</p>
</div> | 1/8/2021 9:18:01 AM | 1/4/2021 2:30:35 PM | 1/7/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| getting_you_and_your_staff_vaccinated | Getting You and Your Staff Vaccinated | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/January_7/getting_you_and_your_staff_vaccinated | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/January/COVID-19-Vaccine-Illustration-Black-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="COVID-19 vaccine illustration" />
</div>
<h5>January 7, 2020</h5>
<h2>Getting You and Your Staff Vaccinated</h2>
<p>All workers in health care settings can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine under the state's <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/VaccineAllocationPhase1A.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Phase 1A, tiers 1 and 2</a>. However, the WSMA continues to hear from members facing hurdles accessing the vaccine for their practice and staff. The following guidance can help.</p>
<h3>Phase Finder tool</h3>
<p>The Washington State Department of Health is piloting "Phase Finder," a new tool now available for health care workers in Phase 1A, tiers 1 and 2, that does the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Assesses eligibility confirmation and provides confirmation that can be used at a vaccine administration site in lieu of an official letter (note: providers are likely to ask for ID and/or badge).</li>
<li>Identifies where they can go to get vaccinated.</li>
</ul>
<p>To access the tool, go to <a href="https://wadoh.jotform.com/203418436942154">findyourphasewa.com</a>. Once you get to the final screen, you will find sites where you can get vaccinated. Please note: The state has clarified that this is a "soft launch" of the tool; in testing, WSMA staff found some of the vaccine site information neither complete nor accurate. This is especially true for the urban hospitals and the contacts listed. WSMA staff also found the tool to be slow; patience, and retries, are advised.</p>
<p>Phase Finder will launch broadly on Jan. 18 (state officials have advised not to share the tool beyond Phase 1A individuals at this time). The tool will be available in multiple languages and is intended to be used to provide eligibility confirmation onsite.</p>
<h3>How the WSMA can help your practice get vaccinated</h3>
<p>If you would like WSMA's help with getting your clinic connected with your local hospital, please complete our clinic form, emailed to all outpatient, non-hospital-affiliated physicians in our records on Wednesday, Jan. 6. We will share your information with your local hospital so that you and your staff are vaccinated as soon as possible. If your practice did not receive the email and form, <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FWFKFCX">click here to access</a>. For questions, email <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.</p>
<p>Please note if your practice is in King County: The King County Medical Society is providing assistance for clinics in King County. Go <a href="https://redcap.vanderbilt.edu/surveys/?s=8WN7A8JTXW">here</a> to access the KCMS form. WSMA members in King County are welcome to reach out to KCMS directly with any questions or concerns at <a href="mailto:info@kcmsociety.org">info@kcmsociety.org</a>.</p>
<p>We know several county medical societies are also collecting this information and coordinating with local public health departments. To learn more about what's happening at your local county medical society, <a href="[@]WSMA/About/Partner_Organizations/County_Medical_Societies/County_Medical_Societies.aspx">reach out to them directly</a>.</p>
<p>If you have additional questions, reach out to <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 1/14/2021 11:42:18 AM | 1/4/2021 2:30:38 PM | 1/7/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| register_for_our_next_covid_19_virtual_grand_rounds_q_and_a_session | Register for Our Next COVID-19 Virtual Grand Rounds Q&A Session | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/January_7/register_for_our_next_covid_19_virtual_grand_rounds_q_and_a_session | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/November/Virtual-Grand-Rounds-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="COVID-19 Virtual Grand Rounds logo" />
</div>
<h5>January 7, 2020</h5>
<h2>Register for Our Next COVID-19 Virtual Grand Rounds Q&amp;A Session</h2>
<p>With a focus on what front-line physicians need to know about the virus, the WSMA brings together Washington state's public health leaders and leading experts for free CME sessions that offer the latest information on COVID-19 that directly impacts you, your practice, and your patients. This members-only webinar series addresses the evolution of the disease, management of COVID-19 patients, vaccines, and our state's response to the pandemic.</p>
<p>For this next session on Wednesday, Jan. 27, we will once again convene an expert panel of physicians and public health professionals to answer your questions about COVID-19 testing, treatment options, long-term follow-up, and vaccines. Panelists include:</p>
<ul>
<li>SheAnne Allen, MPH, MCHES, COVID-19 vaccine director and deputy PCH response director, Office of Immunization and Child Profile, Washington State Department of Health</li>
<li>Jason Goldman, MD, MPH, infectious disease and organ transplant, Swedish Medical Center</li>
<li>Lisa Jackson, MD, MPH, senior investigator at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute</li>
<li>Scott Lindquist, MD MPH, state epidemiologist for communicable diseases, Washington State Department of Health</li>
<li>Francis Riedo, MD, medical director of infection control, EvergreenHealth</li>
<li>Yuan-Po Tu, MD, medical director, anticoagulation clinic, Epic provider efficiency, and flu services, The Everett Clinic</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Upcoming_Webinars/WSMA/education/Upcoming_Webinars/Upcoming_Webinars.aspx">Register online to reserve your spot today</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢.</p>
</div> | 1/7/2021 3:27:54 PM | 1/4/2021 2:30:41 PM | 1/7/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| tiered_staffing_for_the_icu_a_surge_strategy | Tiered Staffing for the ICU: A Surge Strategy | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/January_7/tiered_staffing_for_the_icu_a_surge_strategy | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/January/handwashing_surgeons_masks_hospital-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Surgeons washing hands" />
</div>
<h5>January 7, 2020</h5>
<h2>Tiered Staffing for the ICU: A Surge Strategy</h2>
<p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, as the number of critically ill patients has increased in care settings, some critical care specialists have encouraged the use of non-ICU clinicians to help avoid having to implement crisis standards of care. The Society of Critical Care Medicine illustrates the concept of tiered staffing strategy <a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/advisory-committees/nursing/meetings/2020/tiered-staffing-strategy-Hulin.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">in this infographic</a>. With staffing continuing to be a significant challenge for many facilities in Washington, some organizations have begun preparing their non-ICU clinicians as extenders. Prepare your facility with the following free resources.</p>
