http://www.wahcnews.com/index.html Washington Healthcare News - News Feed en-us Copyright 2010, David Peel epeel@wahcnews.com (Elizabeth Peel) dpeel@wahcnews.com (David Peel) Fri, 07 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss20 http://www.wahcnews.com/images/WHN_header.png http://www.wahcnews.com/index.html 72 13 http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams-0612.pdf The American Medical Association’s fourth annual National Health Insurer Report Card found that commercial health insurers average a 19.3 percent error rate in processing claims, up 2 percent from the previous year. Tue, 08 May 2012 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams-0612.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jtiscareno-0612.pdf As companies adapt to the everchanging healthcare environment, many leaders must gain board approval, organizational support, or major corporate investment for new technologies, service lines, and other initiatives. A Tue, 08 May 2012 15:10:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jtiscareno-0612.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-williamskastner-0612.pdf The recent increase in hospitalemployed physicians is expected to continue. This trend is motivated by a quest for unified quality of care, referrals and market share, uncertainty about the overhaul of the healthcare system and reimbursement changes, and physician desire for a better work-life balance. Tue, 08 May 2012 15:15:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-williamskastner-0612.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jshore-0612.pdf Legal issues involving medical marijuana continue to generate controversy, while posing complicated legal and philosophical questions for healthcare employers. Tue, 08 May 2012 15:16:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jshore-0612.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-rgoodwin-0612.pdf Since the CMS announcement of Pay-For-Performance, Patient Experience has become a focus of our nation’s hospitals. This push to improve patient experience germinated at the national level, but it is only at the local level that actions can make a difference. Tue, 08 May 2012 15:18:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-rgoodwin-0612.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-ldavid-0612.pdf On May 14, The Polyclinic completes its move into our new flagship facility, The Polyclinic Madison Center. Tue, 08 May 2012 15:19:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-ldavid-0612.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-asutton-0512.pdf Given the steady upward trend of healthcare costs, plan sponsors continue to face the challenge of offering plans that are both cost effective and market competitive relative to industry/community benchmarks. Plans make changes to try to impact Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-asutton-0512.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dpeel-0512.pdf Fifteen of the largest health plans in Washington recently reported 2011 annual financials and the results were mixed with five reporting a loss. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dpeel-0512.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-millernash-0512.pdf The administration of Botulinum Toxin Type A (more commonly known as Botox) was the most frequently performed nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in 2011, with over 2.6 million procedures performed by physicians in the United States. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-millernash-0512.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams-0512.pdf As the health care reform initiatives begin to take hold, all stakeholders are looking for ways to maintain or increase their market share, and contain costs, by forming strategic alliances. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams-0512.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jaubuchon-0512.pdf “Tell me Jim, what’s new in the blood world? Still offering it in only one color?” I smiled when my neighbor asked this question, though maybe I was just gritting my teeth. “Yes, you can have any color you want, so long as it’s red,” I replied. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jaubuchon-0512.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tgba-0512.pdf Overlake Hospital Medical Center’s newest clinics promote the trend of locating healthcare within the convenience of a retail environment. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tgba-0512.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-krebay-0312.pdf Yes, of course, it’s a 10-letter word. But those of us who have been in the health care industry for a while can remember the days of managed care, when capitation was marred by many negative characteristics including an intense and distracting bottom-line focus, inadequate technology that didn’t always facilitate data capture and care management, and a shortage of clinical oversight and involvement. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-krebay-0312.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-gmontgomery-0312.pdf This Time Is Different. The baby-boomer generation is now turning 65 at the rate of 10,000 a day and will continue to do so for the next 18 years. The average 65-year-old spends approximately four times as much on healthcare services as the average 40-year-old. These changing demographics, and the increasing healthcare costs associated with them, create a healthcare environment that differs from the past. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-gmontgomery-0312.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mburns-0312.pdf According to a Price Waterhouse Coopers report, the number of groups self-funding their health benefits increased by 20% between 2008-2010. The average increase in premiums for plan years 2009 to 2010 was $808 per employee per year for fully-insured plans versus $248 for self-funded plans. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mburns-0312.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-rhansten-0312.pdf 2012 healthcare leaders must streamline processes, avoid uncompensated hospital acquired conditions, optimize the patient/family experience, compete for top tier patient satisfaction and quality, and provide the best value healthcare in the midst of unprecedented uncertainty in reimbursement along with policy turmoil. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-rhansten-0312.