| hhs_extends_deadlines_for_provider_relief_funds_telemedicine_parity_extended_financial_relief_news | HHS Extends Deadlines For Provider Relief Funds; Telemedicine Parity Extended; Financial Relief News | memo | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2020/August/hhs_extends_deadlines_for_provider_relief_funds_telemedicine_parity_extended_financial_relief_news | <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>August 3, 2020</h5>
<h2>HHS Extends Deadlines For Provider Relief Funds; Telemedicine Parity Extended; More Financial Relief News</h2>
<p>
An update on financial relief measures for physicians and practices experiencing lost revenues or increased expenses due to COVID-19.
</p>
<h3>HHS extends deadline, reopens window for Provider Relief Fund</h3>
<p>The Department of Health and Human Services has <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/07/31/hhs-extends-application-deadline-for-medicaid-providers-and-plans-to-reopen-portal-to-certain-medicare-providers.html">made several important announcements</a> regarding the Provider Relief Fund, the $175 billion pool of federal monies included in the CARES Act intended to help physicians and health care organizations responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
</p>
<p>
The initial $50 billion distribution from the Provider Relief Fund was based on a provider's Medicare revenues. Not all providers who treat Medicare patients were able to successfully receive funds, however, so HHS is reopening the window to apply starting the week of Aug. 10. Providers will have until <strong>Aug. 28</strong> to complete an application for a payment for up to 2% of their annual Medicare patient revenues.
</p>
<p>
A subsequent $15 billion distribution was made available from the Provider Relief Fund for providers who treat Medicaid patients and who did not qualify for the Medicare distribution. The deadline to apply for those funds is being extended to <strong>Aug. 28</strong>, and HHS is developing a simplified application to streamline the process. Resources on the Medicaid distribution can be found <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/for-providers/index.html?language=en">here</a>.
</p>
<p>
Finally, also beginning the week of Aug. 10, HHS will allow providers whose practice changed ownership in the last ear to apply for funds if their initial allocation from the Medicare distribution was made to the prior owner of a practice. And for those practices that have not been eligible for any distributions from the Provider Relief Fund to date (i.e. those that do not provide services to Medicare and Medicaid enrollees) HHS is working to formulate a distribution methodology, with further details forthcoming.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA wants to help ensure that all of our members receive the Provider Relief Fund monies they are eligible for. More information and resources on the Provider Relief Fund can be found on the <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/for-providers/index.html?language=en">HHS website</a>. If you have questions about prior or pending allocations, contact WSMA's policy team at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.
</p>
<h3>Reimbursement available from CMS for counseling patients to self-isolate at time of COVID-19 testing</h3>
<p>The Centers of Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services announced that payment is now available to physicians and health care providers to counsel patients, at the time of COVID-19 testing, about the importance of self-isolation after they are tested and prior to the onset of symptoms. CMS will use existing evaluation and management payment codes to reimburse providers who are eligible to bill CMS for counseling services no matter where a test is administered, including doctor's offices, urgent care clinics, hospitals, and community drive-thru or pharmacy testing sites.
</p>
<p>
Further information and resources are available in the <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/counseling-checklist.pdf" target="_blank">counseling checklist PDF here</a>.
</p>
<h3>Telemedicine proclamation, other priority proclamations extended to Sept. 1</h3>
<p>Washington's Democrat and Republican leaders in the House and Senate have again approved extending Gov. Jay Inslee's telemedicine payment parity <a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/20-29 Coronovirus OIC %28tmp%29.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">proclamation 20-29</a>, now through Sept. 1. Proclamation 20-29 implements <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5385&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">Senate Bill 5385</a>, requiring payment parity for state-regulated plans, ahead of its Jan. 1, 2021 effective date. While we are glad to see the proclamation extended again, the WSMA continues to advocate for the policy to be extended through the end of the year when SB 5385 takes effect. If you'd like to assist in our efforts, please consider writing your local legislators and sharing how critical telemedicine is to providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as requesting that proclamation be extended through Dec. 31, 2020. <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/urge-your-state-lawmakers-to-support-telemedicine-payment-parity-policies/">Click here to send a message to your state lawmakers</a>.
</p>
</div> | 8/3/2020 10:49:08 AM | 8/3/2020 10:46:35 AM | 8/3/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| ama_partners_with_project_n95_to_offer_ppe | AMA Partners with Project N95 to Offer PPE | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200723/ama_partners_with_project_n95_to_offer_ppe | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/July/Project-N95-Logo-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Project N95 logo" />
</div>
<h5>July 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>AMA Partners with Project N95 to Offer PPE </h2>
<p>The American Medical Association has partnered with Project N95, a not-for-profit national COVID-19 clearinghouse, to make personal protective equipment available exclusively to its members.</p>
<h3>
How it works</h3>
<p>Starting this week, AMA members will receive a series of three emails over a nine-day period that describe the program. Members are required to sign in using their AMA credentials and <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/order-ppe-your-practice-ama">complete a registration form</a>&nbsp;to express an interest in ordering PPE shown below.</p>
<ul>
<li>Makrite 9500 N95 surgical respirator; size S.</li>
<li>Makrite 9500 N95 surgical respirator; size M/L.</li>
<li>Disposable Isolation gown.</li>
</ul>
<p>All AMA member orders will be aggregated and shipped no later than Aug. 26, via UPS ground. Gowns may start shipping as early as Aug. 17. Members will receive email and text order status and shipping confirmation notices.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.projectn95.org/">Project N95</a>&nbsp;has written policies on order cancellations, refunds, and handling of damaged goods. See <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2020/Project N95 FAQs Final.pdf]">this FAQ</a> for those and other details about the program and order process.</p>
<h3>
Deadlines and purchasing guidelines</h3>
<p>This pilot program has specific deadlines for registration, orders, and shipping, which are summarized below.</p>
<ul>
<li>Registration: Last date to submit registration form is July 30, 2 p.m. PDT.</li>
<li>Orders: Last date to submit an order is Aug. 1, 2 p.m. PDT.</li>
<li>Cancel order: Last date to cancel order is Aug. 2 - open timeframe.</li>
<li>Shipping: Orders shipped by date is Aug. 26 - open timeframe.</li>
</ul>
<p>For this program, AMA and Project N95 established the purchasing business guidelines shown below in order to support as many members as are interested in participating.</p>
<h4>
Minimum purchase</h4>
<ul>
<li>1 box of surgical N95 respirator (20 masks) or 1 bag of isolation gowns (15 gowns)</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Maximum purchase</h4>
<ul>
<li>Surgical N95 respirator, size S &amp; standard (M/L): 50 boxes (20 masks/box) - 1000 masks</li>
<li>Isolation gowns: 66 bags (15 gowns/bags) - 990 gowns</li>
</ul>
<p>
Questions about this collaboration should be directed to Kristen Tinney at
<a href="mailto:kristen.tinney@ama-assn.org">
kristen.tinney@ama-assn.org
</a>.
</p>
</div> | 7/23/2020 3:33:12 PM | 7/22/2020 12:33:30 PM | 7/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| eye_wars_in_arkansas | 'Eye Wars' in Arkansas | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200723/eye_wars_in_arkansas | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/July/Eye-exam-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="eye exam" />
</div>
<h5>July 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>'Eye Wars' in Arkansas</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>During the 2019 legislative session, the Arkansas Legislature passed <a href="https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?ddBienniumSession=2019%2F2019R&amp;measureno=HB1251">House Bill 1251</a>,&nbsp;which amended the practice of optometry in the state. Arkansas state law (<a href="https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Acts/Document?type=pdf&amp;act=579&amp;ddBienniumSession=2019%2F2019R">Act 579, 2019</a>)&nbsp;now allows optometrists to perform certain surgical procedures, including injections, laser capsulotomy, and laser trabeculoplasty, without any required additional education and/or training. In response, Arkansas ophthalmologists formed "Safe Surgery Arkansas," a coalition that successfully forced the law to a referendum, meaning the citizens of Arkansas will vote on whether to uphold or reject the law. The Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons has joined the coalition working to overturn HB 1251 to safeguard patient safety and maintain quality surgical eye care.</p>
<p>WSMA policy adopted at last year's House of Delegates opposes efforts to increase non-physician practitioners' scope of practice that do not stipulate commensurate education and training on par to what a physician receives. To learn more about the Safe Surgery Arkansas campaign or to support its efforts by donating before the November election, please visit the <a href="https://www.safesurgery2020.com/">Safe Surgery Arkansas website</a>.</p>
</div> | 7/23/2020 3:42:40 PM | 7/22/2020 12:33:24 PM | 7/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| hca_seeks_feedback_on_multi_payer_primary_care_model | HCA Seeks Feedback on Multi -payer Primary Care Model | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200723/hca_seeks_feedback_on_multi_payer_primary_care_model | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>July 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>HCA
Seeks Feedback on
Multi
-payer Primary Care Model</h2>
<p>The Washington State Health Care Authority is seeking public comment on a multi-payer primary care model developed by "...Washington state payers (health care plans) and primary care providers." See <a href="https://hca.wa.gov/assets/WA-PC-model-for-Public-Comment-7-13-2020.pdf">this briefing paper for details on the model</a>. Additional information on the goals of the model and its development are available <a href="https://hca.wa.gov/about-hca/multi-payer-primary-care-transformation-model">here</a>. To provide feedback, <a href="https://ohsu.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_86uMRtCIQgoOlDL">complete their survey</a> ahead of the July 31 deadline. The WSMA, in collaboration with the newly formed value-based payment workgroup, is in the process of reviewing the model and will be providing written comment. If you have questions on the model or how to share your concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to the WSMA policy department at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a> for more information.</p>
</div> | 7/23/2020 3:47:21 PM | 7/23/2020 3:10:23 PM | 7/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| let_completecme_fill_your_cme_needs | Let CompleteCME Fill Your CME Needs | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200723/let_completecme_fill_your_cme_needs | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/July/CompleteCME-Email-Grahpic-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="CompleteCME graphic" />
</div>
<h5>July 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>Let
CompleteCME Fill Your CME Needs</h2>
<p>As more CME activities move from in-person to virtual, CompleteCME <sup>®</sup>is here to meet your needs, whether it's partnering with you to award CME credit or provide full event coordination. With CME oversight, CompleteCME staff will work with you to award <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em><sup> TM</sup>, offering training and support throughout the process. With full event coordination, CompleteCME will handle all arrangements, including full-service event planning, grant and exhibitor management, and CME credit coordination. To learn how CompleteCME can meet your needs, <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Get_CME_for_Your_Activity/WSMA/Services/CME_Services/Get_CME_for_Your_Activity/Get_CME_for_Your_Activity.aspx?hkey=c94ddd47-0ed8-47f3-8b98-4246d81c8ab8">visit our webpage</a> or contact us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:CompleteCME@wsma.org">CompleteCME@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 7/23/2020 4:29:36 PM | 7/23/2020 3:10:16 PM | 7/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| primary_election_is_aug_4_dont_forget_to_vote | Primary Election Is Aug. 4 - Don't Forget to Vote | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200723/primary_election_is_aug_4_dont_forget_to_vote | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/July/King-Co-Ballot-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="King County ballot" />
</div>
<h5>July 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>Primary
Election Is Aug. 4 - Don't Forget to Vote</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>Ballots for the Aug. 4 primary election are being mailed. Online and mail-in voter registrations must be received by this Monday, July 27. Want to know how your state legislators supported the house of medicine before you decide whether to support them? The WSMA and its nonpartisan political action committee, WAMPAC, can help. At the end of every legislative session, the WSMA publishes a legislator report card to show how each legislator voted on WSMA's top-priority bills. Our 2020 WAMPAC Legislator Report Card was included as part of the WSMA Legislative Report, recently mailed to members (you can also download the Legislative Report from <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/Legislative___Regulatory/WSMA/Advocacy/Legislative_Regulatory/Legislative_Regulatory.aspx?hkey=c0dc6e7c-4385-497a-99db-4a6b6f4e56bd">the WSMA website</a>. Keep the report card handy while you are filling out your ballot to see how your local state legislators fared.</p>
</div> | 7/23/2020 3:34:48 PM | 7/22/2020 12:33:44 PM | 7/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| save_the_date_for_the_wsma_virtual_road_trip | Save the Date for the WSMA (Virtual) Road Trip | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200723/save_the_date_for_the_wsma_virtual_road_trip | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/July/WSMA-Virtual-Road-Trip-Graphic-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Virtual Road Trip logo" />
</div>
<h5>July 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>Save
the Date for the WSMA (Virtual) Road Trip</h2>
<p>Mark your calendar: On Thursday, Aug. 27, the WSMA is hitting the road (virtually), for a special free event designed to give WSMA members an opportunity to hear from WSMA leaders and for WSMA leaders to hear from you. The virtual WSMA Road Trip will feature presentations and opportunities for discussion. Don't miss this chance to meet with association representatives and your physician and physician assistant colleagues in a relaxed, social environment. Registration details will be available soon; for now, save the date, and we'll see you on a screen soon! </p>
</div> | 7/23/2020 3:37:29 PM | 7/23/2020 3:10:29 PM | 7/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| take_the_covid_19_coalition_telehealth_survey | Take the COVID-19 Coalition Telehealth Survey | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200723/take_the_covid_19_coalition_telehealth_survey | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/July/Stock.image_2018.hands%20and%20computer-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="physician working at laptop" />
</div>
<h5>July 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>Take
the COVID-19 Coalition Telehealth Survey</h2>
<p>The American Medical Association has joined with the <a href="https://c19hcc.org/about-us">COVID-19 Healthcare Coalition</a>, whose members include the Mayo Clinic, among others, to encourage clinicians to complete the <a href="https://src.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6KAkyEVfhtGj3vL">Telehealth Impact Study Provider Survey</a>. Your insights on the opportunities and challenges experienced using telehealth services may be beneficial to other physicians and providers who may be earlier in the process for deploying similar types of services. Respondent and organization information will remain confidential and will only be reported in aggregate. The survey takes up to 15-20 minutes; the deadline is Aug. 13. <a href="https://src.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6KAkyEVfhtGj3vL">Click here to take the survey</a>.</p>
</div> | 7/23/2020 3:37:11 PM | 7/23/2020 3:10:26 PM | 7/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| trump_administration_rescinds_f_1_visa_restrictions | Trump Administration Rescinds F-1 Visa Restrictions | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200723/trump_administration_rescinds_f_1_visa_restrictions | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/July/WWU-Red-Square-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="WWU Red Square" />
</div>
<h5>July 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>Trump Administration Rescinds F-1 Visa Restrictions</h2>
<p>At the <a href="https://searchlf.ama-assn.org/undefined/documentDownload?uri=%2Funstructured%2Fbinary%2Fletter%2FLETTERS%2F2020-7-9-Letter-to-Wolf-and-Albence-re-ICE-and-Online-Learning.pdf">urging of the American Medical Association</a>,&nbsp;and after a number of universities filed lawsuits against the move, the Trump administration has rescinded its directive that would have barred F-1 students from the country if their colleges canceled in-person instruction during the pandemic. Announced earlier this month, the federal directive would have modified temporary exemptions in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, including stating that nonimmigrant F-1 and M-1 students attending schools operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States. The federal move, announced on the eve of the fall 2020 term, would have introduced severe uncertainty for our international medical school students as well as for universities coping with curriculums thrown into disarray because of the pandemic, and was also protested by <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2020/07/07/washington-universities-ice-student-visas.html?ana=e_me_prem">our state's</a> <a href="https://www.washington.edu/president/2020/07/07/rule-ends-visa-waiver/">universities.</a></p>
</div> | 7/23/2020 3:34:29 PM | 7/22/2020 12:33:42 PM | 7/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| virginia_mason_and_chi_announce_merger | Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Announce Merger | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200723/virginia_mason_and_chi_announce_merger | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/July/VM-CHI-Graphic-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="VM-CHI joint logos" />
</div>
<h5>July 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Announce Merger</h2>
<p>In a major development for the state's health care ecosystem, Virginia Mason Health System and CHI Franciscan have announced their intent to merge. The two regional health giants have targeted the end of the year to complete the merger, which will see the creation of a new joint operating system co-led by Virginia Mason CEO Gary Kaplan, MD, and CHI Franciscan CEO Ketul Patel that will operate 12 hospitals and more than 250 care sites, bringing in an estimated $4.5 billion in annual revenue. See each organization’s <a href="https://www.virginiamason.org/chi-franciscan-virginia-mason-sign-memorandum-of-understanding-explore-combining-forming-new-integrated-health-system">press</a> <a href="https://www.chifranciscan.org/about-us/press-room/news-releases/2020/chi-franciscan-and-virginia-mason.html">release</a> for details on the merger.</p>
</div> | 7/23/2020 4:22:13 PM | 7/22/2020 12:33:35 PM | 7/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| webinar_for_medicaid_chip_provider_relief_fund_distribution | Webinar for Medicaid & CHIP Provider Relief Fund Distribution | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200723/webinar_for_medicaid_chip_provider_relief_fund_distribution | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/July/Steth-Calc-Money-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Stethoscope, calculator and money" />
</div>
<h5>July 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>Webinar for Medicaid &amp; CHIP Provider Relief Fund Distribution</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Provider Relief Fund, is distributing $15 billion to eligible Medicaid, CHIP, and dental providers. This week, HHS extended the deadline to apply for the funds through Aug. 3. If you are a physician or provider who is interested in learning about the application process for the funds, please register and join an informational webcast on July 27. Please share the webcast information with other practitioners who may be interested in participating as well. "Getting started with the Provider Relief Fund for Medicaid, CHIP, and dental providers" is scheduled for July 27 from noon-1 p.m. PDT. <a href="https://webex.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1348276&amp;tp_key=fa54a9fb41">Register online</a>.</p>
</div> | 7/23/2020 3:33:37 PM | 7/22/2020 12:33:33 PM | 7/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_adopts_2020_22_strategic_plan | WSMA Adopts 2020-22 Strategic Plan | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200723/wsma_adopts_2020_22_strategic_plan | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/July/WSMA-Lobby-Logo-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA lobby logo" />
</div>
<h5>July 23, 2020</h5>
<h2>WSMA
Adopts 2020-22 Strategic Plan</h2>
<p>As the health care landscape in Washington evolves, so, too, does the WSMA, ever mindful of the changing needs of physicians and the health care community.</p>
<p>At the start of 2020, WSMA's strategic plan rested on four pillars: advocacy through strong, thoughtful policy, physician-directed quality improvement, physician education and development, and organizational stewardship. Then our community faced a COVID-19 pandemic that rocked our state and our members' ability to practice. As Albert Einstein wrote, "You can't use an old map to explore a new world." </p>