<h3>Critical Care for the Non-ICU Clinician</h3>
<p>For this non-ICU provider training, there is an assessment which will tell the learner their knowledge gaps. However, all of the modules are available to the learner to take as they wish. There is no charge for the training. So far nearly 600,000 people have taken this virtual training, which is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese. <a href="https://covid19.sccm.org/">Access the training modules</a>.</p>
<h3>SCCM COVID-19 Rapid Resource Center</h3>
<p>This resource repository can be helpful for ICU clinicians. It includes more than 500 items on a wide range of clinical topics for treating COVID-19 patients. <a href="https://www.sccm.org/COVID19RapidResources/Home">Visit the resource center</a>. For ICU directors and CMOs, note the following items:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://sccm.org/Disaster/COVID19/COVID-19-ICU-Preparedness-Checklist">ICU Preparedness Checklist</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sccm.org/Disaster/Mechanical-Ventilation-Strategies">Mechanical Ventilation Strategies if equipment is in short supply</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sccm.org/Disaster/Ethics-and-Resource-Allocation">Ethics and Resource Allocation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sccm.org/Blog/July-2020/PPE-Strategies-for-the-COVID-19-Era">PPE Strategies</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sccm.org/Blog/June-2020/Configuring-the-ICU-in-the-COVID-19-Era-Real-Worl">Configuring the ICU for COVID-19</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sccm.org/Blog/March-2020/United-States-Resource-Availability-for-COVID-19">Staffing Strategy Model</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>WSMA biweekly critical care calls</h3>
<p>A reminder that, as part of our COVID-19 response and member support, the WSMA hosts a biweekly call on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. for critical care physicians and advanced practitioners to discuss patient cases and develop recommendations for care. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1</em> Creditâ„¢. To join the calls, please email <a href="mailto:brendan@wsma.org">brendan@wsma.org</a> with your name, credentials, specialty/title, and organization.</p>
</div> | 1/7/2021 2:48:26 PM | 1/4/2021 2:30:52 PM | 1/7/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| urge_the_oic_to_continue_support_for_telemedicine_payment_policies | Urge the OIC to Continue Support for Telemedicine Payment Policies | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/January_7/urge_the_oic_to_continue_support_for_telemedicine_payment_policies | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/January/Telemedicine-Patient-Tablet-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Patient using table for telemedicine appointment" />
</div>
<h5>January 7, 2020</h5>
<h2>Urge the OIC to Continue Support for Telemedicine Payment Policies</h2>
<p>Recently, the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner extended its emergency order requiring payment parity for telephone and other non-HIPPA-compliant platforms to Jan. 10. Please take a moment to thank the OIC for these flexibilities and urge them to continue supporting telehealth/phone consultation at payment parity.</p>
<p>Early in the COVID-19 public health crisis, the OIC implemented <a href="https://www.insurance.wa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/emergency-order-20-02_3.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Emergency Order 20-02</a>, requiring OIC-regulated fully insured health plans to temporarily pay at parity for medical services provided via telephone and requiring all state-regulated carriers to permit and reimburse for care provided over non-HIPAA-compliant platforms, including video chat applications.</p>
<p>Physicians and practices need certainty that these policies will remain in effect as the pandemic continues to play out in Washington state so that there is no interruption in our ability to provide care to our patients.</p>
<p>Please take a moment to thank the OIC for these flexibilities and urge them to continue to support telehealth/phone consultation at payment parity with in-person visits through the duration of the public health crisis. Send a message to the OIC by sending an email to <a href="mailto:MikeK@oic.wa.gov">MikeK@oic.wa.gov</a>. (Note: You will receive an automatic response that you can disregard.) <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/Take_Action/WSMA/Advocacy/Take_Action/Take_Action.aspx?hkey=3598752c-64f4-4866-a95a-7610f4e1dd25">We've supplied messaging if helpful</a>.</p>
</div> | 1/7/2021 4:04:13 PM | 1/4/2021 2:30:49 PM | 1/7/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| washington_health_corps_2021_provider_application_now_open | Washington Health Corps 2021 Provider Application Now Open | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/January_7/washington_health_corps_2021_provider_application_now_open | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/January/Female-Doc-Patient-Masks-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Female doctor meeting with female patient" />
</div>
<h5>January 7, 2020</h5>
<h2>Washington Health Corps 2021 Provider Application Now Open</h2>
<p>The Washington Health Corps program encourages licensed health professionals to provide primary care at approved sites in critical shortage areas. The programs provide financial assistance through either conditional scholarships or loan repayment. The 2021 provider application is now open and extends to March 1.</p>
<p>To learn more and apply, visit the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAxMDUuMzI4Mjk4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3dzYWMud2EuZ292L3dhc2hpbmd0b24taGVhbHRoLWNvcnBzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.MwkPwRmtO1W-y-Xz3gEqnGq51EBW9S1sHon8C4nkjuY%2Fs%2F1020835902%2Fbr%2F92672083813-l&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cterri.mcreynolds%40doh.wa.gov%7C3c0987739be94ca4865008d8b1c52d90%7C11d0e217264e400a8ba057dcc127d72d%7C0%7C0%7C637454807711728128%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=rmRwjpBPbigGbs254GV3n3ZnYOIGdiedyYM3H6lfzvs%3D&amp;reserved=0">Washington Health Corps website</a>, or attend a live webinar about the 2021 Washington Health Corps application on Jan. 26 from 4-5:30 p.m. Register for the free webinar <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2ehSUGlKSEmE3JhChFykQQ">online</a>.</p>
