| action-alert-ask-your-reps-to-cosponsor-the-medicare-patient-access-and-practice-stabilization-act | Action Alert! Ask Your Reps to Cosponsor the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/november-8/action-alert-ask-your-reps-to-cosponsor-the-medicare-patient-access-and-practice-stabilization-act | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/november/medicare-graphic-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Support Medicare Sustainability graphic" /></div>
<h5>Nov. 8, 2024</h5>
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<h2>Action Alert! Ask Your Representatives to Cosponsor the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2024</h2>
<p>Recently, Reps. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act (H.R. 10073), bipartisan legislation that would eliminate the pending proposed 2.8% cut in Medicare physician payments and provide a 1.8% payment update in 2025. If passed, the legislation would result in a payment increase equal to one half the Medicare Economic Index, helping to stabilize physician practices and protecting patients' access to care.</p>
<p>If you haven't yet done so, <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/be-heard?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f108965%2fRespond">please contact your representative today and urge them to cosponsor H.R. 10073.</a> This week, the WSMA delivered official letters to Washington's congressional delegation urging that they act. In our letter, WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD, articulates the consequences of inaction:</p>
<p>"Physician practices cannot continue to absorb increasing costs while their payment rates dwindle. Both the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission and the Medicare Trustees have issued warnings about access to care problems for America's seniors and persons with disabilities if the gap between what Medicare reimburses physicians and what it costs to provide high-quality care continues to grow.</p>
<p>"Medicare reimbursement cuts for physicians have significant ripple effects across our health care system, particularly in rural and underserved areas. At a time when the nation is facing a physician shortage and an historic number of doctors are nearing retirement age, these cuts seriously jeopardize access to care for Medicare patients."</p>
<p>While H.R. 10073 would only address physician payment for 2025, it is a necessary first step in providing much-needed relief and achieving our ultimate goal of <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/advocacy-topics/medicare-payment-reform/wsma/advocacy/advocacy-topics/medicare-payment-reform.aspx?hkey=10dc3633-6786-4f04-b1dd-471482f70840">complete physician Medicare payment reform</a> in the new Congress. This will be the last opportunity for Congress to pass H.R. 10073 as part of the final year-end package. <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/be-heard?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f108965%2fRespond">Please act today</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/7/2024 2:12:08 PM | 11/7/2024 12:35:13 PM | 11/8/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| blue-cross-blue-shield-settles-long-running-multibillion-dollar-antitrust-suit | Blue Cross Blue Shield Settles Long-Running Multibillion-Dollar Antitrust Suit | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/november-8/blue-cross-blue-shield-settles-long-running-multibillion-dollar-antitrust-suit | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/november/bill-oxford-oxghu60nwxu-unsplash-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="gavel" /></div>
<h5>Nov. 8, 2024</h5>
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<h2>Blue Cross Blue Shield Settles Long-Running Multibillion-Dollar Antitrust Suit </h2>
<p>Blue Cross Blue Sheild has provisionally settled a decade-plus, multibillion-dollar antitrust lawsuit filed on behalf of physicians, hospitals, and other practitioners in one of the largest such settlements in the history of the country's health care industry. The settlement includes a fund of $2.8 billion in cash earmarked for the plaintiffs as well as millions of dollars dedicated to system improvements to the insurer giant's BlueCard Program.</p>
<p>In 2012, the plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield and its affiliates alleging the insurer colluded to divide geographic regions to avoid competition with each other and reduce reimbursements. Nationally, Blue Cross Blue Shield includes 33 independent, locally operated Blue Cross companies.</p>
<p>In addition to the large damages fund, monies dedicated to system improvements will help address longstanding administrative issues with the BlueCard Program, among many other changes favorable to physician groups, hospitals, and other contracted entities.</p>
<p>Specifics on eligibility for funds will be available once the preliminary settlement is approved by the court. Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates in Washington state include Premera Blue Cross and Regence Blue Shield. For more information on the case, <a href="https://whatleykallas.com/bcbs-settlement/">read the co-lead counsel's update</a>. <a href="https://whatleykallas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3192-2-Exhibit-A-Settlement-Agreement.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">The settlement agreement can be read here</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/7/2024 2:10:44 PM | 11/7/2024 12:35:09 PM | 11/8/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| carrie-horwitch-md-on-how-mastering-emotional-intelligence-can-benefit-all-clinicians | Carrie Horwitch, MD, on How Mastering Emotional Intelligence Can Benefit All Clinicians | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/november-8/carrie-horwitch-md-on-how-mastering-emotional-intelligence-can-benefit-all-clinicians | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/november/carrie-horwitch-eqi-course-video-still-no-button.png" class="pull-right" alt="Carrie Horwitch, MD" /></div>
<h5>Nov. 8, 2024</h5>
<h2>Carrie Horwitch, MD, on How Mastering Emotional Intelligence Can Benefit All Clinicians</h2>
<p>As WSMA Foundation Vice President Carrie Horwitch, MD, explains in <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/transcending-clinical-excellence-mastering-emotional-intelligence.aspx?_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=4tDr9">this brief video</a>, all clinicians, regardless of leadership experience or roles, can benefit from mastering emotional intelligence. Whether you're seeking to enhance your leadership abilities, strengthen your clinical relationships, or simply enrich your personal life, mastering the ability to recognize and regulate your own emotions while honing your empathy to better comprehend the feelings of others is key-and a new course from the WSMA Foundation is here to help.</p>
<p>Enroll in <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTcyMzI2MSZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExMTg0NTk4Ng/index.html">Transcending Clinical Excellence: Mastering Emotional Intelligence</a> and get ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and interpersonal growth. The course, held virtually on Fridays from Jan. 31-March 28, 2025, is longitudinal (your progress will be measured over time), and multimodal (the course features different methods of learning), allowing learners to have multiple touchpoints on different aspects of emotional intelligence, allowing for deep understanding and opportunities to apply skills in practice. The program is available to physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and all other clinicians looking to increase their emotional intelligence, foster more meaningful connections, and resolve conflicts in the workplace empathetically.</p>
<p>Learn more about this course and register on the <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTcyMzI2MSZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExMTg0NTk4Ng/index.html">WSMA website</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em><sup>TM</sup>.</p>
</div> | 11/7/2024 2:20:21 PM | 11/7/2024 12:35:22 PM | 11/8/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| democrats-sweep-washington-statewide-offices-trump-retakes-the-presidency | Democrats Sweep Washington Statewide Offices, Trump Retakes the Presidency | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/november-8/democrats-sweep-washington-statewide-offices-trump-retakes-the-presidency | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/november/american-wa-flags-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="American and Washington flags" /></div>
<h5>Nov. 8, 2024</h5>
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<h2>Democrats Sweep Washington Statewide Offices, Trump Retakes the Presidency </h2>
<p>Tuesday's general election featured no shortage of shake-ups as voters elected a new president at the federal level and a new governor, attorney general, and insurance commissioner for the first time in over a decade in Washington state. Some races saw quick, decisive victories, while the state's most competitive districts will be determined over the coming days and weeks due to Washington's vote-by-mail system.</p>
