| act_today_urge_congress_to_halt_medicare_payment_cuts | Act Today: Urge Congress to Halt Medicare Payment Cuts | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201125/act_today_urge_congress_to_halt_medicare_payment_cuts | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/November/Megaphone-Evergreen-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="megaphone image" />
</div>
<h5>November 25, 2020</h5>
<h2>Act Today: Urge Congress to Halt Medicare Payment Cuts</h2>
<p>To help preserve patient access to care and prevent additional financial distress on physician practices, the WSMA has written a letter to the state's congressional delegation urging support of H.R. 8702, a bill that would halt pending Medicare payment cuts resulting from the planned evaluation and management code changes slated for implementation on Jan. 1. <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2020/WSMA comment on CMS Budget Neutrality_11122020_CLEAN.pdf]">Click here to download the letter</a>. Please take a moment to add your voice to ours: Contact your congressional representative today and urge support of H.R. 8702 or another legislative remedy to stop forthcoming payment reductions generated by budget neutrality requirements. 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 to send a message to your congressional representative through our automated platform</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/25/2020 11:04:35 AM | 11/23/2020 3:04:54 PM | 11/25/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| covid_19_clinical_and_professional_updates | COVID-19 Clinical and Professional Updates | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201125/covid_19_clinical_and_professional_updates | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/November/COVID-spike-with-text-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="COVID-19 graphic" />
</div>
<h5>November 25, 2020</h5>
<h2>COVID-19 Clinical and Professional Updates</h2>
<p>Enrolling in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program, how to request doses of bamlanivimab, a new COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapy, for your practice, and a new COVID-19 Virtual Grand Rounds Q&amp;A session - these updates and more, below.</p>
<h3>Enroll your practice in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program </h3>
<p>The WSMA advises practices and clinics to not delay enrolling in the Washington State Department of Health's <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/HealthcareProviders/VaccineInformationforHealthcareProviders">COVID-19 Vaccination Program</a>. To enroll your practice or facility, you must complete the <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVID-19-Provider-Enrollment-Guide.pdf" target="_blank">provider inquiry form</a>. The DOH has shared a <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVID-19-Provider-Enrollment-Guide.pdf" target="_blank">COVID-19 provider agreement enrollment guide</a> to help guide physicians and providers through the enrollment process, as well as a <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/PreparationChecklist_COVID19VaccineProvider.pdf" target="_blank">provider preparation checklist</a>. For questions about the enrollment process or for technical assistance, please contact <a href="mailto:COVID.vaccine@doh.wa.gov">COVID.vaccine@doh.wa.gov</a>.</p>
<p>As a benefit of your membership, you may also contact the WSMA's policy team with questions or support on the state's rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine. Email <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a> with your questions.</p>
<p>According to a DOH briefing on Wednesday, facilities enrolled by Dec. 6 will be eligible to receive doses from the initial allotment, expected potentially as early as mid-December.</p>
<h3>COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment available for practices</h3>
<p>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-monoclonal-antibody-treatment-covid-19">announced earlier this month</a> it issued an emergency use authorization for a new COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapy, bamlanivimab, for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adult and pediatric patients. While initial doses were available only to hospitals, beginning this week, any health care facility in the state will be eligible to receive the medication from the Washington State Department of Health. To determine if your facility meets the eligibility requirements to receive the medication, review the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/143603/download">FDA provider fact sheet</a>. Facilities interested in receiving bamlanivimab from DOH should contact Jennifer Dixon at <a href="mailto:Jennifer.dixon@doh.wa.gov">Jennifer.dixon@doh.wa.gov</a>.</p>
<p>From information supplied by the DOH, if the demand for the medication from health care facilities in Washington exceeds the amount allocated to the state, the agency will allocate doses proportionally to facilities based on the population of the county. Doses will also be set aside for tribal clinics. Doses distributed through the government will be provided free of charge.</p>
<p>For more information on the use of bamlanivimab in Washington state, <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/BamlanivimabUseinWA.pdf" target="_blank">review this DOH one pager</a>.</p>
<h3>New WSMA Virtual Grand Rounds: COVID-19 Testing, Treatment, Lasting Impact, and Vaccines</h3>
<p>Don't miss the next installment of our COVID-19 Virtual Grand Rounds series on Wednesday, Dec. 16, from noon - 1 p.m. The webinar will feature physician experts who will answer your questions about the evolution of COVID-19, management of COVID-19 patients, vaccines, and our state's response to the pandemic. This session is free for members - a benefit of your membership in the WSMA.</p>
<p>Our panelists for the session 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>Kathy Lofy, MD, state health officer and chief science officer, Washington State Department of Health.</li>
<li>Francis Riedo, MD, medical director of infection control, EvergreenHealth.</li>
<li>Yuan-Po Tu, MD, medical director of anticoagulation clinic, Epic provider efficiency, and flu services, The Everett Clinic.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A5eSFS2gSdCoCNjQ4Yg4Yw">Register online for this session - it's free and easy</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>. WSMA member can access previous Grand Rounds sessions on our <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Webinars_OnDemand/WSMA/Resources/Practice_Management/OnDemand/Webinars_OnDemand.aspx?hkey=53a67f34-e7a8-4b79-9463-6f51e1418ff5">On Demand Webinars page</a> - another benefit of your membership in the WSMA.</p>
<h3>DOH recruiting contact tracers and case investigators</h3>