<p>Supporting incentives to rural practice is a key priority for the WSMA to grow our primary care physician workforce and increase access to care. The Washington Health Corps is now the home of the Health Professional Loan Repayment and Conditional Scholarship program (now the State Health Program), created by the Washington State Legislature to address a shortage of health care professionals and services in rural and underserved communities. The WHC is also home to the new Behavioral Health Program. Learn more about the Washington Health Corps <a href="https://wsac.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2020.WashingtonHealthCorps.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">in this one pager</a>. The Washington Health Corps programs are administered through the Washington Student Achievement Council in collaboration with the Department of Health and other partners.</p>
</div> | 1/7/2021 2:48:49 PM | 1/4/2021 2:30:54 PM | 1/7/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_leadership_seminars_new_dates_and_times | WSMA Leadership Seminars: New Dates and Times | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/January_7/wsma_leadership_seminars_new_dates_and_times | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/November/Leadership-Seminars-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Leadership Seminars graphic" />
</div>
<h5>January 7, 2020</h5>
<h2>WSMA Leadership Seminars: New Dates and Times</h2>
<p>WSMA Leadership Seminars, designed for graduates of the WSMA Physician Leadership Course or physicians in senior leadership positions, have been rescheduled, with the first seminar taking place in April. Registration for all seminars is now available.</p>
<p>These half-day and full-day sessions will provide in-depth exposure to topics covered in the Physician Leadership Course, emphasizing skill development and practical application of leadership principles using role-playing, demonstrations, and case studies. All seminars will be held via Zoom.</p>
<p>The first seminar, Lessons from a CFO: How to Increase Your Financial I.Q., will take place on April 2 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and features guest speaker Dennis Stillman, MHA. Dennis currently teaches at the University of Washington Masters in Health Administration Program, and at the Executive MBA in Health Administration Program at the University of Colorado in Denver. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢. Register for the April 2 seminar <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Physician_Leadership/Leadership_Seminars/WSMA/Physician_Leadership/Leadership_Seminars/Leadership_Seminars.aspx?hkey=be83da24-6e25-4164-99bf-7ddee77555cc">online</a>. WSMA member pricing is available.</p>
<p>For other titles in the series, visit our <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Physician_Leadership/Leadership_Seminars/WSMA/Physician_Leadership/Leadership_Seminars/Leadership_Seminars.aspx?hkey=be83da24-6e25-4164-99bf-7ddee77555cc">Leadership Seminars webpage</a>. WSMA Leadership Seminars, except where noted, are led by Edward A. Walker, MD, MHA, professor emeritus in the departments of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and health services at the University of Washington in Seattle and senior physician advisor for the WSMA Center for Leadership Development.</p>
<p>WSMA Leadership Seminars are the latest offerings from our Center for Leadership Development. Let this be the year you take advantage of these educational opportunities. Visit <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Physician_Leadership/WSMA/Physician_Leadership/Physician_Leadership.aspx?hkey=4a910f13-3bb1-4b95-853f-6f93e33637d2">the WSMA website to learn more</a>.</p>
</div> | 1/7/2021 2:49:11 PM | 1/4/2021 2:30:31 PM | 1/7/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| congressional_agreement_reached_on_government_funding_emergency_covid_19_stimulus_e_m_fix_in | Congressional Agreement Reached on Government Funding, Emergency COVID-19 Stimulus, E&M Fix | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201223/congressional_agreement_reached_on_government_funding_emergency_covid_19_stimulus_e_m_fix_in | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/May/COVID-19-financial-relief-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="COVID-19 financial relief logo" />
</div>
<h5>December 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Congressional Agreement Reached on Government Funding, Emergency COVID-19 Stimulus, E&amp;M Fix Included
</h2>
<p>
Federal lawmakers have reached an agreement on a $900 billion stimulus relief effort, a long-awaited follow-up to the CARES Act from March. Intended to facilitate the pandemic response, the agreement provides $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines so they can be available at no charge to patients, and appropriates $9 billion for distribution of the vaccines and $22 billion to states for costs associated with testing, tracing, and COVID-19 mitigation. The bill also addresses previously announced cuts to the physician fee schedule with funding to offset two-thirds of the cuts to providers in 2021. A prohibition on "surprise" or "balance" billing was separately negotiated and included as a part of the final agreement.
</p>
<p>
Notable provisions include:&nbsp;</p>
<h3>
Paycheck Protection Program "second draw" loans
</h3>
<p>
Creates a second loan from the Paycheck Protection Program, called a "PPP second draw" loan, for smaller and harder-hit businesses, with a maximum amount of $2 million, permitting certain borrowers to receive a second loan.
</p>
<h3>
COVID-19
</h3>
<p>Provides $25.4 billion to support testing and contact tracing to effectively monitor and suppress COVID-19, as well as to reimburse for health care-related expenses or lost revenue attributable to the coronavirus, including:
</p>
<ul>
<li>$22.4 billion for testing, contact tracing, and other activities necessary to effectively monitor and suppress COVID-19, including $2.5 billion for a targeted effort to improve testing capabilities and contact tracing in high-risk and underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minority populations and rural communities.</li>
<li>$3 billion in additional grants for hospital and health care providers to be reimbursed for health care-related expenses or lost revenue directly attributable to the public health emergency resulting from coronavirus, along with direction to allocate not less than 85% of unobligated funds in the Provider Relief Fund through an application-based portal to reimburse health care providers for financial losses incurred in 2020.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Additional 2020 recovery rebates for individuals
</h3>
<p>
The provision provides a refundable tax credit in the amount of $600 per eligible family member. The credit is $600 per taxpayer ($1,200 for married filing jointly), in addition to $600 per qualifying child. The credit phases out starting at $75,000 of modified adjusted gross income ($112,500 for heads of household and $150,000 for married filing jointly) at a rate of $5 per $100 of additional income.
