| 2023-wsma-annual-meeting-is-this-weekend-some-final-updates | 2023 WSMA Annual Meeting Is This Weekend! Some Final Updates | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/september-22/2023-wsma-annual-meeting-is-this-weekend-some-final-updates | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/september/2023-annual-meeting-main-graphic-v2-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="2023 WSMA Annual Meeting House of Delegates logo" /></div>
<h5>September 22, 2023</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>2023 WSMA Annual Meeting Is This Weekend! Some Final Updates</h2>
<p>We look forward to seeing many of you this weekend at the <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">2023 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates</a> at The Westin Bellevue. If you didn't preregister for the meeting, don't worry; walk-in registration, free for WSMA members, will be available in the Grand Ballroom Foyer. Here's a brief rundown of a few top need-to-know items for this weekend's meeting.</p>
<h3>Parking Information</h3>
<p>Self-parking for the Westin is available at the Lincoln Square north parking garage on level P4 or P5 near the south elevators. From there, you can take the south elevator up to the hotel lobby. Directional signage is posted. Parking in the Lincoln Square garage is free all weekend.</p>
<h3>Agenda</h3>
<p>All meetings will be held on the third floor of the hotel. A copy of the meeting agenda can be found <a href="[@]doc_library/events/annual-meeting/2023/wsma-annual-meeting-agenda-2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">here</a> and on the <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">meeting webpage</a>.</p>
<h3>Walk-in registration and meeting check-in</h3>
<p>Walk-in registration and meeting check-in begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday in the Grand Ballroom Foyer. A continental breakfast will be available. When you check in at the meeting, don't forget to get your tickets to the WAMPAC Luncheon on Saturday (see next item).</p>
<h3>WAMPAC Luncheon-tickets going fast!</h3>
<p>WAMPAC, the nonpartisan campaign arm of the WSMA, is hosting its annual luncheon on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. We'll be joined by House Majority Leader Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Burien) and new House Minority Leader Rep. Drew Stokesbary (R-Auburn). Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the registration desk while supplies last. Tickets are free for WAMPAC Diamond Club members.</p>
<h3>First-time/early career attendees breakfast</h3>
<p>Is this your first time attending the WSMA Annual Meeting or are you an early career physician? Come to our first-time attendee/early career physician breakfast at 7 a.m. on Saturday in the Lake Coeur D'Alene Room to learn more about how the House of Delegates operates.</p>
<h3>Participating in policymaking</h3>
<p>WSMA members who wish to provide testimony on any of the nearly 40 resolutions up for discussion at the meeting may do so during the reference committee hearings that begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday in Grand Ballrooms B and C. All reports and resolutions under consideration are compiled in the delegate handbook, available from the <a href="[@]annual-meeting">meeting webpage</a>.</p>
<h3>Saturday afternoon plenary presentations</h3>
<p>After lunch on Saturday, join us in the Grand Ballroom B-C for several plenary presentations on critical health topics. First up are two CME sessions:</p>
<ul>
<li>2 p.m. - Stephen Bezruchka, MD: How Can Doctors Make America Healthy Again?</li>
<li>3:30 p.m. - Ed Walker, MD, MHA: Are You Reacting to Crisis or Leading Transformational Change?</li>
</ul>
<p>These activities have been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em><sup>TM</sup>.</p>
<p>Following these presentations, at 4:30 p.m., we'll hear from Sandra Fryhofer, MD, immediate past chair of the AMA Board of Trustees, with an update on AMA's Recovery Plan for America's Physicians.</p>
<h3>New president's inauguration and reception</h3>
<p>Directly following the presidential inauguration on Saturday at 5:15 p.m. in Grand Ballroom B-C, we'll kick off a reception for all meeting attendees at 5:30 p.m. in the Lake Washington Room honoring WSMA's newest president, Nariman Heshmati, MD.</p>
<h3>Reception for WSMA leadership courses alumni with Ed Walker, MD, MHA </h3>
<p>All alumni of WSMA's leadership courses are invited to join Dr. Walker and fellow leadership course graduates at our reception at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Lake Washington Room to network, reconnect, and mingle.</p>
<h3>Follow (and join) the action on social media</h3>
<p>Share your photos and experience at the meeting on social media! Use our meeting hashtag, #WSMAannual, and tag us (@WSMA<span style="text-decoration: underline;">_</span>update) and our speakers in your posts on Twitter/X:</p>
<ul>
<li>Stephen Bezruchka, MD - @SBezruchka</li>
<li>Sandra Fryhofer, MD - @DrSandyFryhofer</li>
<li>Nariman Heshmati, MD - @NariHeshmati</li>
</ul>
<p>For Facebook users, follow us at @Washington State Medical Association and tag us in your posts!</p>
<h3>Final report on the official actions of the 2023 HOD</h3>
<p>The final report on the official actions of the 2023 WSMA House of Delegates will be available from the WSMA website in the weeks after the meeting.</p>
<p>Be sure to review the <a href="[@]doc_library/events/annual-meeting/2023/wsma-annual-meeting-agenda-2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">agenda</a> for a comprehensive look at the meeting details. For those attending the meeting this weekend, we'll see you shortly!</p>
<p><em>Thank you to our corporate partners for their generous support: Physicians Insurance; Optum, The Polyclinic, and The Everett Clinic; and the UW Psychiatry Consultation Line. If your company would like to be a WSMA Corporate Partner, contact Milana McLead at </em><a href="mailto:milana@wsma.org"><em>milana@wsma.org</em></a><em>.</em></p>
</div> | 9/21/2023 2:26:40 PM | 9/22/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-joins-wsam-in-requesting-bree-collaborative-review-of-oud-treatment-practices | WSMA Joins WSAM in Requesting Bree Collaborative Review of OUD Treatment Practices | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/september-22/wsma-joins-wsam-in-requesting-bree-collaborative-review-of-oud-treatment-practices | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/september/buprenorphine-butrans10mcg-645px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Packets of Butrans" /></div>
<h5>September 22, 2023</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>WSMA Joins WSAM in Requesting Bree Collaborative Review of OUD Treatment Practices</h2>
<p>Each year, the Dr. Robert Bree Collaborative identifies and selects health care services to review that either have high variation in the way care is delivered, are frequently used but do not lead to better care or patient health, or that have patient safety issues. Once topics are formally selected, the Bree Collaborative forms expert work groups to review existing data and current policies, regulations, and practices to develop related recommendations for the Washington State Health Care Authority to guide the type of health care provided to Medicaid enrollees, state employees, and other groups.</p>
<p>Topic proposals from interested stakeholders were due July 2023. Citing existing WSMA policy, the Washington Society of Addiction Medicine formally requested WSMA's leadership to extend its support of WSAM's proposals on eliminating buprenorphine dose limits and expanding access to medication for opioid use disorder in residential treatment facilities. In advance of the Bree Collaborative finalizing 2024 topics, the WSMA submitted <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2023/wsma-letter-of-support-wsam-2024-topic-proposals.pdf]">a letter of support of WSAM's proposals</a>, noting the state's need to improve health care delivery and outcomes for individuals impacted by opioid use disorder, especially as overdoses in Washington state have <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm">increased 31%</a> between April 2022 and April 2023.</p>