<p>The Washington COVID-19 Contact Tracing Partnership, the coordinating body for the state's contact tracing efforts, is recruiting qualified contact tracers and case investigators. If you know someone who may be interested in this work, please download and share the <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2020/WA-CCTP_CICT_Job-Description.pdf]">job description</a>. There is an emphasis on hiring persons who are fluent in Russian or Ukrainian. Spanish and Vietnamese speakers are also encouraged to apply, as well as other applicants with experience that match the skills listed in the job description.</p>
<p>The Washington State Department of Health created the Washington COVID-19 Contact Tracing Partnership to protect communities and prevent the spread of COVID-19, The goal is for the WA-CCTP to provide support to local jurisdictions conducting contact tracing work. The WSMA is participating in the partnership and sharing the physician perspective when appropriate.</p>
<p>If you have questions about the work of the WA-CCTP, don't hesitate to reach out to WSMA Policy Analyst Billie Dickinson at <a href="mailto:billie@wsma.org">billie@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/25/2020 3:04:35 PM | 11/23/2020 3:04:35 PM | 11/25/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| federal_updates_on_fraud_and_abuse_statutes | Federal Updates on Fraud and Abuse Statutes | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201125/federal_updates_on_fraud_and_abuse_statutes | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/November/bill-oxford-OXGhu60NwxU-unsplash-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="gavel" />
</div>
<h5>November 25, 2020</h5>
<h2>Federal Updates on Fraud and Abuse Statutes</h2>
<p>Physicians should note the following updates related to participation in speaker programs and federal Stark, Anti-Kickback, and Civil Monetary Penalties Laws.</p>
<h3>OIG special fraud alert: speaker programs</h3>
<p>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General has issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/docs/alertsandbulletins/2020/SpecialFraudAlertSpeakerPrograms.pdf" target="_blank">special fraud alert</a> that highlights the fraud and abuse risks related to health care professional participation in speaker programs (pharmaceutical and medical device company-sponsored events at which a physician or other health care professional makes a speech or presentation to other HCPs about a drug or device product or a disease state on behalf of the company). The alert emphasizes that the offer, payment, solicitation, or receipt of remuneration implicates and may violate the anti-kickback statute if one purpose of the event is to induce or reward referrals, and provides examples of speaker program characteristics that may make the arrangements unlawful.</p>
<h3>CMS and OIG finalize Stark and anti-kickback regulations</h3>
<p>On Nov. 20, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services and the federal Office of Inspector General released the Stark and Anti-Kickback Statute final rules aimed at updating key fraud and abuse regulations under the federal Stark, Anti-Kickback, and Civil Monetary Penalties laws. Both rules have effective dates of Jan. 19, 2021 (except for one change to the Physician Self-Referral Law that becomes effective Jan. 1, 2022). The OIG fact sheet describing the final rule for the Anti-Kickback Statute and Beneficiary Inducement Civil Monetary Penalty Law can be found <a href="https://oig.hhs.gov/reports-and-publications/federal-register-notices/factsheet-rule-beneficiary-inducements.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>, and the CMS fact sheet describing the final rule for the Stark Law can be found<a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/modernizing-and-clarifying-physician-self-referral-regulations-final-rule-cms-1720-f"> here</a>.</p>
<p>With questions on either update, please email the WSMA policy team at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/25/2020 11:25:54 AM | 11/23/2020 3:04:41 PM | 11/25/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| new_course_quality_improvement_a_tool_for_transformation | New Course: Quality Improvement: A Tool for Transformation | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201125/new_course_quality_improvement_a_tool_for_transformation | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/November/QI-Course-Graphic-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA Quality Improvement course graphic" />
</div>
<h5>November 25, 2020</h5>
<h2>New Course: Quality Improvement: A Tool for Transformation</h2>
<p>The WSMA is pleased to announce a new professional development course for physicians, physician assistants, and other members of the health care team. In partnership with the UW Medicine Center for Scholarship in Patient Care Quality and Safety, the WSMA has designed a 14-week hybrid course to equip you to lead and participate in quality improvement projects in your organization.</p>
<p>"Quality Improvement: A Tool for Transformation" is designed for physicians, physician assistants, and advanced care practitioners interested in learning and applying a quality improvement framework to their current workflows, as well as for non-clinical staff with an interest in quality improvement.</p>
<p>Topics include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Aim statements</li>
<li>Process maps</li>
<li>Process and outcome measures</li>
<li>Driver diagrams</li>
<li>Equity and disparities in improvement work</li>
<li>Introduction to Lean concepts</li>
<li>Plan-do-study-act cycles</li>
<li>Data in improvement</li>
<li>Change management</li>
</ul>
<h3>Dates</h3>
<p>The 14-week course begins with a live session on Feb. 12 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., followed by "works in progress" sessions: Two WIP sessions will be held between the first and the last day of the course. This is an opportunity to present the current state of your QI project and get real time feedback from your colleagues and the faculty. A final live session is scheduled for May 20 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.</p>
<h3>Faculty</h3>
<ul>
<li>Russell Migita, MD, practicing physician and the clinical director in the emergency department at Seattle Children's.</li>
<li>Nicholas Meo, MD, hospitalist and associate medical director for quality and safety at Harborview Medical Center.</li>
</ul>
<p>This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢. <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Quality_Improvement__A_Tool_for_Transformation/WSMA/education/Quality_Improvement_A_Tool_for_Transformation/Quality_Improvement_A_Tool_for_Transformation.aspx?hkey=da78cae0-1c05-4197-86e1-c97278fbf0a6&amp;_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=XuJD7">Learn more and register</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/25/2020 11:29:23 AM | 11/23/2020 3:04:47 PM | 11/25/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| new_seminar_your_personal_leadership_style_the_key_to_unlocking_versatility | New Seminar: Your Personal Leadership Style: The Key to Unlocking Versatility | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201125/new_seminar_your_personal_leadership_style_the_key_to_unlocking_versatility | <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="WSMA Leadership Seminars graphic" />