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dprice-0211.pdf Studies continue to point out that only around 20% of merger and acquisition activity achieves targeted expectations. That is not to say mergers and acquisitions fail, only that they dont meet expectations. This missing the target is consistently attributed to overly enthusiastic expectations, but most often it is due to underestimating the impact of the change on the people and culture. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dprice-0211.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-nhaile-0211.pdf Pascos newly opened downtown community health clinic came about thanks to a successful $7.4 million Facilities Investment Program grant via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-nhaile-0211.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-sneillie-0112.pdf Project Access collaborates with physicians and health system leaders to build a distributed network of charity care. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-sneillie-0112.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-gcalderon-0112.pdf Molina Medical is now offering patients instant medication fills before they leave the physicians office. A partnership with InstyMeds has enabled Molina to be the first medical group in the country to offer fully automated prescription drug services to Medicaid managed care patients. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-gcalderon-0112.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tpritchard-0112.pdf Wouldnt it be great if all we needed to do in healthcare was follow protocol, process, and procedures? Id love a world that was only black and white—in the form of checklists and algorithms. But that certainly isnt the reality--particularly in an industry where changes are happening at an increasingly rapid pace. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tpritchard-0112.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dpeel-0112.pdf Washington domestic health plans recently reported third quarter 2011 financial results and eleven of the fourteen plans were profitable. However, nine of the plans reported lower underwriting gains, and six reported an underwriting loss, suggesting premiums may rise more than usual in 2012. This becomes even more likely when the uncertainties of healthcare reform are considered. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dpeel-0112.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tonnell-1211.pdf Non-unionized health care employers – especially clinics and other non-hospital employers – may feel like the government has made them a target. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tonnell-1211.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dprice-1211.pdf This columns focus on trends and opportunities underscores that, as an industry, we are facing a wide array of opportunities and challenges. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dprice-1211.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jstacy-1211.pdf It is an unfortunate reality of our era that health systems will have to deal with the stresses of patient decontamination. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jstacy-1211.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-williamskastner-1111.pdf The First Circuits August 29, 2011 decision in Tuli v. Brigham & Womens Hospital depicts the harsh financial consequences that may arise when a hospital fails to investigate and reign in a disruptive physician. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-williamskastner-1111.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-rush-1111.pdf There’s a new go to center for health coming to Pierce County. Franciscan Health System has partnered with Rush Commercial to develop a 3.2-acre lot at SR 410 and 184th Street. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-rush-1111.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-bbl-1111.pdf The view of fraud prosecutions new frontier is becoming clearer with the announcement of substantial new enforcement actions and settlements focusing on the hospitals role in the performance of allegedly unnecessary procedures. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-bbl-1111.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jsenske-1111.pdf People seeking medical treatment in hospitals, healthcare clinics and in primary care settings often have behavioral health needs that are inadequately addressed. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jsenske-1111.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dfisher1011.pdf The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires that by January 1, 2014, states operate health insurance exchanges to provide a competitive marketplace where individuals and small businesses may purchase affordable private health insurance coverage. It’s a colossal undertaking that also assumes the political willpower continues after the next presidential election. Even so, there is a lot to learn and much at stake right now for healthcare providers and employers of all sizes here in Washington State. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dfisher1011.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-millernash1011.pdf In early May of this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") removed a giant obstacle in provision of telemedicine services. Recognizing that its rules and regulations regarding telemedicine services were "duplicative and burdensome,"1 CMS amended its Conditions of Participation ("CoPs"), implementing a new credentialing and privileging process for physicians and practitioners providing telemedicine services. But what these changes mean for practitioners and medical facilities in Washington is yet to be seen. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-millernash1011.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dprice1011.pdf After twenty plus years in the belly of America’s healthcare system beast, I am skeptical but not cynical. I no longer look for or believe that there is a silver bullet that will “fix” healthcare. The system is just too complex and fragmented. It’s hard to see how there could be a lever that, when pulled, will align all the practices, incentives and systems into a unified model of care and funding. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dprice1011.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tgba1011.pdf Always an efficient operation in its own right, Taylor, Gregory, Broadway Architects (TGBa) recently worked with Providence Medical Group to take their design process to a truly LEAN level. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tgba1011.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-hma1011.pdf In today’s competitive marketplace, where budgets are stretched thin, employers want cost effective alternatives to a traditional medical plan. Companies understand that employees have historically enjoyed relatively robust medical plans that offer coverage with little to no out of pocket cost. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-hma1011.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-gokeefe1011.pdf Group Health has launched an iPhone app that does a whole lot more than provide the usual health tips. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-gokeefe1011.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-twallin0911.pdf Leadership drives culture change and having the leader unceasingly focused on the patient and family for experience and quality outcomes is the first step. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-twallin0911.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-rush0911.pdf Through a collaborative effort, the Rush Companies and Capella Health have created an expansion to the Capital Medical Center (CMC) in Olympia, WA. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-rush0911.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tmiles0911.pdf New data available from both the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Premier healthcare alliance offer health care providers their best opportunity yet to determine whether participating in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) would be beneficial. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tmiles0911.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams0911.pdf The Department of Health and Human Services has issued a final rule on HIPAA electronic standards that would replace ICD-9 code sets with the greatly expanded ICD-10 code sets for claims, remittance advice, eligibility inquiries, referral authorizations, and other transactions. Health care organizations without a solid upfront strategy in place prior to implementation could fall behind. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams0911.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dpeel0811.pdf Washington hospitals posted strong margins in 2010 as thirty-six of the largest forty hospitals reported positive total margins. The 2010 figures were similar to 2009, when thirty-six of the largest forty hospitals reported positive total margins. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dpeel0811.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tfain0811.pdf Darrel Royal used to have a saying about a forward pass: "Three things can happen, and two of them are bad." The same saying applies to an investigation by the Medical Quality Assurance Commission - three things can happen, and two of them are bad. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tfain0811.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jwood0811.pdf On June 1, 2011, the State of Washington joined 17 other states in restricting the ability of physicians to purchase anatomic pathology services and re-bill the services to patients and payors. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jwood0811.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-crivard0811.pdf Health care reform has always been complicated, but the complexity is escalating at an accelerated pace. One of the reasons for this growing intricacy is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), enacted in March 2010, which requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a Medicare Shared Savings Program by the start of 2012. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-crivard0811.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams0811.pdf Health care reform has placed an increased focus on accountability for quality outcomes and, at the same time, low-cost care. Health care leaders should evaluate the degree to which hospital mergers or affiliations will offer improved quality of care and lower costs in their own facility. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams0811.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-shurwitz0811.pdf In 2009 Seattle Children's updated and revised its compensation practices to provide managers with better tools to recognize and reward workplace performance for our more than 4,000 employees. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-shurwitz0811.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-planfinancialsytd033111.pdf This report shows Washington State health insurance company financial results for the first quarter 2011 compared to the first quarter 2010 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-planfinancialsytd033111.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-srose0711.pdf After months of anticipation and speculation the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued proposed rules relating to a voluntary Shared Savings Program for Medicare providers and suppliers participating in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Under the Shared Savings Program, providers and suppliers will continue to receive traditional Medicare fee-for-service payments under Parts A and B, and be eligible for additional payments if specified quality and savings requirements are met. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-srose0711.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dbrooks0711.pdf Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett will take its award-winning healthcare to the next level June 14 when it opens a new $460 million, state-of-the-art medical tower, the largest and most comprehensive building project Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dbrooks0711.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-rhoward0711.pdf Providers who participate in Medicaid should familiarize themselves with proposed federal regulations published on May 6, 2011 that, if adopted, would substantially impede their ability to challenge Medicaid rate reductions in court. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-rhoward0711.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-lmaslen0711.pdf Healthcare reform is about accountability for care. As a nurse, should someone ask me if I provide quality care, I would answer, "Absolutely." But if they ask me, "What is your data to support that claim of quality care?" Then I may need to say, "I'll be right back with you on that." Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-lmaslen0711.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dfeider0611.pdf Medical professionals are sensitive to potential claims from employees for age, gender, race, national origin, citizenship, religious, sexual orientation, and disability discrimination or workplace harassment claims. That said, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) which investigates and prosecutes claimed violations of federal employment laws, reports that retaliation claims are on the rise and exceed those alleging any other type of claim at this point in its history. Retaliation is perceived as a "growth industry" for lawsuits. Tue, 10 May 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dfeider0611.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-stoelrives0611.pdf The federal health care reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, requires employers to report the cost of employer-sponsored health coverage on employees' W-2 forms. The IRS recently released additional information on this requirement: Notice 2011-28, available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-11-28.pdf. Tue, 10 May 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-stoelrives0611.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-provpremera0611.pdf Providence Health & Services and Premera Blue Cross have created a new alliance founded on a joint commitment to collaborate on new programs that will transform care for the people and the communities we serve. Tue, 10 May 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-provpremera0611.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-kvillanueva0511.pdf A devastating earthquake. A raging storm. An unrelenting flood. Each of these natural disasters could easily disable or dismantle the best-built health care facility in the world, as recent events in Japan have made all too clear. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-kvillanueva0511.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-bcra0511.pdf While Lean design--particularly Lean Production Preparation Process (Lean 3P)--is quickly becoming de riguer on healthcare design projects, even the 3P process itself is subject to streamlining with technological advances. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-bcra0511.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-lharris0511.pdf The recent Healthcare Reform legislation removed many of the mechanisms health plans had in place to control healthcare costs. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-lharris0511.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jjay0511.pdf There are some simple measures you can take to avoid potential fraud and discourage a would-be theft while still maintaining a comfortable working environment. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jjay0511.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/cellnetix0511.pdf Progress in modern medicine is driven by specialization. Serious illness is invariably referred to a specialist or a team of specialists who have the depth of knowledge to offer precise and accurate treatment and diagnosis. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/cellnetix0511.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-gmontomery0511.pdf Federal and state laws, and hundreds of court cases, address the seemingly simple decision of a hospital and medical staff member to part ways. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-gmontomery0511.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams0411.pdf No one knows whether the health care reform law will withstand the series of challenges that now confront it in the courts, Congress, and the states. But one thing is certain: Whether it's through decreasing fraud and abuse or increasing operational efficiency, the drive to cut health care administrative costs will continue, no matter how the health care reform battle turns out in 2011 and 2012. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams0411.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-gmennegar0411.pdf Despite the strong push for physician practices to go paperless through the adoption of EMR and EHR, many are still drowning in paper. In the back office, practices are inundated with patient and insurance company payments, EOB's and other mail. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-gmennegar0411.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-apgar0411.pdf Imagine being in compliance with federal regulations, no matter how often they change, covering your entire security and privacy footprint, thereby minimizing the legal risks that come with being a healthcare organization in today's world. Sounds dreamy, kind of like head-in-the-clouds type thinking, right? Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-apgar0411.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-vhess0411.pdf Professional Paradise. Some healthcare leaders might say it's an oxymoron. But even those who readily believe it is in fact possible to achieve a constant state of "paradise" or "bliss" at work might think that finding or creating Professional Paradise in today's climate of healthcare reform is ludicrous. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-vhess0411.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tgba0411.pdf A 6000sf, circa 1950s-60s building, once housing a First Mutual Bank branch, is now the busy site of Overlake Hospital's Downtown Bellevue Clinic, which provides internal medicine care to those who live or work in the downtown Bellevue area. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tgba0411.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-amorrow0411.pdf When you think about your company's future survivability, and you consider partnering with a larger organization, do you get a sick feeling in your gut? Or do you look forward to the new choices you may have? Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-amorrow0411.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-millernash0311.pdf In today's healthcare industry, community hospitals face unprecedented challenges. From problems with physician retention and recruitment, to increasing technology and compliance costs, to the lack of negotiating power with vendors and suppliers, many community hospitals are at a severe disadvantage. Is merger or affiliation an option to improve the health of community hospitals? Sat, 05 Feb 2011 02:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-millernash0311.