<p>As of this writing, the secretary of state's office is tracking election returns and more than 700,000 ballots are still on hand to be processed. WAMPAC (Washington Medical Political Action Committee), the nonpartisan political campaign arm of the WSMA, is closely monitoring developments. Below is a preliminary update from WAMPAC on the current elections landscape. Be aware that dynamics may shift as ballots continue to be counted and results are finalized.</p>
<p><strong>A look at federal outcomes </strong></p>
<p>At the top of the ticket, former Republican President Donald Trump has captured the presidency for a second time. The U.S. Senate will be controlled by Republicans, but it's too soon to say which party will control the House of Representatives. Among Washington state's congressional delegation, most incumbents appear poised to retain their seats, including former Issaquah pediatrician U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, MD, who has won a fourth term in the 8th Congressional District. The possible exceptions are in the state's 3rd and 4th Congressional Districts, which are too close to call at this time.</p>
<p>The 3rd Congressional District of Southwest Washington is one of the most competitive districts in the country and will be influential in determining which party is in control of the U.S. House of Representatives. The race features incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez against Republican Joe Kent, the same candidates who faced one another in the 2022 election. In Central Washington's 4th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse is locked in a tight race with Jerrod Sessler. Both are Republicans, but Sessler is considered the more conservative of the two candidates.</p>
<p>There were two open seats in Washington state's congressional delegation with the retirement of Republican U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers in the 5th Congressional District of Eastern Washington and Democrat U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer in the 6th Congressional District, which includes the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas and Tacoma. Republican Michael Baumgartner is a former state legislator who will succeed McMorris Rodgers and Democrat Emily Randall is a current state legislator who will replace Kilmer.</p>
<h3>Key federal races</h3>
<p>Senator: Maria Cantwell* (D) - 59.77%, Dr. Raul Garcia (R) - 40%</p>
<p>Rep. District 3: Marie Gluesenkamp Perez* (D) - 51.78%, Joe Kent (R) - 47.84%</p>
<p>Rep. District 4: Dan Newhouse* (R) - 50.35%, Jerrod Sessler (R) - 48.03%</p>
<p>Rep. District 5 (open): Michael Baumgartner (R) - 59.79%, Carmela Convoy (D) - 40.08%</p>
<p>Rep. District 6 (open): Emily Randall (D) - 57.3%, Drew MacEwen (R) - 42.58%</p>
<p>Rep. District 8: Kim Schrier* (D) - 54.18%, Carmen Goers (R) - 45.65%</p>
<p>*Denotes incumbent</p>
<h3>Washington voters largely say 'no' to initiatives</h3>
<p>Initiatives are an avenue for Washington state voters to make or repeal state laws directly. Passage of any one of the four initiatives considered by voters would have a significant impact on the state budget, which is already forecasting a $5 billion-$10 billion shortfall over the four-year budget cycle. As of this writing, three of the initiatives are failing: capital gains tax repeal, Climate Commitment Act repeal, and long-term care program opt-out. The initiative that would prohibit state and local governments from restricting access to natural gas is passing with a slim majority of 51.22% and is likely too close to call at this time. Per policy adopted by the WSMA House of Delegates, WAMPAC engaged in opposition on two initiatives: the capital gains tax and Climate Commitment Act repeals.</p>
<h3>Initiatives </h3>
<p>I-2066: Natural gas restriction prohibition: Pass - 51.22%, Fail - 48.78%</p>
<p>I-2109: Capital gains tax repeal: Pass - 36.79%, Fail - 63.21%</p>
<p>I-2117: Climate Commitment Act repeal: Pass - 38.31%, Fail - 61.69%</p>
<p>I-2124: Long-term care program opt-out: Pass - 44.51%, Fail - 55.49%</p>
<h3>New faces in the Washington state executive branch </h3>
<p>There were nine statewide positions on the ballot and Democrats are outperforming their Republican opponents across the board. Current Attorney General Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, has defeated former Republican Congressman Dave Reichert to become the state's 24th governor. Nick Brown, a Democrat, will become the state's new top attorney, becoming the first Black person to hold the position in Washington state. And legislator and attorney Patty Kuderer, a Democrat, will become the new insurance commissioner. It is the first time in over a decade that Washington state will have a new governor, attorney general, and insurance commissioner.</p>
<h3>Key statewide races</h3>
<p>Governor (open): Bob Ferguson (D) - 56.28%, Dave Reichert (R) - 43.53%</p>
<p>Insurance commissioner (open): Patty Kuderer (D) - 57.16%, Phil Fortunato (R) - 42.73%</p>
<p>Attorney general (open): Nick Brown (D) - 56.26%, Pete Serrano (R) - 43.66% </p>
<h3>The balance of power in the Washington State Legislature</h3>
<p>Heading into the 2024 elections, Democrats were forecasting a number of districts with potential "pickup" opportunities to grow their majorities in the state Legislature. Key features of these districts include any combination of existing divided representation, an evolving electorate, dynamic candidates, and new district boundary lines. With the exception of the 14th Legislative District where Republicans appear to be maintaining control of all three seats, the key races WAMPAC had been tracking most closely are too close to call as they represent the most competitive areas of the state.</p>
<p>While it's clear that Democrats will maintain strong control of both the state Senate and House of Representatives, it remains to be seen to what extent Democrats will sustain or grow their majorities in each chamber.</p>
<h3>Key legislative races - Senate </h3>
<p>Legislative District 10<br />
Oak Harbor: Ron Muzzall* (R) - 49.77%, Janet St. Clair (D) - 50.12%</p>
<p>Legislative District 14<br />
Yakima: Curtis King* (R) - 56.69%, Maria Beltran (D) - 43.04%</p>
<p>Legislative District 17<br />
Vancouver (open): Paul Harris (R) - 50.49%, Marla Keethler (D) - 49.4%</p>
<p>Legislative District 18<br />
Battle Ground (open): Adrian Cortes (D) - 50.82%, Brad Benton (R) - 49%</p>
<h3>Key legislative races - House</h3>
<p>Legislative District 14, Pos. 1<br />
Yakima (open): Chelsea Dimas (D) - 42.04%, Gloria Mendoza (R) - 57.38%</p>
<p>Legislative District 14, Pos. 2<br />
Yakima (open): Ana Ruiz Kennedy (D) - 44.97%, Deb Manjarrez (R) - 54.74%</p>
<p>Legislative District 17, Pos. 2<br />
Vancouver (open): Terri Niles (D) - 50.18%, David Stuebe (R) - 49.69%</p>
<p>Legislative District 18, Pos. 2<br />
Battle Ground (open): John Zingale (D) - 49.75%, John Ley (R) - 50.1%</p>
<p>Legislative District 26, Pos. 1<br />
Gig Harbor (open): Adison Richards (D) - 52.25%, Jesse Young (R) - 47.63%</p>
<p>*Denotes incumbent</p>
<p>With questions about any of the information discussed above or WAMPAC's engagement on campaigns, please reach out to WAMPAC Director <a href="mailto:alex@wsma.org">Alex Wehinger</a> .</p>
</div> | 11/7/2024 2:47:40 PM | 11/7/2024 12:35:06 PM | 11/8/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| join-us-dec-12-for-a-medicaid-campaign-update-webinar-with-q-and-a | Join Us Dec. 12 for a Medicaid Campaign Update Webinar with Q&A | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/november-8/join-us-dec-12-for-a-medicaid-campaign-update-webinar-with-q-and-a | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/november/medicaid-access-program-webinar-graphic-no-button.png" class="pull-right" alt="Medicaid Access Program webinar graphic" /></div>
<h5>Nov. 8, 2024</h5>
<h2>Join Us Dec. 12 for a Medicaid Campaign Update Webinar with Q&amp;A</h2>
<p>The WSMA is holding a lunch-hour webinar on Thursday, Dec. 12 led by WSMA CEO Jennifer Hanscom and WSMA Director of Government Affairs Sean Graham where we'll provide an update on the 2025 Medicaid Access Program, the WSMA funding plan to raise Medicaid reimbursement for all specialties and allow physicians and practitioners to treat more Medicaid patients.</p>
<p>During the webinar, Jennifer and Sean will discuss:</p>
<ul>
<li>Details of the legislative proposal, including sponsors and bill provisions.</li>
<li>The impact of the election and the dynamic of the Washington State Legislature heading into January's session.</li>
<li>The crucial role that you-our partners-can play to help support the Medicaid Access Program during the 2025 state legislative session.</li>
</ul>
<p>A Q&amp;A session will conclude the webinar.</p>
<p>For the 2025 Medicaid Access Program to be successful, it will take all of medicine joining together in support. Take a moment to register for this free session today and be sure to add the date and time to your calendar. <a href="[@]wsma/education/upcoming_webinars/Upcoming_Webinars.aspx?WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927&amp;hkey=b760d6bd-1833-412d-b681-babf251792a8#MAP">Register on the WSMA website</a>.</p>
