| board-of-naturopathy-agrees-vasectomies-are-outside-scope | Board of Naturopathy Agrees Vasectomies Are Outside Scope | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/may-26/board-of-naturopathy-agrees-vasectomies-are-outside-scope | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>May 26, 2023</h5>
<h2>Board of Naturopathy Agrees Vasectomies Are Outside Scope</h2>
<p>After nearly a year of persistent advocacy from the WSMA, the Washington State Urological Society, and the American Urological Association, the state Board of Naturopathy has agreed with our position that the performance of vasectomies is outside the scope of practice for naturopaths.</p>
<p>In July of 2022, the state's professional association for naturopaths requested that the board issue guidance on whether the performance of in-office abortions and vasectomies is within their scope of practice. The board clearly responded that in-office abortions are not within their scope, in part because they are surgical procedures, which are not within the scope of practice for naturopaths. However, the board was ambiguous on the question of vasectomies, simply noting that it could not provide guidance and naturopaths should consult with their malpractice carrier and legal counsel to determine the risks and benefits of providing the procedure.</p>
<p>Responding to the gray area created by the board, the WSMA, WSUS, and AUA submitted a letter in January and testified publicly at the board's February meeting explaining that vasectomies are surgical procedures and requesting that the board reconsider its opinion, to which it agreed.</p>
<p>At a meeting earlier this month, the board amended its opinion to reflect that vasectomies are outside the scope of practice for naturopaths. In a letter to the WSMA, the board concludes "…that the practice of vasectomy was not included by the legislature in drafting RCW 18.36A as it is currently written."</p>
<p>This is a considerable win for patient safety in our state, and the WSMA is grateful to WSMA President Katina Rue, DO, Jeffrey Frankel, MD, and the state and national urological associations for their partnership in this effort.</p>
</div> | 5/26/2023 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| cigna-delays-implementation-of-modifier-25-policy | Cigna Delays Implementation of Modifier 25 Policy | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/may-26/cigna-delays-implementation-of-modifier-25-policy | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>May 26, 2023</h5>
<h2>Cigna Delays Implementation of Modifier 25 Policy</h2>
<p>The Cigna Group, one of the country's largest health insurers, has announced that it is delaying implementation of a concerning <a href="https://static.cigna.com/assets/chcp/secure/pdf/resourceLibrary/clinReimPolsModifiers/Notifications/Modifier_25_Significant_Separately_Identifiable_Evaluation_and_Management.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">policy</a> that would have required the submission of medical records with all evaluation and management claims with CPT 99212-99215 and modifier 25 when a minor procedure is billed. The policy, that was due to go into effect on May 25, would have added significant, unnecessary administrative burden and compliance costs to physician practices, disincentivized physicians from providing unscheduled services, and created duplicate requests.</p>
<p>In addition to the WSMA executive committee meeting with Cigna's market medical executive for the Pacific Northwest, the WSMA signed onto <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/WSMA/data/images/AMA-Cigna-modifier-25-signon-040323.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">an American Medical Association letter</a> urging Cigna to rescind the policy. We also submitted <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/WSMA/data/images/WSMA-Cigna-Letter-April-2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">our own letter</a> to Cigna outlining the negative impact the policy will have on Washington state physicians if it is enacted as proposed.</p>
<p>Cigna is currently reevaluating this reimbursement policy update. The WSMA has urged Cigna to work collaboratively with the physician community to ensure any future policy under consideration is not administratively burdensome and is focused on education to ensure modifier 25 is being billed appropriately.</p>
</div> | 5/26/2023 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| register-now-virtual-training-on-treatment-and-management-of-oud-sud | Register Now: Virtual Training on Treatment and Management of OUD, SUD | Latest_News | | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>May 26, 2023</h5>
<h2>Register Now: Virtual Training on Treatment and Management of OUD, SUD</h2>
<p>
<em>Save the dates: June 16-17. Free.</em>
</p>
<p>
Participation in this no-cost, virtual training will meet the federal Drug Enforcement Administration's new one-time, eight-hour training requirement on the treatment and management of opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders, as <a href="https://deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/docs/MATE_Training_Letter_Final.pdf">outlined in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit<sup>TM</sup></em>.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA, the Washington Society of Addiction Medicine, the Women and Addiction Group, and CHOICES Education Group have planned a robust two-part program on compassionate addiction medicine on Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17. Offering comprehensive education on the treatment and management of opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders, this event will bring together physicians and health care professionals from all specialties to engage in an important conversation on compassionate care that fosters a nonjudgmental, trauma-responsive, and patient-centered response.
</p>
<p>
Topics covered:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Education on stigma, myths, and truths.</li>
<li>Evidence-based treatments, including initiation of buprenorphine and methadone.</li>
<li>Appropriate care for various populations.</li>
<li>Pharmacotherapy.</li>
<li>Drug-related policies and harm-reduction efforts.</li>
<li>Caring for pregnant, postpartum, and parenting people with opioid or substance use disorders.</li>
</ul>
<p>
In order to register for this free event, please complete this <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G7VKM8R">survey</a>, which will provide event planners a foundational understanding of your experience in treating individuals with opioid and/or substance use disorder. Upon completion of the survey, a registration link will be provided for you to complete the registration process. Contact Shelby Wiedmann at <a href="mailto:shelby@wsma.org">shelby@wsma.org</a> with questions.
</p>
</div> | 5/26/2023 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |