WSHA hosted a one-hour webinar Feb. 23 to provide basic information and answer questions on Link4Health, the state’s effort to advance electronic exchange of clinical records and transform health care. This new program, sponsored by the Health Care Authority (HCA), is intended to provide real-time information exchange among providers caring for Medicaid patients. ... Read More >>
The state House and Senate released their respective proposals for the 2016 supplemental budget last week. The House proposed spending significant money on teacher salary increases and homelessness prevention.... Read More >>
he Health Care Authority is planning significant changes to Apple Health enrollment. Under a new policy effective April 1, 2016, enrollees will be retroactively assigned to a managed care plan as of the beginning of the month the patient is enrolled, rather than at the beginning of the month following enrollment.... Read More >>
The Washington State Health Care Authority has begun the process of updating its Medicaid payment methodology for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHC). HCA contracted with a consultant, Health Management Associates, to provide technical assistance as it meets with stakeholders to develop a successor to the current payment methodology. ... Read More >>
The Health Care Authority is planning significant changes to Apple Health enrollment. Under a new policy effective April 1, 2016, enrollees will be retroactively assigned to a managed care plan as of the beginning of the month the patient is enrolled, rather than at the beginning of the month following enrollment. ... Read More >>
The Health Care Authority released an updated Frequently Asked Questions sheet related to changes to inpatient payment to reflect potentially preventable readmissions. ... Read More >>
Washington Hospital Services Industry Partner PARA HealthCare has written an article about some of the consequences relating to the delay in payment by CMS for drug screen codes G0477-G0438 and Flu vaccine 90360, and is offering some solutions. ... Read More >>
While the legislature continues to debate hundreds of policy bills, budget writers are also focusing on crafting a supplemental budget for 2016-2017. The legislature enacted a biennial budget for 2015-2017, ... Read More >>
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) and OneHealthPort will provide an overview of Washington Link4Health, an HCA initiative to advance the statewide electronic exchange of clinical records. HCA is working with OneHealthPort, the designated statewide health information exchange, to introduce Washington Link4Health’s first statewide service. The one‑hour webcast will be held Tuesday, February 23, 2016, noon to 1 p.m. ... Read More >>
On January 20, House Bill 2447 Emergency Balance Billing was heard by the House Health Care & Wellness Committee. The bill, requested by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, is intended to protect patients from unexpected charges in cases where they receive emergency care at a hospital that is contracted with their health insurer, but not all physicians providing professional services are contracted with that plan.... Read More >>