<p>To learn more about the 2025 Medicaid Access Program, including fact sheets, social media toolkits, media coverage, and more, visit the <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTcyODUwMCZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExMTkzNDE3OA/index.html">initiative webpage</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/7/2024 2:14:05 PM | 11/7/2024 12:35:16 PM | 11/8/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| new-wsma-foundation-report-outlines-wellness-criteria-for-health-care-employers | New WSMA Foundation Report Outlines Wellness Criteria for Health Care Employers | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/november-8/new-wsma-foundation-report-outlines-wellness-criteria-for-health-care-employers | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/november/thriving-in-medicine-report-cover-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Thriving in Medicine report cover" /></div>
<h5>Nov. 8, 2024</h5>
<h2>New WSMA Foundation Report Outlines Wellness Criteria for Health Care Employers</h2>
<p>With increasing attention being placed on systemic, organizational issues driving physician and practitioner burnout, the WSMA Foundation convened a committee in 2023 to research and publish criteria for health care employers to utilize in support of well-being in the workplace. This summer, the Foundation's Wellness Action Committee concluded its work and has published its findings and resulting criteria in a new report, Thriving in Medicine: Cultivating Choice, Competence, and Community, which is now available to WSMA members and to anyone in health care wishing to implement change within their organization.</p>
<h3>A wellness playbook</h3>
<p>Thriving in Medicine: Cultivating Choice, Competence, and Community is a playbook for organizations to start, or to reevaluate and renew, processes to allow physicians and practitioners to thrive.</p>
<p>Using self-determination theory as the psychological framework for addressing workplace wellness, the report provides evidence-based examples of what works for developing leadership support, empowering choices, providing skill enhancement, and fostering community. The report also contains a list of resources with point people to connect with to help members get started in that work.</p>
<p>Download <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2024/wsma-thriving-in-medicine-report.pdf]">Thriving in Medicine: Cultivating Choice, Competence, and Community</a>.</p>
<h3>Dedicated resources needed</h3>
<p>The report makes clear that workplace wellness also takes dedicated resources and support. Wellness programs that are supported with time and financial support are viewed most positively by employees, have better outcomes, and foster a greater sense that leadership supports joy in medicine.</p>
<p>The WSMA Foundation Wellness Action Committee encourages all physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practitioners to read the report and use it as a resource, regardless of their leadership position. Physicians not in leadership roles can introduce the report to their leadership team.</p>
<p>The Wellness Action Committee presented the report to health care CEOs and CMOs at an October meeting hosted by the WSMA and will reconvene with these leaders regularly to follow up on progress.</p>
<p>For more on the wellness report, including perspectives from two lead participants in its development-Dr. Alka Atal-Barrio and Dr. Chris Bundy-see the November/December of <em>WSMA Reports</em> ("Choice Competence, and Community," pp. 14-15), mailed to members and available <a href="[@]wsma/about_us/wsma-reports/wsma-reports-archive/wsma/about/wsma-reports/wsma-reports-archive.aspx?hkey=ecc0cfb2-b1fe-4e76-b1fa-b0354d3d558e">on our website</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/7/2024 2:33:14 PM | 11/7/2024 12:35:19 PM | 11/8/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| uw-medicine-latest-to-reform-credentialing-process | UW Medicine Latest to Reform Credentialing Process | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/november-8/uw-medicine-latest-to-reform-credentialing-process | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/november/steth-warm-background-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope on a folded cloth" /></div>
<h5>Nov. 8, 2024</h5>
<h2>UW Medicine Latest to Reform Credentialing Process</h2>
<p>In recent years, public and private organizations in Washington state have taken bold steps in reforming health care credentialing processes to focus on physician and practitioner well-being. This week, the Washington Physicians Health Program announced UW Medicine has joined the list of organizations at the forefront of this movement.</p>
<p>In an update published on its website, the WPHP says UW Medicine has <a href="https://wphp.org/2024/10/23/uw-medicine-wphp-credentialing-reform-for-healthier-workforces/">introduced a new standard for its credentialing procedures</a> by incorporating best practices to support the health and well-being of its physicians and clinicians. The effort at UW Medicine was led by Brian Johnston, MD, in consultation with WPHP Executive Medical Director Chris Bundy, MD.</p>
<p>In recent wellness surveys, physicians have indicated they, or someone they know, have been fearful of seeking mental health care given questions asked in medical licensure and credentialing insurance applications. Allied physician organizations have increasingly <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/physician-health/credentialing-applications-must-be-revamped-support-well-being">advocated for reform of credentialing applications</a> to remove stigmatizing language around mental health diagnoses and treatment. Updating problematic language is more respectful to applicants, helps them avoid feeling the need to over-disclose on their applications, and represents further progress in decreasing barriers to seeking help for physicians and physician assistants in our state.</p>
<p>The news from UW Medicine and WPHP follows previous credentialing changes made by the <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/february-9/osteopath-board-updates-credentialing-application-to-support-physician-wellness">Washington Medical Commission</a>, the <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/february-9/osteopath-board-updates-credentialing-application-to-support-physician-wellness">Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery</a>, and the <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2023/Weekly_rounds_january_20_2023_new_washington_practitioner_application_supports_physician_wellness">Washington Practitioner Application</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/7/2024 2:27:52 PM | 11/7/2024 12:35:25 PM | 11/8/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| an-overview-of-policies-passed-by-the-2024-wsma-house-of-delegates | An Overview of Policies Passed by the 2024 WSMA House of Delegates | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/october-11/an-overview-of-policies-passed-by-the-2024-wsma-house-of-delegates | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/october/se-01-venticinque-240928-0460-2024-annual-meeting-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="2024 WSMA House of Delegates photo" /></div>
<h5>Oct. 11, 2024</h5>
<h2>An Overview of Policies Passed by the 2024 WSMA House of Delegates</h2>
<p>With 45 resolutions to discuss and act on (and <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/october-11/seattle-anesthesiologist-john-bramhall-md-phd-inaugurated-as-2024-2025-wsma-president.aspx">elections to hold</a>), delegates at the <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">2024 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates</a> had no shortage of work before them. Kudos to the reference committees then, as the final session of the House on Sunday was smooth and succinct, with the recommendations of the reference committees largely left intact, with only a few exceptions.</p>
<p>(For a primer on the role of resolutions, reference committees, and the House of Delegates in policymaking at the WSMA, watch <a href="https://vimeo.com/730122009">this brief video</a>.)</p>
<p>If the final session on Sunday was collegial and process-oriented, the reference committee hearings on Saturday afternoon reflected more detailed and diverse debate, with both reference committees standing-room only as delegates and members gave testimony on individual resolutions and other business to be considered by the House. Testimony given during these in-person committees on Saturday and testimony given in the virtual reference committees in the lead up to the meeting were given much consideration by the reference committee members and staff when creating their reports for the House.</p>
<p>The subsequent policies passed by the House on Sunday reflect ongoing concerns of our member physicians and their county and specialty delegations: the encroachment of prior authorization on physician judgment and medical practice; the impact of health care on climate change and of climate change on health; responding to an epidemic of substance abuse disorder; reimbursement and access to care; non-compete clauses in employment contracts; administrative burden; artificial intelligence; and more.</p>