</p>
<h3>
Extension and benefit phaseout rule for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
</h3>
<p>
Extends Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to March 14, 2021 and allows individuals receiving benefits as of March 14, 2021 to continue through April 5, 2021, if the individual has not reached the maximum number of weeks.
</p>
<h3>
Medicare payment changes
</h3>
<ul>
<li>Provides for a one-time, one-year increase to all payments in the 2021 Medicare physician fee schedule by adding $3 billion and delaying payment of HCPCS add-on code G2211 for three years. This provision is intended to support physicians and other professionals in adjusting to changes in the Medicare physician fee schedule during 2021, and to provide relief during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The AMA has provided <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2020-12/2020-combined-impact-table.pdf">a breakdown by specialty of the combined impact of these updates to the conversion factor</a>.</li>
<li>Provides for a three-month delay of the Medicare sequester payment reductions through March 31, 2021.</li>
<li>Increases payments for the work component of physician fees in areas where labor cost is determined to be lower than the national average through Dec. 31, 2023.</li>
<li>Creates 1,000 new Medicare-funded graduate medical education residency positions.</li>
<li>Expands access to mental health services provided via telehealth past the expiration of the public health emergency.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Surprise/balance billing</h3>
<ul>
<li>Requires health plans to hold patients harmless from surprise medical bills.</li>
<li>Provides for a 30-day open negotiation period for physicians and payers to settle out-of-network claims.</li>
<li>States that if the parties are unable to reach a negotiated agreement, they may access a binding arbitration process, referred to as independent dispute resolution (IDR), in which one offer prevails.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<a href="https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/democrats.appropriations.house.gov/files/Summary%20of%20H.R.%20133%20Coronavirus%20Relief%20Provisions.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Click here for a comprehensive summary of the appropriations bill.</a>
</p>
<p>
Thank you to all our members who joined in our calls to actions to seek additional relief for physician practices and to mitigate the originally announced physician fee schedule cuts.
</p>
</div> | 1/6/2021 3:10:51 PM | 1/6/2021 3:10:20 PM | 12/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| covid_19_vaccine_updates_for_physicians_and_practice | COVID-19 Vaccine Updates for Physicians and Practice | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201223/covid_19_vaccine_updates_for_physicians_and_practice | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/December/Dr-Schlicher-COVID-Vaccine1-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>December 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates for Physicians and Practices
</h2>
<p>
After <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-additional-action-fight-against-covid-19-issuing-emergency-use-authorization-second-covid">FDA emergency use authorization</a> and subsequent <a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-announces-authorization-moderna-vaccine-western-states-scientific-safety-review">review and approval</a> by the Western states' COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is being shipped this week to facilities across the state - including many primary care clinics and practices. More on this and other vaccine-related news in this update.
</p>
<h3>
State targets primary care facilities with Moderna doses
</h3>
<p>
On the Moderna vaccine, the state estimates 128,000 doses will be allocated this week, along with an additional 44,850 of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The Pfizer doses will continue to go to hospitals that can accommodate the ultra-cold storage requirements, while the Moderna doses, which are easier to handle and store, shipped to many primary care clinics, private medical groups, public health facilities, and other facilities enrolled in the state's COVID-19 Vaccination Program.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Important:</strong> The Department of Health continues to encourage facilities interested in administering the vaccine, including outpatient practices not affiliated with a hospital, to enroll. To learn more, visit <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/HealthcareProviders/VaccineInformationforHealthcareProviders">the DOH website for details</a>. According to the DOH, enrollment will allow practices to get the vaccine directly and administer it to their patients and staff. For clinics needing less than 100 doses, the DOH recommends partnering with another practice nearby for the purposes of vaccinating staff.
</p>
<p>
For questions about the enrollment process or general question on the state's vaccine rollout, please contact <a href="mailto:COVID.vaccine@doh.wa.gov">COVID.vaccine@doh.wa.gov</a>.
</p>
<h3>
Vaccine prioritization
</h3>
<p>
Washington is currently in <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/VaccineAllocationPhase1A.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Phase 1a of its COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Guidance</a>, which focuses on vaccinating two groups: High-risk health care workers and first responders, and residents and staff of nursing homes and other congregate living settings where people over 65 are getting care or assistance. Early this week, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices released its <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm695152e2.htm?s_cid=mm695152e2_w">interim guidance for the next stages of COVID-19 vaccine allocation</a>. The advisory panel recommended for Phase 1b, COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to persons aged ≥75 years and non-health care front-line essential workers, and in Phase 1c, to persons aged 65–74 years, persons aged 16–64 years with high-risk medical conditions, and essential workers not included in Phase 1b.
</p>
<p>
The Department of Health is expected to release the next two phases of Washington's distribution plan based on the ACIP guidance in the days ahead. State officials have said they expect to have all front-line health professionals in Phase 1a vaccinated with their first dose by the end of January.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Important: </strong>We continue to hear from outpatient health care workers struggling to access the vaccine. WSMA staff has relayed these concerns to the DOH, who in turn has reassured us that the agency is working on increasing points of access, and expects to release guidance shortly on how to help those who are eligible for the vaccine but not able to vaccinate themselves or aren't affiliated with a hospital or health system. The WSMA will make this guidance available as soon as we receive it. In the meantime, some hospitals are setting up "pods" to vaccinate outpatient workers. Hospitals operating a pod will be required to designate themselves as such. Reach out to your local hospital today to learn about their plans for vaccinating outpatient health care workers.