<p>The WSMA is monitoring the Bree Collaborative's discussions on 2024 proposals and will report out on final topics once they are selected.</p>
</div> | 9/21/2023 2:45:27 PM | 9/22/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-urges-congressional-delegation-to-support-expanded-access-to-methadone | WSMA Urges Congressional Delegation to Support Expanded Access to Methadone | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/september-22/wsma-urges-congressional-delegation-to-support-expanded-access-to-methadone | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/september/pharmacist-stock-lores-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Pharmacist with pill bottles" /></div>
<h5>September 22, 2023</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>WSMA Urges Congressional Delegation to Support Expanded Access to Methadone</h2>
<p>At the request of the Washington Society of Addiction Medicine, the WSMA submitted a <a href="https://wsma.org/doc_library/news/wsma-letter-support-motaa-act-september-2023-final.pdf">comment letter</a>&nbsp;to Washington's congressional delegation urging its support of the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/644">Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act</a>, which expands access to methadone.</p>
<p>Methadone, an important medication to treat opioid use disorder, is currently limited to a small number of opioid treatment programs in Washington state, which are concentrated in metropolitan areas, making it difficult to access. The act, as introduced, would expand access to methadone treatment by allowing board-certified addiction specialist physicians at opioid treatment programs to prescribe methadone that can be picked up by patients at a pharmacy. Expanding access would make it easier for vulnerable populations to receive this medication on a consistent basis.</p>
<p>Existing WSMA policy recognizes the importance of methadone treatment and the need to reduce or eliminate barriers preventing patients from receiving methadone treatment. The WSMA is monitoring the progression of this legislation and continues to partner with WSAM on issues of mutual interest.</p>
</div> | 9/21/2023 2:26:48 PM | 9/22/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| 2023-wsma-annual-meeting-online-registration-ends-midnight-sept-19 | 2023 WSMA Annual Meeting: Online Registration Ends Midnight, Sept. 19 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/september-7/2023-wsma-annual-meeting-online-registration-ends-midnight-sept-19 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/september/2023-annual-meeting-main-graphic-v2-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="2023 WSMA Annual Meeting House of Delegates logo" /></div>
<h5>September 8, 2023</h5>
<h2>2023 WSMA Annual Meeting: Online Registration Ends Midnight, Sept. 19</h2>
<p>Join your colleagues from across the state Sept. 23-24 for the 2023 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates, held in person at The Westin Bellevue. <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f&amp;_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=FiBB9">Online registration</a> closes at midnight on Tuesday, Sept. 19. The meeting is free for WSMA members. Walk-in registration will be available at the meeting site.</p>
<h3>Delegate handbook now available </h3>
<p>The delegate handbook is now available for download from the <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f&amp;_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=FiBB9">Annual Meeting webpage</a>. The handbook contains the reports and resolutions that will be considered by delegates at the 2023 WSMA Annual Meeting as well as other meeting information.</p>
<h3>CME sessions</h3>
<p>Join us for two general CME sessions on Saturday, Sept. 23, during the meeting:</p>
<ul>
<li>Stephen Bezruchka, MD: How Can Doctors Make America Healthy Again? <br />
Dr. Bezruchka's presentation will consider what it would take for Washington to become the healthiest state in the nation.</li>
<li>Ed Walker, MD, MHA: Are You Reacting to Crisis or Leading Transformational Change? <br />
Dr. Walker will present a session focused on the importance of burnout recognition and treatment from a system-level perspective rather than a self-care, wellness model.</li>
</ul>
<p>These activities have been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em><sup>TM</sup>.</p>
<h3>WAMPAC luncheon featuring key legislative leaders</h3>
<p>WAMPAC, the nonpartisan campaign arm of the WSMA, is hosting its annual luncheon event on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 12:30 p.m. We are excited to be joined by House Majority Leader Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Burien) and new House Minority Leader Rep. Drew Stokesbary (R-Auburn). Together, the House leaders will discuss policy and campaign priorities of their respective caucuses and answer questions from the audience. The luncheon will also include a raffle for WAMPAC Diamond Club contributors with fantastic prizes, lovely food and dessert, and the opportunity to participate in a game of political trivia! Tickets for the luncheon are $50 and can be purchased when <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f&amp;_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=FiBB9">registering for the Annual Meeting</a>. Tickets to the luncheon are free for WAMPAC Diamond Club members.</p>
<h3>New president's reception</h3>
<p>Directly following the presidential inauguration on Saturday at 5:15 p.m., we'll kick off a reception at 5:30 p.m. in honor of WSMA's newest president, Nariman Heshmati, MD.</p>
<h3>Reception for WSMA leadership courses alumni with Ed Walker, MD, MHA </h3>
<p>All alumni of WSMA's leadership courses are invited to attend a special reception with Dr. Walker at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday to network, reconnect, and mingle with fellow leadership course graduates. Tickets not required.</p>
<h3>Thank you to our corporate partners </h3>
<p>Thank you to our corporate partners for their generous support: Physicians Insurance; Optum, The Polyclinic, and The Everett Clinic; and the UW Psychiatry Consultation Line.</p>
</div> | 9/7/2023 4:48:06 PM | 9/8/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| update-on-implementation-of-balance-billing-laws | Update on Implementation of Balance Billing Laws | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/september-7/update-on-implementation-of-balance-billing-laws | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/september/invoice_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Calculator, stethoscope, bill, pen" /></div>
<h5>September 8, 2023</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>Update on Implementation of Balance Billing Laws</h2>
<p>Your WSMA has engaged extensively in recent years on state and federal legislation relating to balance billing, seeking to ensure fair reimbursement and associated policies in circumstances where physicians provide care to enrollees of health plans they are not contracted with. With the passage of a state law, the Balance Billing Protection Act, in 2019 and a federal law, the No Surprises Act, in 2020, our attention has turned to how the two laws are implemented. WSMA members should be aware of recent important updates on both laws.</p>
<p>At the state level, disputes on appropriate reimbursement are governed by an arbitration process under the Balance Billing Protection Act. The state arbitration system was slated to be decommissioned on July 1, with dispute resolution migrating to the federal independent dispute resolution system under the No Surprises Act. Due to WSMA advocacy, the state's Office of the Insurance Commissioner <a href="https://www.insurance.wa.gov/arbitration-and-using-balance-billing-data-set?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=">recently announced</a> that the state arbitration system will remain in place at least until July 1, 2024. This is a positive development as state arbitration has produced favorable results for physicians, in terms of payment determinations as well as maintaining incentives for insurance carriers to contract.</p>