<p>The following is a summary overview of select policies passed by the 2024 House of Delegates. For a comprehensive report on all of the actions of the House, the Official Actions of the 2024 WSMA House of Delegates is now available on the WSMA website on our <a href="[@]wsma/about_us/who_we_are/house-of-delegates/wsma/about/who_we_are/house-of-delegates.aspx?hkey=c5e98d40-6e37-4bc0-9bda-a7aa66e67919">House of Delegates page</a> or by <a href="https://wsma.org/doc_library/events/annual-meeting/2024/official-actions-2024-final.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</p>
<h3>Business of medicine</h3>
<p>The WSMA will:</p>
<ul>
<li>Support a Washington state ban on non-compete clauses for physicians in the state of Washington.</li>
<li>Advocate for legislation for and assist with the development of single-source credentialing to be used by all insurance companies, medical practices, and hospitals in the state of Washington.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Climate change and climate health</h3>
<p>The WSMA will:</p>
<ul>
<li>Support and encourage support for the goals of the National Academy of Sciences Climate Journey Map.</li>
<li>Encourage hospitals and clinics to reduce use of plastics, particularly single-use plastics; endorse legislation to incentivize producers to use reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging.</li>
<li>Encourage hospitals and surgical centers to adopt programs to reduce the climate impacts of anesthesia; support legislation and funding to assist these efforts.</li>
<li>Support Medicaid coverage for in-home visits for patients with asthma and durable medical equipment interventions for indoor air pollution and other asthma triggers.</li>
<li>Support rail and other non-single-occupancy-vehicle transportation that reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Public health</h3>
<p>The WSMA will:</p>
<ul>
<li>Support ongoing research into the long-term effects of social media; support the use of social media guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Surgeon General and encourage physicians to use them as a part of patient care.</li>
<li>Recruit a delegate for and coordinate with the state's Public Health Advisory Board.</li>
<li>Increase awareness of recommendations for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infection screening, prevention, and treatment options; endorse universal screening for syphilis in pregnant persons; support improvements in specimen collection through education and modification of relevant state rules.</li>
<li>Support inclusion of harm-reduction education in competency-based curricula of medical schools and residencies; support increased educational opportunities for physicians on harm reduction as a component of medication-assisted treatment; and advocate for funding for harm-reduction resources and training for physicians and practitioners.</li>
<li>Recommend that the state of Washington make public health-based education on firearm injury prevention a standard part of the mandated health curriculum for high school students.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Prior authorization</h3>
<p>The WSMA will:</p>
<ul>
<li>Advocate for policy changes to reduce the total volume of prior authorization demands on physicians and practitioners and support exemptions for frequently approved devices and drugs.</li>
<li>Support improvements in prior authorization practices in Washington state, including: exemptions for regularly approved services and supplies; ensuring AI denials are reviewed by a human physician; development of clear criteria for peer-to-peer reviews; and improved appeals processes ensuring reviews are conducted by physicians from the same specialty as the physician requesting the appeal.</li>
<li>Support policy that hormonal contraception, long-acting reversible contraception, and immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception devices should be readily available without prior authorization and be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurers separately from the obstetrical global fee.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Addiction medicine</h3>
<p>The WSMA will:</p>
<ul>
<li>Advocate for the removal of prior authorization for and other payer-based and facility-based obstacles to evidence-based medications for addiction treatment.</li>
<li>Endorse implementation of Health Engagement Hubs: low-barrier, community-based access points using a team-based model of care where people who use drugs can receive medications to treat substance use disorders and support services.</li>
<li>Support Medicaid coverage of comprehensive postpartum services coordinated with infant care for persons with substance use disorder.</li>
<li>Endorse implementation of the COMPASSION five-day stay where birthing people with substance use disorder at the time of delivery can engage in the extended postpartum floor hospital care to receive integrated, patient-centered comprehensive service.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Reimbursement</h3>
<p>The WSMA will:</p>
<ul>
<li>Advocate for the continuation of audio-only telehealth reimbursement as a critical component of equitable health care access; encourage others in health care and advocacy to highlight the importance of audio-only telehealth services in supporting the health needs of all populations, particularly the most vulnerable; support ongoing research to assess the impact of telehealth modalities on health outcomes.</li>
<li>Advocate for legislative, regulatory, and policy changes that will result in commercial payers recognizing and reimbursing the G2211 add-on code.</li>
<li>Advocate for Medicaid to establish uniform coverage for its beneficiaries with diabetes per Medicare guidelines; advocate for comprehensive coverage of continuous glucose monitors for all diabetes patients across different insurance plans, including Medicaid.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Ballot initiatives</h3>
<p>The WSMA will publicly <a href="https://www.no2109.org/#:~:text=Vote%20NO%20on%20I-2109,%20stop%20cuts%20to%20education,%20childcare%20funding">oppose Initiative 2109</a> and provide education to its members and the public to vote "no."</p>
<h3>Insurance coverage</h3>
<p>The WSMA will endorse the establishment of pregnancy as a triggering life event for a special enrollment period in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.</p>
<h3>AI</h3>
<p>The WSMA will support physicians' and physician assistants' ability to use AI as a tool in improving patient health outcomes, reduce career fatigue, and streamline administrative processes and oppose imposing additional liability on physicians or physician assistants who use augmented/artificial intelligence for clinical and administrative purposes, or the use of AI to either increase administrative burden or impose mandates increasing physician workloads.</p>
</div> | 10/10/2024 2:33:52 PM | 10/8/2024 10:00:35 AM | 10/11/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| call-for-feedback-on-draft-oud-treatment-guidelines-from-bree-collaborative | Call for Feedback on Draft OUD Treatment Guidelines from Bree Collaborative | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/october-11/call-for-feedback-on-draft-oud-treatment-guidelines-from-bree-collaborative | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>Oct. 11, 2024</h5>
<h2>Call for Feedback on Draft OUD Treatment Guidelines from Bree Collaborative</h2>
<p>The Dr. Robert Bree Collaborative is accepting public comment on its draft <a href="https://www.qualityhealth.org/bree/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/Revised-OUD-Treatment-Report-24-public-comment-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Report and Guidelines 2024</a>. In partnership with the Washington Society of Addiction Medicine, the WSMA supports updating the guidelines to reflect current clinical practice and patient care in the era of fentanyl.</p>
<p>Some of the updated guidelines include encouraging practitioners to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Become educated on the latest evidence-based guidelines.</li>
<li>Universally screen in primary care at least annually for substance use disorders including opioid use disorder using a validated instrument (see NIDA Screening and Assessment Tools) following the United States Preventative Task Force recommendations. Physicians and practitioners not in primary care settings should also routinely screen for substance use disorders using validated instruments.</li>
<li>If a patient screens positive, or independently brings up concerns about their opioid use, ask about frequency, amount, and route of opioid use, perform comprehensive assessment, and discuss medications for opioid use disorder.</li>
</ul>
<p>A complete list of the updated guidelines is available on pages 9-11 of the report.</p>
<p>Once completed, the guidelines will be submitted to the Legislature and may be the foundation of future legislation. We encourage WSMA members to review and provide feedback on the draft report and guidelines before the deadline on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 11:59 p.m.. All comments will be presented anonymously and reviewed at the November work group meeting.</p>
</div> | 10/10/2024 2:18:07 PM | 10/8/2024 10:00:26 AM | 10/11/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| seattle-anesthesiologist-john-bramhall-md-phd-inaugurated-as-2024-2025-wsma-president | Seattle Anesthesiologist John Bramhall, MD, PhD, Inaugurated as 2024-2025 WSMA President | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/october-11/seattle-anesthesiologist-john-bramhall-md-phd-inaugurated-as-2024-2025-wsma-president | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>Oct. 11, 2024</h5>
<h2>Seattle Anesthesiologist John Bramhall, MD, PhD, Inaugurated as 2024-2025 WSMA President </h2>
<p>In addition to <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/october-11/an-overview-of-policies-passed-by-the-2024-wsma-house-of-delegates.aspx">debating and voting on policy for the WSMA</a>, the <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">2024 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates</a> saw the inauguration of a new president and the election of new WSMA officers and board members.</p>
<p>Seattle anesthesiologist <strong>John Bramhall, MD, PhD</strong>, was inaugurated as WSMA president for 2024-2025 in a traditional passing-of-the-gavel ceremony on Saturday afternoon, followed by a reception in the beautiful Hall of Doges at the Historic Davenport.</p>
<p>Dr. Bramhall recently stepped away from his position as medical director at Harborview Medical Center to serve as WSMA president. He maintains an academic position at the University of Washington School of Medicine as an associate professor in the department of anesthesiology. He brings more than 30 years of experience to his tenure as the medical association president, including a wide variety of front-line clinical roles and extensive administrative responsibilities within a large medical system, as well as 25 years of experience in academic medicine. </p>
<p>On Sunday morning, Dr. Bramhall addressed the House for his inaugural address in an inspiring speech that touched on building community and relationships and making an impact. <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/ceo-rounds/2024/ceo-rounds-oct-1-2024-showing-up-for-each-other-and-the-house-of-medicine">Read an edited transcript of his speech</a>.</p>
<p>The following physicians were elected as officers at the meeting and will serve with Dr. Bramhall on the executive committee: <strong>Bridget Bush, MD, FASA</strong>, Anacortes anesthesiologist, president-elect; <strong>Matt Hollon, MD, MPH, MACP</strong>, Spokane internist, vice president; and <strong>Bindu Nayak, MD</strong>, Wenatchee endocrinologist, secretary-treasurer. The fifth officer of WSMA's executive committee is Past-President <strong>Nariman Heshmati, MD, MBA, FACOG</strong>, Mukilteo OB-GYN, who will serve as committee chair.</p>
<p>WSMA members newly elected to the association's board of trustees include the following:</p>
<p>Elected as trustees at large for two-year terms were <strong>Avanti Bergquist, MD</strong>, Bellevue psychiatrist; <strong>Stephanie Hansen, DO</strong>, Toppenish internist; <strong>Trace Julsen, MD</strong>, Spokane family physician; <strong>Vivienne Meljen, MD</strong>, Vancouver OBGYN; and <strong>Alan Melnick, MD</strong>, Vancouver preventive medicine physician.</p>
<p>Elected to serve on the board as an American Medical Association alternate delegate for a two-year term was <strong>Heather Phipps, DO</strong>, Kennewick sports medicine physician. <strong>Anukrati Shukla, MD</strong>, Monroe internist, was elected to serve as young physician trustee and <strong>Jacob Leary, MD</strong>, Seattle internist, was elected to serve as resident trustee, both one-year terms.</p>
<p>Visit the WSMA website for a full roster of the <a href="[@]wsma/about_us/who_we_are/board-of-trustees/wsma/about/who_we_are/board-of-trustees.aspx?hkey=57dca355-fca4-4f4e-9c83-6e35aa4baabe">2024-2025 WSMA board of trustees</a>.</p>
</div> | 10/10/2024 2:33:01 PM | 10/8/2024 10:00:38 AM | 10/11/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| updated-payment-and-coding-information-for-the-2024-2025-flu-season | Updated Payment and Coding Information for the 2024-2025 Flu Season | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/october-11/updated-payment-and-coding-information-for-the-2024-2025-flu-season | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>Oct. 11, 2024</h5>
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<h2>Updated Payment and Coding Information for the 2024-2025 Flu Season</h2>
<p>In preparation for the 2024-2025 flu season, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has increased payments to physicians for flu vaccines and updated coding guidance for physicians and practices billing for flu vaccine services.</p>
<p>Physicians should bill CPT codes 90653-90673 depending on which flu vaccine they use. These codes have payment allowances varying from $10.93 to $83.49, an overall increase from last year. All CPT codes became active Aug. 1 and will remain in use until July 31, 2025. CMS revises the code list annually. <a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/part-b-drugs/vaccine-pricing">More information on vaccine pricing and coding</a> available on the CMS website. Physicians and coding staff are advised to use <a href="https://ndclist.com/search">a national drug code</a> associated with the current period to ensure payment.</p>
<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older each flu season. Medicare Part B covers the seasonal flu shot. Medicare covers additional flu shots when medically necessary. Patients can get flu shots twice in a calendar year during two different flu seasons, and Medicare will pay for both shots. <a href="https://www.cms.gov/flu-provider">More on Medicare coverage for flu shots</a>.</p>
</div> | 10/10/2024 2:18:06 PM | 10/8/2024 10:00:22 AM | 10/11/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-announces-winners-of-2024-apple-awards | WSMA Announces Winners of 2024 Apple Awards | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/october-11/wsma-announces-winners-of-2024-apple-awards | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/october/SE-01-Venticinque_240928_0343-Edit-Heshmati-Hauxwell-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Clint Hauxwell, MD receiving a WSMA Apple Award" /></div>
<h5>Oct. 11, 2024</h5>
<h2>WSMA Announces Winners of 2024 Apple Awards</h2>
<p>Five physicians and three health care organizations have been recognized by the WSMA for their extraordinary leadership, service, and contributions to medicine and patient safety. These recognitions were part of the WSMA Apple Awards program presented during the opening session of the 2024 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Historic Davenport in Spokane.</p>
<p>Four WSMA members received 2024 Grassroots Advocate Awards, honoring physicians for their advocacy efforts on behalf of the WSMA and for the physician profession. They are: <strong>Chris Chambers, MD</strong>, a Seattle surgeon specializing in oculofacial plastic and cosmetic surgery, for his testimony in opposition to optometric and naturopathic scope of practice expansion efforts and other legislative and regulatory assistance; <strong>Judy Kimelman, MD</strong>, retired Bainbridge Island OB-GYN formerly with Seattle Obstetrics and Gynecology Group, a physician-owned practice that closed its doors earlier this year, for her advocacy on economic pressures facing independent practice and her support of confidentiality protections for physician wellness programs; <strong>Douglas Seiler, MD</strong>, Tacoma radiologist and president of TRA Medical Imaging, for his advocacy on behalf of patient access to care and the Medicaid Access Program; and <strong>Mark Vossler, MD</strong>, retired Kirkland cardiologist and co-chair of the Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility Climate and Health Task Force, for his advocacy on behalf of environmental medicine.</p>
<p>The 2024 Wellness Award, which recognizes an organization that has worked to put the joy back in medicine for Washington physicians, was presented to <strong>Wenatchee Valley Medical Group</strong> and <strong>Confluence Health</strong>. The Wenatchee-based medical group and medical center were recognized for a multipronged effort that included hiring a director of provider leadership development, adopting the Leadership Index, developing a Leadership Academy, and implementing a peer support program, among many other wellness and engagement activities to support the well-being of physicians and practitioners.</p>
<p>The 2024 William O. Robertson, MD, Patient Safety Award, which recognizes innovative patient safety initiatives in the ambulatory care setting, was awarded to <strong>Family Medicine of Southwest Washington</strong>. The Vancouver-based PeaceHealth-affiliated community clinic was honored for its contribution to improved patient safety and care through the creation of The League of Safety, a committee dedicated to the implementation of an enhanced violence prevention and rapid response specific to its clinic setting and culture.</p>
<p>The 2024 President's Unsung Hero Award, which recognizes the WSMA member who contributes extraordinary service to the profession and our community, was presented to <strong>Clint Hauxwell, MD</strong>, Spokane primary care physician with MultiCare Rockwood Clinic and co-director of Foundations of Clinical Medicine University of Washington School of Medicine Spokane. Dr. Hauxwell was honored for his long legacy of strong leadership, dedication to service, and contributions to the betterment of health care through his teaching, his sponsoring students in his clinic, and his service on UW faculty.</p>
<p>Congratulations to these worthy winners-and thank you for all you do to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and to receive care. </p>
<p><em>Photo: Clint Hauxwell, MD, receives the President’s Unsung Hero Award from WSMA Past President Nari Heshmati, MD, at the 2024 WSMA Annual Meeting on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Historic Davenport in Spokane.</em></p>
</div> | 10/10/2024 4:45:05 PM | 10/8/2024 10:00:41 AM | 10/11/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-launches-your-care-is-at-our-core-advocacy-campaign | WSMA Launches Your Care Is at Our Core Advocacy Campaign | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/october-11/wsma-launches-your-care-is-at-our-core-advocacy-campaign | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>Oct. 11, 2024</h5>
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<h2>WSMA Launches Your Care Is at Our Core Advocacy Campaign</h2>
<p>At the 2024 WSMA Annual Meeting in late September in Spokane, with American Medical Association President-Elect Bobby Mukkamala, MD, in attendance, the WSMA heralded its new <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/your-care-is-at-our-core/wsma/advocacy/your-care-is-at-our-core.aspx?hkey=e7b72239-4fec-4a55-92d9-462cbf769389">Your Care is At Our Core campaign</a>, a broad communications efforts conducted in partnership with the AMA to highlight the importance of the patient-physician relationship.</p>
<p>"Physicians enter the practice of medicine because they are caring, compassionate, and genuinely want to help others," says WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD. "They are very protective of the time they spend with their patients—time to have questions answered, time for a second look, time to make the best choices together to provide the best quality care."</p>
<p>During the Annual Meeting, delegates and members received Your Care Is at Our Core buttons and postcards and had multiple opportunities to watch the campaign's introductory video.</p>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/1003802262">Watch the WSMA Your Care Is at Our Core campaign video</a>.</p>
<p>"Time spent arguing with insurers over care decisions, or fighting for reimbursements just to cover the basic costs of the care being provided is time stolen from their patients," says Dr. Bramhall. "Physicians are patients' best advocates, and it's way past time for us to push back together against artificial barriers preventing patients from accessing timely, needed care, and that keep physicians trapped in a cycle of frustration and burnout."</p>
<p>The Your Care Is at Our Core campaign will largely focus on public messaging through social media and other outlets, with a steady stream of messaging reminding patients and the public at large that the patient-doctor relationship is central to health care, that physicians should be central to treatment decisions and care; and that red tape bureaucracy makes it harder for physicians to provide the best care to patients.</p>
<p>For our members on social media, keep an eye out for our campaign messaging and help boost to your audiences. To learn more about the campaign, visit <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/your-care-is-at-our-core/wsma/advocacy/your-care-is-at-our-core.aspx?hkey=e7b72239-4fec-4a55-92d9-462cbf769389">the campaign homepage on the WSMA website</a> and stay tuned for updates in our communications in the months ahead.</p>
<p>Physicians are fighting alongside their patients. We look forward to amplifying their efforts through the <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/your-care-is-at-our-core/wsma/advocacy/your-care-is-at-our-core.aspx?hkey=e7b72239-4fec-4a55-92d9-462cbf769389">Your Care Is at Our Core campaign</a> and hope you will continue to follow along.</p>
</div> | 10/11/2024 10:53:49 AM | 10/8/2024 10:00:29 AM | 10/11/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| 7-actions-to-take-ahead-of-npsaday | 7 Actions to Take Ahead of #NPSADay | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/september-13/7-actions-to-take-ahead-of-npsaday | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>Sept. 13, 2024</h5>
<h2>7 Actions to Take Ahead of #NPSADay</h2>
<p>Sept. 17 is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. #NPSADay, part of Suicide Prevention Month, is a reminder and a call to action to make time to talk - and to act - so physicians' struggles don't become mental health emergencies. The WSMA is proud to take action to prevent physician suicide by sharing resources to help improve physician well-being, including suicide prevention resources, tips for starting important conversations about mental health, a crisis management plan, and more. This Tuesday, Sept. 17, help us recognize #NPSADay by visiting <a href="https://npsaday.org/">NPSADay.org</a> and learn how you can take action.</p>
<p>We must shift the current practice landscape to better support a culture of well-being and come together to take the necessary actions to reduce burnout, safeguard job satisfaction, remove barriers to seeking mental health services, and destigmatize seeking these services.</p>
<p>There are seven actions to help reduce physician burnout and ensure physicians' struggles don't become mental health emergencies:</p>
<ul>
<li>Learn the Vital Signs.</li>
<li>Encourage mental health reflection.</li>
<li>Share suicide prevention resources.</li>
<li>Prepare before a moment of crisis.</li>
<li>Check in with a physician.</li>
<li>Remove intrusive mental health questions.</li>
<li>Create a culture of well-being.</li>
</ul>
<p>Take action today. Everyone has a role in reducing physician suicide, and you can learn about yours at <a href="https://npsaday.org/">NPSADay.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 9/12/2024 3:50:10 PM | 9/12/2024 3:45:48 PM | 9/13/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| become-an-effective-board-member-with-wsma-effective-board-governance-course | Become an Effective Board Member with WSMA Effective Board Governance Course | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/september-13/become-an-effective-board-member-with-wsma-effective-board-governance-course | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>Sept. 13, 2024</h5>
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<h2>Become an Effective Board Member with WSMA Effective Board Governance Course</h2>
<p>
<em>One-day virtual seminar, Nov. 15, 2024</em>
</p>
<p>The WSMA Effective Board Governance Course, led by Ed Walker, MD, is a full-day seminar providing in-depth education about governance: what it is, what boards do, why they exist, and how you can be an effective participant. This course is open to alumni and non-alumni of WSMA's leadership courses who are in a physician leadership role in their organization.</p>
<p>Now more than ever, physicians are being asked to serve on the board of their clinic, medical group, or integrated system. But to be an effective board member it is important to understand the difference between a constituency-based board and a representative board, what's expected of you in terms of fiduciary responsibility, who you are expected to represent, and how to be effective in communicating as a board member. Equipped with this knowledge, physicians can be even stronger leaders and bring a powerful voice and perspective to any board.</p>
<p><a href="[@]wsma/education/physician_leadership/effective_board_governance/wsma/physician_leadership/effective_board_governance/effective_board_governance.aspx?hkey=75c1d687-1473-49fa-bd43-4c1099f60072">Register for the course online</a>. The registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 15. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢.</em></p>
</div> | 9/12/2024 3:50:10 PM | 9/12/2024 3:46:14 PM | 9/13/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| new-cme-program-transcending-clinical-excellence-mastering-emotional-intelligence | New CME Program: Transcending Clinical Excellence: Mastering Emotional Intelligence | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/september-13/new-cme-program-transcending-clinical-excellence-mastering-emotional-intelligence | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>Sept. 13, 2024</h5>
<h2>New CME Program: Transcending Clinical Excellence: Mastering Emotional Intelligence</h2>
<p>Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and interpersonal growth with a new CME course from the WSMA Foundation, Transcending Clinical Excellence: Mastering Emotional Intelligence. Whether you're seeking to enhance your leadership abilities, strengthen your clinical relationships, or simply enrich your personal life, this course offers a comprehensive toolkit for unlocking the power of emotional intelligence and fostering stronger connections with those around you.</p>
<h3>The course in brief</h3>
<p>Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, you'll cultivate the skills essential for fostering meaningful connections and resolving conflicts in the workplace empathetically. This course is longitudinal (your progress will be measured over time), and multimodal (the course features different methods of learning), giving learners multiple touchpoints on different aspects of emotional intelligence and allowing for deep understanding and opportunities to apply skills in practice.</p>
<h3>Who this course is for</h3>
<p>This course is available to WSMA member and nonmember physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and all other clinicians looking to increase their emotional intelligence (with a discount available for members). Whether you are already a leader or considering a leadership role, you can benefit from this course.</p>
<h3>Course details</h3>
<p>Beginning Friday, Jan. 31, sessions will be held virtually every Friday from noon-2 p.m. through March 21 (skipping Feb. 21 for midwinter break), with a final in-person session at the WSMA Seattle office on March 28.</p>
<h3>Instructors</h3>
<p>This course is led by Nina Willow, MD, and Amy Mohelnitzky, PA-C. Dr. Willow is a family physician who coaches health care professionals at all levels on enhancing patient satisfaction, clinical efficiency, and physician well-being. PA Mohelnitzky leads the Clinician-Patient Communication Program at Kaiser Permanente Washington.</p>
<p><a href="[@]wsma/foundation/physician-wellness/mastering-emotional-intelligence/wsma/foundation/physician-wellness/transcending-clinical-excellence-mastering-emotional-intelligence.aspx?hkey=d9d3ac56-9fc3-44da-93ed-8d253a568a35&amp;_zs=lfaFd1&amp;_zl=F1cn9">Register for the course online</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em><sup>TM</sup>.</p>
</div> | 9/12/2024 4:04:43 PM | 9/12/2024 3:58:31 PM | 9/13/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| new-member-benefit-custom-contract-review-with-resolve | New Member Benefit: Custom Contract Review with Resolve | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/september-13/new-member-benefit-custom-contract-review-with-resolve | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/september/handshake-contract-illustration-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="illustration of two people shaking hands" /></div>
<h5>Sept. 13, 2024</h5>
<h2>New Member Benefit: Custom Contract Review with Resolve</h2>
<p>In a recent WSMA member survey, when asked what tangible actions the WSMA could take to better support employed physicians, a majority of respondents (62%) noted they would appreciate help with reviewing physician employment contracts. Help is now available through a new collaboration with a physician-focused contract review organization called <a href="https://go.resolve.com/wsma?utm_campaign=Washington%20State%20Medical%20Association&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=partner-page">Resolve</a>.</p>
<p>Resolve's team of experts are now ready to assist WSMA members with their employment contract reviews. Whether you are signing your first employment contract or renegotiating a current one, their team ensures your terms are fair. And as a WSMA member, you receive a 10% discount on Resolve's services.</p>
<h3>How Resolve works for you</h3>
<p>By engaging with Resolve, you'll be connected with a specialized attorney who will take your priorities into account, review your contract in full, make suggestions, and even negotiate on your behalf. Detailed compensation data unique to your specialty and location is also provided, so you always know what you should be earning. With the right data, insights, and expertise, Resolve ensures your contract is written fairly and you are earning the compensation you deserve. Our partners at Resolve note that contracts they review and negotiate typically see an average of $24,000 in increased compensation.</p>
<h3>A well-vetted service</h3>
<p>Resolve is a trusted resource for the physician community, currently partnering with state medical associations in Nebraska, Oregon, New York, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Florida, as well as national specialty societies such as the American College of Surgeons, American College of Radiology, American Academy of Otolaryngology, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Physicians, and American Academy of Family Physicians.</p>
<h3>Get started</h3>
<p>To get started, go to <a href="https://go.resolve.com/wsma?utm_campaign=Washington%20State%20Medical%20Association&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=partner-page">the Resolve website</a> and use code WSMA10 at checkout to receive your member discount.</p>
</div> | 9/12/2024 3:30:08 PM | 9/11/2024 12:59:29 PM | 9/13/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| proposed-policy-resolutions-now-available-online-for-member-feedback | Proposed Policy Resolutions Now Available Online for Member Feedback | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/september-13/proposed-policy-resolutions-now-available-online-for-member-feedback | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/september/multicolor-word-bubbles-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="multicolor word bubble over silhouettes" /></div>
<h5>Sept. 13, 2024</h5>
<h2>Proposed Policy Resolutions Now Available Online for Member Feedback </h2>
<p>Policymaking is at the heart of the annual meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates, and to help inform the debates around good health care policy, the expertise and experience of WSMA members is highly valued. To help our members participate in the policymaking process, particularly those who may not be able to attend the meeting in person, the WSMA offers secure, members-only virtual reference committees, where you can review and discuss the resolutions that will be considered at the 2024 WSMA Annual Meeting, Sept. 28-29 in Spokane.</p>
<p>More than 40 resolutions are now available for member feedback in the virtual reference committees ahead of the WSMA Annual Meeting. Please consider reviewing and providing your perspective and subject-matter expertise in the days ahead. The deadline for commenting in the virtual reference committees is midnight on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Testimony provided in the virtual reference committees is given equal weight to that of in-person testimony and helps to streamline the discussions at the Annual Meeting.</p>
<h3>Resolutions now available for member feedback</h3>
<p>Resolutions currently available for comment include:</p>
<p>B-1: Public Health Advisory Board Resolution</p>
<p>B-2: Directing WSMA to Advocate for a Reduced Volume of Prior Authorizations</p>
<p>B-3: Improving Sexual Health in Washington State</p>
<p>B-4: Increasing Harm Reduction Education and Resources</p>
<p>B-5: Inactive Counties Section to the House of Delegates</p>
<p>B-6: Liability Protections and Mentorship Program for Physicians</p>
<p>B-7: Maintaining Medicaid Reimbursement for Audio-Only Telehealth Visits</p>
<p>B-8: Health Risks of Micro and Nano Plastics</p>
<p>B-9: Ensuring Effective Collaboration Between WSMA and County Medical Societies</p>
<p>B-10: Training Primary Care Physicians in Prescribing Medications for Psychiatric Conditions</p>
<p>B-11: Adolescent Screening for Unhealthy Social Media Use in the Health Care Setting</p>
<p>B-12: Removing Prior Authorization from the Buprenorphine Monoproduct</p>
<p>B-13: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Standing Committee</p>
<p>B-14: Supporting Physician Use of AI in Practice Settings</p>
<p>B-15: Expanding Payment for Visit Complexity for Office/Other Outpatient Services to Commercial Payers</p>
<p>B-16: Advancing Access to Health Savings Accounts for All Americans</p>
<p>B-17: Reporting of Health Care Access Metrics</p>
<p>B-18: Enhancing Public Safety Through Standardized Placement and Expanded Access of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Public Spaces</p>
<p>B-19: Ensuring Regular Updates to Originating County Societies on the Status of Submitted Resolutions</p>
<p>B-20: Reinforce and Clarify Residency and Practice Requirements for WSMA Board of Trustees</p>
<p>C-1: Supporting Access to Contraception Without Prior Authorization</p>
<p>C-2: Creating a Digital Repository for Sterilization and Hysterectomy Consents</p>
<p>C-3: Diaper Product Access and Retail Tax Exemption</p>
<p>C-4: Expanding Medicaid Coverage to Include Air Purifiers or Air Cleaners in Washington State for Individuals with Asthma</p>
<p>C-5: Urging Washington State Department of Transportation to Complete Full AMTRAK CASCADES Infrastructure Plan</p>
<p>C-6: Making Education on Firearm Injury Prevention a Standard Part of the Health Curriculum for Washington State High School Students</p>
<p>C-7: Hospital Pricing and Ensuring Equitable Distribution of Health Care Funds</p>
<p>C-8: Establishing the Washington State Commission on Boys and Men</p>