</p>
<h3>
Clinical information and vaccination training
</h3>
<p>
New from the CDC is <a href="https://www2.cdc.gov/vaccines/ed/covid19/">COVID-19 Vaccine Training: General Overview of Immunization Best Practices for Healthcare Professionals</a>. This is an online, self-paced module for health care providers who will be administering COVID-19 vaccine. For more accredited training on administering COVID-19 vaccines, see <a href="https://accme.org/resources-category/novel-coronavirus-education">this searchable database</a> from the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.
</p>
<p>
ICYMI: A WSMA Virtual Grand Rounds panel on Dec. 16 featured an hour-long Q&amp;A session for physicians on COVID-19. The panel featured six physician experts with a deep understanding of COVID-19 vaccine, testing, and treatment knowledge, answering questions on:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Vaccine distribution and prioritization</li>
<li>Immune response to the vaccine</li>
<li>Vaccinations for pregnant women and women who are breast feeding</li>
<li>Vaccinations about people with auto-immune disorders</li>
<li>Adverse reactions to the vaccine</li>
<li>Testing strategies - testing at volume</li>
<li>Current treatment strategies</li>
</ul>
<p>
The panel was recorded and is now <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Education/On_Demand_Webinars/WSMA/education/On_Demand_Webinars/Webinars_OnDemand.aspx?hkey=c3940e65-ff14-4c25-a05d-b85a147c9fa0">available on demand</a>.
</p>
<h3>
Guidance on reimbursement
</h3>
<p>
The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services offers a toolkit to help physicians and others in health care prepare to swiftly administer the COVID-19 vaccine. Because the initial supply of COVID-19 vaccines will be federally purchased, the toolkit primarily focuses on coverage of vaccine administration. This toolkit covers:
</p>
<ul>
<li>How health care providers can enroll in Medicare to bill for administering COVID-19 vaccines.</li>
<li>The COVID-19 Vaccine Medicare coding structure.</li>
<li>The Medicare reimbursement strategy for COVID-19 vaccine administration.</li>
<li>How health care providers can bill correctly for administering vaccines, including roster and centralized billing.</li>
</ul>
<p>
Find the toolkit on the CMS website <a href="https://www.cms.gov/covidvax-provider">here</a>.
</p>
<p><em>Pictured: WSMA President Nathan Schlicher, MD, receiving his first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.</em></p>
</div> | 12/24/2020 9:01:13 AM | 12/22/2020 12:28:42 PM | 12/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| health_alerts_on_tuberculosis_and_youth_suicide | Health Alerts on Tuberculosis and Youth Suicide | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201223/health_alerts_on_tuberculosis_and_youth_suicide | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/August/Stethoscope-on-table-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope" />
</div>
<h5>December 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Health Alerts on Tuberculosis and Youth Suicide
</h2>
<p>
The Washington State Department of Health issued the following provider alerts this week.
</p>
<h3>
Delayed and misdiagnosed TB due to COVID-19
</h3>
<p>
State epidemiologists have noticed a significant uptick in tuberculosis cases throughout Washington during the pandemic. Believing the increase is due to a reduction in the number of TB cases reported, delayed diagnosis, and undiscovered cases, the state has issued a health advisory asking physicians to consider pulmonary TB disease in patients presenting with symptoms and risk factors consistent with TB, regardless of COVID-19 test results. The advisory provides these clinical recommendations:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Include pulmonary TB disease in the differential diagnosis of cough for more than two weeks, fever and/or weight loss among those from a country with an elevated TB rate.</li>
<li>If the patient's symptoms are consistent with active TB, obtain a chest X-ray.</li>
<li>If the chest X-ray is consistent with TB disease (e.g., an opacity in the upper lobe with or without cavitation), contact your local health department.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2020/TBandCOVID-HealthAlert_20201220.pdf]">Download the DOH health advisory</a>, issued Dec. 21, 2020. The DOH also offers a poster as part of its TB health advisory - <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2020/420-300_TB-Poster_FINAL_121420.pdf]">click here to download</a>.
</p>
<h3>
Screening youth for suicide risk
</h3>
<p>
State public health officials are warning that a convergence of factors, including an extended disillusionment phase associated with the pandemic, the disruption of school, social isolation, and seasonal changes, may be leading to an increased risk of suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, and psychological distress among youth in Washington. In a provider alert issued this week, the Washington State Department of Health is asking physicians to:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Screen patients for suicide risk, particularly children, teens, and young adults.</li>
<li>Share information and resources with patients and their families on crisis support, suicide warning signs, and suicide risk factors.</li>
</ul>
<p>
The DOH has provided resources to assist physicians and health care providers in screening and sharing resources with patients and families. <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2020/COVID-19-Provider-Alert-Regarding-Suicide-Risk-in-Youth.pdf]">Download the provider alert with links to associated resources</a>.
</p>
</div> | 12/23/2020 12:38:32 PM | 12/22/2020 3:45:43 PM | 12/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| new_webinar_complying_with_state_opioid_regulations_through_improved_prescribing_practices | New Webinar: Complying with State Opioid Regulations Through Improved Prescribing Practices | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201223/new_webinar_complying_with_state_opioid_regulations_through_improved_prescribing_practices | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/December/opiates_hydrocodone_645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="hydrocodone bottle and pills" />
</div>
<h5>December 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>
New Webinar: Complying with State Opioid Regulations Through Improved Prescribing Practices
</h2>
<p>
In the latest in our Continuing Professional Development series, Dr. Nathan Schlicher, president of the WSMA, and Jeb Shepard, director of policy at the WSMA, will review the Washington state opioid prescribing requirement and outline strategies to comply with specific requirements of opioid prescribing rules. They will detail additional resources available for up-to-date evidence-based information on opioid prescribing. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>. Completion of this enduring material CME activity about state opioid prescribing rules meets new state opioid CME requirements. <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Education/Upcoming_Webinars/WSMA/education/Upcoming_Webinars/Upcoming_Webinars.aspx?hkey=b760d6bd-1833-412d-b681-babf251792a8">Register online</a>.