</div>
<h5>November 25, 2020</h5>
<h2>New Seminar: Your Personal Leadership Style: The Key to Unlocking Versatility</h2>
<p>A key value proposition to WSMA membership is our commitment toward cultivating your leadership potential, regardless of what stage you are at in your career. With that in mind, we are excited to launch our latest leadership development offering this January with Your Personal Leadership Style: The Key to Unlocking Versatility, the inaugural virtual session in our Leadership Seminars program. WSMA's Leadership Seminars are single-day virtual courses designed to give you a deeper understanding and experience of what you learned during the WSMA Physician Leadership Course, with an emphasis on developing the practical skills you will use as a leader (non-PLC alumni with leadership experience are also welcome to enroll). Learn more about the January seminar at the jump.</p>
<h3>About the Jan. 8 seminar</h3>
<p>You know you are some combination of driver/analytic/expressive/amiable, and you have already started using your personal style as a leadership tool. Join us for a refresher and "next steps" workshop to learn more about how to creatively modify your style and increase your interpersonal versatility as a leader.</p>
<h3>Faculty</h3>
<p>This half-day virtual course will be led by Edward A. Walker, MD, MHA, senior physician advisor for the WSMA Center for Leadership Development.</p>
<h3>Who should attend</h3>
<p>WSMA Leadership Seminars are designed for graduates of the WSMA Physician Leadership Course or for physicians in senior leadership positions looking for a refresher on these topics.</p>
<p><a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Physician_Leadership/Leadership_Seminars/WSMA/Physician_Leadership/Leadership_Seminars/Leadership_Seminars.aspx?hkey=be83da24-6e25-4164-99bf-7ddee77555cc">Enroll in the Jan. 8 seminar online</a>. Contact Monica Salgaonkar at <a href="mailto:monica@wsma.org">monica@wsma.org</a> with any questions. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>.</p>
</div> | 11/25/2020 11:27:44 AM | 11/23/2020 3:04:44 PM | 11/25/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| results_of_new_covid_19_practice_economic_impact_survey | Results of New COVID-19 Practice Economic Impact Survey | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201125/results_of_new_covid_19_practice_economic_impact_survey | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/November/Stethoscope-dollar-sign-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope in the shape of a dollar sign " />
</div>
<h5>November 25, 2020</h5>
<h2>Results of New COVID-19 Practice Economic Impact Survey</h2>
<p>Results from a new round of surveying make clear the coronavirus pandemic continues to adversely impact physician practices across Washington, threatening access to patient care in communities across the state. These new data points will be key to our advocacy efforts on behalf of physician practices in the weeks and months ahead.</p>
<p>In mid-October, the WSMA sent a new economic impact survey, the third since the start of the pandemic, to approximately 5,000 independent (non-networked) physician clinics in Washington state. The results from 71 physician practices demonstrate this critical health care setting is experiencing severe economic hardship while incurring thousands of dollars in costs due to the pandemic, including outlays for telemedicine equipment and software, increased costs for PPE, and interest on loans to try to keep their practices afloat.</p>
<h3>Survey respondents</h3>
<p>Of survey respondents, 34% were solo practitioners, 40% were in practices of 2-10 physicians, and 11% were in practices of 11-20 physicians. Twelve percent of respondents represented practices of 21-100 physicians, and 3% of respondents were from practices with over 100 physicians. Most practices serve Medicaid patients (75%) and the uninsured (65%), in addition to commercial and Medicare patients.</p>
<h3>Patient volume decrease compared to pre-pandemic</h3>
<p>Of practices surveyed, 82% have seen a decrease in average weekly patient volume compared to average "pre-pandemic" weekly patient volumes in January.</p>
<p>Asked what percentage of typical revenue the patient volume decreases represent, practices answered:</p>
<ul>
<li>No decrease: 5% of practices</li>
<li>Less than 10% decrease: 5% of practices</li>
<li>11-25% decrease: 46% of practices</li>
<li>26-50% decrease: 33% of practices</li>
<li>51-75% decrease: 10% of practices</li>
</ul>
<h3>Financial impact</h3>
<p>Of practices surveyed, 28% have lost revenue up to $150,000; 42% have lost between $150,000 and $500,000; and 10% have lost over $1 million. These represent significant financial blows to practices already operating on thin margins.</p>
<p><strong>For example, 69% of practices report having eight weeks or less "cash on hand," defined as the number of days a practice could pay its operating expenses with cash available. Ideally, practices should have 18 weeks' worth. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">82% of practices indicated they would benefit from additional financial support.</span></strong></p>
<p>As a result of the pandemic, practices have also taken on additional costs for personal protective equipment, screening supplies, and cleaning services/supplies:</p>
<ul>
<li><em>"800 percent increase in cost of gloves, masks, and other PPE."</em></li>
<li><em>"Increased PPE, cleaning, and sanitizing supplies have cost an estimated additional $12,000; HVAC modification to improve filtration and ventilation cost $103,000."</em></li>
<li><em>"Increased costs up to $10,000 for supplies."</em></li>
</ul>
<h3>Impact on community</h3>
<p>The financial blow of COVID-19 extends far beyond the four walls of a physician practice, impacting the larger community in terms of reduced employment and access to healthcare services. Due to the reduction in patient volume, practices have reported taking the following measures:</p>
<ul>
<li>60% have reduced office hours.</li>
<li>54% have implemented a temporary reduction in salary.</li>
<li>39% have laid off or furloughed staff.</li>
<li>24% have implemented a hiring freeze.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Personal protective equipment/testing</h3>
<p>More than a third of practices (37%) are not able to source a continuous supply of PPE and 46% are not able to access test kits.</p>
<p>Numerous practices identified increased costs associated with PPE, both in terms of needing more supplies and those supplies coming at higher prices. This has led to the need for some practices to "aggressively reuse" PPE since the beginning of the pandemic.</p>
<h3>Telehealth</h3>
<p>Of practices surveyed, 85% are utilizing telehealth, with a majority of those have adopted telehealth during the pandemic.</p>