<p>By contrast to the experience of the state arbitration system, the implementation of federal independent dispute resolution system has been disastrous. Federal regulators repeatedly went beyond the bounds of the law passed by Congress to skew the dispute resolution process towards insurance carriers. The Texas Medical Association has brought <em>four</em> successful lawsuits challenging the implementation of the dispute resolution process (the fourth favorable <a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/texas-docs-fourth-courtroom-win-over-hhs-interrupts-out-network-billing-arbitration-yet">ruling issued just last week</a>), and as a response, <a href="https://www.cms.gov/NOSURPRISES">federal regulators have paused the implementation of the dispute resolution system</a> "until the departments can provide additional instructions." </p>
<p>For questions, contact WSMA Director of Government Affairs Sean Graham at <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">sean@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 9/7/2023 9:19:48 AM | 9/8/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| board-of-naturopathy-moves-forward-with-nonsurgical-cosmetic-procedures-rulemaking | Board of Naturopathy Moves Forward with Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedures Rulemaking | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/august-25/board-of-naturopathy-moves-forward-with-nonsurgical-cosmetic-procedures-rulemaking | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/august/mortar-pestle-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="mortar and pestle" /></div>
<h5>August 25, 2023</h5>
<h2>Board of Naturopathy Moves Forward with Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedures Rulemaking</h2>
<p>During its Aug. 11 meeting, the Board of Naturopathy approved a CR-102 that would allow naturopaths to perform nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, the last step in their years-long effort to increase their scope of practice to include the performance of these procedures. While disappointing, the CR-102 is specific to the use of botulinum toxin, not dermal fillers - a direct result of WSMA advocacy. The CR-102 also requires naturopaths to complete training on aesthetic injectable technique, but there is no hourly requirement or required number of procedures to be performed under supervision. The rule will take effect later this year.</p>
<p>The WSMA, partnered with the Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, the Washington State Dermatology Association, American Dermatology Association and Washington Society of Plastic Surgeons opposed this rulemaking at every opportunity citing patient safety concerns. We've also shared that this procedure is inconsistent with naturopathic medicine and that this rulemaking subverts the legislative process, as the Legislature sets scopes of practice. Most recently, our organization submitted the attached letter opposing the CR-102.</p>
<p>Should you have questions on this rulemaking, contact WSMA Associate Policy Director Billie Dickinson at <a href="mailto:billie@wsma.org">billie@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 8/24/2023 12:50:41 PM | 8/25/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| update-on-death-with-dignity-rulemaking | Update on Death with Dignity Rulemaking | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/august-25/update-on-death-with-dignity-rulemaking | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/august/dominik-lange-vuoiqw4oeli-unsplash-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="elderly person in wheelchair being pushed across a field" /></div>
<h5>August 25, 2023</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>Update on Death with Dignity Rulemaking</h2>
<p>The state Department of Health filed <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/2312093DeathWithDignityCR102combined.pdf?uid=648760be91240">WSR 23-17-071</a>, a rulemaking order to adopt the proposed changes to chapter 246-978 WAC. The adopted changes realign the rule chapter with the amendments made to chapter 70.245 RCW, the Washington Death with Dignity Act, during the 2023 legislative session. The rule:</p>
<ul>
<li>Updates definitions by replacing the duplicate definitions with a cross-reference to statute and removing definitions no longer in use.</li>
<li>Replaces "physician" with "qualified medical provider" throughout the chapter.</li>
<li>Replaces the mailing address with "electronically, by mail, or fax."</li>
<li>Removes the publication number after the form name.</li>
<li>Repeals WAC 246-978-030 to remove duplicated language and prevent potential conflicts between statute and rule.</li>
<li>Repeals WAC 246-978-040 because statute no longer requires it.</li>
<li>Makes style changes throughout the chapter that do not change the meaning of the rule.</li>
</ul>
<p>The adopted rule is the same as the proposed rule filed as WSR 23-12-093. The DOH received one supportive written comment and no testimony at the hearing held on July 13, 2023. Chapter 246-978 WAC becomes effective Sept. 13, 2023.</p>
<p>For more information on this rulemaking, visit the <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/vital-records/rule-making-activities">DOH website</a>. To receive rulemaking notices by email and for any questions about this rulemaking activity, contact <a href="mailto:deathwithdignity@doh.wa.gov">deathwithdignity@doh.wa.gov</a>.</p>
</div> | 8/24/2023 12:51:48 PM | 8/25/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| wsmas-2024-legislative-agenda-a-preview | WSMA's 2024 Legislative Agenda: A Preview | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/august-25/wsmas-2024-legislative-agenda-a-preview | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/august/wa-capitol-dome-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="Washington capitol dome" /></div>
<h5>August 25, 2023</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>WSMA's 2024 Legislative Agenda: A Preview </h2>
<p>Washington state may have a part-time Legislature, but WSMA's government affairs team in Olympia works year-round to advance the interests of the physician community, and today is busy preparing for the 2024 legislative session. The 2024 session will begin on Monday, Jan. 8, and will last 60 days (per the state's constitution, even-numbered years are "short" sessions). Legislators will have the opportunity to tweak the state's two-year budget passed during the 2023 session, and bills that did not pass this year will once again be in play. Among the hundreds of issues the WSMA will track and engage on in the 2024 session, the following are rising to the top of our tentative legislative priorities:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Medicaid reimbursement rate increases</strong>: While the 2023 state budget made a down payment on our request for across-the-board increases for Medicaid professional services to at least the rates paid by Medicare, continued advocacy is needed to ensure that the state fully funds the Medicaid program to reflect the cost of delivering care and ensure patient access.</li>
<li><strong>Health care workforce</strong>: The pandemic put an immense strain on our entire health care system and exacerbated workforce shortages across health care professions. Efforts are needed to support and retain the existing workforce, as well as to invest in education and training to support care delivery and bolster physician-led teams.</li>
<li><strong>Scope of practice</strong>: A number of scope of practice proposals are expected to be considered again and the WSMA will prioritize patient safety and education and training requirements as <a href="[@]wsma/about/policies/whats_our_policy/scope-of-practice/scope-of-practice-general.aspx">guided by our policy</a> when engaging on these issues. Of note, the WSMA is currently working with the Washington Academy of Physician Assistants to consider revisions to the PA Practice Act that would maximize flexibility and employment opportunities for PAs while ensuring appropriate safeguards remain in place.</li>