<p>C-9: Continuous Glucose Monitoring for People with Diabetes</p>
<p>C-10: Regarding Reducing Climate Impacts of Anesthesia</p>
<p>C-11: Maintaining Training Requirements for Coroners and Medical Examiners in Counties Under 40,000 Population</p>
<p>C-12: Support for Legislation that Improves Health via Implementation of a Tax on Extreme Wealth</p>
<p>C-13: Washington State Return-to-Service Loan Repayment</p>
<p>C-14: Washington State Senior Medical Corp</p>
<p>C-15: Washington State Single Source Credentialing</p>
<p>C-16: Support for the Health Engagement Hub Model of Addiction Treatment</p>
<p>C-17: Reforming the Prior Authorization Processes</p>
<p>C-18: Addressing Health Disparities in Maternal and Infant Mortality</p>
<p>C-19: Legal Immunity to Physicians for Good Faith Reporting of Impaired Drivers</p>
<p>C-20: Enhancing and Expanding Financial Support for Medical Education in Washington State</p>
<p>C-21: Enhancing Awareness and Access to the Washington State Child Tax Credit</p>
<p>C-22: Advocacy for Extending Medicaid Coverage and Increasing Funding for Postpartum Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment</p>
<p>C-23: Support for Improving Maternal Health Outcomes and Extended Postdelivery Hospital Care for Birthing People with Substance Use Disorder</p>
<h3>Accessing the virtual reference committees</h3>
<p>If you haven't yet joined the virtual reference committees, you can <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/virtual-reference-committees/wsma/events/annual_meeting/virtual-reference-committees.aspx?hkey=e30c0e9a-efb8-4160-821e-fa2485cc6bdd">learn how to do so on the WSMA website</a>.</p>
<h3>Delegate handbook now available</h3>
<p>The WSMA delegate handbook is now available for download from 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>. The delegate handbook contains reports on issues and programs implemented or recommended by the WSMA board of trustees and executive committee and resolutions submitted by individual delegates or delegations.</p>
<h3>How the House of Delegates works</h3>
<p>All legislative power of the WSMA is vested in the voting members of the WSMA House of Delegates. Learn more about the <a href="[@]wsma/about/who_we_are/house-of-delegates.aspx?&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927&amp;hkey=c5e98d40-6e37-4bc0-9bda-a7aa66e67919">House of Delegates and how it makes policy for the WSMA</a>.</p>
<h3>Register for the 2024 WSMA Annual Meeting</h3>
<p>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. Rooms can be booked at the Historic Davenport or the Davenport Towers across the street. Room rates vary and can be booked online <a href="https://www.davenporthotelcollection.com/">here</a>.</p>
</div> | 9/12/2024 3:18:48 PM | 9/11/2024 12:59:20 PM | 9/13/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| results-from-wsma-survey-on-noncompete-agreements | Results from WSMA Survey on Noncompete Agreements | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/september-13/results-from-wsma-survey-on-noncompete-agreements | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/september/contract-unsplash-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="hand holding a pen, signing a contract" /></div>
<h5>Sept. 13, 2024</h5>
<h2>Results from WSMA Survey on Noncompete Agreements </h2>
<p>The WSMA conducted a survey of its members in July to better understand their thoughts on noncompete agreements and how they're being impacted by these contracts. Some 245 physicians and physician assistants responded. Here are the results.</p>
<ul>
<li>A majority of respondents said they were subject to a noncompete agreement (57%).</li>
<li>The vast majority supported restrictions on the imposition of noncompetes, either in the form of a ban on their use (77%), significant limitations (15%), or some restrictions (5%). Just 2% said they supported noncompetes and opposed restrictions on their use.</li>
<li>Respondents subject to noncompete agreements noted that:</li>
<ul>
<li>98% included geographic restrictions.</li>
<li>91% included time-period restrictions.</li>
<li>A majority of agreements:</li>
<ul>
<li>Included provisions restricting the physical area where they may practice if they leave their current employer.</li>
<li>Imposed a set length of time a physician may not practice within a given physical area.</li>
</ul>
<li>Two less common, but still prevalent included restrictions around contacting and serving patients (47%) and line of business (46%).</li>
</ul>
<li>When looking at the demographic crosstabs of respondents, members who said they practiced at an independent group practice were more likely to be part of a noncompete agreement than average (65%), however, were slightly less likely to support a ban on noncompete agreements (61%).</li>
<li>The majority of survey respondents supported either a ban on noncompete agreements (76.54%) or significant limitations (15.23%). Just 4.53% of respondents supported only some restrictions on noncompete agreements and only 2.47% of respondents fully supported noncompete agreements and opposed any restrictions on them.</li>
</ul>
<p>In a development that could have a vast impact across the health care sector, earlier this spring the Federal Trade Commission issued a rule banning post-employment noncompete agreements under the FTC Act. However, last month a <a href="https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/legal-regulatory-issues/federal-judge-strikes-down-ftcs-noncompete-ban-nationwide.html">Texas court issued an injunction blocking implementation of the FTC rule</a>, which would have gone into effect Sept. 4, 2024. We will monitor the legal process around the FTC final rule and keep members posted on relevant developments in the weeks ahead.</p>
<h3>For our employed physicians: Help is now available with your employment contracts</h3>
<p>A majority of survey respondents (62%) noted they would appreciate help with reviewing physician employment contracts. To assist our employed members, the WSMA has partnered with a physician-focused contract review organization called <a href="https://go.resolve.com/wsma?utm_campaign=Washington%20State%20Medical%20Association&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=partner-page">Resolve</a>. Resolve's team of experts are now ready to assist WSMA members with their employment contract reviews. Whether you are signing your first employment contract or renegotiating a current one, their team ensures your terms are fair. Even better, as a WSMA member, you receive a 10% discount on Resolve's services. Learn more about Resolve and their services in <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/september-13/new-member-benefit-custom-contract-review-with-resolve.aspx">this issue of the Membership Memo</a>.</p>
</div> | 9/12/2024 4:04:54 PM | 9/12/2024 4:04:10 PM | 9/13/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| spokane-county-medical-society-presents-scms-medicine-2024 | Spokane County Medical Society Presents SCMS Medicine 2024 | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/september-13/spokane-county-medical-society-presents-scms-medicine-2024 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/september/davenport-exterior.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="exterior of Davenport Hotel" /></div>
<h5>Sept. 13, 2024</h5>
<h2>Spokane County Medical Society Presents SCMS Medicine 2024</h2>
<p>On Friday, Sept. 27, the day prior to the start of the <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">2024 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates</a>, the Spokane County Medical Society will present its traditional pre-meeting CME program, SCMS Medicine 2024, also at The Historic Davenport. If you're attending the WSMA Annual Meeting or live in the Spokane area, consider joining your colleagues on Friday for this robust, all-day, multi-subject program that aims to improve the quality of care for physicians and their patients.</p>
<p>Topics and speakers scheduled include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Climate Change and the Physician: What We Need to Know, What We Need to Do - Howard Frumkin, MD, Dr.P.H., FACP</li>
<li>Practical Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring - Carol H. Wysham, MD</li>
<li>Therapeutic Transformation of Chronic Kidney Disease - Katherine R. Tuttle, MD, FASN, FACP, FNKF</li>
<li>Testosterone: Friend or Foe - Ken Cathcart, DO</li>
<li>COPD: Updates and Review for 2024 - Laura J. Spece, MD, MS</li>
<li>Updates on Diagnosis and Management of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders - Silvia Russo, MD</li>
<li>Women's Health Update - Rising Topics in 2024 - Jessica Wahlgren, MD</li>
</ul>
<p>For the agenda and meeting details, <a href="https://members.spcms.org/event-calendar/Details/scms-medicine-2024-1030025?sourceTypeId=EmailInvitation">visit the SCMS meeting webpage</a>.</p>
<p>If you've registered for the WSMA Annual Meeting, note that separate registration is required for SCMS Medicine 2024. <a href="https://members.spcms.org/ap/Events/Register/lzFA3BOHjC5Cw">Register for SCMS Medicine 2024</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢.</em></p>
</div> | 9/12/2024 4:05:10 PM | 9/12/2024 4:03:59 PM | 9/13/2024 12:00:00 AM |