<p>In terms of telehealth modalities, 78% report using simultaneous audio/visual, roughly the same percentage are using audio-only telemedicine, and 29% are using e-visit platforms where patients initiate the visits using a patient portal.</p>
<p>Practices identified the following barriers to utilizing telehealth and/or increasing utilization, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Costs with offering and maintaining a telehealth platform (29%)</li>
<li>Issues with reimbursement from carriers (47%)</li>
<li>Patient comfort using technology (60%)</li>
<li>Patient broadband access (60%)</li>
<li>Uncertainty about how telehealth regulation might change after the pandemic (64%)</li>
</ul>
<h3>WSMA practice advocacy</h3>
<p>As we did with the <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2020/washingtons_physician_practices_in_financial_crisis_new_wsma_survey">results from our spring survey</a>, the WSMA will use the new survey data to inform our advocacy on behalf of practices with legislators, media, and other policymakers in the weeks and months ahead. As our state "eventually moves from the combat zone to recovery," as WSMA CEO Jennifer Hanscom memorably described it, your support and engagement will be crucial. If you haven't yet renewed your membership for 2021, <a href="http://www.wsma.org/renew">do so today</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/25/2020 11:11:04 AM | 11/23/2020 3:04:32 PM | 11/25/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| governor_taps_washington_physicians_to_serve_on_multi_state_covid_19_vaccine_work_group | Governor Taps Washington Physicians to Serve on Multi-state COVID-19 Vaccine Work Group | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201112/governor_taps_washington_physicians_to_serve_on_multi_state_covid_19_vaccine_work_group | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/November/COVID-vaccine-docs-syringe-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Illustration of doctors holding giant syringe" />
</div>
<h5>November 12, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Governor Taps Washington Physicians to Serve on Multi-state COVID-19 Vaccine Work Group
</h2>
<p>Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed two Washington physicians with long ties to local medical and vaccine communities to the multi-state COVID-19 vaccine work group being coordinated in conjunction with California, Oregon, and Nevada.</p>
<p>
Joining the group are:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Ed Marcuse, MD, emeritus professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington. Dr. Marcuse has served as a member and chair of the U.S. National Vaccine Advisory Committee, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice, and the Food and Drug Administration's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, among others.</li>
<li>John Dunn, MD, medical director of preventive care and clinical lead for immunization population management at Kaiser Permanente Washington. Dr. Dunn has extensive experience in developing preventive care guidelines for Kaiser Permanente and advising vaccine safety studies and is a member of the Health and Human Services National Vaccine Advisory Committee.</li>
</ul>
<p>
The COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, initially begun in California but expanded in late October to include Washington and the other western states, will review the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines when approved by the FDA. State officials believe this added layer of independent expert review will help build confidence in the vaccine.
</p>
</div> | 11/12/2020 2:58:33 PM | 11/12/2020 9:46:39 AM | 11/12/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| interoperability_and_information_blocking_rule_compliance_deadline_extended | Interoperability and Information Blocking Rule Compliance Deadline Extended | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201112/interoperability_and_information_blocking_rule_compliance_deadline_extended | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/November/Doc-computer-stethoscope-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="doctor with tablet and stethascope" />
</div>
<h5>November 12, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Interoperability and Information Blocking Rule Compliance Deadline Extended
</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>
The Office of the National Coordinator for Information Technology has issued an interim rule that extends the compliance deadline for the information blocking and health IT certification requirements within the Cures Act Final Rule.
</p>
<p>
Originally set to take effect Nov. 2, the new compliance date is April 5, 2021. This extension establishes new future applicability dates for information blocking provisions and adopts updated standards and makes technical corrections and clarifications to the ONC Cures Act Final Rule. You can find the ONC announcement and more information <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/10/29/hhs-extends-compliance-dates-information-blocking-health-it-certification-requirements-21st-century-cures-act-final-rule.html">here</a>&nbsp;and the ONC interim final rule <a href="https://www.healthit.gov/cures/sites/default/files/cures/2020-10/ONC_IFC_Extension_of_Applicability_and_Compliance_Dates.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you have questions, your WSMA membership provides personalized service to you and your practice on this issue and other practice and policy issues. Contact the WSMA policy team with your question or request at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.
</p>
</div> | 11/12/2020 3:06:39 PM | 11/12/2020 9:46:21 AM | 11/12/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| learn_to_lead_qi_projects_in_your_organization | Learn to Lead QI Projects in Your Organization | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201112/learn_to_lead_qi_projects_in_your_organization | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/November/QI-Course-Graphic-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Quality Improvement course logo" />
</div>
<h5>November 12, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Learn to Lead QI Projects in Your Organization
</h2>
<p>The WSMA is pleased to announce a new professional development course for physicians, physician assistants, and other members of the health care team. In partnership with the UW Medicine Center for Scholarship in Patient Care Quality and Safety, the WSMA has designed a 14-week hybrid course to equip you to lead and participate in quality improvement projects in your organization.</p>
<p>
"Quality Improvement: A Tool for Transformation" is designed for physicians, physician assistants, and advanced care practitioners interested in learning and applying a quality improvement framework to their current workflows, as well as for non-clinical staff with an interest in quality improvement.
</p>
<p>
Topics include:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Aim statements</li>
<li>Process maps</li>
<li>Process and outcome measures</li>
<li>Driver diagrams</li>
<li>Equity and disparities in improvement work</li>
<li>Introduction to Lean concepts</li>
<li>Plan-do-study-act cycles</li>
<li>Data in improvement</li>
<li>Change management</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Dates
</h3>
<p>
The 14-week course begins with a live session on Feb. 12 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., followed by "works in progress" sessions: Two WIP sessions will be held between the first and the last day of the course. This is an opportunity to present the current state of your QI project and get real time feedback from your colleagues and the faculty. A final live session is scheduled for May 20 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
</p>
<h3>
Faculty
</h3>
<ul>
<li>Russell Migita, MD, practicing physician and the clinical director in the emergency department at Seattle Children's.</li>
<li>Nicholas Meo, MD, hospitalist and associate medical director for quality and safety at Harborview Medical Center.</li>
</ul>
<p>
This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢. <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Quality_Improvement__A_Tool_for_Transformation/WSMA/education/Quality_Improvement_A_Tool_for_Transformation/Quality_Improvement_A_Tool_for_Transformation.aspx?hkey=da78cae0-1c05-4197-86e1-c97278fbf0a6&amp;_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=XuJD7">Learn more and register</a>.
</p>
</div> | 11/12/2020 3:10:14 PM | 11/12/2020 9:46:24 AM | 11/12/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| resources_to_help_your_practice_celebrate_diabetes_month_ | Resources to Help Your Practice Celebrate Diabetes Month | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201112/resources_to_help_your_practice_celebrate_diabetes_month_ | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/November/WA-World-Diabetes-Day-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Washington World Diabetes Day logo" />
</div>
<h5>November 12, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Resources to Help Your Practice Celebrate Diabetes Month
</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>
This month is National Diabetes Month and tomorrow, Nov. 14, World Diabetes Day. The following materials from the Washington State Department of Health can help your practice increase awareness about the impact of diabetes, inform people about the importance of screening and early detection, and encourage healthy nutrition.
</p>
<p>
In Washington state alone, we have around 686,000 people living with diabetes. Also, nearly 2 million more are living with prediabetes, with the potential to develop into type 2 diabetes in the future. As a result, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in our state. Join national efforts to raise awareness.
</p>
<p>
2020 World Diabetes Day Washington <a href="https://www.facebook.com/worlddiabetesdaywashington/">(#WDDWashington</a>) supports national themes:
</p>
<ul>
<li>We Stand Greater Than Diabetes (<a href="https://www.diabetes.org/greaterthan">American Diabetes Association</a>)</li>
<li>Taking care of youth who have diabetes (<a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/national-diabetes-month">National Institute of Health</a>)</li>
<li>Diabetes: Nurses make the difference (<a href="https://worlddiabetesday.org/">International Diabetes Federation</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p>
The Washington State Department of Health offers the following resources to support clients with diabetes:
</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/8380/345-366-LivingWellWithDiabetesManual.pdf" target="_blank">Living well with diabetes manual and lifestyle guidebook</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/8380/345-365-WhatIsDiabetesBrochure.pdf" target="_blank">What is diabetes?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/8380/345-367-BloodGlucoseTracker.pdf" target="_blank">Blood glucose tracker</a></li>
</ul>
<p>
We invite you to visit the <a href="https://diabetes.doh.wa.gov/">Washington State Diabetes Connection</a> website to learn about other resources available. Thank you for your support and efforts throughout this month.
</p>
</div> | 11/12/2020 4:33:38 PM | 11/12/2020 9:46:30 AM | 11/12/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| upcoming_virtual_grand_rounds_webinar_covid_19_expert_panel_discussion | Upcoming Virtual Grand Rounds Webinar: COVID-19 Expert Panel Discussion | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201112/upcoming_virtual_grand_rounds_webinar_covid_19_expert_panel_discussion | <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="Virtual Grand Rounds logo" />
</div>
<h5>November 12, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Upcoming Virtual Grand Rounds Webinar: COVID-19 Expert Panel Discussion
</h2>
<p>With breaking COVID-19 clinical developments in the news, don't miss this next session in our COVID-19 Virtual Grand Rounds series, featuring physician experts who will answer your questions about COVID-19 testing, treatment options, long-term follow-up, lasting impact, and reinfection. This session is free for WSMA members - one of the many benefits of your membership.</p>
<p>
Our panelists for the session include:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Jason Goldman, MD, MPH, infectious disease and organ transplant, Swedish Medical Center.</li>
<li>Kathy Lofy, MD, state health officer and chief science officer, 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="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_exrotX3MTZujVkmCGWwHlw">Register online for this session - it's free and easy</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>.
</p>
<p>
Did you miss a previous COVID-19 Virtual Grand Rounds webinar? Watch them all at your convenience from our <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Webinars_OnDemand/WSMA/Resources/Practice_Management/OnDemand/Webinars_OnDemand.aspx?hkey=53a67f34-e7a8-4b79-9463-6f51e1418ff5">On Demand Webinars page</a> - another benefit of your membership in the WSMA.