</ul>
<p>Don't forget to save the date for the WSMA Legislative Summit on Jan. 24, 2024, in Olympia! If you have questions or feedback regarding WSMA's legislative advocacy, reach out to Sean Graham at <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">sean@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 8/24/2023 12:47:40 PM | 8/25/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| congressional-action-needed-to-fix-medicare | Congressional Action Needed to Fix Medicare | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/august-11/congressional-action-needed-to-fix-medicare | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/august/medicare-blocks-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="horizontal set of blocks spelling Medicare" /></div>
<h5>August 11, 2023</h5>
<h2>Congressional Action Needed to Fix Medicare </h2>
<p>Following the news of the decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/july-28/more-medicare-physician-payment-cuts-on-the-horizon.aspx?_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=VWD89">propose cuts in physician payments in its 2024 physician payment schedule</a>, the WSMA is joining the American Medical Association in renewing calls for Congress to act quickly and decisively to fix a broken Medicare payment system.</p>
<p>The WSMA and the AMA strongly support the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2474">H.R. 2474</a>), a bipartisan measure now pending in Congress that would provide the crucial link between the Medicare physician payment schedule and annual inflation-based payment updates and finally put physicians on an equal fiscal footing with other entities drawing Medicare payment. Physicians can <a href="https://fixmedicarenow.org/take-action?vvsrc=/Campaigns/103669/Respond">contact their representatives in Congress to urge passage of H.R. 2474</a>.</p>
<p>For those physicians who are meeting virtually or in person with their legislators and staff, a variety of resource materials are available at <a href="https://fixmedicarenow.org/resources">FixMedicareNow.org,</a> including plain language explanations of the need for automatic, annual inflation-based payment updates, reforms to budget neutrality policies, and simplifying the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System.</p>
<p>The WSMA and the AMA intend to fight tirelessly for a financially stable and wholly predictable Medicare physician reimbursement model that protects both physicians and the patients they serve. We urge you to join us in urging Congress to ensure that Medicare continues to fulfill its crucial role in safeguarding both the health and financial well-being of tens of millions of Americans.</p>
</div> | 8/10/2023 3:02:03 PM | 8/11/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| new-virtual-reference-committees-make-commenting-on-resolutions-easier | New Virtual Reference Committees Make Commenting on Resolutions Easier | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/august-11/new-virtual-reference-committees-make-commenting-on-resolutions-easier | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/august/2023-annual-meeting-main-graphic-v2-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="2023 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates" /></div>
<h5>August 11, 2023</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>New Virtual Reference Committees Make Commenting on Resolutions Easier</h2>
<p>Several resolutions are now available for member feedback in WSMA's virtual reference committees ahead of the Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates, being held Sept. 23-24 in Bellevue. If you're planning on attending the meeting and haven't yet registered, <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">do so today</a>-it's free for WSMA members! We're happy to announce we've moved the WSMA Virtual Reference Committees to a new platform to make commenting and keeping up with discussions easier. </p>
<p>The password-protected committees allow members to review and discuss resolutions and other House of Delegates business in a secure environment. Debating proposed policies and directives prior to the Annual Meeting helps ensure a broad range of diverse perspectives and expertise is considered, helps develop members' understanding of what's being proposed, and helps to focus discussion at the meeting, allowing for a more streamlined, efficient policymaking process. </p>
<p>Comments left on the virtual committees are compiled and considered by the reference committee members at the meeting when drafting their recommendations for House of Delegates action and are given equal weight as in-person testimony. WSMA members may also provide in-person testimony at the reference committee hearings on Sept. 23 at the Annual Meeting.</p>
<h3>How to access the new Virtual Reference Committees </h3>
<p>All board members, delegates, and alternate delegates will automatically be added to the Virtual Reference Committees. All other WSMA members can join the Virtual Reference Committees by submitting a request to join on the "<a href="[@]wsma/membership/wsma-communities.aspx?hkey=d63f5896-20c4-4bc3-98e5-9ea442cc9adf&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Communities</a>" page on the WSMA website. Once access is granted by a WSMA administrator, you will receive an email with a "visit community" link; clicking that link will prompt you to verify your information and create a password (separate from your password for your existing WSMA account). You will use this password to log in to the Virtual Reference Committees and join the discussions. <a href="[@]wsma/membership/wsma-communities.aspx?hkey=d63f5896-20c4-4bc3-98e5-9ea442cc9adf&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Request to join the VRCs</a>.</p>
<p>Once you've joined, log in at <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge">community.wsma.org</a> and review the "Welcome" post that includes a help document with everything you need to know about posting, replying, setting your email notification preferences, updating your profile, and more. When a resolution is posted, all Virtual Reference Committee members will receive an email notification. With our new platform, it's easier than ever to jump into the conversation-simply "reply all" to the email notification to leave a comment on the resolution. You can also review resolutions and leave comments in the Virtual Reference Committees online by logging into your account at <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge">community.wsma.org</a>. </p>
<p>For assistance with joining, logging in, posting, or replying, contact WSMA IT Director <a href="mailto:troy@wsma.org">Troy Brown</a>.</p>
<h3>Resolutions now available for member review and feedback </h3>
<p>There are currently several resolutions available in the Virtual Reference Committees for member feedback. New resolutions will continue to be added as they are processed by staff. After you've joined the new Virtual Reference Committees, leave your comments on the following resolutions:</p>
<p>Resolution B-1: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1061543?tab=comment">Resolution of Condolence Jonathan Sugarman MD, MPH, FAAFP</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-2: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1062494?tab=comment">Unionizing Physicians</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-3: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1063951?tab=comment">Ensuring Non-Discriminatory Use of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-4: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1064394?tab=comment">Decarbonizing the U.S. Health Sector</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-5: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1064476?tab=comment">Elimination of Buprenorphine Dose Limits</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-6: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1064511?tab=comment">Increase Access to Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder</a> </p>
