| new-department-of-health-report-maternal-deaths-increased-62-percent-since-2020 | New Department of Health Report: Maternal Deaths Increased 62% Since 2020 | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2026/january-9/new-department-of-health-report-maternal-deaths-increased-62-percent-since-2020 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2026/january/pregnant-patient-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Pregnant patient" /></div>
<h5>Jan. 9, 2026</h5>
<h2>New Department of Health Report: Maternal Deaths Increased 62% Since 2020 </h2>
<p>
The Department of Health has released its <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-10/141-253-MaternalMortalityReviewPanelReport-2025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">2025 Maternal Mortality Review Panel report</a> presenting findings from 2021-2022 and offering recommendations to improve care and save lives. Pregnancy-related maternal mortality rates in Washington rose to 30.5 per 100,000 live births in 2021-2022, a statistically significant increase from the state's rate of 19.0 per 100,000 live births in 2017-2020.
</p>
<p>
Other key findings include: Most pregnancy-related deaths (82%) were preventable. The leading underlying cause of pregnancy-related death was accidental overdose, accounting for 33% of deaths, with most cases involving fentanyl. COVID-19 was the second-highest cause at 14%, followed by cardiovascular conditions (10%), suicide (10%), and thrombotic embolisms or blood clots (10%).
</p>
<p>
To help prevent maternal deaths from COVID-19, the department and the <a href="https://governor.wa.gov/news/2025/washington-california-and-oregon-launch-new-west-coast-health-alliance-uphold-scientific-integrity">West Coast Health Alliance recommend the COVID-19 vaccine</a> for all pregnant people, as well as for those who are planning pregnancy, are postpartum, or are lactating. Every COVID-19 death in the new report occurred in someone who was unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated at the time of diagnosis. The report also includes recommendations to address the root causes and systemic gaps contributing to these deaths. Learn more on the <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/department-health-releases-2025-maternal-mortality-review-panel-report">Department of Health website</a>.
</p>
</div> | 1/8/2026 2:44:23 PM | 1/8/2026 2:31:26 PM | 1/9/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| resolve-contract-hub-brings-greater-clarity-to-physician-compensation-and-contracts | Resolve Contract Hub Brings Greater Clarity to Physician Compensation and Contracts | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2026/january-9/resolve-contract-hub-brings-greater-clarity-to-physician-compensation-and-contracts | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2026/january/guaranteed-compensation-distribution-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Guaranteed Compensation Distribution chart" /></div>
<h5>Jan. 9, 2026</h5>
<h2>Resolve Contract Hub Brings Greater Clarity to Physician Compensation and Contracts </h2>
<p>*Sponsored Content*</p>
<p>
<em>Navigate employment contracting with confidence </em>
</p>
<p>
Understanding physician compensation and employment contracts has become increasingly complex. To help physicians navigate contract terminology and negotiate with confidence, Resolve, a trusted partner of the Washington State Medical Association, has released a <a href="https://go.resolve.com/contract-hub-wsma?utm_campaign=Washington%20State%20Medical%20Association&amp;utm_source=article&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_content=contract-hub-article">compensation and contract data dashboard</a> designed to deliver clearer, more actionable insights for physicians across all specialties.
</p>
<p>
The Contract Hub allows physicians to upload new or existing employment contracts and compare them against real-time market data based on specialty, geography, and practice setting. This helps physicians quickly assess whether compensation, productivity expectations, and other contract terms align with current norms in Washington and beyond.
</p>
<p>
In addition to base compensation and productivity metrics, the Contract Hub provides visibility into key contractual components that can significantly impact long-term career outcomes, including:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Benefits structures </li>
<li>Malpractice insurance and tail coverage </li>
<li>Non-compete language </li>
<li>Call expectations and workload </li>
</ul>
<p>
These elements are displayed through clear visualizations, making it easier to interpret complex data and identify potential gaps or risks in an employment contract.
</p>
<p>
The <a href="https://go.resolve.com/contract-hub-wsma?utm_campaign=Washington%20State%20Medical%20Association&amp;utm_source=article&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_content=contract-hub-article">Resolve Contract Hub</a> is designed to support physicians at every career stage-from residents and fellows reviewing first offers to experienced physicians evaluating new opportunities or reassessing current contracts. By leveraging detailed physician contract data, WSMA members gain a clearer understanding of how their job offers or full contracts compare to the broader market.
</p>
<p>
As part of WSMA's partnership with Resolve, members have access to the Contract Hub along with discounted pricing on Resolve's physician contract review and compensation advisory services. These tools are intended to help physicians approach employment decisions informed, prepared, and confident.
</p>
<p>
WSMA members can learn more about Resolve and access available benefits through the <a href="[@]wsma/membership/why_join_the_wsma_/partners-in-medicine/resolve.aspx">WSMA Partners in Medicine program here</a>. Use code <a href="https://go.resolve.com/wsma?utm_campaign=Washington%20State%20Medical%20Association&amp;utm_source=article&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_content=contract%20hub%20article">WSMA10</a> for 10% off any package.
</p>
</div> | 1/9/2026 9:03:57 AM | 1/8/2026 2:31:25 PM | 1/9/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| the-power-of-health-savings-accounts | The Power of Health Savings Accounts | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2026/january-9/the-power-of-health-savings-accounts | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2026/january/doctor-piggy-bank-illustration-shutterstock-1860228250-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="illustration of a doctor standing by a giant piggy bank" /></div>
<h5>Jan. 9, 2026</h5>
<h2>The Power of Health Savings Accounts </h2>
<p>
By Elizabeth Hail, Northern Capital Management
</p>
<p>
<em>Looking for a boost to your retirement savings options? Look closer into opening a health savings account</em>.
</p>
<p>
Health savings accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts designed to cover health care expenses to and through retirement. These tax-advantaged accounts offer benefits akin to those of contributing to a pre-tax employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as tax-free contributions and tax-free growth. However, unlike your typical retirement account, health savings account contributions are made pre-FICA tax, making them even more tax-advantaged! While these vehicles were designed to help offset health care costs, many offer an investment menu, similar to your employer retirement plan. This allows you to invest a large portion of the account for potential appreciation above and beyond traditional savings rates.
</p>
<p>
<em>Notable: It is important to note that health savings accounts must be paired with a high-deductible health plan. As such, they are not available within all benefit structures.</em>
</p>
<p>
Benefits, per current law, include but are not limited to:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Potential quadruple tax exempt:
<ul>
<li>Tax-free contributions.</li>
<li>Tax-free growth.</li>
<li>Contributions made are pre-FICA tax.</li>
<li>Tax-free withdrawals (if used for qualified medical expenses).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Penalty-free withdrawals after age 65.</li>
<li>Potential employer contributions to help fund your account.</li>
<li>Portability (you can transfer to a new employer, assuming they have a high-deductible health plan).</li>
</ul>
<p>
Other unique features include:
</p>
<ul>
<li>No time limit on reimbursement (if you keep records of your qualified medical expenses, you can make withdrawals against those reimbursements years down the road!).</li>
<li>Can be used to pay long-term care or COBRA premiums (up to certain limits).</li>
<li>Not subject to probate.</li>
</ul>
<p>
It is important to note that any health savings account withdrawal not used for qualified medical expenses will be subject to ordinary income tax and a 20% tax penalty. After age 65, or upon disability, the penalty is typically not assessed.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Primary takeaway:</strong> With their tax-advantaged nature and multifaceted benefits, health savings accounts can serve as a great complement to your overall financial plan. If you retain and invest your balance (not tap for medical expenses), those funds can compound to further enrich your retirement savings reservoir.
</p>
<h3>Questions?</h3>
<p>
Northern Capital Management advisors are certified financial planners with extensive experience working with medical professionals.
</p>
<p>
You may reach us by utilizing our <a href="https://northernwelcome.com/wsma-contact">WSMA member contact form</a>.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA is a client of Northern Capital Management and Northern Capital Retirement Services and receives compensation for promoting our services. As a result of the compensation arrangement there is an inherent conflict of interest. <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2026/ncm-promoter-disclosure.pdf]" target="_blank">Disclosure</a>.
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://northernwelcome.com/wsma-members">Northern Capital Management</a>
</p>
<p>
See here for current IRS funding limits and more detailed information:
<a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p969">https://www.irs.gov/publications/p969</a>
</p>
<p>
Sources:
</p>
<ol>
<li>Cpa/Pfs, B. K. C. L. (2023, January 24). 9 facts about HSAs that might surprise your clients. Journal of Accountancy. <a href="https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2023/jan/9-facts-hsa-that-might-surprise-your-clients.html">https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2023/jan/9-facts-hsa-that-might-surprise-your-clients.html</a> </li>
<li>Publication 969 (2024), Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans | Internal Revenue Service. (n.d.). <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p969">https://www.irs.gov/publications/p969</a> </li>
</ol>
</div> | 1/8/2026 2:48:38 PM | 1/8/2026 2:30:07 PM | 1/9/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-foundation-selects-elson-s-floyd-college-of-medicine-for-new-medical-school-scholarship | WSMA Foundation Selects Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine for New Medical School Scholarship | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/december-12/wsma-foundation-selects-elson-s-floyd-college-of-medicine-for-new-medical-school-scholarship | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/december/future-physician-scholarship-graphic-mountain-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Future Physician Scholarship logo" /></div>
<h5>Dec. 12, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA Foundation Selects Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine for New Medical School Scholarship </h2>
<p>After reaching its fundraising goal of $1.5 million through its endowment fund, the WSMA Foundation for Health Care Improvement has selected the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine for its first four-year scholarship to a student to attend the medical school in Washington state. The investment reflects a strategic priority for both organizations to reduce financial barriers to medical education, increase representation in medicine, improve health equity, and strengthen the physician workforce.</p>
<p>Leading a much-needed change within the medical community of Washington state, in 2023 the WSMA Foundation launched the Scholarship and Diversity Advancement Fund to provide fully funded medical education for students and to build a mentoring program and community to support these students. Ultimately, the endowment seeks to fund one four-year scholarship at each of the three Washington state medical schools.</p>
<p>"At the WSMA Foundation, we believe that medicine should reflect the diversity of the communities it serves," says WSMA Foundation President Bindu Nayak, MD. "Yet, many talented, passionate students face barriers to pursuing their dreams of becoming doctors-barriers that often begin with the steep cost of medical education. With this WSMA Foundation Future Physician Scholarship, we hope to help a deserving student accomplish their dream of becoming a physician by taking at least the financial barrier off the table." </p>
<p>Crossing the fundraising threshold and selecting the medical school for its first scholarship is a significant achievement for the foundation, the WSMA, and the many physician and health care donors who helped make this possible. Thank you to all WSMA members and other donors for their generosity.</p>
<p>The scholarship application cycle will open in February. Learn more and about and donate to the Scholarship and Diversity Advancement Fund and the Future Physician Scholarship <a href="https://foundation.wsma.org/donate-scholarship/">here</a>.</p>
</div> | 12/12/2025 8:18:21 AM | 12/11/2025 10:46:40 AM | 12/12/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| cme-podcast-episodes-available-on-wellness-safe-rx-and-oud-treatment | CME Podcast Episodes Available on Wellness, Safe Rx, and OUD Treatment | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/december-12/cme-podcast-episodes-available-on-wellness-safe-rx-and-oud-treatment | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/december/wsma-podcasts-icon-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA Podcasts logo" /></div>
<h5>Dec. 12, 2025</h5>
<h2>CME Podcast Episodes Available on Wellness, Safe Rx, and OUD Treatment </h2>
<p>Catch up on episodes from our Physician and Practitioner Wellness Podcast and Better Prescribing Better Treatment Podcast, all featuring CME.</p>
<h3>Physician and Practitioner Wellness Podcast </h3>
<p>The Physician and Practitioner Wellness Podcast is freely available to all practitioner types. Thirteen episodes are available from the <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/physician-and-practitioner-wellness-podcast/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/physician-and-practitioner-wellness-podcast.aspx?hkey=bc2edb3f-b410-48c8-8e36-1b9c4f24af67">WSMA website</a> or from our podcast channel, WSMA Podcasts, available through <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wsma-podcasts/id1702920307">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0PBMBLgHr6e0X3OaMjyJON?si=af140842c00c430c">Spotify</a>. Each podcast is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>.</p>
<ul>
<li>Episode 1: Community Well-Being: A Collective Voice for Change</li>
<li>Episode 2: Wellness-Centered Leadership</li>
<li>Episode 3: Building a Business Case for Well-Being</li>
<li>Episode 4: Use of Team-Based Care to Improve Clinician Professional Fulfillment</li>
<li>Episode 5: Thriving in Medicine</li>
<li>Episode 6: Fierce Self-Compassion and Boundaries</li>
<li>Episode 7: The Power of Our Mindset and Perspectives</li>
<li>Episode 8: Coaching Programs to Improve Wellness</li>
<li>Episode 9: Stress Less: Tools for Clinician Well-Being and Compassion</li>
<li>Episode 10: Advocacy as Wellness: Navigating the Path to Reform and Resilience</li>
<li>Episode 11: Efficiency as Wellness: How Smarter EHRs Strengthen Health Systems and Clinicians</li>
<li>Episode 12: Compassionate Care Starting with Ourselves: Cultivating Self-Compassion in Clinical Practice</li>
<li>Episode 13: Trauma-Informed Care</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Podcast</strong></p>
<p>Better Prescribing, Better Treatment is WSMA's peer-to-peer safe prescribing and opioid-use-disorder treatment initiative. Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, is your host. Twenty-six episodes are available from the <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/resources/better-prescribing-better-treatment/better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast/wsma/resources/better-prescribing-better-treatment/better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast.aspx?hkey=f35d3146-6429-442e-ac83-7ee35fa33ecb">WSMA website</a> or from our podcast channel, WSMA Podcasts, available through <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wsma-podcasts/id1702920307">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0PBMBLgHr6e0X3OaMjyJON?si=af140842c00c430c">Spotify</a>. Each podcast is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>. The latest episodes are below; visit the webpage for the full episode list.</p>
<ul>
<li>Episode 17: Opioids and Physician Assistants</li>
<li>Episode 18: Buprenorphine Guidelines and Fentanyl</li>
<li>Episode 19: Telemedicine and Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder</li>
<li>Episode 20: Schools and Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder</li>
<li>Episode 21: Regulation and Legislative Update</li>
<li>Episode 22: First Responders and the Opioid Crisis</li>
<li>Episode 23: OUD Treatment in Tribal Clinics</li>
<li>Episode 24: Benzodiazepines and Sedative Safe Prescribing Guidelines</li>
<li>Episode 25: Variants and Novel Drugs</li>
<li>Episode 26: Injectable Buprenorphine Prescribing</li>
</ul>
</div> | 12/11/2025 2:50:33 PM | 12/11/2025 10:46:37 AM | 12/11/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| practice-partnerships-result-in-thousands-of-rsv-doses-saved-next-steps-in-rsv-ordering | Practice Partnerships Result in Thousands of RSV Doses Saved; Next Steps in RSV Ordering | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/december-12/practice-partnerships-result-in-thousands-of-rsv-doses-saved-next-steps-in-rsv-ordering | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/december/getty-images-b5fx4tswk-a-unsplash-for-web.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="doctor giving vaccination to child" /></div>
<h5>Dec. 12, 2025</h5>
<h2>Practice Partnerships Result in Thousands of RSV Doses Saved; Next Steps in RSV Ordering </h2>
<p>Thanks to the commitment and partnership of physician practices and practitioners across the state, over 5,500 doses of expiring RSV vaccine (nirsevimab)-valued at $2.3 million-have been successfully redistributed and used, preventing waste and helping protect the financial sustainability of Washington's universal Childhood Vaccine Program. Feedback on the challenges of nirsevimab ordering restrictions, transfer processes, and time delays was crucial in helping guide improvements in coordination and communication, resulting in more than 500 successful transfers, with clinics, tribes, and local health jurisdictions working together to share product regionally. This effort was coordinated by the <a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps:%252F%252Fdoh.wa.gov%252F%2F1%2F010101987af94973-1c257704-9d50-4b0f-8abf-4c40423d3cb1-000000%2FbeT_V1aJ8VW0E-v7GtOI7YgdJXO4lIuqEo7GhWz0giM=416/1/0101019a36bbb0d8-016fa24b-e60d-418c-9798-78ed3edad177-000000/Fc1yGJVcXMu5DEIVhReu3V37zEUs6ScVwWlw4VymhU8=429">Washington State Department of Health</a>, <a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps:%252F%252Fwcaap.org%252F%2F1%2F010101987af94973-1c257704-9d50-4b0f-8abf-4c40423d3cb1-000000%2F17x99UVbCjmWJLUNztdNOQVJeateVc_s_-XqeccDGr0=416/1/0101019a36bbb0d8-016fa24b-e60d-418c-9798-78ed3edad177-000000/Fz--XAsVo4kf9NGvdNR8VleiyJ2dVnSx6Yb-DS9tcQE=429">Washington Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics</a>, and the <a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps:%252F%252Fwavaccine.org%252F%2F1%2F010101987af94973-1c257704-9d50-4b0f-8abf-4c40423d3cb1-000000%2F1El9Fm3pIM8LotWVHgm73NwbiB7ASH3PIsy94w4CAFo=416/1/0101019a36bbb0d8-016fa24b-e60d-418c-9798-78ed3edad177-000000/fZ_g6IvxVxrTUHZE86-s5I8Tf2ROXOaNma79Pj5qgf0=429">Washington Vaccine Association</a>.  </p>
<h3>RSV ordering status </h3>
<p>Ordering for nirsevimab opened statewide on Oct. 8. Vaccine providers will continue to have the opportunity to order at least weekly. The Department of Health continues to monitor orders closely and expects the process to become smoother moving forward. The goal is to use all RSV product by the end of the season on March 31 so that no doses are held over to next fall. When a product is close to expiring, it should be posted for transfer at least four weeks before expiration to help ensure it is fully utilized.</p>
<h3>Next steps</h3>
<ul>
<li>Order responsibly: small quantities, more often, and only what you will use.</li>
<li>Prioritize use of short-dated vaccines first.</li>
<li>Advertise expiring doses on the <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/348808-VaccineImmunizationProducts.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">vaccine advertisement page</a> in the IIS.</li>
<li>Ensure proper storage safeguards, especially during extreme weather or power outages.</li>
<li>Please refer to the Department of Health's <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/bulletins/3f2e65c">previous communication</a> for current RSV vaccine ordering guidance, schedules, and caps.</li>
</ul>
<p>The partnership with clinics and physician organizations helps reduce waste, maximize access, and protect the sustainability of this vital public health program. For assistance with vaccine transfers, see the <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs/348-833-VaccineTransferChecklist.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">vaccine transfer checklist</a> and <a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps:%252F%252Fdoh.wa.gov%252Fsites%252Fdefault%252Ffiles%252Flegacy%252FDocuments%252FPubs%252F348-740-VaccineTransferFAQ.pdf%2F1%2F010101987af94973-1c257704-9d50-4b0f-8abf-4c40423d3cb1-000000%2FgQ9VD0rPI1L8zfld1u0Uv9ejOf1Uu6mL4-_uEg7odl8=416/1/0101019a36bbb0d8-016fa24b-e60d-418c-9798-78ed3edad177-000000/OGrnfX6OjYevh4X9Ewq-z5IRu75Ze2HhBt1HpM6Smhw=429">FAQs</a>. Additional information on vaccine ordering, returns, and vaccine choice can be found <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/public-health-system-resources-and-services/immunization/childhood-vaccine-program/vaccine-ordering-and-returns">on the Department of Health website</a>. For questions or feedback, email <a href="mailto:WAChildhoodVaccines@doh.wa.gov">WAChildhoodVaccines@doh.wa.gov</a>.</p>
</div> | 12/11/2025 2:50:33 PM | 12/11/2025 10:46:46 AM | 12/11/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| west-coast-health-alliance-continues-to-recommend-hepatitis-b-vaccination-for-newborns | West Coast Health Alliance Continues to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/december-12/west-coast-health-alliance-continues-to-recommend-hepatitis-b-vaccination-for-newborns | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/december/aditya-romansa-5zp0jym2w9m-unsplash-for-web.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Adult holding the hand of an infant" /></div>
<h5>Dec. 12, 2025</h5>
<h2>West Coast Health Alliance Continues to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns </h2>
<p>In 2025, Washington state, Oregon, California, and Hawaii formed the West Coast Health Alliance to ensure public health recommendations in the four-state region are guided by science, effectiveness, and safety. To develop its recommendations, health officers, who are all physicians, and subject matter experts from each of the alliance states review guidelines from credible national chapters from organized medicine. The WSMA supports and disseminates updated assessments from the alliance through our member and public communications.</p>
<p>For its <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/west-coast-health-alliance-wa-doh-and-leading-national-medical-organizations-continue-recommend">latest recommendation</a>, the West Coast Health Alliance strongly supports that hepatitis B vaccination continue to be routinely offered to all newborns, with the first dose of the vaccine given within 24 hours of birth for newborns weighing at least 2,000 grams (4 pounds, 7 ounces), followed by completion of the vaccine series. This recommendation aligns with trusted national medical organizations including the <a href="https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/33914/ACIP-vote-on-hepatitis-B-vaccine-delayed-amid?autologincheck=redirected">American Academy of Pediatrics</a>, the <a href="https://www.acog.org/programs/immunization-infectious-disease-public-health/maternal-immunization-task-force/comments-to-cdc-advisory-committee-on-the-importance-of-guidance-for-maternal-and-infant-immunization">American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists</a>, and the <a href="https://www.idsociety.org/~/link/32d1b62e77d74a7c9e19fd74f784e9e8.aspx4">Infectious Diseases Society of America</a>, and comes in response to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recent vote to end the universal recommendation for hepatitis B vaccination.</p>
<h3>WSMA social media toolkit promoting vaccine safety </h3>
<p>The recent change in ACIP vaccine recommendations follows other concerning actions from our federal health agencies. During the Thanksgiving holiday week, the WSMA joined the <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjE4OTU0OCZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExOTA1MzYzMg/index.html">American Academy of Pediatrics</a>, the <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjE4OTU0OCZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExOTA1MzYzMw/index.html">Department of Health</a>, the <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjE4OTU0OCZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExOTA1MzYzNA/index.html">West Coast Health Alliance</a>, and many other leading medical, health, and patient advocacy groups to communicate on<a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjE4OTU0OCZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExOTA1MzYzNQ/index.html"> X</a>, <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjE4OTU0OCZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExOTA1MzYzNg/index.html">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjE4OTU0OCZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExOTA1MzYzNw/index.html">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjE4OTU0OCZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExOTA1MzYzOA/index.html">its website</a> that vaccines are not linked with autism. The effort came in response to content on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention being revised to <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjE4OTU0OCZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExOTA1MzYzOQ/index.html">feature rhetoric that does not reflect the best-available science</a>.</p>
<p>To help our rapid response on social media, the WSMA relied on its most recent <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/Advocacy/WSMA-Social-Toolkit-Q4-2025-Updated.docx]">social media toolkit</a>, which is dedicated to patient-friendly messages advocating for vaccine safety and other evidence-based health guidance. This week, we've updated the toolkit to include messaging supporting hepatitis B vaccination of newborns. If you or your organization uses social media, you can help us spread the word by sharing these messages through your accounts.</p>
<p>The WSMA is actively working to highlight trusted, evidence-based health messages in the public arena as part of our AMA-driven "Your Care Is at Our Core" campaign to restore patient trust and the patient-physician relationship. Learn more on 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">WSMA website</a>.</p>
</div> | 12/11/2025 3:30:29 PM | 12/11/2025 10:46:43 AM | 12/11/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| registration-now-available-for-all-physician-leadership-trainings-in-2026 | Registration Now Available for All Physician Leadership Trainings in 2026 | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/november-14/registration-now-available-for-all-physician-leadership-trainings-in-2026 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/november/image002.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="people in meeting room listening to a speaker" /></div>
<h5>Nov. 14, 2025</h5>
<h2>Registration Now Available for All Physician Leadership Trainings in 2026 </h2>
<p>Make the WSMA's Center for Leadership Development your home for professional development in 2026, to help you hone competencies not taught in medical school but increasingly important to thrive in your chosen career path both professionally and personally. You'll join a growing cohort of physician alumni throughout Washington state, many of whom have since moved into leadership tracks in their practice settings. WSMA's leadership courses are led by Edward A. Walker, MD, MHA. Non-WSMA member pricing is available for all courses. These activities have been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢.</p>
<h3><strong>Physician Leadership Course - </strong><strong><em>Most popular! </em></strong> </h3>
<p><em>Two hybrid-distance options available </em> </p>
<p>The WSMA's <a href="[@]wsma/education/physician_leadership/physician_leadership_course/wsma/physician_leadership/physician_leadership_course/physician_leadership_course.aspx?hkey=efdc4ad1-ff20-4089-ab51-caafbe73572b">Physician Leadership Course</a> combines face-to-face and online learning to enable physicians and physician assistants to begin developing and honing their leadership skills at their convenience. Designed with a physician's busy schedule in mind, only three in-person classes are required; the remainder of the course is conducted online. Two sessions will be offered in 2026. Space is limited; <a href="[@]wsma/education/physician_leadership/physician_leadership_course/wsma/physician_leadership/physician_leadership_course/physician_leadership_course.aspx?hkey=efdc4ad1-ff20-4089-ab51-caafbe73572b">register</a> to reserve your spot today.</p>
<p>March 6 - May 8, 2026 - <em>Space is filling fast, register soon! </em> </p>
<p>Sept. 11 - Nov. 20, 2026</p>
<h3><strong>Team-Based Leadership Course </strong></h3>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Sept. 18 - Oct. 16, 2026 </em> </p>
<p>A month-long hybrid-distance course with three live educational workshop days intended for physicians and their administrative partners who wish to improve team function and achieve greater operational success. The <a href="[@]wsma/education/physician_leadership/team-based-leadership-course/wsma/physician_leadership/dyad_leadership_course/dyad_leadership_course.aspx?hkey=37c40fee-c1ac-4056-a613-cd82a083db6c">Team-Based Leadership Course</a> develops knowledge and skills based on your operational needs and is adapted to fit the specific clinical culture of participating teams. Registrants must have completed the WSMA Physician Leadership Course or be on a leadership track within their practice or organization. Space is limited; <a href="[@]wsma/education/physician_leadership/team-based-leadership-course/wsma/physician_leadership/dyad_leadership_course/dyad_leadership_course.aspx?hkey=37c40fee-c1ac-4056-a613-cd82a083db6c">register</a> to reserve your spot today.</p>
<h3><strong>Leadership Masterclass </strong></h3>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Oct. 8-10, 2026 </em> </p>
<p>WSMA's <a href="[@]wsma/education/physician_leadership/leadership_masterclass/wsma/physician_leadership/leadership_masterclass/leadership_masterclass.aspx?hkey=b3ffc0a4-6cad-4a06-98aa-6e1a5e1e64b2">Leadership Masterclass</a> is an intensive three-day adaptive-learning course that examines the complex challenges faced by seasoned physician leaders and provides the tools necessary to solve them. The course will provide additional growth opportunities to physicians who have completed our <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjE0OTkwNiZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExODQ3MjUwNw/index.html">Physician Leadership Course</a> and have moved on to middle levels of management in their facilities. Space is limited; <a href="[@]wsma/education/physician_leadership/leadership_masterclass/wsma/physician_leadership/leadership_masterclass/leadership_masterclass.aspx?hkey=b3ffc0a4-6cad-4a06-98aa-6e1a5e1e64b2">register</a> to reserve your spot today.</p>
<h3><strong>WSMA LEAD Program</strong></h3>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Flexible schedules</em> </p>
<p>Looking for one-on-one leadership coaching? Check out WSMA's LEAD Program, an integrated model that combines traditional coaching with operational mentorship advice. Perfect for physicians or physician assistants who may prefer more personalized and flexible education. Learn more on the <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjE0OTkwNiZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExODQ3MjUxMA/index.html">program webpage</a> </p>
<h3><strong>Questions</strong></h3>
<p> </p>
<p>Visit the <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjE0OTkwNiZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExODQ3MjUwOQ/index.html">WSMA Center for Leadership Development</a> to learn more about these courses and other resources designed with your career and personal development in mind. Questions? Contact <a href="mailto:monica@wsma.org">Monica Salgaonkar</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/13/2025 3:28:56 PM | 11/13/2025 11:28:23 AM | 11/14/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-joins-others-in-calling-for-hhs-secretary-kennedys-resignation | WSMA Joins Others in Calling for HHS Secretary Kennedy's Resignation | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/november-14/wsma-joins-others-in-calling-for-hhs-secretary-kennedys-resignation | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/november/dept-health-and-human-services-hq-sign-washington-dc-2025-02-07-13-58-43-1.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="HHS Building" /></div>
<h5>Nov. 14, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA Joins Others in Calling for HHS Secretary Kennedy's Resignation </h2>
<p>WSMA President Bridget Bush, MD, this week issued a message to WSMA members: </p>
<p>"Earlier this year, the Washington State Medical Association issued a <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/president-john-bramhall-md-phd-reaffirms-the-wsmas-commitment-to-medical-ethics">statement</a> reaffirming its support for the AMA Principles of Medical Ethics, a code of conduct for the physician profession that calls for a dedication to professional integrity and a recognition of patient welfare as paramount. That statement was prompted by a series of concerning actions from our federal administration, central among them the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the country's leading authority on matters of health care over the concerns of thousands of <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25482818-committee-to-protect-health-care-rfk-jr/">physicians</a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/09/health/kennedy-hhs-nobel-laureates.html">scientists</a> who pointed to his lack of credentials, his lack of respect for scientific evidence, and his attacks on established medical approaches to disease prevention, such as vaccination, as rendering him unsuitable for assuming the charge of Americans' health and welfare.</p>
<p>"Soon after releasing that statement, the WSMA was compelled to <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/defendants-in-wsma-v-kennedy-agree-to-restore-deleted-public-health-data">sue Sec. Kennedy and the Department of Health and Human Services</a> to stop the deletion of vital public health and science data from taxpayer-funded websites. We believed this nonpartisan action was critical for restoring information access, promoting transparency, and supporting the evidence-based decision-making at the heart of the patient-physician relationship, and fully in accordance with the ethical principles that guide the physician profession.</p>
<p>"Now, at the request of the Infectious Diseases Society of Washington, the WSMA has joined more than 50 medical organizations, including more than 20 national medical associations, in signing on to <a href="https://www.idsociety.org/news--publications-new/articles/2025/joint-statement-calling-for-secretary-kennedy-resignation/">a letter calling for Secretary Kennedy's resignation to protect the health of the American people</a>. This decision was reached after careful consideration by our executive committee and board of trustees.</p>
<p>"This is not a political or partisan stance, but rather one grounded in what's best for patients and community health and wellness. As trained health care professionals, we have a responsibility to speak when we see anti-science actions that undermine public health and safety of our patients. In the past several months, we have witnessed a consistent pattern of behavior that has undermined scientific integrity, disrupted the work of our Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Health and Human Services, sowed vaccine policy disinformation and confusion, and helped to spread unproven and dangerous medical advice.</p>
<p>"We cannot stand by and tolerate these injustices to our population which will inevitably cost lives. We stand with the 50 medical organizations, as well as the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians, and others who call for the replacement of Secretary Kennedy with an appointee who has appropriate experience and expertise, who will make health care decisions based on accurate data and scientific findings." </p>
<h3>Keep WSMA's voice strong </h3>
<p>Regardless of the challenges confronting us, providing leadership for Washington's physician community and ensuring physicians have a strong voice for safe, quality, and equitable care is WSMA's value proposition to its members. Membership support makes our work for you possible. Please take a moment to <a href="[@]wsma/membership/join_renew/wsma/membership/join_renew/join_renew.aspx?hkey=37a820cf-9d05-4812-b9dd-c29b9a75356d">renew your membership for 2026</a>. Thank you.</p>
</div> | 11/13/2025 3:28:56 PM | 11/13/2025 11:28:17 AM | 11/14/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-reports-the-intersection-of-wall-street-and-the-exam-room | WSMA Reports: The Intersection of Wall Street and the Exam Room | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/november-14/wsma-reports-the-intersection-of-wall-street-and-the-exam-room | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/november/nov-dec-2025-reports-cover-cropped-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA Reports November/December 2025 cover" /></div>
<h5>Nov. 14, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA Reports: The Intersection of Wall Street and the Exam Room </h2>
<p>The growing presence of private equity in the health care industry has sparked a debate about the corporate practice of medicine, with some concerned about the potential for interference in clinical care and others seeing private equity investment as an opportunity to maintain the viability and independence of their organizations. For our <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/the-intersection-of-wall-street-and-the-exam-room">November/December 2025 <em>WSMA Reports </em>feature story</a> (members only; sign-in required), writer John Gallagher talks with WSMA members on both sides of the issue, as well as legal experts and WSMA staff on the regulatory environment in Washington state and what to expect during the 2026 legislative session.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, feature writer Rita Colorito checks in Washington physicians and subject matter experts to discuss <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/healthy-food-resources-better-health">"food is medicine"</a> (members only; sign-in required), the evidence-based movement to integrate healthy food into health care delivery.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, with today's outpatient settings coming in all shapes and sizes, peer review-once viewed as a punitive process-has become a strategic necessity to ensure patient safety and clinical excellence. Our trusted partners at Physicians Insurance <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/a-safer-smarter-approach-to-peer-review-and-patient-care">explain why</a>.</p>
<p>Download the <a href="https://wsma.org/doc_library/news/wsma-reports-6-nov-dec-2025.pdf" target="_blank">November/December 2025 <em>WSMA Reports</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Also in the issue: </p>
<ul>
<li>Member spotlight on <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/member-spotlight-lucinda-grande-md">Lucinda (Cindy) Grande, MD</a>.</li>
<li>A photo recap of the 2025 WSMA Annual Meeting.</li>
<li><a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/doctors-making-a-difference-patricia-egwuatu-do">Patricia Egwuatu, DO</a> is a doctor making a difference.</li>
<li>Food is medicine by the numbers.</li>
<li><a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/advocates-for-health-and-humanity.aspx">Heartbeat: Two poems by Toren Davis, DO, and Bridget Bush, MD</a>.</li>
<li>And more.</li>
</ul>
<p>This issue's cover illustration is by <a href="https://www.purplerainillustrators.com/mar-hernndez-malota/editorial">Mar Hernández</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/14/2025 10:48:40 AM | 11/13/2025 11:28:15 AM | 11/14/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-social-media-toolkit-and-initiative-dedicated-to-promoting-evidence-based-health-guidance | WSMA Social Media Toolkit and Initiative Dedicated to Promoting Evidence-Based Health Guidance | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/november-14/wsma-social-media-toolkit-and-initiative-dedicated-to-promoting-evidence-based-health-guidance | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/november/teen-with-smartphone-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Person using a smartphone" /></div>
<h5>Nov. 14, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA Social Media Toolkit and Initiative Dedicated to Promoting Evidence-Based Health Guidance </h2>
<p>To help counter the spread of incorrect or misleading health guidance in the news, whether from recent federal pronouncements or from viral social media, the WSMA is actively working to highlight trusted, evidence-based health messages in the public arena. For trusted health guidance, we turn to our "big five" association partners: the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians, and the American Psychiatric Association. To reach patients, the WSMA is leveraging its digital communications tools, including its website and social media channels, and network effects by disseminating toolkits and information broadly to the physician community. Helping patients to navigate health guidance is a key plank of our AMA-driven "Your Care Is at Our Core" campaign to restore patient trust and the patient-physician relationship.</p>
<p>In an example of this effort, ACOG recently asked that we help to highlight their patient guidance on <a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/is-it-safe-to-take-acetaminophen-during-pregnancy">acetaminophen during pregnancy</a>. We've since posted the ACOG statement on our website and our social accounts and incorporated the message into a new social media toolkit. As news breaks at the federal level that may cause confusion, the WSMA will use these dedicated channels for our specialty partners to post the facts.</p>
<p>Two new resources are now available to members: </p>
<ul>
<li>New WSMA webpage for patients: <a href="[@]wsma/resources/Questions_About_Your_Care/do_you_have_questions_about_your_care.aspx">Do You Have Questions About Your Care?</a> </li>
<li>New <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/Advocacy/WSMA-Social-Toolkit-Q4-2025.docx]">social media toolkit</a> for physicians and physician organizations.</li>
</ul>
<p>If there are any messages your organization would like us to consider for this effort, please send to WSMA Communications Manager Katie Howard at <a href="mailto:katiehoward@wsma.org">katiehoward@wsma.org</a> at any time.</p>
</div> | 11/13/2025 3:28:57 PM | 11/13/2025 11:28:20 AM | 11/14/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-supports-legislation-to-repeal-medicare-prior-authorization-pilot-program | WSMA Supports Legislation to Repeal Medicare Prior Authorization Pilot Program | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/november-14/wsma-supports-legislation-to-repeal-medicare-prior-authorization-pilot-program | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/november/doc-on-phone-prior-auth-istock-187203977-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="doctor on phone, rubbing temple of head" /></div>
<h5>Nov. 14, 2025</h5>
<!-- ***************************************************** -->
<h2>WSMA Supports Legislation to Repeal Medicare Prior Authorization Pilot Program </h2>
<p>The WSMA is supporting a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week that seeks to block the <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/september-5/medicare-launching-ai-prior-authorization-pilot-program">new Medicare prior authorization pilot program</a> due to begin in January in select states. Sponsored by Suzan DelBene (WA-0) and co-signed by Kim Schrier, MD (WA-08) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) among others, the Seniors Deserve SMARTER (Streamlined Medical Approvals for Timely, Efficient Recovery) Care Act would repeal the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction model, the utilization management demonstration being piloted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in Washington as well as Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas.</p>
<p>In addition to advocating for the bill's passage, the WSMA continues to raise concerns about the pilot program, which will apply prior authorization requirements to selected services with third-party artificial intelligence vendors playing a significant role in determinations. As we reported in last week's Advocacy Report, the WSMA led a coalition of state medical associations from the six impacted states to send a <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/WSMA/data/images/Attachments/WISeR%20coalition%20letter_11042025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz expressing serious concerns</a> about the model. In our letter, we stress the following points: </p>
<ul>
<li>While the program aims to improve accountability and reduce waste in Medicare, its current design could delay care, reduce access, and increase administrative burdens on physicians and patients alike.</li>
<li>The WISeR Model expands the burdensome prior authorization processes that physicians already experience in Medicare Advantage and the commercial insurance markets into traditional Medicare.</li>
<li>The vendor incentive structure within the WISeR Model could result in excessive denials motivated more by the potential for vendor profit than by fair and balanced clinical judgment. (Note: CMS announced last week that Virtix Health would serve as the AI vendor for Washington state.) </li>
</ul>
<p>About half of Washington state's 1.6 million Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in traditional Medicare. With this controversial program, those Washingtonians will soon be at risk of experiencing the same care delays and denials familiar to physicians and that increasingly characterize prior authorization in the media. With patient care a top priority, the WSMA is continuing to share our concerns with the public, with recent stories published in the <a href="https://click.everyaction.com/k/115976411/572075883/-4717972?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9TTldTUi9TTldTUi8xLzEwNDc4MiIsDQogICJEaXN0cmlidXRpb25VbmlxdWVJZCI6ICJiMDVlZjZkMy1lODlhLWYwMTEtOGU2MS02MDQ1YmRlZDhiYTQiLA0KICAiRW1haWxBZGRyZXNzIjogInNlYW5Ad3NtYS5vcmciDQp9&amp;hmac=qm-hqbZyZ_Osk7fvc7XWxDMgAvbLJ8O2Jdqahdaaetw=&amp;emci=b20653d1-679a-f011-b485-6045bda9d96b&amp;emdi=b05ef6d3-e89a-f011-8e61-6045bded8ba4&amp;ceid=75533">Washington State Standard</a> and <a href="https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/mh-wiser-model-medicare-prior-authorization-providers/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Daily%20Health%20Policy%20Report&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_fpiSJiaVBK5k3huIh9T89mZeB879nNbMxTYW1X4R8nehBU2GUUUE3y6rRqBtiHgKHaQSmjSXmf4JBRiEwEsogl0v4iA&amp;_hsmi=388105771&amp;utm_content=388105771&amp;utm_source=hs_email">Modern Healthcare</a>.</p>
<p>The WSMA will keep members apprised of developments as the implementation date grows closer.</p>
</div> | 11/13/2025 2:40:04 PM | 11/13/2025 11:27:12 AM | 11/14/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| career-tips-on-managing-your-retirement-account | Career Tips on Managing Your Retirement Account | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/october-10/career-tips-on-managing-your-retirement-account | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/october/senior-couple-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Senior couple walking on the beach" /></div>
<h5>Oct. 10, 2025</h5>
<!-- ************************************* -->
<h2>Career Tips on Managing Your Retirement Account </h2>
<p><em>Jim Wilson, Northern Capital Management</em> </p>
<p>For many in the medical community, the largest retirement assets are 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans. Making informed management decisions throughout your career can significantly impact your retirement. This article outlines key aspects of effective retirement plan management. </p>
<p>As a best practice, we recommend creating and annually updating a fee-based financial plan to help you stay on track. </p>
<p><strong>Income taxes</strong> </p>
<p>Traditional retirement plans reduce taxable income immediately but require taxes on withdrawals. Roth contributions, introduced in 1999, are made with after-tax dollars but allow tax-free withdrawals in retirement. </p>
<p>The choice between traditional and Roth depends on your financial plan and personal circumstances. In our experience, optimizing taxes in retirement generally requires a mix of both pre-tax and after-tax resources. </p>
<p><strong>To Roth or not to Roth?</strong> </p>
<p>Historically, retirees tend to be in lower tax brackets. The tax code benefits retirees through partial taxation of Social Security and favorable treatment of qualified dividends and capital gains. </p>
<p>If you anticipate a higher tax rate later, Roth contributions may be beneficial. If you expect a lower tax bracket in retirement, traditional contributions may be preferable. Tax laws change, making it crucial to assess current rates and fiscal policies. </p>
<p>Generally, taking advantage of known pre-tax deductions (e.g., 401(k), 403(b), health savings accounts, and deductible IRAs) before considering after-tax options like Roth is advisable. </p>
<p><strong>Employer match formulas</strong> </p>
<p>Employer-matching contributions provide free money-always take advantage of them! </p>
<p>Many employers offer a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of salary, helping employees boost their savings without additional personal contributions. In 2025, employees can contribute up to $23,500, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution for those age 50 and older. Higher catch-up limits apply for those aged 60-63. </p>
<p>Always contribute enough to receive your employer's full match. If both spouses have employer-sponsored plans, both should contribute up to the match. </p>
<p>Short-term employees should still consider contributing, especially if the plan includes a "safe harbor" match, which vests immediately. </p>
<p><strong>Vesting and last day of service</strong> </p>
<p>Employer contributions may be subject to a vesting period, typically three to five years, meaning you must remain employed for that duration to claim the full amount. Some plans also require employees to be employed on the last day of the plan year to be eligible to receive employer contributions. </p>
<p>If a new employer has a waiting period before contributions are allowed, consider alternative savings strategies such as increasing your spouse's contributions or using an IRA in the interim. </p>
<p><strong>Early year employment changes</strong> </p>
<p>If you're considering a job switch, check your new employer's plan to understand contribution rules and ensure a smooth transition to continue maximizing your retirement savings. Changing jobs early in the year can affect your ability to maximize contributions. If your new employer's plan has a waiting period for participation, you may not be able to contribute fully for that year. Consider alternative savings strategies such as increasing your spouse's contributions, maximizing prior employer plan contributions before you make the change, funding an HSA, or using an IRA. </p>
<p><strong>Retirement plan loans</strong> </p>
<p>Many plans allow participants to borrow up to 50% of their vested balance (maximum $50,000). While loans may seem attractive, they come with risks. Withdrawn funds stop earning market returns, which can hinder long-term growth. Loan repayments are typically deducted from payroll, but if employment ends before the loan is fully repaid, the outstanding amount may be taxed as an early withdrawal and subject to penalties. Other considerations include: </p>
<ul>
<li>Loan origination and annual fees </li>
<li>Fixed interest rates (usually tied to prime) </li>
<li>Maximum loan term </li>
<li>Payroll deduction repayment </li>
<li>Opportunity cost of lost investment gains </li>
</ul>
<p>Always evaluate alternative borrowing options before tapping into retirement savings. </p>
<p><strong>Beneficiary designations</strong> </p>
<p>Your beneficiary designations dictate who inherits your retirement savings. These selections override wills and trusts, so updating them regularly is crucial, especially after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, or childbirth. Spouses typically receive favorable tax treatment when inheriting retirement accounts, while naming minor children can create legal and financial complexities. </p>
<p>Consult with your estate planning attorney to ensure your designations align with your broader goals. </p>
<p><strong>Diversifying beyond retirement accounts</strong> </p>
<p>While tax-deferred accounts are essential, high earners should also consider taxable investment accounts for additional flexibility. Relying solely on tax-advantaged accounts can limit options in retirement. </p>
<p>A diversified approach, including taxable accounts, Roth IRAs, and real estate investments, can provide more withdrawal flexibility while minimizing tax burdens in retirement. Prioritize maximizing deductible retirement contributions first, followed by strategic after-tax investments. </p>
<p><strong>How much should I save?</strong> </p>
<p>A common question without a one-size-fits-all answer. </p>
<p>Many plans automatically enroll new employees at a default contribution rate, typically 2-4%. While this ensures immediate participation, the default rate is often insufficient to meet long-term retirement goals. </p>
<p>Financial experts generally recommend a contribution rate of 20% of gross income, including employer contributions, to stay on track for retirement. Increasing contributions over time is advisable. This "back of the napkin" calculation assumes some reliance on Social Security. </p>
<p>A comprehensive financial plan is a way to definitively determine your ideal savings rate. </p>
<p><strong>Working beyond your required minimum distribution (RMD) age</strong> </p>
<p>Pre-tax retirement accounts require withdrawals starting at age 73 (or 75 for those born in 1960 or later).</p>
<p>
Birth Year: 7/1/1949-1950<br />
RMD Age: 72
</p>
<p>
Birth Year: 1951-1959<br />
RMD Age: 73
</p>
<p>
Birth Year: 1960 or later<br />
RMD Age: 75
</p>
<p>If you continue working, you may defer RMDs by rolling funds into your current employer's plan. Another option is making Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), which allow direct donations to charities, reducing taxable income while fulfilling RMD obligations. Proper RMD planning can help minimize taxes and maximize the longevity of your savings. </p>
<p><strong>Asset allocation</strong> </p>
<p>Retirement plans typically offer two primary investment approaches: </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Do-It-Yourself (DIY)</strong>: Selecting mutual funds across different asset classes, including domestic and international stocks, bonds, and specialty investments. DIY investors should periodically rebalance portfolios to maintain an appropriate risk level. </li>
<li><strong>Do-It-for-Me</strong>: Designed for investors who prefer a hands-off approach, these funds automatically adjust allocations based on the target retirement date. While convenient, target-date funds may not align perfectly with individual risk tolerances or broader financial goals. </li>
</ul>
<p>For those working with a financial advisor, a customized investment strategy may offer better alignment with retirement planning needs and long-term financial objectives. </p>
<p><strong>Questions?</strong> </p>
<p>Northern Capital Management advisors are Certified Financial Planners with experience working with medical professionals. </p>
<p>You may reach us by utilizing our WSMA Member Contact <a href="https://northernwelcome.com/wsma-contact">Form</a>. </p>
<p>Washington State Medical Association is a client of Northern Capital Management and Northern Capital Retirement Services and receives compensation for promoting our services. As a result of the compensation arrangement there is an inherent conflict of interest. Disclosure </p>
<p><a href="https://northernwelcome.com/wsma-members">Northern Capital Management</a> </p>
</div> | 10/9/2025 3:34:00 PM | 10/7/2025 2:54:06 PM | 10/10/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| everett-anesthesiologist-bridget-bush-md-inaugurated-as-2025-2026-wsma-president | Everett Anesthesiologist Bridget Bush, MD, Inaugurated as 2025-2026 WSMA President | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/october-10/everett-anesthesiologist-bridget-bush-md-inaugurated-as-2025-2026-wsma-president | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/october/bridget-bush-inauguration-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="2025-2026 WSMA President Bridget Bush, MD" /></div>
<h5>Oct. 10, 2025</h5>
<h2>Everett Anesthesiologist Bridget Bush, MD, Inaugurated as 2025-2026 WSMA President </h2>
<p>In addition to debating and voting on policy for the WSMA, the <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">2025 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>Everett anesthesiologist <strong>Bridget Bush, MD, FASA</strong>, was inaugurated as WSMA president for 2025-2026 in a traditional passing-of-the-gavel ceremony on Saturday afternoon, followed by a reception in celebration. </p>
<p>After graduating in 2006 from Tulane School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Bush served out a military commitment as part of a scholarship from the Health Professions Scholarship Program. Her tour of duty included time in the United States Navy as a flight surgeon, with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq as the sole medical provider for her squadron. In 2014, she completed a residency in anesthesiology at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. After residency, Dr. Bush served as a practicing anesthesiologist at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett and at Island Health in Anacortes before transitioning in 2022 to Optum Care Washington, formerly The Everett Clinic, her current employer. In case you missed it, the WSMA featured <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/an_open_door_and_a_clear_path">a personal profile of Dr. Bush</a> in our September/October issue of <em>WSMA Reports</em>. </p>
<p>On Sunday morning of the Annual Meeting, Dr. Bush addressed the House for her inaugural address where she described regaining her purpose one tree at a time, saying "yes," and building community. Read an <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/ceo-rounds/2025/ceo-rounds-sept-24-2025-rebuilding-a-brighter-future-for-medicine">edited transcription</a> or <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjExMjkwMSZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYxJmxpPTExNzkwNzU1Nw/index.html">watch the video of Dr. Bush's speech</a>. </p>
<p>The following physicians were also elected as officers at the meeting: <strong>Matt Hollon, MD, MPH, MACP</strong>, Spokane internist, president-elect; <strong>Bindu Nayak, MD,</strong> Wenatchee endocrinologist, vice president; and, <strong>John Scott, MD</strong>, Seattle infectious disease physician, secretary-treasurer. The fifth officer of WSMA's executive committee is Past President <strong>John Bramhall, MD, PhD</strong>, Seattle anesthesiologist, who will serve as committee chair. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>In addition to several WSMA members who were reelected to the board of trustees, newly elected to the board for two-year terms were <strong>Hans Cassignol, MD, MMM</strong>, Tacoma OB-GYN; <strong>Herbie Duber, MD, MPH</strong>, Seattle emergency medicine physician; <strong>Stephanie Fosback, MD</strong>, Pullman internist; <strong>Rebecca Kulgren, MD</strong>, Seattle OB-GYN; <strong>Keren Rosenblum, MD</strong>, Vancouver OB-GYN; <strong>Sheree Sharpe, MD</strong>, Tacoma family physician; and <strong>Kristen Wyrick, MD</strong>, Marysville family physician. <strong>Kat Jong, MD</strong>, Friday Harbor psychiatrist; <strong>Brett Collins, MD</strong>, Seattle internist; and <strong>Evan Thomas</strong>, medical student at Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, were elected to serve as young physician, resident, and student trustees respectively, each for a one-year term. </p>
<p>Visit the WSMA website for a <a href="[@]wsma/about_us/leadership/board_of_trustees/wsma/about/leadership/board_of_trustees/board_of_trustees.aspx?hkey=0abc484b-c165-4fb1-90b5-1f72370b18d2">full roster of 2025-2026 WSMA board of trustees members</a>. </p>
</div> | 10/9/2025 2:53:42 PM | 10/7/2025 3:01:03 PM | 10/10/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| vaccines-and-autism-prebunking-bad-science-and-amplifying-trusted-voices | Vaccines and Autism: 'Prebunking' Bad Science and Amplifying Trusted Voices | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/october-10/vaccines-and-autism-prebunking-bad-science-and-amplifying-trusted-voices | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/october/yciaoc-female-patient-physician-with-text-v2-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Your Care Is At Our Core logo with the text Navigating health care information. Restoring trust." /></div>
<h5>Oct. 10, 2025</h5>
<h2>Vaccines and Autism: 'Prebunking' Bad Science and Amplifying Trusted Voices </h2>
<p>The topic of autism and its causes has reentered the national discourse. As the nation awaits a pending report on this topic out of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Coalition for Trust in Health and Science, a coalition of more than <a href="https://trustinhealthandscience.org/membership/">90 national organizations</a> (including The Physicians Foundation), partnered with Danielle Hall of the Autism Society of America and Dr. Jessica Steier of Unbiased Science to provide education about autism, its causes, and scientific strides made in recent years. The on-demand webinar also provides strategies for organizations and individuals to anticipate and preemptively reduce the spread of inaccurate information about autism. </p>
<h3>Event recording </h3>
<p><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/u0nNnc_DodaIQohUdHi0thNJSVnA_R4nohYi2s9oeQ185isijnyOKBD__y5fQ_qB.WA3XM83bY27fgbSI">Autism and Its Causes: Where the Science Stands Today</a> (Passcode: aJM4E!UP) </p>
<h3> Resources </h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/08/19/opinion/vaccines-autism-evidence.html?unlocked_article_code=1.fU8.V0tv.bA8BHK74N7I7&amp;smid=url-share">The Playbook Used to ‘Prove' Vaccines Cause Autism</a> (Dr. Jess Steier, <em>New York Times</em>) </li>
<li><a href="https://theunbiasedscipod.substack.com/p/saturday-morning-thoughts-on-the?r=1xymx0&amp;utm_campaign=post&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;triedRedirect=true">Saturday Morning Thoughts on the Tylenol-Autism News</a> (Dr. Jess Steier) </li>
<li><a href="https://autismsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AutismSociety_Infographic-Autism-and-Vaccines-FAQ_2025-07V1F_Digital.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">The Facts About Autism &amp; Vaccines</a> and <a href="https://autismsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AutismSociety_Infographic-Autism-and-Vaccines-FAQ_Plain-Language_2025-07V1F_Digital.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Plain Language Version</a> (Autism Society of America) </li>
</ul>
<h3> Five steps organizations and individuals can take today </h3>
<ol>
<li>Proactively prebunk bad science when possible. </li>
<ul>
<li>Use statements like: "You might have heard... but here's what science shows us..." or "When science is politicized, we don't get the full picture. Here's what we know..." </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Seek accurate information through <a href="https://www.evicollective.org/">The Evidence Collective</a>, <a href="https://www.unbiasedscience.com/">Unbiased Science</a>, and <a href="https://autismsociety.org/">Autism Society of America</a> </li>
</ul>
<li>Amplify trusted voices </li>
<ul>
<li>Retweet, repost, and highlight experts on social media. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Elevate the voices of people with autism to humanize the message. </li>
</ul>
<li>Educate your networks </li>
<ul>
<li>Host or share micro-trainings in prebunking and relevant resources. </li>
</ul>
<li>Monitor emerging narratives </li>
<ul>
<li>Use CTHS' Slack channel for emerging trends and content (<a href="mailto:mfenwick@trustinhealthandscience.org">email us to sign up</a>). </li>
<li>Follow The Evidence Collective for early signals of false claims. </li>
</ul>
<li>Encourage media responsibility </li>
<ul>
<li>Partner with journalists to inform them about this topic. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Share credible resources with journalists. </li>
</ul>
</ol>
</div> | 10/9/2025 3:20:39 PM | 10/7/2025 3:01:01 PM | 10/10/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| new-department-of-health-standing-order-recommends-covid-19-vaccination-for-most-washingtonians | New Department of Health Standing Order Recommends COVID-19 Vaccination for Most Washingtonians | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/september-12/new-department-of-health-standing-order-recommends-covid-19-vaccination-for-most-washingtonians | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/september/covid-vaccine-vials-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Covid vaccine vials" /></div>
<h5>September 12, 2025</h5>
<h2>New Department of Health Standing Order Recommends COVID-19 Vaccination for Most Washingtonians </h2>
<p>The Department of Health has <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjA5MjY1OCZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExNzYwNTQ0Ng/index.html">issued a statewide standing order</a> for COVID-19 vaccines, which authorizes qualified health care professionals to vaccinate individuals aged 6 months and older, including pregnant persons, who do not have contraindications to the vaccine. The standing order follows the COVID-19 vaccine guidance issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics for people ages 6 months to 18 years old, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for pregnant individuals, and the American Academy of Family Physicians for people ages 19 years and older. The standing order does not follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's immunization schedule published on Aug. 7. The standing order was issued to help reduce confusion and address urgent access barriers in our state. </p>
<p>To support health professionals and settings administering the vaccine, the Department of Health has issued a <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/3481124-COVID19VaccineSchedule.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">COVID-19 vaccine schedule</a> that physicians and practices can use to vaccinate their patients. For more information, see the department's <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/3481126-COVID19VaccineFAQForProviders.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">FAQs for health professionals</a>. For multilingual patient materials, visit the department's <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/standing-orders">standing orders webpage</a>. <br />
<br />
The standing order builds on a development from last week, when Gov. Bob Ferguson <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjA5MjY1OCZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExNzYwNTQ0Nw/index.html">announced</a> that Washington state is joining Oregon and California to form a new West Coast Health Alliance in response to developments at the federal level and at the CDC regarding public health and immunizations (Hawaii was subsequently added to the group). The partnership is intended to help ensure our state's public health policies and strategies are informed by science and evidence-based recommendations, with the states coordinating health guidelines for immunization recommendations informed by national physician organizations and other medical organizations. In the coming weeks, the Alliance will finalize shared principles to strengthen public confidence in vaccines and in public health. </p>
</div> | 9/11/2025 12:52:42 PM | 9/11/2025 12:09:14 PM | 9/12/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-joins-multiplan-antitrust-litigation | WSMA Joins MultiPlan Antitrust Litigation | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/september-12/wsma-joins-multiplan-antitrust-litigation | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/september/steth-gavel-istock-1021545242-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope next to a gavel" /></div>
<h5>Sept. 12, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA Joins MultiPlan Antitrust Litigation</h2>
<p>The WSMA has joined a federal antitrust lawsuit currently underway against MultiPlan (recently rebranded to Claritev), a health care data firm, and major health insurance companies including UnitedHealth, Elevance (Anthem), Humana, Aetna, Cigna, and various Blue Cross Blue Shield entities. The litigation, brought forward by the American Medical Association and the Illinois State Medical Society, alleges that these companies participated in a coordinated price-fixing conspiracy to generate billions in profits for MultiPlan and insurance providers by systematically underpaying out-of-network physician practices and health care facilities. The litigation seeks to end this illegal conduct as well as recoup financial damages for physician practices, physician assistants, and other health care practitioners who were harmed by this conduct.   </p>
<p>The case has made significant progress, with the Department of Justice <a href="https://avanan.url-protection.com/v1/r01/url?o=https%3A//www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-justice-dept-backs-medical-providers-lawsuit-over-data-analytics-software-2025-03-27/&amp;g=ZDhiYTk3MTU0YTk3MTEzOQ==&amp;h=Zjc3MmJkOWE4NDNjYTU2MWRkOWZjOWZiNmY2NzJiZDczZGQ1OWU4OWRmMDI0OTdiNTBiZGRmYzQ4OTdiYjFhNQ==&amp;p=YXAzOnJlYnV0dGFsY2FzOmE6bzozMDM4NmQ2MzE2ZDIwZjM1MGVjNGM1ZGM4ZGUzMGM1MTo3OnA6Rg==">filing a statement of interest</a> in March 2025 and the court <a href="https://avanan.url-protection.com/v1/r01/url?o=https%3A//www.benefitspro.com/2025/06/04/court-lets-providers-sue-multiplan-and-health-plans-over-out-of-network-price-fixing/&amp;g=NTgyOTY5Yzc1MjAyOGVjMA==&amp;h=Mjc2MTQyY2ZlZGE4MzU1YTc4YmE2MWJmMThmZTc0ZjAzOGEwYTQxM2E2NWEwZWZmMGY1NjUyZDAxNWY4MmU3OQ==&amp;p=YXAzOnJlYnV0dGFsY2FzOmE6bzozMDM4NmQ2MzE2ZDIwZjM1MGVjNGM1ZGM4ZGUzMGM1MTo3OnA6Rg==">denying defendants' motion to dismiss</a> in June 2025, allowing the litigation to proceed to discovery. </p>
<p>Physician practices and health care practitioners who have been out of network with major insurers may be entitled to financial damages for claims dating back up to 10 years. If you are interested in learning more, you can <a href="https://www.napolilaw.com/en/%20multiplan/">contact one of the lawyers</a> appointed by the court to lead non-class claims or access resources, including a <a href="https://www.napolilaw.com/en/%20multiplan/">free case evaluation</a>. </p>
<h3>What are the allegations? </h3>
<ul>
<li>Since at least 2015, MultiPlan has forced physicians to accept increasingly low payments for out-of-network services, which often do not cover their operating costs. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Insurance companies like UnitedHealth, Anthem, and Cigna provided MultiPlan with competitively sensitive, confidential information on pricing and reimbursement rates that they could not have otherwise legally shared with each other. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>MultiPlan then used this data in its proprietary algorithm to develop and set substandard reimbursement rates to pay physicians for out-of-network health care services.  </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>MultiPlan left physicians with little room to negotiate its offered reimbursement rates and required that physicians who accept reimbursement not pursue additional balances owed by patients. </li>
</ul>
<h3>What does this mean for members? </h3>
<ul>
<li>The WSMA joining the lawsuit does not make our members individual plaintiffs. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Your practice may be entitled to significant financial damages against MultiPlan and other insurance companies. You can <a href="https://www.agg.com/">speak to an attorney today.</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Claims against MultiPlan over out-of-network reimbursements may go back as far as 10 years. Many practices that have been out of network with one major insurer during the relevant time period will have compensable claims. </li>
</ul>
<h3>How can physicians learn more? </h3>
<ul>
<li>You can reach out to the three lawyers who have been appointed as co-lead counsel in the litigation for non-class plaintiffs: Matthew M. Lavin of Arnall Golden Gregory (the direct lawyer for the AMA and ISMS); Hunter J. Shkolnik of Napoli Shkolnik Attorneys at Law; and Jennifer Scullion of Seeger Weiss LLP. You can start <a href="mailto:multiplanlitigation@agg.com">a free case evaluation here.</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>You can watch a <a href="https://avanan.url-protection.com/v1/r01/url?o=https%3A//agg.zoom.us/rec/share/CjpyDKhVqj7kGZw7963PloO01aExek8576zmcefKahGLA_xDpwdv1A6L81N0HXxL.uxnmtTCpr2dbobAY&amp;g=NWVkYTA5NDQ0NGY0ZjE5NA==&amp;h=MTBiZTIzMjE0ZTc3NWZiNDA2NTA5YmEwYTZiOTc1ZmUwZjllZDgyZjNkY2M2NzQ2NTFiMDE0ZGVhOTM2NjNiMg==&amp;p=YXAzOnJlYnV0dGFsY2FzOmE6bzozMDM4NmQ2MzE2ZDIwZjM1MGVjNGM1ZGM4ZGUzMGM1MTo3OnA6Rg==">recorded webinar</a> hosted by Matt Lavin of Arnall Golden Gregory. Passcode: <strong>NwyPS?1?</strong> </li>
</ul>
</div> | 9/11/2025 12:52:26 PM | 9/11/2025 12:10:19 PM | 9/12/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-to-hca-physician-workforce-investments-key-to-rural-health-transformation-program | WSMA to HCA: Physician Workforce Investments Key to Rural Health Transformation Program | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/september-12/wsma-to-hca-physician-workforce-investments-key-to-rural-health-transformation-program | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/september/istock-2174234952-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="physician and patient" /></div>
<h5>September 12, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA to HCA: Physician Workforce Investments Key to Rural Health Transformation Program </h2>
