News

Certain changes to Medicare billing requirements may require a delay in payment for some rural health clinic services. We believe the delays in billing will be relatively minor, but are interested in hearing more from those with rural health clinics.... Read More >>

To prepare for the SFY 2013 Disproportional Share Hospital (DSH) audit, the state’s consultant, Myers and Stauffer will be conducting a provider training on April 7, 2016 from 10:30a.m.-1:00 p.m. Myers and Stauffer performs the federally-required annual DSH audits for Washington and several other states. During the provider training session, Myers and Stauffer will provide a brief recap of the DSH rule and go through the survey process in detail.... Read More >>

On April 28 from 10:00-11:30 a.m., the Health Care Authority will be hosting a webinar to provide hospital staff an overview of the state’s Medicaid readmissions policy and an explanation of the quarterly hospital reports HCA sent each facility as part of its program on potentially preventable readmissions.... Read More >>

The Health Care Authority (HCA) is encouraging payers and providers to complete its survey on value based payments, “Paying for Value Survey: Measuring Health Care Payment and Delivery System Transformation in Washington State.” The survey will track movement towards value-based payment adoption, barriers to adoption, and implementation of accountable health care strategies.... Read More >>

The Health Care Authority is still in process of providing additional information on its changes to Apple Health enrollment under which clients will be retroactively enrolled in managed care from the beginning of the month. The information will be provided in the form of a Frequently Asked Questions document, generated in response to questions raises by WSHA and WSHA member hospitals.... Read More >>

As of April 1, the Southwest Washington region, containing Clark and Skamania County, is the first to go-live with behavioral health financial integration. This means that physical health services, all levels of mental health services and drug and alcohol treatment are coordinated through managed care plans.... Read More >>

The Washington State Legislature has reached agreement on a supplemental budget, bringing the 2016 state legislative session to a close. Overall, WSHA is very pleased with the results of this year’s session. The budget is very good for hospitals and health systems, provides significant new funding for mental health and makes no significant cuts to hospitals or health care. Additionally, important funding was provided to implement many of the WSHA-supported policy bills.... Read More >>

The Washington State Legislature has reached agreement on a supplemental budget, meaning the legislature can soon conclude its special session. Overall, WSHA is very pleased with the results of the 2016 state legislative session. The budget is very good for hospitals and health systems, provides significant new funding for mental health and makes no significant cuts to hospitals or health care. Additionally, important funding was provided to implement many of the WSHA-supported policy bills.... Read More >>

Next Monday is the start of the 2016 session of the Washington State legislative session. Although it's scheduled to be a short one (and we all hope it will be), it doesn't mean important work can't be done. ... Read More >>

Both the state and federal government are adopting bundled payments for total hip and knee replacements as an attempt to move to value-based purchasing. On March 17, the state Health Care Authority (HCA) announced that Virginia Mason Hospital & Medical Center will serve as its center of excellence for state employees and others covered under the Public Employees Benefits Board plan. Beginning in January 2017, the HCA will provide incentives for their employees to select Virginia Mason for this procedure.... Read More >>