<p>Resolution B-7: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1064552?tab=comment">Support for Assistant Physicians and MDs in Residency Transition Programs</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-8: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1064937?tab=comment">Preventing Medical Title Misappropriations</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-1: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1062090?tab=comment">Incentivizing Quality Patient Outcomes by the Washington Health Care Authority</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-2: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1062119?tab=comment">Adverse Event and Incidents Reporting in Washington State</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-3: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1062520?tab=comment">Physician Noncompete Laws and Improvements</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-4: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1063986?tab=comment">Compliance with CMS Rules Concerning Hospital Discharges</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-5: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1064452?tab=comment">Expanding AMA's Position on Health Care Reform Options</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-6: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1064533?tab=comment">Reaffirmation of WSMA End-of-Life Policies</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-7: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1064550?tab=comment">Ensuring Access to Maternal Blood Pressure Monitoring</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-8: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1064990?tab=comment">False Advertising as a Doctor</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-9: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1065002?tab=comment">Firearm Safety Education in Public Schools</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-10: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1065018?tab=comment">Noncompetition Clauses in Employment Contracts</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-11: <a href="https://community.wsma.org/main/groups/82588/lounge/posts/1065081?tab=comment">Against “Ultra-High-Speed Rail†and for Cascades Long-Range Plan
</a></p>
</div> | 8/10/2023 3:40:05 PM | 8/11/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| registration-for-2023-ampac-campaign-school-is-now-available | Registration for 2023 AMPAC Campaign School is Now Available | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/august-11/registration-for-2023-ampac-campaign-school-is-now-available | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/august/us-capitol-building-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="US Capitol building" /></div>
<h5>August 11, 2023</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>Registration for 2023 AMPAC Campaign School is Now Available </h2>
<p><em>In person, Oct. 12-15, Washington, D.C.</em></p>
<p>Running an effective political campaign can be the difference between winning and losing a race. That's why the AMPAC Campaign School is designed to give you the skills and strategic approach you will need on the campaign trail.</p>
<p>Under the direction of expert trainers, participants will be broken into campaign staff teams to run a simulated congressional campaign using what they've learned during group sessions on strategy, vote targeting, social media, advertising, and more. Attendees include physicians, spouses of physicians, residents, medical students, and state medical society staff interested in becoming more involved in politics. Participants range from those attracted to grassroots efforts to those considering becoming a candidate for public office. No matter where you are in the process, you will develop a new understanding of how campaigns are run. As a graduate of the AMPAC program, candidates will rely on you to give them advice on strategy, message, and campaign plans.</p>
<p>The 2023 AMPAC Campaign School returns in person Oct. 12-15 at the American Medical Association offices in Washington, D.C. The registration fee is $350 for AMA members and $1,000 for nonmembers. This fee is waived for AMA-member residents and students; however, space is limited and the AMPAC board will review and select four participants from the pool of qualified resident and student applicants. Space is limited and the deadline to register is Sept. 18 (or sooner if maximum capacity is reached). <a href="https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/5UOE2DqqYuWCxNMHDJ5s5g">Learn more and register for 2023 Campaign School</a>.</p>
</div> | 8/10/2023 3:02:29 PM | 8/11/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| 2023-wsma-annual-meeting-speakers-cme-and-networking-spotlight | 2023 WSMA Annual Meeting: Speakers, CME, and Networking Spotlight | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/july-28/2023-wsma-annual-meeting-speakers-cme-and-networking-spotlight | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/july/2023-annual-meeting-main-graphic-v2-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="2023 WSMA Annual Meeting graphic" /></div>
<h5>July 28, 2023</h5>
<h2>2023 WSMA Annual Meeting: Speakers, CME, and Networking Spotlight </h2>
<p><em>Sept. 23-24 at The Westin Bellevue. Free for WSMA members.</em></p>
<p>In addition to setting policy for your state medical association, the <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">2023 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates</a> features guest speakers, CME sessions, and special social events scheduled for Saturday afternoon of the meeting. All physicians and physician assistants are welcome to join us in Bellevue to catch the presentations or to join your colleagues for the special networking events.</p>
<h3>Presentations</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>How Can Doctors Make America Healthy Again? Keynote presentation - </strong>Stephen Bezruchka, MD, associate teaching professor emeritus in the departments of health systems and population health and global health at the University of Washington School of Public Health, covers the factors that have the greatest impact on population health. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢.</li>
<li><strong>Are You Reacting to Crisis or Leading Transformational Change? Keynote presentation</strong> - Ed Walker, MD, MHA, professor of psychiatry and population health and services at the University of Washington and senior physician advisor for the WSMA Center for Leadership Development, presents on the importance of burnout recognition and treatment from a system-level perspective rather than a self-care, wellness model. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢.</li>
<li><strong>AMA's Recovery Plan for America's Physicians - </strong>Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, MD, immediate past chair of the American Medical Association board of trustees, presents on the AMA's recovery plan for America's physicians and other issues on which the AMA is currently focused, followed by a Q&amp;A session.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Social events</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>WAMPAC</strong><strong> Luncheon</strong> - This luncheon is a beloved favorite of the WSMA Annual Meeting stretching back decades. Join us on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. for food, collegiality, and a bit of politics (guest speakers to be announced). Tickets can be purchased when registering for the meeting. Members of the WAMPAC Diamond Club receive free admission as a perk of membership.</li>
<li><strong>New President's Reception</strong> - Directly following the presidential inauguration on Saturday at 5:15 p.m., we'll kick off a reception at 5:30 p.m. in honor of WSMA's newest president, Nariman Heshmati, MD.</li>
<li><strong>Leadership Alumni Reception</strong> - All alumni of WSMA's leadership courses (Physician Leadership Course, Dyad Leadership Course, and Leadership Masterclass) are invited to a special reception with Edward Walker, MD, MHA, at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday to network, reconnect, and mingle with fellow leadership course graduates.</li>
</ul>
<p>Visit the <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">WSMA Annual Meeting webpage</a> for meeting details and to register for the event, which is free for WSMA members.</p>
<h3>Special pre-Annual Meeting CME seminar </h3>
<p><strong>WSMA Effective Board Governance Course </strong>- Learn to be an even stronger leader and bring a powerful voice and perspective to any board. This full-day seminar, led by Ed Walker, MD, MHA, will be held Friday, Sept. 22 at The Westin Bellevue, the day prior to the Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates. <a href="http://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTE1NjU4MCZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTEwMzI5OTI5Mw/index.html">Register for the course online</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢.</p>
</div> | 7/26/2023 4:24:10 PM | 7/28/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| board-of-naturopathy-moves-forward-with-non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures-rulemaking | Board of Naturopathy Moves Forward with Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Rulemaking | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/july-28/board-of-naturopathy-moves-forward-with-non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures-rulemaking | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/july/mortar_pestle-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="mortar and pestle" /></div>
<h5>July 28, 2023</h5>
<h2>Board of Naturopathy Moves Forward with Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Rulemaking</h2>
<p>The Board of Naturopathy has issued a <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/advocacy/legislative_regulatory/understanding-the-regulatory-process.aspx?WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">CR-102</a> that would allow naturopaths to perform nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, the latest step in their years-long effort to increase their scope of practice to include the performance of these procedures. While disappointing, the CR-102 is specific to the use of botulinum toxin, not dermal fillers. The CR-102 does require naturopaths to complete training on aesthetic injectable technique, but there is no hourly requirement or required number of procedures to be performed under supervision.</p>
<p>The WSMA, partnered with the Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, the Washington State Dermatology Association, and Washington Society of Plastic Surgeons, has opposed this rulemaking at every opportunity, citing patient safety concerns. We've also shared that this procedure is inconsistent with naturopathic medicine and that this rulemaking subverts the legislative process, as the Legislature sets scope of practice. As a result of this advocacy, dermal fillers were excluded from the proposal.</p>
<p>We will continue to share our concerns with this proposal via both written and verbal comments. If you have questions about how you can share your thoughts with the Board of Naturopathy, contact <a href="mailto:billie@wsma.org">WSMA Associate Policy Director Billie Dickinson.</a></p>
</div> | 7/27/2023 2:27:25 PM | 7/28/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| more-medicare-physician-payment-cuts-on-the-horizon | More Medicare Physician Payment Cuts on the Horizon | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/july-28/more-medicare-physician-payment-cuts-on-the-horizon | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/july/doctor-piggy-bank-illustration-shutterstock-1860228250-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="doctor with piggy bank illustration" /></div>
<h5>July 28, 2023</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>More Medicare Physician Payment Cuts on the Horizon </h2>
<p>The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is once again proposing cuts in physician payments in its 2024 physician payment schedule.</p>
<p>Top lines from the <a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-14624.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">proposed rule</a>, courtesy of the American Medical Association:</p>
<ul>
<li>The 2024 Medicare conversion factor is proposed to be reduced by 3.36% from $33.8872 to $32.7476. Similarly, the anesthesia conversion factor is proposed to be reduced from $21.1249 to $20.4370.</li>
<li>CMS also proposes to increase the performance threshold to avoid a penalty in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System from 75 points to 82 points. CMS estimates this would result in an increase in the number of MIPS-eligible clinicians who would receive a penalty of up to -9%.</li>
<li>CMS proposes to delay mandatory electronic clinical quality measure adoption by Medicare Shared Savings Program participants, who would have the option to continue using the CMS web interface in 2024. As finalized in previous rulemaking, Medicare Shared Savings Program participants would have been required to report their quality measures electronically starting in 2024. We are glad to see CMS recognize the lack of maturity with health information technology standards to seamlessly aggregate data from electronic health records from physicians who practice at multiple sites or are part of an accountable care organization.</li>
</ul>
<p>As we do each year, the WSMA will join the AMA and organized medicine to stop these cuts before year end.</p>
<p>CMS' decision to propose cuts in physician payment is disappointing, particularly as it follows a recommendation earlier in the year by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission that physician payment updates be tied to the Medical Economic Index, the government's measure of inflation on medical practices. Unlike virtually all other health professionals participating in the Medicare program, physician services do not receive an annual inflationary update.</p>
<p>In the coming months, the WSMA will also join the AMA in continuing to draw attention to the need to reform the Medicare payment system to ensure that physicians can continue to care for Medicare patients. At its recent annual meeting, the AMA <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/june-23/ama-strengthens-commitment-to-medicare-physician-payment-reform-at-annual-meeting.aspx?_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=ON959">redoubled its commitment to Medicare physician payment reform</a>.</p>
<p>Visit <a href="https://fixmedicarenow.org/">Fix Medicare Now</a> for information on how you can take action to support the effort.</p>
</div> | 7/27/2023 2:27:31 PM | 7/28/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| submit-wsma-annual-meeting-resolutions-by-aug-4 | Submit WSMA Annual Meeting Resolutions by Aug. 4 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/July-14/submit-wsma-annual-meeting-resolutions-by-aug-4 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/july/2023-annual-meeting-main-graphic-v2-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="2023 WSMA Annual Meeting graphic" /></div>
<h5>July 14, 2023</h5>
<h2>Submit WSMA Annual Meeting Resolutions by Aug. 4 </h2>
<p>The 2023 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates will be held in person Sept. 23-24, 2023, at The Westin Bellevue. With the meeting approaching, resolution proposals need to be submitted to WSMA staff in less than a month. Key deadlines and other important information about the WSMA Annual Meeting are below.</p>
<h3>Key WSMA Annual Meeting deadlines </h3>
<ul>
<li>Aug. 4: Reports and resolutions due for inclusion in delegate handbook.
