News

Last week, the Department of Health (DOH) issued two requests for proposals to help establish its Practice Transformation Hub. The hub is a key part of the state’s plans to transform healthcare. The work is intended to provide assistance to primary care and behavioral health care practices statewide, especially small to medium size practices. ... Read More >>

For more than 30 years, Puget Sound Kidney Centers has offered quality care to those suffering from the effects of chronic kidney disease in Snohomish, Skagit and Island County, but last year, CEO Harold Kelly noticed there was a way to make care even better for patients. The organization launched a series of free courses titled “Survive and Thrive with Chronic Kidney Disease,” which offers resources about treatment options as well as nutritional and exercise tips that will slow the irreversible disease.... Read More >>

On March 15, the Washington State Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the constitutionality of Initiative 1366, which was advanced by Tim Eyman and narrowly approved by voters in 2015. I-1366 would cut the state sales tax by one percent unless the legislature approves a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote to raise revenue or repeal any existing tax exemption.... Read More >>

On March 11, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced $94 million in Affordable Care Act funding to 271 health centers in 45 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to improve and expand the delivery of substance abuse services in health centers, with a specific focus on treatment of opioid use disorders in underserved populations.... Read More >>

Washington Hospital Services Industry Partner, ZeOmega has recently obtained Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC HIT) certification. The designation means that the software is capable of supporting eligible hospitals with meeting the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Meaningful Use measures required to qualify for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).... Read More >>

In April, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) will introduce a new star rating for hospitals that is intended to indicate “overall quality.” The single 5-star rating will combine 57 inpatient and outpatient quality reporting measures, and according to the American Hospital Association (AHA), the national distribution of the star ratings is on a bell-curve, with half of all hospitals receiving three stars. ... Read More >>

As part of the U.S. government’s urgent response to the epidemic of overdose deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week issued new recommendations for prescribing opioid medications for chronic pain, excluding cancer, palliative, and end-of-life care. ... Read More >>

Washington Hospital Services Industry Partner Merritt Hawkins has written a paper featured in the March 2016 issue of Health Affairs. The piece is authored by Phillip Miller, vice president of communications, and offers a perspective on the changing nature of the medical profession itself.... Read More >>

Several weeks ago, I was invited by former member Diane Cecchettini to an event to spotlight the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship. The Scholarship is a unique partnership that is helping to build the next generation of scientists, engineers and health care professionals.... Read More >>

Group Health members have formally approved the proposed acquisition of Group Health Cooperative by California-based Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. The proposal was supported by a membership vote on March 12. A total of 8,824 eligible members voted in favor of the acquisition, and 1,586 voted against it.... Read More >>