Pursuant to legislative direction, the State Auditor’s Office (SAO) recently issued a performance audit of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange’s costs and sustainability. The SAO found the exchange’s operating expenses to be reasonable, and that joining the federal health exchange program now would increase the exchange's overall costs. The SAO also found that the exchange has not been fully reimbursed for Medicaid services.... Read More >>

Effective October 2016, the Health Care Authority (HCA) will accept only electronic claims for Apple Health (Medicaid) services, except under very limited circumstances. Providers may seek approval to submit paper claims if they are in a temporary or long-term situation outside of their control that precludes submission of claims electronically.... 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 >>

In support of raising awareness of the specific mental health challenges facing minority populations, Washington Hospital Services Industry Partner InSight shared several bulletins that they have produced on this topic.... Read More >>

elehealth interventions produce positive outcomes when used for remote monitoring, communication and counseling for patients with chronic conditions and for psychiatric services provided as part of behavioral health, according to a new report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.... Read More >>

Washington Hospital Services Industry Partner SUNRx, an Industry leader in the 340b prescription program, now offers variable pricing structures, which allows you to optimize your 340b program. The new pricing models include switch fee model pricing, which allows easier access to their solutions, which already boast the lowest prices and the most compliant 340b program nationwide.... Read More >>

Nearly one in four Americans needs to readmitted to the hospital following heart failure. However, Virginia Mason is working on a new way to knock that number down. In June 2015, it launched the program Heart to Heart with partner Kelly-Ross Pharmacy Group to do home visits with patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure once a month for three months after being discharged.... Read More >>

A new analysis commissioned by the American Hospital Association (AHA) examines the fundamental design flaws of star ratings, and whether it is an accurate tool to compare hospital performance. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings system was designed to help consumers, their families and caregivers compare facilities.... Read More >>

On Wednesday, July 20, from 12-1 p.m., Washington Hospital Services, in partnership with Commerce Bank, is offering members an educational webinar to learn how to generate revenue from within your existing accounts payable processes.... 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 >>