<ul>
<li>Download the <a href="https://wsma.org/doc_library/events/annual-meeting/draft-resolution-template.docx">resolution template</a>. </li>
<li>Submit your resolution to <a href="mailto:hod@wsma.org">hod@wsma.org</a>. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Aug. 24: Final deadline for reports and resolutions. Delegate handbook will be available for download.  </li>
<li>Sept. 1: Deadline to make room reservations at The Westin Bellevue.  </li>
<li>Sept. 23-24: The 2023 WSMA Annual Meeting.  </li>
</ul>
<h3>How resolutions drive policy</h3>
<p>As a WSMA member, you can help guide the direction of the association by authoring a resolution-a proposal asking the WSMA to take a position or act on an issue. Resolutions, which are key policy drivers for the association, are considered for adoption at the Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates. Visit WSMA's <a href="http://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTEzMzAwMCZwPTEmdT0xMTU4MjY5MTYzJmxpPTEwMjk3NTc3Mg/index.html">How to Write a Resolution webpage</a> for everything you need to know about writing and submitting a resolution. As a reminder, the deadline to submit resolutions for inclusion in the delegate handbook is Friday, Aug. 4. </p>
<h3>Interested in serving as a delegate at the meeting?  </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 2023 Annual Meeting, please contact your local county society or state specialty society.  </p>
<h3>About<strong> </strong>the<strong> </strong>meeting</h3>
<p> </p>
<p>The Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates (or the WSMA Annual Meeting) is the WSMA's premier policymaking event, when the approximately 175 voting members of the WSMA House of Delegates gather to debate and determine policy for the association, elect officers, and network with colleagues. All are welcome to attend the WSMA Annual Meeting to take advantage of the educational offerings, network, and learn more about the association. </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="[@]Shared_Content/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=ANNMTG2023">Registration for the meeting is open.</a> WSMA members can attend for free. </li>
<li>Reserve your room at The Westin Bellevue <a href="http://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTEzMzAwMCZwPTEmdT0xMTU4MjY5MTYzJmxpPTEwMjk3NTc3Mw/index.html">online</a> or by calling the hotel directly at 425.638.1000. The deadline for booking a room in WSMA's room block at the special rate of $169 per night is Friday, Sept. 1. Rooms in our block are expected to go quickly, so make sure to book soon! </li>
</ul>
</div> | 7/12/2023 11:02:27 AM | 7/14/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| 2023-wsma-annual-meeting-key-deadlines | 2023 WSMA Annual Meeting: Key Deadlines | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/june-23/2023-wsma-annual-meeting-key-deadlines | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/june/venticinque-221001-8847-medium-annmtg22-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="House of Delegates" /></div>
<h5>June 23, 2023</h5>
<h2>2023 WSMA Annual Meeting: Key Deadlines</h2>
<p>The 2023 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates, when the approximately 175 voting members of the association gather to debate and determine policy, elect officers, and network with colleagues, is just around the corner. The meeting will be held in person at The Westin Bellevue, Sept. 23-24. Registration will soon be available; for now, be sure to note the following important meeting deadlines.</p>
<h3>Key WSMA Annual Meeting deadlines</h3>
<ul>
<li>Aug. 4: Reports and resolutions due for inclusion in delegate handbook.</li>
<li>Aug. 24: Final deadline for reports and resolutions. Delegate handbook will be available for download.</li>
<li>Sept. 1: Deadline to make room reservations at The Westin Bellevue.</li>
<li>Sept. 23-24: The 2023 WSMA Annual Meeting.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Interested in serving as a delegate at the meeting?</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 2023 Annual Meeting, please contact your local county society or state specialty society.</p>
</div> | 6/21/2023 4:17:33 PM | 6/23/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| ama-strengthens-commitment-to-medicare-physician-payment-reform-at-annual-meeting | AMA Strengthens Commitment to Medicare Physician Payment Reform at Annual Meeting | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/june-23/ama-strengthens-commitment-to-medicare-physician-payment-reform-at-annual-meeting | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/june/medicare-barcode-645px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="Medicare barcode" /></div>
<h5>June 23, 2023</h5>
<h2>AMA Strengthens Commitment to Medicare Physician Payment Reform at Annual Meeting</h2>
<p>At the 2023 Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association House of Delegates this month, the national advocacy group adopted policy pushing for a comprehensive campaign to achieve Medicare physician payment reform.</p>
<p>New policies adopted call on the AMA to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Declare Medicare physician payment reform as an urgent advocacy and legislative priority.</li>
<li>Prioritize significant increases in funding for federal and state advocacy budgets specifically allocated to achieve Medicare physician payment reform to ensure that physician payments are updated annually at least equal to the annual percentage increase in the Medicare Economic Index.</li>
<li>Have its board of trustees report back to the AMA House of Delegates at each annual and interim meeting on the progress in achieving Medicare payment reform until predictable, sustainable, fair physician payment is achieved.</li>
</ul>
<p>The AMA House of Delegates also modified existing policy to implement a comprehensive advocacy campaign, including media outreach, to engage patients and physicians in promoting Medicare physician payment reform. Last year, the AMA, in collaboration with 120 other physician and health care organizations, including the WSMA, <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/characteristics-rational-medicare-payment-principles-signatories.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">outlined the essential principles</a> for sensible reform of the Medicare payment system.</p>
<p>Currently, a bill <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/medicare-medicaid/key-medicare-physician-pay-reform-bill-introduced-congress">has been introduced in Congress</a> to provide annual inflation updates to the Medicare physician payment schedule based on the Medicare Economic Index. That move is essential to protecting access to high-quality care for the 65 million older adult Americans covered by Medicare.</p>
<p>Learn about how you can take part in the fight to fix Medicare on behalf of your patients and practices at the AMA's <a href="https://fixmedicarenow.org/">Fix Medicare Now website</a>.</p>