<p>COVID-19 and recent events highlighting structural racism and health inequities have necessitated that we change our priorities and focus for the remainder of 2020 and beyond. Our four strategic pillars will remain; however, activities and KPIs will be adjusted for the remainder of 2020. Our core vision remains: to make Washington the best place to practice medicine and receive care. Find the strategic plan on the WSMA's <a href="[@]WSMA/About_Us/Who_We_Are/WSMA/About/Who_We_Are/Who_We_Are.aspx?hkey=0074488e-0161-4ed4-8d22-ba98dc51c385">Who We Are webpage</a>.</p>
</div> | 7/23/2020 3:34:14 PM | 7/22/2020 12:33:38 PM | 7/23/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| 2020_wsma_annual_meeting_how_to_propose_policy_serve_as_delegate | 2020 WSMA Annual Meeting: How to Propose Policy, Serve as Delegate | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200625/2020_wsma_annual_meeting_how_to_propose_policy_serve_as_delegate | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/July/2020-Annual-Meeting-Graphic.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>July 9, 2020</h5>
<h2>2020 WSMA Annual Meeting: How to Propose Policy, Serve as Delegate</h2>
<p>The 2020 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates will be held virtually on Sept. 26 and 27 via Zoom. If you are interested in proposing policy or serving as a delegate at the meeting, 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="[@]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. 10</strong> – Deadline to submit your resolution for publication in the WSMA Delegate Handbook, the compilation of resolutions and other business to be considered by the House of Delegates.</p>
<p><strong>Aug. 21</strong> – Delegate Handbook will be available on the <a href="https://wsma-my.sharepoint.com/personal/katiehoward_wsma_org/Documents/Membership%20Memos/June%202020/wsma.org">WSMA website</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Aug. 27</strong> – Final deadline to submit your resolution. Resolutions received after this date must have consent of two-thirds of the House 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 2020 WSMA Annual Meeting, please contact your local county society or state specialty society.</p>
<h3>How the 2020 WSMA Annual Meeting will work</h3>
<p>The 2020 Annual Meeting will take place virtually over two days: virtual reference committee hearings held on Saturday, Sept. 26, followed by a virtual House of Delegates meeting on Sunday, Sept. 27. In the weeks preceding the meeting, we will open our <a href="[@]WSMA/Membership/Discussion_Forums/Virtual_Reference_Committees/WSMA/Membership/Discussion_Forums/virtual_reference_committees.aspx?hkey=d674a5ae-4fb5-48d6-b969-16aab9b63647">virtual reference committee forums</a> on the WSMA website to give WSMA members an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the resolutions that will be considered by the House. Then, on Sept. 26, we will hold "live" virtual reference committee meetings via Zoom, an opportunity for members to provide verbal testimony to reference committee members. Then, on Sept. 27 via Zoom, the House will act on the reports of the reference committees, vote on the slate of candidates for the board of trustees, and conduct other business of the House.</p>
<p>Members planning to participate in the meeting should note that, while there are no educational sessions associated with this year's meeting, the WSMA offers many educational opportunities available <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Webinars_OnDemand/WSMA/Resources/Practice_Management/OnDemand/Webinars_OnDemand.aspx?hkey=53a67f34-e7a8-4b79-9463-6f51e1418ff5">on demand</a> on our website.</p>
<p>Registration information for the meeting will be available shortly.</p>
</div> | 7/24/2020 10:02:26 AM | 6/25/2020 9:25:46 AM | 7/9/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| covid_19_financial_relief_molina_primary_care_support_medicaid_funding_concerns_mips_opt_out_more | COVID-19 Financial Relief: Molina Primary Care Support; Medicaid Funding Concerns; MIPS Opt-out; Mor | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200709/covid_19_financial_relief_molina_primary_care_support_medicaid_funding_concerns_mips_opt_out_more | <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>July 9, 2020</h5>
<h2>COVID-19 Financial Relief: Molina Primary Care Support; Medicaid Funding Concerns; MIPS Opt-out; More</h2>
<p>An update on financial relief measures for physicians and practices experiencing lost revenues or increased expenses due to COVID-19.</p>
<h3>Molina announces $10 million for primary care support</h3>
<p>One of the issues that the WSMA has prioritized during the pandemic is securing financial support for physician practices, virtually all of which have seen declining patient volumes and revenue in recent months. One of the tracks of discussion has been with our state's Health Care Authority and the managed care organizations that contract with the Medicaid program. We were pleased to see <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200630005886/en/Molina-Healthcare-Washington-Commits-Additional-15-Million">Molina announce</a> that they will be providing $10 million to primary care providers they contract with, in addition to $5 million for substance use disorder providers.</p>
<p>According to Molina, the payments will be delivered automatically to all contracted primary care providers who are not on total capitation payments - providers do not need to do anything to trigger these payments. Molina has stressed that the disbursement is not an advance or a loan to primary care providers, but are "supplemental, direct payments for primary care services that are delivered." It will be paid to Molina's primary care providers as a one-time payment (supplemental care coordination fee) during the month of July.</p>
<p>The WSMA applauds Molina for making this investment in the primary care system, as it's imperative to take steps to support the financial viability of practices so that the many new enrollees of the Medicaid system will have adequate access to care. We encourage the state's other MCOs to take similar action in making significant, supplemental, directed payments (not just loans or advances) to providers across the state.</p>
<h3>HHS will renew public health emergency</h3>
<p>Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicated it will extend the COVID-19 public health emergency that is set to expire July 25. The extension would prolong the emergency designation by 90 days. As noted by WSMA CEO Jennifer Hanscom in Weekly Rounds, this is <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2020/weekly_rounds_july_3_2020___six_things_to_know_while_planning_your_virtual_july_4th_celebration">welcome news for physicians</a>. Several payment policies and regulatory adjustments are attached to the public health emergency, including the <a href="https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-policy/covid-19-economic-stimulus-deal-passes-senate-billions-hospital-funding">Medicare inpatient 20% add-on payment for COVID-19 patients</a>, increased federal <a href="https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-policy/trump-signs-second-major-covid-19-relief-package">Medicaid matching rates</a>, requirements that insurers cover COVID-19 testing without cost-sharing, and <a href="https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-policy/cms-use-glide-path-when-removing-covid-19-waivers">waivers of telehealth restrictions</a>.</p>
<h3>$15 billion is being distributed to Medicaid providers by HHS. Has your practice received its share?</h3>
<p>The federal CARES Act appropriated $175 billion to physicians, providers, and health care facilities through a variety of mechanisms. The most recent distribution that was <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/06/09/hhs-announces-enhanced-provider-portal-relief-fund-payments-for-safety-net-hospitals-medicaid-chip-providers.html">announced by the Department of Health and Human Services</a> is $15 billion dedicated for eligible physicians and providers who participate in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.</p>
<p>To be eligible for this funding, clinicians must have billed their state's Medicaid/CHIP programs or Medicaid managed care plans between Jan. 1, 2018 and Dec. 31, 2019. Additionally, they must not have received payments from the earlier $50 billion Provider Relief Fund general distribution based on Medicare utilization.</p>
<p>Washington state's Medicaid agency, the Health Care Authority, has raised concerns with HHS about the Medicaid distribution, asserting the funds allotted are insufficient and that it's administratively burdensome for practices to tap into. Perhaps most concerningly, practices were not aware that accepting the Medicare general distribution would preclude them from receiving Medicaid funds, where the latter may have been financially advantageous for a practice. Further, there is no mechanism for a practice to return the Medicare funds to create eligibility for the Medicaid distribution.</p>
<p>If you believe you're eligible for a payment under the Medicaid distribution, HHS provides an <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/for-providers/index.html">Enhanced Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal</a> that allows you to report your annual patient revenue, as well as information such as the number of Medicaid patients you serve, which will be used as factors in determining your payment. Distributions to eligible providers will equal to at least 2% of reported gross revenues from patient care.</p>
<p>If you have concerns pertaining to the Medicaid distribution or anything related to the Provider Relief Fund under the CARES Act, the WSMA wants to know. Share your perspective with us by emailing <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.</p>
<p>Find more information on financial relief measures for physicians and practices in our <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/Financial_Viability_During_COVID-19/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/Financial_Viability_During_COVID-19/financial_viability_during_covid_19.aspx?hkey=59bdde18-196d-479e-bfab-10b7ddd7b227">COVID-19 Resources webpages</a>.</p>
<h3>Manual opt-out option for the MIPS program</h3>
<p>The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services <a href="https://qpp-cm-prod-content.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/966/QPP%20COVID-19%20Response%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf" target="_blank">announced that physicians will have the option to opt out completely or partially from the 2020 MIPS program</a> by completing a hardship exemption application and indicating it is due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Individual clinicians and group practices have until Dec. 31, 2020 to complete the <a href="https://qpp.cms.gov/login">hardship application</a>.</p>
<p>CMS plans on providing physicians with a couple of options on the hardship exemption application. For example, a practice may submit a hardship application and indicate that they do not want to be scored on Cost and Quality and have their score calculated only based on Promoting Interoperability and Improvement Activities. Alternatively, practices may submit a hardship application and opt out of all four performance categories and be held harmless from a 2022 payment adjustment. Submitting any MIPS data to CMS will override the hardship exception application and physicians will be scored on their submission.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://qpp.cms.gov/">Quality Payment Program website</a> is in the process of being updated with the 2020 policy and should reflect the announcement along with additional educational materials in a couple weeks. The information currently posted on the website is regarding the 2019 MIPS COVID-19 policy. CMS has also indicated that additional information on MIPS COVID-19 policy will be included in upcoming rulemaking.</p>
<h3>Updated Provider Relief Fund FAQs</h3>
<p>The Department of Health and Human Services has issued updated Provider Relief Fund <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/provider-relief-fund-general-distribution-faqs.pdf" target="_blank">FAQs</a>. Of note, the new FAQs clarify whether there is a set period of time in which providers must use the funds to cover eligible expenses or lost revenues attributable to COVID-19. Consistent with previous guidance, HHS indicated that it expects providers to "only use Provider Relief Fund payments for as long as they have eligible expenses or lost revenue," adding that, "if, at the conclusion of the pandemic, providers have leftover Provider Relief Fund money that they cannot expend on permissible expenses or losses, then they will return this money to HHS." HHS will provide future instructions.</p>
</div> | 7/9/2020 2:53:13 PM | 7/7/2020 4:08:24 PM | 7/9/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| dont_miss_these_cme_opportunities | Don't Miss These CME Opportunities | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200709/dont_miss_these_cme_opportunities | <div class="col-md-12">
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</div>
<h5>July 9, 2020</h5>
<h2>Don't Miss These CME Opportunities</h2>
<p>The WSMA is expanding our educational offerings, with course content and delivery tailored to the specific needs of physicians, physician assistants, and physician practices in Washington. The following virtual CME courses and events are now available. These activities are approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em><sup>TM</sup>.</p>
<p><strong>From WSMA's Continuing Professional Development webinar series:</strong></p>
<h3>Communicating Effectively During Times of Stress</h3>
Friday, July 17<br />
Noon - 1 p.m.<br />
This webinar will help physicians and physician assistants develop an effective communication process that might be adjusted to account for the needs of the message recipient.<br />
<a href="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/7115894777167/WN_GXL-x0GRQNuizxAObVdtIg">Register online</a><br />
Free
<h3>Coaching: An Effective Tool to Improve Well-being and Optimize Professional Fulfillment</h3>
<p>
Monday, July 27<br />
Noon - 1 p.m.<br />
This webinar will introduce physicians and physician assistants to the value of coaching. Speakers will define coaching and highlight top modalities; review the evidence demonstrating that coaching reduces burnout; describe the breadth of topics addressed in coaching; outline expected outcomes; and discuss the logistics of finding and working with a coach.<br />
<a href="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EdrgMSZ8S0-XuGYDUzeCwA">Register online</a><br />
Free
</p>
<h3>Health Equity Mini-Series (Part I): Cultural Agility: Creating Sustained Systemic Change in Health Care</h3>
<p>Co-sponsored by the Washington Patient Safety Coalition<br />
Tuesday, Sept. 1<br />
Noon - 1 p.m.<br />
This webinar will educate physicians and physician assistants on the current state of health inequity, describe how the systems that were created impact patient care, and outline strategies to create lasting change within health care organizations.<br />
<a href="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uMkRP25eQ1WubwsddNemyA">Register online</a><br />
Free</p>
<h3>Health Equity Mini-Series (Part II): LGBTQ Health Care</h3>
<p>Co-sponsored by the Washington Patient Safety Coalition<br />
Friday, Oct. 9<br />
Noon - 1 p.m.<br />
This webinar will educate physicians and physician assistants on strategies to align care delivery with existing evidence-based, culturally sensitive standards of care for LGBTQ people in Washington state to decrease health disparities.<br />
<a href="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BWRcGH0mRHC3-zBNHcLZjw">Register online</a><br />
Free</p>
<p>
<strong>From the WSMA's Center for Leadership Development:</strong>
</p>
<h3>WSMA Physician Leadership Course</h3>
<p>September - December<br />
The WSMA Physician Leadership Course is a 40+ hour course for physicians and physician assistants who want to develop their health care leadership skills. Live virtual sessions will be held on Sept. 18-19 and Dec. 11, with eight weeks in between of self-guided online learning. The deadline to register is Aug. 18.<br />
<a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Physician_Leadership/Physician_Leadership_Course/WSMA/Physician_Leadership/Physician_Leadership_Course/Physician_Leadership_Course.aspx?hkey=30a53472-d3c0-4d7d-bd0c-cf09b4bea7f5">Pricing and registration information</a></p>
<h3>WSMA Dyad Leadership Course</h3>
<p>October - November<br />
Taking your leadership journey deeper, the WSMA Dyad Leadership Course is a 24+ hour educational workshop for physicians and their administrative dyad partners that helps improve team function and achieve greater operational success within their clinical system. Live virtual sessions will be held on Oct. 16-17 and Nov. 13, with four weeks in between of self-guided online learning. The deadline to register is Sept. 16. Completion of the WSMA Physician Leadership Course is a pre-requisite for enrollment.<br />
<a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Physician_Leadership/Dyad_Leadership_Course/WSMA/Physician_Leadership/Dyad_Leadership_Course/Dyad_Leadership_Course.aspx?hkey=f6387317-48e4-44f1-b623-4b00fcba57ab">Pricing and registration information</a></p>
</div> | 7/10/2020 11:29:35 AM | 7/7/2020 4:08:35 PM | 7/9/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| seattle_city_council_approves_new_payroll_tax | Seattle City Council Approves New Payroll Tax | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200709/seattle_city_council_approves_new_payroll_tax | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/July/Seattle-Skyline-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Seattle skyline" />
</div>
<h5>July 9, 2020</h5>
<h2>Seattle City Council Approves New Payroll Tax</h2>
<p><em>Update: The tax percentages below have been corrected. An earlier version contained a transcription error.</em></p>
<p>On Monday, the Seattle City Council approved the creation of a new payroll tax, to be imposed beginning in 2021 on businesses with a total payroll of more than $7 million whose employees earn $150,000 or more. Revenue from the tax is dedicated primarily to housing programs. The tax applies in tiers as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>For businesses with Seattle payrolls of $7 million to $99.9 million:
<ul>
<li>No tax on salaries under $150,000</li>
<li>0.7% tax on salaries of $150,000-$399,999</li>
<li>1.7% tax on salaries over $400,000</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For businesses with Seattle payroll between $100 million and $999.9 million:
<ul>
<li>No tax on salaries under $150,000</li>
<li>0.7% tax on salaries of $150,000-$399,999</li>
<li>1.9% tax on salaries over $400,000</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For businesses with Seattle payrolls of $1 billion or more:
<ul>
<li>No tax on salaries under $150,000</li>
<li>1.4% tax on salaries of $150,000 to $399,999</li>
<li>2.4% tax on salaries over $400,000</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>The number of physician organizations that will be subject to the tax is not known. The WSMA, the King County Medical Society, and other physician organizations oppose the tax on the grounds that it will negatively impact patient access to care, increase the cost of health care, and jeopardize the viability of physician organizations already reeling due to the pandemic.</p>
<p>Several amendments were made to the bill before its passage, including one exempting salaries up to $400,000 for certain nonprofit health care organizations that deliver at least 50% of their services to the uninsured and enrollees of Medicaid and TRICARE. Another provision requires the city to reassess application of the tax if the Washington State Legislature enacts a payroll tax, as was proposed during the 2020 legislative session.</p>
<p>The tax passed the council by a <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/seattle-city-council-passes-new-jumpstart-tax-on-high-salaries-paid-by-big-businesses/">vote of 7-2</a>, and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan has not yet indicated whether she will sign the legislation or veto it. Six members of the council would need to vote in support of the legislation to override a veto. There is also a possibility the legislation will be forced to a referendum vote, as business organizations sought to do in 2018 with the short-lived "head tax" that was approved and then subsequently repealed.</p>
</div> | 7/10/2020 2:21:52 PM | 7/7/2020 4:08:29 PM | 7/9/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| state_to_physicians_more_covid_19_testing | State to Physicians: More COVID-19 Testing | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200709/state_to_physicians_more_covid_19_testing | <div class="col-md-12">
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</div>
<h5>July 9, 2020</h5>
<h2>State to Physicians: More COVID-19 Testing</h2>
<p><em>Updated July 24, 2020</em></p>
<p>Washington state, like many states around the country, is seeing an increasing number of COVID-19 infections. State officials continue to urge physicians and medical providers to increase testing to help the state identify those infected with the virus. Testing and contact tracing, together with a statewide mask mandate, are foundational components of the state's effort to combat the outbreak.</p>
<p>State officials expanded criteria for who should be tested for COVID-19 to include the mildly symptomatic and their close contacts (for the full criteria, download the <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/Interim-2019NovelCoronavirusQuicksheetProviders.pdf" target="_blank">DOH testing guidance for health care providers, updated June 28, 2020</a>). Along with expanding testing criteria, Gov. Jay Inslee delivered a message directly to physicians and medical providers: If a patient comes to you with symptoms, get them tested. As the guidance states, symptomatic patients should be tested within 24 hours or referred to another testing site and provided guidance on the need to isolate (for ill persons) and self-quarantine (for exposed contacts).</p>
<h3>How can physicians and providers help?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Test all persons with any symptom that could be consistent with COVID-19.</li>
<li>Test all close contacts (&lt; 6 ft. of distance for &gt; 15 minutes).</li>
<li>Use self-collected nasal swabs if the person is able to.</li>
<li>Complete all required information on requisition to include:
<ul>
<li>Complete contact information.</li>
<li>Race/ethnicity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Provide public health centered counseling around:
<ul>
<li>What and how to isolate and quarantine.</li>
<li>Assess support needs.</li>
<li>How important it is to do this.</li>
<li>If they are positive that they will be contacted by public health and why it is important that they provide contact information.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Using in-state labs for COVID-19 testing&nbsp;</h3>
<p>The DOH is now strongly encouraging clinicians to use our in-state labs for COVID-19 testing so that we can shorten the turn-around time for test results. The following is a list of Washington-based labs that have confirmed their willingness to provide molecular COVID-19 testing to hospitals and clinics. Please feel free to reach out to these labs to discuss: <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/Resources/COVID19/Labs_in-state_covid-19_July2020.pdf]">Download the list of in-state laboratories and their contact information</a>.</p>
<h3>WSMA survey on testing and PPE</h3>
<p>The state is still far from meeting its target goal for testing, a <a href="https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/covid-19-risk-assessment-dashboard">key metric in the state's response to COVID-19</a>, with daily testing needing to more than double to meet the state's goal of 50 tests for each new case of novel coronavirus infection. The WSMA is helping state officials identify barriers faced by physicians and practices seeking to provide or ramp up testing. We recently surveyed our members on testing and PPE supply to help inform the state's response; the results are being reviewed and will be shared with state officials and with members shortly. </p>
<h3>Testing and PPE resources</h3>
<p>The following professional and patient resources are available to help physicians and practices with COVID-19 testing.</p>
<p><strong>For physicians and providers</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/Interim-2019NovelCoronavirusQuicksheetProviders.pdf" target="_blank">COVID-19 Testing Information for Healthcare Providers</a> (June 28, 2020)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/identify-assess-flowchart.html" rel="external">COVID-19 Testing Information for Healthcare Providers (CDC)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/Self-SwabNasalCollectionInstructions.pdf">Self-Swab Nasal Collection Instructions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/Self-SwabMid-turbinateCollectionInstructions.pdf">Self-Swab Mid-Turbinate Collection Instructions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKtHoVMI69w&amp;feature=youtu.be" rel="external">Nasopharyngeal (NP) Specimen Collection Instructions</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>For your patients</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/Resources/COVID19/Testing_guidance_for_DOH_page_6-27-20.pdf]">COVID-19 Testing Resources for Patients</a> (updated June 30, 2020) - This patient handout details testing resources available to patients, including information on cost and testing sites.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/NovelCoronavirusOutbreak2020COVID19/HealthcareProviders">Health Care Provider Resources and Recommendations page</a> - Find materials for your patients on this page to help educate them on public health best practices if symptomatic or exposed.</li>
<li><a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/COVID-19_Patient_Education/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/COVID-19_Patient_Education/covid_19_patient_education.aspx?hkey=1883b646-8a34-48dc-926d-c9711850a7cd#test">How Can I Get Tested for COVID-19?</a> This new section, part of WSMA's COVID-19 Patient Education webpage, provides guidance for patients looking for testing sites near them. </li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Reimbursement for testing</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/Reimbursement/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/COVID_19_Reimbursement/covid_19_reimbursement.aspx?hkey=bb096bfc-12a0-4237-beb7-f8c9d8758123">COVID-19 Reimbursement</a> - This WSMA webpage featured detailed guidance on reimbursement related to COVID-19 and the novel coronavirus.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Testing supplies</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>If you are having challenges obtaining specimen collection supplies, contact your <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/AboutUs/PublicHealthSystem/LocalHealthJurisdictions">Local Health Jurisdiction</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Personal protective equipment (PPE)</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Contact your local emergency management agency to request and receive these items.</li>
<li><a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/PPE/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/PPE/PPE.aspx?hkey=0532ab8c-a5d4-4bb0-9772-98861013d856">FDA-approved disposable ASTM Level 1 simple procedural masks</a> - The WSMA has partnered with WSHA to make these masks available to medical groups and physician practices at bulk pricing, while stocks are available.</li>
<li>The AMA is now offering PPE, including N95 masks and disposable isolation gowns, to AMA members. <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/order-ppe-your-practice-ama">Learn more</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>Also, this week the WSMA released two new public service announcements featuring WSMA President Bill Hirota, MD, on "<a href="https://vimeo.com/435813422">What your doctor wants you to know: Why wear a mask?</a>" and "<a href="https://vimeo.com/436165430">What your doctor wants you to know: How to wear a mask safely</a> ." You can find the PSAs on WSMA's social media channels. Find all our PSAs and other COVID-19 resources on our website at <a href="http://www.wsma.org/covid19">wsma.org/covid19</a> (the PSAs are under Patient Education).</p>
</div> | 7/27/2020 10:39:12 AM | 7/7/2020 4:08:21 PM | 7/9/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| take_the_physicians_foundation_covid_19_survey | Take the Physicians Foundation COVID-19 Survey | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200709/take_the_physicians_foundation_covid_19_survey | <div class="col-md-12">
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</div>
<h5>July 9, 2020</h5>
<h2>Take the Physicians Foundation COVID-19 Survey</h2>
<p>The Physicians Foundation is surveying physicians across the country to learn how COVID-19 is affecting their practice plans - and their perspectives. Results of the survey will be shared with physicians, policymakers, legislators, the public, and the media to ensure the physician voice is heard. <a href="https://amnhealthcare.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEkHuZu1imEKmX3">Take the survey here</a> - it can be completed in less than five minutes. Include your email to enter a drawing for one of four $500 Amazon gift cards. And as an additional incentive, the state medical association with the most survey participants will win $5,000 - simply by taking the survey, you help the WSMA win.</p>
<p>The non-profit Physicians Foundation, of which the WSMA is a signatory society, works to empower physicians to lead in the delivery of high-quality, cost-efficient health care. Learn more about the <a href="https://physiciansfoundation.org/">Physicians Foundation</a>.</p>
</div> | 7/9/2020 2:53:45 PM | 7/7/2020 4:08:32 PM | 7/9/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| urge_your_elected_officials_to_support_stronger_telemedicine_policy | Urge Your Elected Officials to Support Stronger Telemedicine Policy | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200709/urge_your_elected_officials_to_support_stronger_telemedicine_policy | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/July/Telemedicine-Patient-Tablet-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Telemedicine patient" />
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<h5>July 9, 2020</h5>
<h2>Urge Your Elected Officials to Support Stronger Telemedicine Policy</h2>
<p>Take a moment to write to your state legislators and Congress and urge support for stronger, lasting telehealth policy.</p>
<h3>Urge your state legislators: Support telemedicine parity</h3>
<p>Democrat and Republican leaders in the House and Senate have approved extending&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/20-29%20Coronovirus%20OIC%20%28tmp%29.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Proclamation 20-29</a> - concerning telemedicine payment parity - through Aug. 1. However, the WSMA continues to press lawmakers to extend to the end of the year to allow the provisions of <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5385&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">Senate Bill 5385</a>, which permanently enforce parity, to take effect. Please take a moment to write your local legislators on this issue. <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/urge-your-state-lawmakers-to-support-telemedicine-payment-parity-policies/">Learn more and send a message</a>.</p>
<h3>Tell Congress: Support telehealth during COVID-19 and beyond</h3>
<p>While we must remain vigilant in our battle with COVID-19, it is important to recognize that expanded use of telehealth technology should have a place in our health care system permanently. As Congress considers new "phase-four" COVID-19 relief legislation, it should ensure that telehealth services are covered and remain available after the COVID-19 public health emergency.</p>
<p>Specifically, Congress should permanently lift the geographic and site restrictions on telehealth technologies so all Medicare beneficiaries have access to telehealth services, including from home, regardless of where they live. <a href="https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/A9Ov4FnumqlV2v-6jA-9HA">Please contact your senators and representative today</a>&nbsp;and tell them that any new COVID-19 relief legislation should include the telehealth provisions outlined above.</p>
<p>The WSMA continues to advocate for telehealth flexibilities, including with the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services. WSMA CEO Jennifer Hanscom runs down the regulatory flexibilities the WSMA is calling for in her <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2020/weekly_rounds_july_3_2020___six_things_to_know_while_planning_your_virtual_july_4th_celebration">July 3 edition of Weekly Rounds</a>.</p>
</div> | 7/9/2020 3:26:33 PM | 7/7/2020 4:08:27 PM | 7/9/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| $15_billion_is_being_distributed_to_medicaid_providers_by_hhs_has_your_practice_received_its_share | $15 Billion Is Being Distributed to Medicaid Providers by HHS. Has Your Practice Received its Share? | memo | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2020/June/$15_billion_is_being_distributed_to_medicaid_providers_by_hhs_has_your_practice_received_its_share | <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" />
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<h5>June 30, 2020</h5>
<h2>$15 Billion Is Being Distributed to Medicaid Providers by HHS. Has Your Practice Received its Share?</h2>
<p>The federal CARES Act appropriated $175 billion to physicians, providers, and health care facilities through a variety of mechanisms. The most recent distribution that was <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/06/09/hhs-announces-enhanced-provider-portal-relief-fund-payments-for-safety-net-hospitals-medicaid-chip-providers.html">announced by the Department of Health and Human Services</a> is $15 billion dedicated for eligible physicians and providers who participate in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
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To be eligible for this funding, clinicians must have billed their state's Medicaid/CHIP programs or Medicaid managed care plans between Jan. 1, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2019. Additionally, they must not have received payments from the earlier $50 billion Provider Relief Fund general distribution based on Medicare utilization.
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Washington state's Medicaid agency, the Health Care Authority, has raised concerns with HHS about the Medicaid distribution, asserting the funds allotted are insufficient and that it's administratively burdensome for practices to tap into. Perhaps most concerningly, practices were not aware that accepting the Medicare general distribution would preclude them from receiving Medicaid funds, where the latter may have been financially advantageous for a practice. Further, there is no mechanism for a practice to return the Medicare funds to create eligibility for the Medicaid distribution.
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If you believe you're eligible for a payment under the Medicaid distribution, HHS provides an <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/for-providers/index.html">Enhanced Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal</a> that allows you to report your annual patient revenue, as well as information such as the number of Medicaid patients you serve, which will be used as factors in determining your payment. Distributions to eligible providers will equal to at least 2% of reported gross revenues from patient care.
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If you have concerns pertaining to the Medicaid distribution or anything related to the Provider Relief Fund under the CARES Act, the WSMA wants to know. Share your perspective with us by emailing <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.
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Find more information on financial relief measures for physicians and practices in our <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/Financial_Viability_During_COVID-19/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/Financial_Viability_During_COVID-19/financial_viability_during_covid_19.aspx?hkey=59bdde18-196d-479e-bfab-10b7ddd7b227">COVID-19 Resources webpages</a>.
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</div> | 6/30/2020 12:40:12 PM | 6/30/2020 12:36:30 PM | 6/30/2020 12:00:00 AM |