</p>
</div> | 12/23/2020 12:38:52 PM | 12/22/2020 12:28:38 PM | 12/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| public_health_funding_covid_19_response_take_center_stage_in_governor’s_budget_proposal | Public Health Funding, COVID-19 Response Take Center Stage in Governor’s Budget Proposal | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201223/public_health_funding_covid_19_response_take_center_stage_in_governor’s_budget_proposal | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/December/State.Capitol.Olympia_2015-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Washington state capitol building" />
</div>
<h5>December 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Public Health Funding, COVID-19 Response Take Center Stage in Governor's Budget Proposal
</h2>
<p>
Last week, Gov. Jay Inslee released his budget plan for the two-year fiscal cycle that will begin next July, proposing a $57.6 billion operating budget that covers the state's costs associated with health care, education, and other general government functions. An annual sign that the legislative session is approaching, the governor's budget proposal sets the table for negotiations that will commence in earnest when the 2021 Legislature convenes on Jan. 11.
</p>
<h3>
Pandemic and public health investments
</h3>
<p>
Many elements of the governor's spending plan were shaped by or a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health took center stage, with around $400 million in funding dedicated to pandemic response in the form of vaccine administration, containing the spread of the virus, supporting the purchase of supplies and taking other measures necessary to keep our state's residents healthy and our health care system online. An ambitious plan to fund Foundational Public Health Services through a new fee on health insurers was among the highlights of the budget, though it relies on a regionalization of the local public health system that many in the public health community feel would be disruptive. In the coming months, the WSMA will work with the governor's office, the Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials and other stakeholders in the public health community to support a well-funded and organized state and local public health system.
</p>
<h3>
Taxes and revenues
</h3>
<p>
As he has in the past, the governor is again seeking to establish a capital gains tax, proposing a 9% tax on the sale of stocks and other assets, which would impact around 2% of households in the state and raise more than $1 billion per year once it goes into effect in 2023. The Legislature has debated the creation of a capital gains tax extensively in recent years and while many majority-party Democrats advocate for its establishment in the interest of increasing state revenues and making Washington's tax structure less regressive, it's not clear if there is sufficient support for the measure to pass this year.
</p>
<p>
The push for tax increases is driven in part by the economic disruption caused by the pandemic. While forecasts for future state revenue receipts have improved since the spring when many physician practices and other businesses were limited or shuttered altogether, the state still figures to take in around $3 billion less over the next three years than was anticipated before the pandemic. In addition to the capital gains tax and health insurer fee proposed by the governor, the Legislature will likely consider establishing a statewide payroll tax and may look to again increase the state's business and occupation (B&amp;O) tax. These taxes would layer on top of a potentially significant increase in the state's unemployment insurance rate for businesses. The WSMA will participate in these revenue negotiations, acknowledging the state's budget picture but also reminding legislators that many physician organizations are struggling financially and not in a position to absorb more costs.
</p>
<h3>
Mental health/primary care investments
</h3>
<p>
Elsewhere, the governor's budget proposal seeks to make considerable investments in the state's mental health system, increasing staffing at the state's psychiatric hospitals, supporting patient competency evaluation and restoration, and increasing the Medicaid reimbursement rate for behavioral health services. Earlier this year, the Legislature approved Medicaid rate increases for behavioral health and primary care services, but the appropriations were vetoed by the governor as he sought to get ahead of the looming budget shortfall. While the primary care rate adjustments were not included in the governor's budget, seeking its restoration will be the top budget priority of the WSMA in the 2021 session.
</p>
<p>
And while finding agreement on a new state budget will be the primary duty of the 2021 Legislature, any number of policy proposals will be considered as well when the gavel drops next month. It'll all play out in a very different format as legislators will meet almost entirely remotely this year, with committee hearings and other functions of the legislative process taking place via Zoom.
</p>
<h3>
Join us on Jan. 8 to learn more
</h3>
<p>
WSMA's Government Affairs &amp; Policy team will host a session preview webinar at noon on Friday, Jan. 8, giving a rundown on our legislative priorities and other key issues for the physician community. <a href="https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAuf-2grToqH9ZiXOnRZ9_1LO6vHS7HDseB">Register for the free session</a>.
</p>
<p>
For questions on our advocacy efforts, email WSMA Government Affairs Director Sean Graham at <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">sean@wsma.org</a>.
</p>
</div> | 12/23/2020 12:30:09 PM | 12/22/2020 12:28:45 PM | 12/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| telemedicine_medical_professional_training_now_available | Telemedicine Medical Professional Training Now Available | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201223/telemedicine_medical_professional_training_now_available | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/December/Telemedicine-Doc-On-Tablet-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="physician on tablet screen" />
</div>
<h5>December 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Telemedicine Medical Professional Training Now Available
</h2>
<p>
In 2020, the Legislature passed <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6061&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">Senate Bill 6061</a>, making telemedicine training mandatory for all licensed, registered, or certified health care professionals providing telemedicine services, beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Physicians are excluded from the mandate; however, they are encouraged to complete such training. The Washington State Telehealth Collaborative has published <a href="https://www.wsha.org/policy-advocacy/issues/telemedicine/washington-state-telemedicine-collaborative/telemedicine-training">a webpage with detailed guidance on the training requirement</a>, and has partnered with the Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center to offer free telemedicine training to meet the new state requirement. To enroll, visit the <a href="https://nrtrc.catalog.instructure.com/courses/washington-state-healthcare-professional-telemedicine-training">Washington State Medical Professional Telemedicine Training</a> webpage.
</p>
</div> | 12/23/2020 12:38:59 PM | 12/22/2020 12:27:07 PM | 12/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| a_few_spots_remain_in_winter_leadership_courses | A Few Spots Remain in Winter Leadership Courses | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201210/a_few_spots_remain_in_winter_leadership_courses | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/December/Physician-teaching-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="physician teaching group" />
</div>
<h5>December 10, 2020</h5>
<h2>A Few Spots Remain in Winter Leadership Courses</h2>
<p>It's not too late to enroll in our foundational leadership trainings scheduled for this winter: The popular WSMA Physician Leadership Course, for physicians and PAs, and the WSMA Dyad Leadership Course, for physicians/PAs and their administrative partners. Don't miss these opportunities to develop core leadership competencies not taught in medical school.</p>
<h3>Physician Leadership Course</h3>
<p>The WSMA Physician Leadership Course is a 40+ hour hybrid-distance leadership skills-development course for physicians and physician assistants who want to know more about health care leadership. Designed with a physician's busy schedule in mind, only three in-person virtual classes are required; the remainder of the course is conducted online on your schedule.</p>
<p>The winter 2021 course will be held March 12-May 21. The live sessions will be held Friday and Saturday, March 12-13 via Zoom. Course participants will then have eight weeks of online instruction and interaction, finishing with a third live session on Friday, May 21. The deadline to register is Feb. 12, 2021.</p>
<p>This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>. <a href="[@]EventDetail?EventKey=PLC032121">Apply to attend the Physician Leadership Course online</a>.</p>
<h3>Dyad Leadership Course</h3>
<p>The WSMA Dyad Leadership Course is our three-day, in-person virtual educational workshop for physicians and their administrative dyad partners who wish to improve team function and achieve greater operational success within their clinical system. The course is adapted to fit the specific clinical culture of participating teams.</p>
<p>The winter 2021 WSMA Dyad Leadership course will be held Feb. 19-March 19. The live classes will be held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 19 and 20 via Zoom. Course participants will then have four weeks of self-guided online instruction and interaction, finishing with a third live session on Friday, March 19. The deadline to register is Jan. 22, 2021.</p>
<p>This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>. Completion of the WSMA Physician Leadership Course is a prerequisite for enrollment. <a href="[@]EventDetail?EventKey=DYAD101620">Enroll online from the WSMA website</a>. Questions? Contact Monica Salgaonkar at <a href="mailto:monica@wsma.org">monica@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 12/10/2020 2:57:38 PM | 12/8/2020 1:55:46 PM | 12/10/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| ama_guidance_on_medicare_physician_fee_schedule_changes | AMA Guidance on Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Changes | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201210/ama_guidance_on_medicare_physician_fee_schedule_changes | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/December/Medicare-Blocks-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="blocks spelling out Medicare" />
</div>
<h5>December 10, 2020</h5>
<h2>AMA Guidance on Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Changes</h2>
<p>The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services has released its final rule for the 2021 Medicare Physician Payment Schedule and Quality Payment Program, with key provisions set to take effect on or after Jan. 1.</p>
<p>AMA's regulatory team has provided the WSMA a detailed summary of the payment schedule, providing an overview of the conversion factor, telehealth, scope of practice, and various other provisions, as well updates to the Quality Payment Program. Download the <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2020/2021 MPFS Federation Summary 12.08.2020.pdf]">AMA 22-page summary</a>.</p>
<h3>E/M coding and reporting</h3>
<p>Be sure to review the AMA's <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/cpt/cpt-evaluation-and-management">overview of CPT E/M office visit revisions</a> for an overview of the changes coming to coding and documenting E/M office visits. The following additional AMA resources can help physicians understand the new ways to report using medical decision-making (MDM) and time:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2019-06/cpt-office-prolonged-svs-code-changes.pdf" target="_blank">CPT E/M office or other outpatient and prolonged services code and guidelines changes</a> (with details about reporting via time and MDM)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2019-06/cpt-revised-mdm-grid.pdf" target="_blank">CPT E/M Office Visit Revisions Level of MDM</a> (excerpt from the CPT guidelines)</li>
<li><a href="https://edhub.ama-assn.org/cpt-education/interactive/18461930">Revisions to the CPT E/M Office Visits: New Ways to Report Using Time</a> (AMA ED Hub module)</li>
<li><a href="https://edhub.ama-assn.org/cpt-education/interactive/18461932">Revisions to the CPT E/M Office Visits: New Ways to Report Using Medical Decision Making</a> (AMA ED Hub module)</li>
</ul>
<p>For more information on the final rule:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-finalizes-permanent-expansion-medicare-telehealth-services-and-improved-payment">CMS Press Release</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/final-policy-payment-and-quality-provisions-changes-medicare-physician-fee-schedule-calendar-year-1">CMS 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Fact Sheet</a></li>
<li><a href="https://qpp-cm-prod-content.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/1100/2021%20QPP%20Proposed%20Rule%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf" target="_blank">CMS 2021 Quality Payment Program Fact Sheet</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/12120-pfs-final-rule.pdf" target="_blank">CMS 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule Text</a></li>
</ul>
</div> | 12/10/2020 3:29:42 PM | 12/8/2020 1:55:29 PM | 12/10/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| bree_collaborative_seeking_primary_care_feedback | Bree Collaborative Seeking Primary Care Feedback | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201210/bree_collaborative_seeking_primary_care_feedback | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>December 10, 2020</h5>
<h2>Bree Collaborative Seeking Primary Care Feedback</h2>
<p>One of the work items the Bree Collaborative has focused on this year is primary care. The collaborative is now seeking physician feedback on its newly released draft recommendations, which outline standards to develop a statewide definition for primary care to support multi-payor payment reform.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.breecollaborative.org/">The Dr. Robert Bree Collaborative</a> was created by the Washington State Legislature in 2011 to produce evidence-based recommendations to improve the health care system in our state. Members of the Bree Collaborative are health care stakeholders appointed by the governor. Their work is important because it is often utilized by the Legislature and regulators in Washington state to advance policy.</p>