<p>With passage of H.R. 1, the "One Big Beautiful Bill," in the rearview mirror, eyes now turn to the $50 billion <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/programs-and-initiatives/value-based-purchasing/rural-health-transformation-program">Rural Health Transformation Program</a>, a provision of the legislation intended to mitigate the effects of the substantial health care funding cuts in H.R. 1 on rural residents. </p>
<p>Administered by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services, the program will provide $10 billion annually for five years starting in 2026 shared amongst every approved state. To receive funding, states must submit a Rural Health Transformation Plan that addresses specific, required components. As reported in a recent WSMA Advocacy Report, in anticipation of the Health Care Authority's submission for Washington state, the WSMA met with the governor's office, the Department of Health, and the HCA to discuss areas of potential investments for funding. </p>
<p>In our feedback to the state, we emphasized that access challenges in our rural communities cannot be solved without investments in our physician workforce to ensure patients can access preventive, acute, and chronic disease primary and specialty care closer to home and in lower-cost settings. By directing Rural Health Transformation Program funding toward broad investments that strengthen our physician workforce, increase access to preventive and chronic care, and leverage proven programs and technologies, the state can ensure these communities have sustainable, high-quality medical care well beyond the life of the federal funding. </p>
<p>The WSMA has been clear on the matter: While funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program would be welcome, it won't be sufficient to keep physicians and health care facilities whole. We must look at a broader set of policy changes, including reform of Medicare physician payment and increased Medicaid reimbursements for physicians through the Medicaid Access Program. We'll need creative, practical thinking to address our community health needs now and long-term. The priorities as outlined in our feedback and the funding available through this new CMS program would be steps in the right direction. </p>
</div> | 9/11/2025 4:36:21 PM | 9/11/2025 12:10:16 PM | 9/12/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| is-your-cash-working-for-you | Is Your Cash Working for You? | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/august-8/is-your-cash-working-for-you | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/august/doctor-piggy-bank-illustration-shutterstock-1860228250-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Illustration of doctor next to large piggy bank" /></div>
<h5>August 8, 2025</h5>
<h2>Is Your Cash Working for You? </h2>
<p><em>Sponsored content</em> </p>
<p><em>Molly Chase, Northern Capital Management</em> </p>
<p>While short-term interest rates may have peaked in September of 2024, interest earned on cash investments remains attractive.</p>
<p>Prior to the Federal Reserve's rate-hiking cycle that began in 2022, investors had been paid essentially zero on cash balances since the 2008 housing crisis. More recently, it has been profitable to periodically review savings accounts to ensure your financial institution is paying a competitive rate.</p>
<p>Some common cash investment vehicles include: </p>
<p><strong>High-yield savings account:</strong> This is a savings account that pays a higher interest rate than a traditional savings account. The higher interest rate is known as the annual percentage yield. The APY is the rate of return you'll receive for your deposited funds over one year, including compound interest. High-yield savings accounts are federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Administration for up to $250,000.</p>
<p><strong>Money market funds:</strong> A money market fund is a mutual fund that invests in short-term debt securities, cash, and cash equivalents. The fund pays dividends to investors based on the interest earned from these securities. They can provide higher yields than savings accounts and are designed to be stable and liquid, with easy access to your money. Money market funds are not insured by the FDIC.</p>
<p><strong>It is important to note:</strong> The yield on high-yield savings accounts and money market funds are adjusted to reflect movements in short-term interest rates.</p>
<p><strong>Certificate of deposits:</strong> A CD is a savings account that holds money for a set period of time in exchange for interest. CDs are offered by banks and credit unions. At the end of the term, you receive your original deposit plus interest. The term of a CD can range from a few months to several years. You agree not to withdraw the money early, or you may face a penalty. Most CDs are federally insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000.</p>
<p><strong>When choosing a savings account:</strong> It's important to remember that you don't have to pick just one. Consider a money market fund offered by a low-cost mutual fund company such as Vanguard in addition to accounts held at your bank. The ability to move funds easily between financial institutions has made the task of managing cash in multiple accounts far less cumbersome.</p>
<p>Cash and cash equivalent accounts can provide liquidity, portfolio stability, as well as a place to hold emergency funds. Current yields on cash make it worth the time spent to seek out competitive offerings. While cash yields offer some inflation protection, cash and fixed income investments have historically not been able to help investors achieve one of the most important long-term investing goals: returns in excess of inflation. With this in mind, it's important to consider other investments alongside your cash balances to meet long-term investment and financial goals.</p>
<p><strong>Questions?</strong> </p>
<p>Northern Capital Management advisors are certified financial planners with extensive experience working with medical professionals. You may reach us through our WSMA member contact <a href="https://northernwelcome.com/wsma-contact">form</a>.</p>
<p><em>The Washington State Medical Association is a client of Northern Capital Management and Northern Capital Retirement Services and receives compensation for promoting our services. As a result of the compensation arrangement there is an inherent conflict of interest.&nbsp;</em><em><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2025/promoter-disclosure.pdf]" target="_blank">Disclosure</a> </em> </p>
<p><a href="https://northernwelcome.com/wsma-members">Northern Capital Management</a> </p>
</div> | 8/7/2025 2:50:37 PM | 8/7/2025 10:33:43 AM | 8/7/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| new-cme-podcast-episodes-available-on-wellness-safe-rx-and-oud-treatment | New CME Podcast Episodes Available on Wellness, Safe Rx and OUD Treatment | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/august-8/new-cme-podcast-episodes-available-on-wellness-safe-rx-and-oud-treatment | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/august/wsma-podcasts-icon-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA Podcasts logo" /></div>
<h5>August 8, 2025</h5>
<h2>New CME Podcast Episodes Available on Wellness, Safe Rx and OUD Treatment </h2>
<p>New episodes from our Physician and Practitioner Wellness Podcast and our Better Prescribing Better Treatment Podcast featuring CME are now available.</p>
<h3>New wellness episodes </h3>
<p>The Physician and Practitioner Wellness Podcast is free and open to all practitioner types. Episodes are available at the links below or on our podcast channel, WSMA Podcasts, available through <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wsma-podcasts/id1702920307">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0PBMBLgHr6e0X3OaMjyJON?si=af140842c00c430c">Spotify</a>. Each podcast is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>. Catch up on previous episodes <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/physician-and-practitioner-wellness-podcast/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/physician-and-practitioner-wellness-podcast.aspx?hkey=bc2edb3f-b410-48c8-8e36-1b9c4f24af67">here</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li>Episode 10: <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/wellness-podcast-episodes/episode-10-advocacy-as-wellness-navigating-the-path-to-reform-and-resilience.aspx">Advocacy as Wellness: Navigating the Path to Reform and Resilience</a> - Stefanie Simmons, MD, chief medical officer at the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation and a board-certified emergency medicine physician, and Chris Bundy, MD, executive director of the Washington Physicians Health Program discuss key advocacy efforts aimed at improving the wellness and well-being of health care professionals.</li>
<li>Episode 11: <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/wellness-podcast-episodes/episode-11-efficiency-as-wellness-how-smarter-ehrs-strengthen-health-systems-and-clinicians.aspx">Efficiency as Wellness: How Smarter EHRs Strengthen Health Systems and Clinicians</a> - Becket Mahnke, MD, chief health information officer at Confluence Health shares lessons from leading EHR transformation efforts that measurably improved clinician efficiency and well-being ecosystem.</li>
</ul>
<h3>New Better Prescribing, Better Treatment episodes </h3>
<p>Better Prescribing, Better Treatment is WSMA's peer-to-peer safe prescribing initiative. Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, is your host. Episodes are available at the links below or on our podcast channel, WSMA Podcasts, available through <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wsma-podcasts/id1702920307">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0PBMBLgHr6e0X3OaMjyJON?si=af140842c00c430c">Spotify</a>. Each podcast is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>. Catch up on previous episodes <a href="[@]wsma/resources/better-prescribing-better-treatment/better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast/wsma/resources/better-prescribing-better-treatment/better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast.aspx?hkey=f35d3146-6429-442e-ac83-7ee35fa33ecb">here</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li>Episode 26: <a href="[@]wsma/resources/better-prescribing-better-treatment/podcast-episodes/bpbt-episode-26-injectable-buprenorphine-prescribing.aspx">Injectable Buprenorphine Prescribing</a> - Caleb Holtzer, MD, MPH, a family medicine doctor in Chewelah, and Mark Duncan, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at UW Medicine, discuss the role of injectable buprenorphine in treating opioid use disorder.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Now available: Coaching services on improving opioid prescribing and treatment protocols in clinics </h3>
<p>As part of WSMA's current grant funding for the Better Prescribing, Better Treatment program, we are excited to offer a stipend for clinics that engage with us. You will also get consulting time with the program's chief clinical officer, Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD. Contact Monica Salgaonkar at <a href="mailto:monica@wsma.org">monica@wsma.org</a> for more information.</p>
</div> | 8/7/2025 12:29:35 PM | 8/7/2025 10:33:49 AM | 8/7/2025 12:00:00 AM |