News

The American Hospital Association (AHA)/Health Research & Educational Trust just published a new Readmissions Trail Guide. This guide is intended to help hospitals identify where they are on the path of reducing readmissions so they can jump back on the trail to get to the desired destination. This tool can be used by hospitals that are just starting out or hospitals that have lost their way.... Read More >>

October 2, 2017 is the last day to start your 90-day reporting period, and March 31, 2018 is the deadline to attest. Qualis Health wants to help you be successful with the program. Below are three ways to prepare for success.... Read More >>

While the opioid epidemic has affected Americans in all communities, some communities have been hit harder than others. At PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview, nearly half of the expectant mothers giving birth suffer from a component of substance abuse, which is more than double the statewide average. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray — who visited the medical center this summer — said it was one of the most shocking facts she had heard while visiting dozens of Washington hospitals during the congressional recess.... Read More >>

More WSHA member hospitals have earned recognition through the Washington State Department of Health’s Breastfeeding Friendly Washington Hospitals.... Read More >>

Adding patient and family engagement education to your hospital’s fall prevention bundle can help reduce fall rates in the acute care setting. Not only does this mean a better outcome for your patient, but also a savings for your hospital. Studies show that accidental falls in acute care settings have resulted in serious injuries to patients, to the extent that the Joint Commission has labelled fall-related sentinel events as a priority initiative (National Patient Safety Goal 9 -NPSG 9).... Read More >>

If I attest successfully in the Medicaid EHR Incentive program for 2017, do I still need to participate in the QPP to avoid negative payment adjustments to my Medicare Part B allowed charges in 2019? If one eligible clinician (EC) in the group must meet the base score requirements for the Advancing Care Information (ACI) category, do all members of the group have to meet all of the measures for ACI, or will it suffice if only one EC in the group meets the ACI requirements?... Read More >>

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recently released the first Maternal Mortality Review Panel (MMRP) report outlining recommendations to reduce maternal mortality and improve care for women across the state. The MMRP was created through legislation to complete a formal review of maternal deaths in Washington State for 2014 and 2015, and “to identify factors associated with those deaths and make recommendations for system changes to improve health care services for women in this state.”... Read More >>

In addition to providing 24/7 emergency hotline services for the public and health care providers regarding potential toxic exposures, the Washington Poison Center has an active health care provider education program. By becoming a partner in its Hospital Fair Share program, your hospital supports the core emergency services of the poison center, and it also allows the center to provide immediate consultations from board-certified clinical toxicologists to your health care providers as well as information regarding antivenom administration and other specialized poisoning treatments.... Read More >>

With the expert assistance of Pat Quigley, PhD, MPH, ARNP, CRRN, FAAN, FAANP — a national expert on falls with injury prevention — WSHA has developed several tools to help your hospital assess its effectiveness in preventing falls at the organizational and unit level, including a new and revised Safety Action Bundle, Gap Analysis and Strategic Planning. Falls disproportionally impact the older population, and with an aging inpatient hospital population, there is an increased risk for injurious falls and associated morbidity and mortality.... Read More >>

The University of Washington is offering an important new service: The University of Washington Perinatal Psychiatry Consultation Line (206-685-2924). It is a free phone consultation service for any health care provider in Washington State who has a question about a pregnant or postpartum woman with a mental health problem. The line is staffed by a perinatal psychiatrist from 3-5 p.m. on weekdays. Providers can also leave a message at any time and staff will respond as soon as possible.... Read More >>