News

On November 15, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) convened a second large stakeholder meeting regarding the intent of the Commissioner and legislators to introduce balance billing (“Surprise Billing”) legislation this session. Attendees included Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, State Representative Eileen Cody, State Representative Michelle Caldier, representatives of health plans and representatives of WSHA, WSMA and physician groups. The main purpose of the meeting was to seek consensus on a methodology to determine default payment rate that plans would pay in absence of a contract. The discussion also sought stakeholder consensus for details of a dispute/arbitration process to appeal the fallback rate. Both a default rate and arbitration mechanism are expected to be components of the legislation. ... Read More >>

State and federal laws require hospitals to provide an array of notice and signage to patients, workforce members and the public. The Washington State Office of the Attorney General has in recent months stepped up its investigation of hospital compliance with these types of requirements. Hospitals could be subject to significant penalties if found to be out of compliance.... Read More >>

The 2016 WHPAC campaign continues! We are getting closer to our $220,000 goal, but still have more to raise. Please help us reach our goal.... Read More >>

Hospitals and other organizations are seeking ways to obtain needed capital equipment while retaining flexibility to adapt to changes in health care payment. Washington Hospital Services’ Industry Partner Meridian Leasing Corporation will host a free webinar from 12-1 p.m.... Read More >>

Recent member news from the December 1, 2016 Weekly Report.... Read More >>

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) this week alerted the public to a phishing email targeting employees of entities covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and their business associates.... Read More >>

State and federal laws require hospitals to provide an array of notice and signage to patients, workforce members and the public. The Washington State Office of the Attorney General has in recent months stepped up its enforcement of these types of requirements. Hospitals could be subject to significant penalties if found to be out of compliance.... Read More >>

Yesterday, the American Hospital Association submitted a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, congratulating him on his election and expressing its hopes.... Read More >>

Sometimes, music can literally be healing. According to a recent Harvard Medical School article, music can be especially helpful in a health care environment. Evidence has found that listening to music can reduce anxiety and stress associated with surgery, quell nausea associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapies, aid in pain relief, and even reduce the need for pain medication.... Read More >>

First, I should introduce myself: My name is Chris Bandoli, and I am WSHA’s new Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs. I started at WSHA in November after nine years at Regence BlueShield. I have a passion for helping to solve health care problems, and I am excited to join the fantastic group of policy experts at WSHA.... Read More >>