</p>
</div> | 11/12/2020 3:00:56 PM | 11/12/2020 9:46:10 AM | 11/12/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| advance_care_planning_in_legal_and_medical_care | Advance Care Planning in Legal and Medical Care | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/advance_care_planning_in_legal_and_medical_care | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Doctor-Patient-Masks-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Doctor and patient in masks" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>Advance Care Planning in Legal and Medical Care</h2>
<p>
Join us for a three-part webinar series, "Advance Care Planning in Legal and Medical Care: Attuning Conversations and Aligning Documents", from noon - 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 2, 9, and 16. <a href="https://www.honoringchoicespnw.org/">Honoring Choices Pacific Northwest</a> is a co-sponsor, in partnership with Western Washington University Palliative Care Institute and PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation.
</p>
<p>
This free webinar series will encourage medical and legal communities to take a deeper look at how they help patients and clients have meaningful conversations about their future care and to examine the preparation of advance care planning documents to ensure that these documents - from advance care plans and living wills to POLST - are understood and used in ways to ensure a person's personal and cultural goals and values are honored as they seek medical care.
</p>
<p>
This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>. <a href="https://pci.wwu.edu/events">Session details and registration information available online</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:18:02 PM | 10/21/2020 2:00:00 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| general_election_ballots_are_here_time_to_vote | General Election Ballots Are Here - Time to Vote! | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/general_election_ballots_are_here_time_to_vote | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/King-Co-Ballot-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Ballot envelopes" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>General Election Ballots Are Here - Time to Vote!</h2>
<p>
Ballots for the general election on Nov. 3 were mailed on Oct. 16 - and likely arrived in your mailbox earlier this week. As a reminder, online or mail voter registration must be received eight days before Election Day on Oct. 26.
</p>
<p>
While filling out your ballot, make sure to have your WAMPAC Legislator Report Card, included as part of the 2020 WSMA Legislative Report, nearby for reference. The report card shows how state lawmakers voted on key WSMA priority bills in 2019 and 2020, on issues such as the business and occupation tax increase, telemedicine payment parity, prior authorization, and more. If you don't have the report card handy, <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/WAMPAC/WSMA/Advocacy/WAMPAC/WAMPAC.aspx?hkey=269c3c03-cf72-4568-be5b-7893557300a7">download it from the WSMA website</a>.
</p>
<p>
With the election season in its final stretch, consider a donation to WAMPAC - there's still time to take advantage of our special election cycle $100 membership rate offer to join the WAMPAC Diamond Club. You'll receive all of the perks of club membership, while supporting the PAC that supports you. <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/WAMPAC/Give_to_WAMPAC.aspx">Join the club today</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 4:27:40 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:36 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| governors_proposed_edits_to_non_urgent_procedures_proclamation_problematic_to_care_delivery | Governor's Proposed Edits to Non-Urgent Procedures Proclamation Problematic to Care Delivery | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/governors_proposed_edits_to_non_urgent_procedures_proclamation_problematic_to_care_delivery | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Doc-Patient-Exam-Room-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Doctor and patient in exam room" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>Governor's Proposed Edits to Non-Urgent Procedures Proclamation Problematic to Care Delivery</h2>
<p>
The WSMA has been alerted to proposed changes to Gov. Jay Inslee's <a href="http://takeaction.wsma.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20_241_covid_19_non_urgent_medical_procedures_ext_.pdf" target="_blank">Proclamation 20-24.1</a>, "Reducing Restrictions on, and Safe Expansion of, Non-Urgent Medical and Dental Procedures." The new requirements are potentially problematic to medicine, both in the hospital and ambulatory settings.
</p>
<p>
Some examples:
</p>
<ul>
<li>The prior proclamation allowed non-urgent procedures to be performed if their postponement would cause harm. While the definition of harm remains in the proclamation, the language that creates the exception has been removed in the new draft.</li>
<li>The draft proclamation imposes new administrative requirements for practices, including stipulating there be weekly meetings between management and employees to review personal protective equipment procedures and supplies, as well as the creation of a formal employee feedback process to gather input regarding care delivery, PPE, and "technology availability."</li>
<li>The draft proclamation relies on external directives, orders, requirements, and guidance from multiple state and federal agencies that are not in agreement on important issues. It also points to guidance that is still under discussion. Washington State Department of Labor and Industry and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements are a maze of complex regulations that are not specific to the current environment created by the pandemic, and are not as succinct as Washington State Department of Health guidance now well understood by the industry due to adherence to the current proclamation.</li>
<li>The requirements in the draft proclamation have the potential to deplete the state's supply of N95s, which will lead to major access challenges for a variety of serious health issues. Physicians and providers are called to treat a wide variety of health conditions, not just COVID-19. We have adequate conservation guidelines on PPE use produced through thoughtful stakeholder engagement that ensures the safety of health care workers and patients should supplies be limited at any given site. This flexibility is needed to respond to any micro or macro surges in COVID-19 or any other infectious disease.</li>
<li>The proclamation includes requirements that are not science-based. For example, no public health agency calls for testing 48 hours post-exposure; it is too soon.</li>
<li>This version requires adherence to laws that have been waived as a result of the ongoing state and federal emergency.</li>
</ul>
<p>
The governor's deadline for comment is Friday, Oct. 30. The WSMA has joined the Washington State Hospital Association, the Washington State Dental Association, the Washington Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, and other physician and provider groups in urging the governor for more time to build consensus around changes that protect both health care workers and patients while not unnecessarily delaying patient care. We will keep members apprised as this develops.
