Access to care continues to be a paramount goal for WSHA in support of our member hospitals and health systems. When Medicare and Medicaid patients are seen at a hospital-based clinic, the clinic receives a higher payment for its services than a traditional physician’s office would. These payments are crucial, as hospital-based clinics have more regulatory requirements and see more Medicare and Medicaid patients, while many community physicians are limiting their panels.... Read More >>

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as your next Washington State Hospital Association president. What an honor to lead a passionate, smart, dedicated, mission-driven staff in serving passionate, smart, dedicated, mission-driven members!... Read More >>

Cassie Sauer to take position in January 2017, becoming fourth CEO in organization’s nearly 85-year history... Read More >>

The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) announced today that Cassie Sauer, the association’s current executive vice president,will in January become the organization’s new chief executive officer. ... Read More >>

Although it's been a while since I've set my clock by the first day of school, we all still feel it in the air-- summer is roaring by. It's so important to stop, take a deep breath, and hold on to this moment. There is very little reprieve in the pace of life, and it won't last forever.... Read More >>

"I don't understand my health care bills." This is a perfectly reasonable concern that comes to us from patients, lawmakers and even our own friends and family members. Working their way down line items on seemingly impenetrable bills, patients spend hours Googling CPT codes, trying to make sense of services and costs. They ask, “Why do they make it so hard for consumers to understand?”... Read More >>

Last Friday, frustrated Superior Court Commissioner Craig Adams issued a historic court opinion, ordering the state to start work immediately to improve the long-term mental health system and the capacity of Western State Hospital. The commissioner’s ruling does not just sound the alarm bell; it requires specific steps be taken. It also directs WSHA to be a partner in selecting a special master to oversee compliance with the court’s order.... Read More >>

SHA and the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) announced July 6 the launch of a joint task force to develop solutions to address the growing opioid epidemic, with an eye toward ways physicians and hospitals can play a more active role in tackling this issue. The task force will focus on driving appropriate prescribing and other best practices to help reduce prescription opioid addiction and overdose, also advancing key legislative proposals and policy initiatives.... Read More >>

Thank you to everyone who joined us last week at Campbell’s Resort in Chelan for our 40th Annual Rural Hospital Leadership Conference! It was a pleasure to see all of you there, and as always, we truly enjoyed spending this time with you, catching up and of course discussing the unique opportunities and challenges of rural health care, this year paying particular attention to health care as viewed from various points of view.... Read More >>

The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) and the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) announced today the launch of a joint task force to develop solutions to address the growing opioid epidemic, with an eye towards ways physicians and hospitals can play a more active role in tackling this issue.... Read More >>