</div> | 6/21/2023 4:17:22 PM | 6/23/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| ama-webinar-protecting-patients-from-inappropriate-scope-of-practice-expansions | AMA Webinar: Protecting Patients from Inappropriate Scope of Practice Expansions | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/june-9/ama-webinar-protecting-patients-from-inappropriate-scope-of-practice-expansions | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/june/steth-warm-background-645x425.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope laying on a cloth" /></div>
<h5>June 9, 2023</h5>
<h2>AMA Webinar: Protecting Patients from Inappropriate Scope of Practice Expansions</h2>
<p>Patients deserve care led by physicians-the most highly educated, trained, and skilled health care professionals. Through research, advocacy, and education, organized medicine vigorously defends the practice of medicine against scope of practice expansions that threaten patient safety. In this new on-demand webinar, you'll learn more about the importance of these issues, with presenters from the American Medical Association, the Medical Association of Georgia, and our own Sean Graham, WSMA's director of government affairs. Included in the discussion are ways physician advocates can get involved. <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/about/events/ama-advocacy-insights-webinar-series-protecting-patients-inappropriate-scope-practice">Access the webinar and transcript from the AMA website</a>.</p>
</div> | 6/8/2023 2:43:03 PM | 6/9/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| first-two-episodes-of-better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast-now-available | First Two Episodes of Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Podcast Now Available | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/june-9/first-two-episodes-of-better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast-now-available | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/june/wsma-bpbt-seafoamevergreen-logo-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Better Prescribing, Better Treatment logo" /></div>
<h5>June 9, 2023</h5>
<h2>First Two Episodes of Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Podcast Now Available</h2>
<p>This week, the WSMA is launching a 14-episode podcast featuring conversations with experts on an array of topics about how we can reduce the dependence on opioids for pain management where appropriate, help those suffering with chronic conditions safely, and help those with addiction. A sole production of the WSMA and hosted by Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, the podcast is available at no cost to all physicians, physician assistants, and health professionals, and supports the goals of the <a href="[@]wsma/resources/opioids/better_prescribing_better_treatment/wsma/resources/opioids/better-prescribing-better-treatment.aspx?hkey=b6fb0ec0-8bc2-4e53-bf4c-9f148599cbeb">Better Prescribing, Better Treatment safe-prescribing program</a>.</p>
<h3>About the podcast</h3>
<p>Through the course of the series, the WSMA Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Podcast will address the gaps in practice that exist between the current state of prescribing and the best practices surrounding opioid and controlled substance prescriptions. The risks of both short- and long-term administration of opioids in combination with and separately from sedative medications impose risks that cross specialties and systems. </p>
<p>Each podcast episode is available to all physicians and health professionals either as audio or audio and video. Episodes will be posted on the <a href="[@]wsma/resources/opioids/better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast/wsma/resources/opioids/better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast.aspx?hkey=5d4ff39d-6d34-45da-a94f-d95e682b2863">WSMA Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Podcast webpage</a> approximately every two weeks through the summer months, with the first episode now available. Creation of the podcast is made possible through funding from the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Washington State Department of Health.</p>
<h3>About the host</h3>
<p>Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, MBA, FACEP, is an emergency room physician with TeamHealth Northwest and St. Joseph Medical Center and is a past president of the WSMA. Dr. Schlicher is the physician lead for the Better Prescribing, Better Treatment safe-prescribing program.</p>
<h3>About the first episode: The Future of the Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Program at the WSMA</h3>
<p>In this podcast, Dr. Schlicher is joined by WSMA Program Manager Monica Salgaonkar, MHA, CPHQ, and WSMA Director of IT Troy Brown to discuss the new areas of development in the Better Prescribing, Better Treatment program at the WSMA.</p>
<p>Learning objectives:</p>
<ul>
<li>Recall the history and background of Better Prescribing, Better Treatment.</li>
<li>Describe the areas of expansion of Better Prescribing, Better Treatment.</li>
<li>Using data components, determine how the data may be used to drive improvement.</li>
<li>Get more involved in Better Prescribing, Better Treatment and know who to contact for questions or coaching.</li>
</ul>
<p>This activity is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em><sup>TM</sup>. <a href="[@]wsma/resources/opioids/better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast.aspx">Access the podcast from the WSMA website</a>.</p>
<h3>About the second episode: The History of Opioid Prescribing Legislation</h3>
<p>In this podcast, Dr. Schlicher sits down with WSMA Policy Director Jeb Shepard to discuss the history of opioid prescribing in the state, the origins of BPBT, and its overall impact on prescribing.</p>
<p>Learning objectives</p>
<ul>
<li>Summarize the history and background of opioid prescribing legislation over the years.</li>
<li>List the stakeholders involved in addressing the opioid use public health crisis in Washington state.</li>
<li>Understand the effects of HB 1427 and SB 5380 on opioid prescribing in Washington state and have strategies to comply with them.</li>
<li>Get engaged in Olympia and testify on rules and regulation of important medical issues.</li>
</ul>
<p>This activity is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em><sup>TM</sup>. <a href="[@]wsma/resources/opioids/better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast.aspx">Access the podcast from the WSMA website</a>.</p>
</div> | 6/7/2023 2:43:18 PM | 6/9/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| cigna-delays-implementation-of-modifier-25-policy | Cigna Delays Implementation of Modifier 25 Policy | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/may-26/cigna-delays-implementation-of-modifier-25-policy | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/may/billing-invoice-645x425.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="Billing invoice" /></div>
<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> | 5/25/2023 3:53:56 PM | 5/26/2023 12:00:00 AM |