</p>
</div> | 10/23/2020 3:26:38 PM | 10/22/2020 4:00:42 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| hca_multi_payer_primary_care_model_moves_forward | HCA Multi-Payer Primary Care Model Moves Forward | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/hca_multi_payer_primary_care_model_moves_forward | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Female-Doc-Patient-Masks-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Doctor and patient with masks" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>HCA Multi-Payer Primary Care Model Moves Forward</h2>
<p>
The Washington State Health Care Authority recently hosted insurance carriers, Gov. Jay Inslee's office, and physician associations, including the WSMA, at a signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding whereby insurance carriers committed to improving primary care and developing a new value-based payment model in Washington.
</p>
<p>
In her remarks, WSMA 1st Vice President Katina Rue, DO, noted that "while we believe all Washingtonians should have a primary care physician, this is not the case due to a shortage of physicians and challenging reimbursement models. As HCA continues to develop this model, the WSMA will continue to advocate multi-payer value-based payment models that are patient-centric, allow practices of all types and sizes to thrive, and do not contribute to alarming trends in physician and other provider burnout. In that spirit, we look forward to bringing our perspective to the HCA's work."
</p>
<p>
While the WSMA has a number of concerns with the current model as outlined in our <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200813/wsma_submits_comment_on_hca_multi_payer_primary_care_model">comment letter</a> to HCA, we will continue to engage with stakeholders in order to optimize the model on behalf of physicians and the patients they serve across the state. Learn more about the <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/multi-payer-primary-care-transformation-model">multi-payer model on the HCA website</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:30:07 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:48 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| hiv_aids_continuing_education_no_longer_required_by_law | HIV/AIDS Continuing Education No Longer Required by Law | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/hiv_aids_continuing_education_no_longer_required_by_law | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="AIDS awareness ribbon" src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/AIDS-Awareness-Ribbon-NIH-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>HIV/AIDS Continuing Education No Longer Required by Law</h2>
<p>
During the 2020 legislative session, House Bill 1551 was passed by the Legislature to modernize our state's communicable disease laws.
</p>
<p>
Among other things, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1551&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1551</a> stipulates that health care professionals are no longer required to obtain HIV/AIDS education and training; intent is to help reduce stigma toward people living with HIV/AIDS by not singling out AIDS as an exceptional disease that requires specific training and education separate from other health conditions.
</p>
<p>
As a result, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery has filed for an <a href="http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2020/18/20-18-003.htm">expedited rulemaking</a> to repeal the training requirement in the RCW. The board issued a <a href="http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2020/18/20-18-077.htm">policy statement</a> that it will not enforce AIDS training, education, and documentation requirements while the rules are being repealed.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:17:29 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:24 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| new_seminar_your_personal_leadership_style_the_key_to_unlocking_versatility | New Seminar: Your Personal Leadership Style: The Key to Unlocking Versatility | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/new_seminar_your_personal_leadership_style_the_key_to_unlocking_versatility | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Leadership-Seminars-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA Leadership Seminars logo" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>New Seminar: Your Personal Leadership Style: The Key to Unlocking Versatility</h2>
<p>
You know you are some combination of driver/analytic/expressive/amiable, and you have already started using your personal style as a leadership tool. Join us for a refresher and "next steps" workshop to learn more about how to creatively modify your style and increase your interpersonal versatility as a leader. This half-day virtual course, led by Edward A. Walker, MD, MHA, senior physician advisor for the WSMA Center for Leadership Development, is designed for graduates of the WSMA Physician Leadership Course or for physicians in senior leadership positions looking for a refresher on these topics. <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Physician_Leadership/Leadership_Seminars/WSMA/Physician_Leadership/Leadership_Seminars/Leadership_Seminars.aspx?hkey=be83da24-6e25-4164-99bf-7ddee77555cc">Learn more and enroll online</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:18:12 PM | 10/22/2020 3:05:47 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| take_action_now_to_support_practice_viability | Take Action Now to Support Practice Viability | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/take_action_now_to_support_practice_viability | <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 graphic" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>Take Action Now to Support Practice Viability </h2>
<p>
Supporting the financial stability of our state's practices and clinics continues to be of paramount importance to your state medical association. Make sure to take note of the following financial support initiatives that need your action in the coming days.
</p>
<h3>Take action: Contact Congress to halt Medicare payment cuts</h3>
<p>
The WSMA continues to express concerns that adhering to budget neutrality requirements for implementing CMS' proposed changes to Medicare's E/M codes will generate sizeable payment cuts for various specialties - in effect, pitting the house of medicine against itself. Legislation is currently before Congress to waive the budget neutrality requirements and prevent these payment cuts prior to the E/M code proposal's implementation in January 2021. <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/urge-congressional-action-to-halt-medicare-payment-cuts/">Please contact your congressional representative today on this issue</a>.
</p>
<h3>New $20 billion Provider Relief Fund disbursement now available</h3>
<p>
$20 billion in new payments from the federal Provider Relief Fund is now available for eligible physicians and providers. Physicians who have already received Provider Relief Fund payments are invited to apply for additional funding. The application period will extend through Friday, Nov. 6, however, HHS is recommending that you apply early. Update: HHS <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/10/22/hhs-expands-relief-fund-eligibility-and-updates-reporting-requirements.html">announced on Thursday, Oct. 22</a> that it has further expanded eligibility to include physicians and providers across a broad category of practices, regardless of whether they accept Medicaid or Medicare.
</p>
<h3>Premera PPE policy</h3>
<p>
As noted in <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2020/weekly_rounds_october_16_2020_together_we_are_an_ocean">Weekly Rounds</a>, Premera Blue Cross and its subsidiaries are allowing separate reimbursement for personal protective equipment when billed appropriately. Premera will following this practice through the end of this month for dates of service on or before Nov. 1, 2020. <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2020/weekly_rounds_october_16_2020_together_we_are_an_ocean">Learn more</a>.
</p>
<p>
For more financial relief news, visit the <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">WSMA website</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:18:12 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:41 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| telehealth_updates | Telehealth Updates | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/telehealth_updates | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Telemedicine-Doc-On-Tablet-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Telemedicine visit on tablet" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>Telehealth Updates</h2>
<p>
During the COVID-19 crisis, sensible telehealth policies are essential to allow physicians and practices to continue providing preventive, acute, and chronic care for their patients. Here's what you need to know this week to best utilize telehealth in your practice.
</p>
<h3>HHS extends COVID-19 public health emergency</h3>
<p>
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has extended the COVID-19 public health emergency for another 90 days, beginning today, Oct. 23 and extending through Jan. 20. This extends the temporary telehealth policies and reimbursement flexibilities linked to the PHE, including HIPAA enforcement discretion, flexibilities for reimbursement in the Medicare program, telehealth expansions in Medicaid and CHIP, flexibility regarding controlled substances, and more. For a summary of temporary COVID-19 federal telehealth policies and when they expire, see the Center for Connected Health Policy's <a href="https://www.cchpca.org/resources/covid-19-telehealth-coverage-policies">Federal COVID-19 Emergency Action Chart</a>. To see a complete list of Washington state's COVID-19 emergency actions, see CCHP's <a href="https://www.cchpca.org/covid-19-related-state-actions">COVID-19 State Actions Web Page</a>.
</p>
<h3>CMS adds 11 new telehealth services to Medicare physician fee schedule</h3>
<p>
The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services has expanded the list of telehealth services covered by Medicare fee-for-service during COVID-19 public health emergency. CMS is adding 11 new services to the Medicare telehealth services list since the publication of its COVID-19 interim final rule on May 1. Medicare will begin paying eligible practitioners who furnish these newly added telehealth services effective immediately, and for the duration of the public health emergency. <a href="https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-General-Information/Telehealth/Telehealth-Codes">Review a list of these newly added services</a>. Since the beginning of the public health emergency, CMS has added more than 140 services to the Medicare telehealth services list, and more than 36% of patients with Medicare fee-for-service have received a telemedicine service.
</p>
<h3>Take action: Urge your legislators to support payment parity </h3>
<p>
The Legislature has granted a brief extension - through Nov. 9 - of Gov. Jay Inslee's proclamation temporarily requiring telemedicine payment parity. Relatedly, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner has extended its emergency order to health insurers expanding telehealth and other coverages until Nov. 13, including requiring all state-regulated carriers to permit and reimburse for care provided over non-HIPAA compliant platforms, including video chat applications and telephones. The WSMA continues to advocate for these policies to be extended comprehensively rather than piecemeal. Help us support your practice by advocating for payment parity. <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/urge-your-state-lawmakers-to-support-telemedicine-payment-parity-policies/">Learn more and contact your legislators today</a>.
</p>
<p>
For more telehealth guidance during the pandemic, visit the <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">WSMA website</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:18:13 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:44 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| upcoming_virtual_grand_rounds_webinar_covid_19_expert_panel_discussion | Upcoming Virtual Grand Rounds Webinar: COVID-19 Expert Panel Discussion | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/upcoming_virtual_grand_rounds_webinar_covid_19_expert_panel_discussion | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Virtual-Grand-Rounds-V2-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Virtual Grand Rounds: Covid-19 logo" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>Upcoming Virtual Grand Rounds Webinar: COVID-19 Expert Panel Discussion</h2>
<p>
Join us for this next session in our COVID-19 Virtual Grand Rounds series, featuring an expert panel of physicians who will answer your questions about COVID-19 testing, treatment options, long-term follow-up, lasting impact, and reinfection.
</p>
<p>
Our panelists for the session include:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Jason Goldman, MD, MPH, infectious disease and organ transplant, Swedish Medical Center.</li>
<li>Kathy Lofy, MD, state health officer and chief science officer, 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="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_exrotX3MTZujVkmCGWwHlw">Register online</a> for this free members-only webinar. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢.
</p>
<h3>Previous Virtual Grand Rounds sessions available to members on demand </h3>
<p>
In case you missed it, last week's Virtual Grand Rounds session featured an inside look at Vice Adm. Raquel Bono, MD's COVID-19 Pandemic Health Response "Playbook," a compendium of recommendations intended to guide the state's COVID-19 response efforts. WSMA members may now access "Staying Open, Staying Safe: Washington State's COVID-19 Public-Private Collaborative" from our <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Webinars_OnDemand/WSMA/Resources/Practice_Management/OnDemand/Webinars_OnDemand.aspx?hkey=53a67f34-e7a8-4b79-9463-6f51e1418ff5">On-Demand Webinars webpage</a>, where you'll also find previous session from our Virtual Grand Rounds series.
</p>
<h3>Other COVID-19 CME</h3>
<p>
The WSMA hosts the "Critical Care Experience with COVID-19" series for critical care physicians and advanced practitioners to discuss patient cases and develop recommendations for care. To join the calls, please email <a href="mailto:brendan@wsma.org">brendan@wsma.org</a> with your name, credentials, specialty/title, and organization. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>.
</p>
<p>
For more COVID-19 professional guidance, visit the <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/COVID-19_Clinical_Guidance_and_Testing/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/COVID-19_Clinical_Guidance_and_Testing/covid_19_clinical_guidance_and_testing.aspx?hkey=5236cdd9-90b5-46fe-9cbd-d9bf9ad4831e">WSMA website</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 4:18:02 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:38 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |