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News & Events

This week in the legislature

01/31/2012

With the session entering its fourth week, legislators are awash in policy bills while little visible action on the budget has transpired.


AMA continues to urge repeal of Medicare SGR

01/27/2012

In a letter to Congress this week the AMA once again calls for an end to the failed payment formula that threatens access to care for seniors.


Health care issues being debated in Olympia this week

01/26/2012

Four specific issues the WSMA testified on this week.


WSMA 2012 legislative agenda issue briefs

01/24/2012

Issue briefs covering some of the topics the WSMA is currently working on during the 2012 legislative session.


Brochure helps patients understand their Medicare wellness benefits

01/12/2012

A new brochure from the AMA and AARP helps physicians encourage their Medicare patients to take full advantage of available services.


New AMA study shows cost burden of U.S. medical liability system

01/12/2012

Insurance premiums in many states remain higher than they were during the height of the last medical liability crisis, according to an AMA report.


Medicare participation deadline extended to Feb. 14

01/12/2012

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a six-week extension to the annual Medicare participation enrollment period.


iPad 2 winners announced

01/11/2012

Congratulations to our winners: Drs. Greg Balmforth and Cheyess Babcock.


This week in the legislature

01/10/2012

The Legislative Session is underway. We'll provide you with weekly updates on issues with potential to impact you and your practice.


Initial list of Pioneer ACOs announced

12/27/2011

Last week CMS announced that 32 organizations have been selected to participate in the Pioneer ACO Model.


Special legislative session adjourns; WSMA successfully opposes license fee increase

12/15/2011

The 17-day special session concluded late afternoon December 14 with medicine coming out relatively unscathed.


California physicians file lawsuit against Medicaid cuts

12/08/2011

The lawsuit alleges that this cut will undermine federal requirements for equal access to care for Medicaid patients.


AMA supports nomination of Marilyn Tavenner as CMS administrator

12/08/2011

Marilyn Tavenner took over as acting administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Dec. 2.


HHS plans to delay Stage 2 meaningful use requirements until 2014

12/08/2011

Physicians who successfully participate in the Medicare EHR Incentive program in 2011 will have until 2014 to meet Stage 2 requirements.


Top 10 healthcare issues for 2012

12/02/2011

PwC's Health Research Institute has predicted the top 10 issues facing healthcare in the coming year.


Study: Doctors resist delaying key kid vaccines

12/02/2011

A study by Seattle Children's Research Institute found that state doctors balked when it came to delaying three particular vaccines.


King County TB rates among highest in country

12/02/2011

Infection rates in King County are among the highest in the United States, according to a study released by Public Health Seattle & King County.


WSMA members now promoted as experts in their fields, providing useful information to patients

11/18/2011

We're introducing a number of social media vehicles to promote health and wellness information by WSMA members for their patients.


Supreme Court to review health care reform law

11/18/2011

The highest court in the country has announced it will review whether Congress has the power to compel Americans to purchase health insurance.


New CME modules help physicians counsel patients about weight, lifestyle changes

11/18/2011

The instructional videos are designed to help physicians successfully talk about healthy behaviors with their adult patients.


Improving transitions of care focus of free educational sessions

11/18/2011

Series kick-off is December 1. Assistance will focus on Washington state-specific healthcare issues and opportunities for doctors and other providers.


Evergreen Healthcare and Virginia Mason Medical Center announce partnership

11/18/2011

The two health systems will collaborate to provide patients with the highest quality, cost-effective health care.


Swedish awarded major NIH grant for brain disorders research

11/18/2011

The medical center is the only Pacific Northwest member of a national consortium of 25 neuroscience centers chosen to participate.


Want to know if your health insurance rates are changing?

11/18/2011

If you buy your own insurance or get coverage from a small employer, the OIC will now alert you to rate changes.


Nearly all physicians must revalidate Medicare enrollment by 2013

09/08/2011

The revalidation is part of a massive anti-fraud effort required by the Affordable Care Act.


Physicians' use of tablet-style computers is five times greater than that of the general public

09/08/2011

The AMA's "Health Care Trends" report details this and other developments on the science and technology front.



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