<p>The draft recommendations of the Bree Collaborative's primary care work group are available&nbsp;<a href="http://www.breecollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/Recommendations-Primary-Care-DRAFT-20-1027.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. The WSMA has been engaging and offering feedback to the primary care work group. While we support the general direction of the recommendations, we have identified two concerning components of the draft: the inclusion of naturopaths as primary care providers, and challenging requirements for primary care practices of all sizes to be deemed a "primary care site." The WSMA has submitted the <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2020/WSMA comment on Bree Collaborative primary care recommendations_for submission_12072020.pdf]">attached letter</a> outlining these concerns. If you share our concerns, we hope you will consider writing the members of the Bree to share your experiences.</p>
<p>Comments on the draft recommendations are due by 5 p.m. on Dec. 28. Clinicians may provide feedback using the Bree Collaborative's <a href="http://www.breecollaborative.org/topic-areas/current-topics/primary-care/">survey tool</a>. If you share the WSMA's concerns above, please consider writing the Bree Collaborative directly reiterating those concerns - email them to <a href="mailto:bree@qualityhealth.org">bree@qualityhealth.org</a>. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the WSMA Policy Department at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 12/10/2020 3:15:17 PM | 12/8/2020 1:55:43 PM | 12/10/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| take_action_tell_congress_to_support_hr_8702 | Take Action: Tell Congress to Support H.R. 8702 | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201210/take_action_tell_congress_to_support_hr_8702 | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>December 10, 2020</h5>
<h2>Take Action: Tell Congress to Support H.R. 8702</h2>
<p>The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services has finalized the 2021 Medicare physician fee schedule, updating payment policies for the Medicare Part B program and its associated payment models, effective on or after Jan. 1. While the WSMA is supportive of the final rule's streamlined documentation requirements and increased payment for office visits, the impact of corresponding specialty care cuts will be devastating to health care professionals, their practices, and most importantly, their patients.</p>
<p>Notably, CMS has restructured and revalued the office-based evaluation and management codes in alignment with broad changes made in 2019. While the final rule provides an increase in payments for primary care and other office-based services, the effect will be a 10.2% reduction to the Medicare physician fee schedule conversion factor, resulting in drastic cuts to certain physician specialties starting Jan. 1. This is due to current law requiring any changes to the physician fee schedule to be budget neutral.</p>
<p>These payment reductions, estimated in <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2020/CY_2021_PFS_Estimated_Impact_on_Total_Allowed_Charges_by_Specialty.pdf]">this chart by specialty</a>, will compound the significant financial difficulty that Washington's physician practices of all specialty types have experienced due to COVID-19. The cuts could potentially threaten patient access to medically necessary services, especially if specialists are forced to close or limit their practices. While we support increasing primary care reimbursements, doing so at the cost of other specialties will potentially result in fewer specialists to refer patients to in the community.</p>
<p>H.R. 8702, the "Holding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act," is bipartisan legislation before Congress that would freeze payments at 2020 rates for services scheduled to be cut in 2021 for a period of two years, while allowing the scheduled E/M increases to take place.</p>
<p>The WSMA has joined the AMA and multiple other associations in supporting H.R. 8702. <strong>We urge you to join us in contacting your member of Congress now.</strong>Share with them that given the financial pressures many practices and medical groups are facing due to COVID-19, now is not the time to implement any payment reductions. <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/urge-congressional-action-to-halt-medicare-payment-cuts/">Click here</a> to send a message to your congressional representative using our automated platform - we've supplied messaging if helpful.</p>
</div> | 12/10/2020 2:40:27 PM | 12/8/2020 1:55:49 PM | 12/10/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| telemedicine_payment_parity_now_permanent_in_washington | Telemedicine Payment Parity Now Permanent in Washington | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201210/telemedicine_payment_parity_now_permanent_in_washington | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>December 10, 2020</h5>
<h2>Telemedicine Payment Parity Now Permanent in Washington</h2>
<p>The Washington State Legislature has extended Gov. Jay Inslee's proclamation temporarily requiring telemedicine payment parity through Dec. 31. With provisions of Senate Bill 5385 requiring payment parity from state-regulated health plans taking effect on Jan. 1, telemedicine payment parity is now effectively permanent in Washington state.</p>
<p>Throughout the pandemic, the WSMA has advocated for <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/Telehealth/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/COVID_19_Telehealth/covid_19_telehealth.aspx?hkey=ed7e0075-97a3-489f-b858-92a741fc58ae">sensible telehealth policies</a>, including <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2020/Physicians_Urge_Governor_to_Allow_Telemedicine_Payment_Parity_Bill_to_Go_into_Effect_Immediately_">telemedicine payment parity</a>, as a key component of physicians' pandemic response. The WSMA is pleased to see this final extension - and payment parity - now in place for Washington's physicians and patients.</p>
<p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> During the public health crisis, telemedicine has emerged as a critical platform, allowing patients to see their physicians without the need to travel and risk exposure, while allowing physicians the ability to manage acute or chronic conditions unrelated to COVID-19, including primary care, pediatric care, wellness exams, behavioral health, and other services. With telemedicine parity, patients for whom telemedicine is appropriate can receive care from their homes to slow community spread of illness while helping alleviate the financial peril practices face during the pandemic.</p>
<p>For more information and resources on utilizing telemedicine in your practice during the pandemic, visit our <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/Telehealth/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/COVID_19_Telehealth/covid_19_telehealth.aspx?hkey=ed7e0075-97a3-489f-b858-92a741fc58ae">telehealth webpage</a>.</p>
</div> | 12/10/2020 2:49:26 PM | 12/8/2020 1:55:34 PM | 12/10/2020 12:00:00 AM |