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-stoel0311.pdf Policies prohibiting employees from smoking while on duty are widespread, but a developing trend represents even stricter regulation of employee smoking habits. An increasing number of employers are considering no-nicotine hiring policies, raising the question of the extent to which employers may influence employee lifestyle choices when those choices spill over to the workplace. Sat, 05 Feb 2011 02:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-stoel0311.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-sstelzriede0311.pdf Responsibilities of audit committees have increased significantly over the past 20 years. Although some committees have shifted to accommodate new structures and operations, many have been slow to embrace the increase in roles and responsibilities, leaving them vulnerable to shareholder and stakeholder scrutiny. Sat, 05 Feb 2011 02:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-sstelzriede0311.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mthurston0311.pdf A recent Washington State Department of Health study found that about one in three Washington adults ages 25 or older had fasting blood glucose levels indicating pre-diabetes. Sat, 05 Feb 2011 02:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mthurston0311.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/az-mayoproton0311.pdf When Mayo Clinic announced construction of a $188 million cancer treatment center, it energized the Phoenix, Arizona area. Not only will the highly precise technology allow patients to have shorter treatment times and fewer side effects, but it also provides what is often a more cost effective solution for patients suffering from particular types of cancer. Sat, 05 Feb 2011 02:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/az-mayoproton0311.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-wasca0211.pdf Ambulatory surgery centers are collaborating with public and private health plans to help reduce healthcare costs. We are also actively engaged with the Department of Health on patient safety issues. Learn more in our article. Mon, 17 Jan 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-wasca0211.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dfitzgerald0211.pdf Our experience at Proliance Surgeons offers valuable lessons on encouraging management advancements. In the past 17 years, we have built one of the nation's largest surgical practices, emphasizing high-quality care and service for our patients along with sensible cost control. Here are several principles that we have found to be instrumental in effecting change within our organization that can be extrapolated to the state level. Mon, 17 Jan 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dfitzgerald0211.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-ltieman0211.pdf After two years of research, the Institute of Medicine/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing released its recommendations in October, followed by a national conference on implementation of those recommendations. Here is what these recommendations mean to Washington. Mon, 17 Jan 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-ltieman0211.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-kzang0211.pdf The Washington Asthma Initiative and the Washington State Department of Health prepared a helpful six-page, easy-to-use reference tool called "Good Asthma Care on a Desert Island." Learn how to get it by reading this article. Mon, 17 Jan 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-kzang0211.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/az-bannerironwood0211.pdf The ironwood tree provides a place of shelter and refuge from the hot desert sun. Likewise, when Banner Health chose the site of recently opened Banner Ironwood, a previously underserved area gained a healing refuge. Mon, 17 Jan 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/az-bannerironwood0211.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/co-flight0211.pdf Flight For Life Colorado was the first civilian, hospital-based helicopter program in the nation, and began service in 1972 with a single Aloutte III helicopter. Mon, 17 Jan 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/co-flight0211.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-stoelrives0111.pdf The passage of federal healthcare reform in 2010 marks a new era for employer-sponsored health plans. Along with the requirements of other recently passed laws, group health plans must comply with several new provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("PPACA") summarized in this article. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-stoelrives0111.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-djohnson0111.pdf Physician reimbursement has been central to the extensive debate over health care reform. Understanding the essentials of physician reimbursement is fundamental to understanding healthcare finance, the recently approved changes to our health care system, and how to respond as those changes take effect. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-djohnson0111.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dpeel0111.pdf Washington domestic health plans recently reported third quarter financial results and four of the largest five plans posted higher net income compared to the same period in 2009. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dpeel0111.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-shurwitz0111.pdf A true differentiator between a Personnel and Human Resource function is the level of focus on Strategy. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-shurwitz0111.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/az-dpeel0111.pdf Arizona hospitals report a wealth of data each year to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). They are required to report financial, utilization and staffing information using a form called the Uniform Accounting Report (UAR). Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/az-dpeel0111.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/co-dmeyers.pdf The CU School of Medicine advances medical education services to Colorado in many ways. This article will focus on two efforts, Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/co-dmeyers.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/or-bbow1210.pdf Two years ago I spent the better part of seven days at the bedside of my eighty-five year old mother who had fallen and was hospitalized in a highly reputable Portland hospital. While the experience was difficult for her, it was profound for me. Despite two decades of hospital employment, I had never spent this amount of concentrated time viewing the world from the standpoint of the person at the center of our work--the patient. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/or-bbow1210.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-pgoldberg1210.pdf Your healthcare organization is being constantly besieged with change and uncertainty: healthcare reform, patient safety, cost reductions, reimbursement changes, etc. There is one certain and mandated change, which if not completed, could bring many of your organization's activities to a grinding halt - the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10. With a deadline of October 2013, this important project should be close to the top of today's priority list. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-pgoldberg1210.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-rlahner1210.pdf Such frenzied messages are the stuff of sleepless nights for hospital administrators. But, in spite of administrators' best efforts, these calls are a given hazard of the business, and this was indeed the call received several years ago by a startled Los Angeles hospital CEO. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-rlahner1210.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-bcra1210.pdf In the healthcare field, we all use a number of different tools to assist us in effective management of our current facilities and sound strategy for future development and growth. We manage using dashboards, spreadsheets, charts, trends, and management reports, among many others. Working with C-level healthcare executives and administrators, we get to see first hand how disparate and disconnected these tools can become, making management less a visual tool and more an "in the numbers" process. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-bcra1210.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/ca-dpeel1210.pdf In a sign of continued stability for the California Health Plan industry, twenty-eight of the largest thirty plans reported positive net income through the first six months of 2010. Total enrollment of 20.9 million was comparable to the same time period in 2009 while total revenues of $47.8 billion were up $1.9 billion. Investment revenues were considerably higher during the first six months of 2010 with $624.8 million reported versus $193.9 million reported during the same time period in 2009. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/ca-dpeel1210.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jshore1210.pdf To protect their valuable assets (patients, goodwill, and confidential information) and investments (recruiting, training and development costs), healthcare employers commonly require physicians to agree to restrictive covenants as a condition of employment. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jshore1210.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams1210.pdf The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was designed to simplify health care administration and improve efficiency and cost effectiveness. But much to everyone's surprise, the legislation didn't have a tremendous impact until 2003, when the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mandated the use of electronic data interchange (EDI) and set standards for information privacy and security. More recently HIPAA introduced a new National Provider Identifier (NPI) system, creating unique identifiers for physicians and health care organizations across the United States. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams1210.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-kbaker1110.pdf In some hospitals, some communications about a patient's health care have moved from the bedside or telephone to the exchange of health care information via text messages. Having ready electronic access to a provider has many virtues, but the exchange of patient information via texting has many risks associated with it. This article will review the potential risks that arise from the use of texting as a means of sharing patient information between health care providers. Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:30:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-kbaker1110.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-wsmall1110.pdf It is no surprise to healthcare employers that the operation of qualified retirement plans have become both more simple, and more complicated. Simplification has come through products, technologies and changes to regulations that support easier design, implementation and maintenance. Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:30:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-wsmall1110.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/ak-rmadison1110.pdf As many of us know, changes associated with technology in the way we do business can be time-consuming, frustrating, and expensive. Make that doubly so for medical practices and clinics, with their complex medical procedures, patient histories and records, security and privacy issues, and billing systems. Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:30:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/ak-rmadison1110.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-bbl1110.pdf In recent years, hospitals, physicians and other providers have wrestled with the question of how to remedy violations of the dauntingly technical and complicated physician self-referral law, or "Stark Law."1 The Stark Law prohibits accepting Medicare payments for services provided while a violation exists, but provides little guidance on the steps providers should take when they discover a violation and offers no mechanism to mitigate disproportionately harsh financial effects of minor, non-abusive violations. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)2 and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) new self-disclosure protocol have changed the landscape related to such situations. Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:30:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-bbl1110.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-wirec1110.pdf Over the past two years, health reform legislation and the stimulus bill called for the establishment of a number of healthcare-related programs that will require new organizational structures, from accountable care organizations and patient-centered medical homes to health information exchanges. Chartered through the Health Information Technology and Economic Clinical Health (HITECH) provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center (REC) program is an unprecedented effort by the US government to transition paper-based healthcare to electronic health record (EHR) systems. The program's goal is to furnish technical assistance to help healthcare providers select, implement, and meaningfully use certified EHR technology to improve healthcare. Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:30:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-wirec1110.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-djwilson1110.pdf Understanding the implications of federal health reform is a big task. Gathering intelligence on what is coming next at the state level is a full time job. Few health care executives have the time to dig into the details on reform - at either level, federal or state. However, many of them should be concerned about the implications of reform to their health care organization. Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:30:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-djwilson1110.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-speskura1110.pdf As more physicians become hospital employees, hospitals must face the challenges of integrating and managing physician practices. Many hospitals, for example, now outsource the risk exposures for medical professional liability to a specialty insurance company. A hospital's purchase of professional liability insurance for its employed physicians offers several key advantages. Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:30:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-speskura1110.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-djohnson1110.pdf Drug reimbursement from commercial insurance carriers changed considerably over the last decade. The old standard used to be Average Wholesale Price (AWP), which reflected the average prices of drugs sold to hospitals, physicians and pharmacies. Insurance companies often reimbursed drugs using AWP, or more likely a percentage above or below AWP, as agreed to by a carrier and provider. From the perspective of an insurance company, payment based on AWP was a positive event, reducing reimbursement, as prior to AWP medications were often paid on a percent-of-charge basis. Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:30:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-djohnson1110.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-lp1110.pdf The economic downturn and resulting restricted access to capital have caused many hospitals to consider a partner or other affiliation strategy. Declining volumes and the deteriorating payer mix are further forcing these discussions - as are the seemingly countless opportunities for capital-rich hospitals to acquire struggling, Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:30:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-lp1110.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/or-bmcmullan1110.pdf The national conversation around how to improve healthcare and reduce overall costs is top of mind for many Americans. While no single solution currently exists, I've learned that one thing is certain: defining a successful approach will require a collective effort by all of those involved in providing, financing and receiving healthcare. By combining the knowledge and experience of healthcare providers, health plans, hospitals, purchasing groups and patients, we can develop a new and innovative model of care that addresses the needs of all involved. Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:30:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/or-bmcmullan1110.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dfisher1010.pdf The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is now law, and the regulations supporting this monumental piece of legislation have been pouring in ever since. Like many of you, I have been spending a great deal of time trying to determine what the compliance issues and practical applications of the PPACA will be for employers. Mon, 6 Sep 2010 05:14:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dfisher1010.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-millernash1010.pdf On July 6, 2010, the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (DLI) issued its final regulations on the 2008 Washington Domestic Violence Leave Act (DVLA). Mon, 6 Sep 2010 05:14:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-millernash1010.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-pcarr1010.pdf Location, location, location. This steadfast retail mantra applies equally well to the medical office building (MOB) segment of the real estate market. All across the country, in the face of anemic occupancy rates, rents, and new development in the traditional office building segment of the real estate market, newer well-located MOBs continue to attract physicians and clinics. Mon, 6 Sep 2010 05:14:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-pcarr1010.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-ssmith1010.pdf Because of the uncertainty created by Health Reform, many group health plans may be "gun-shy" about making changes before the dust is fully settled and all regulations promulgated. Is concern about losing grandfathered status causing you not to make any Plan changes? Over time, maintaining this status may be more costly than cost effective for your plan. Curious? Read on. Mon, 6 Sep 2010 05:14:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-ssmith1010.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dparnami1010.pdf Hospitals without electronic health records and their related functions are scurrying to meet the obligations of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the "Act"). Mon, 6 Sep 2010 05:14:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dparnami1010.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-pfrisch0910.pdf Washington Healthcare News readers are generally familiar with changes to HIPAA included in the HITECH Act of 2009. However, many involved with compliance sometimes miss critical issues within their own organizations. In his article, Paul Frisch, Senior Compliance Consultant with Apgar and Associates, LLC, suggests organizations take a step back to reasonably ensure they are compliant with HIPAA/HITECH and, if not, address certain key areas first. Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:41:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-pfrisch0910.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-lbottomly0910.pdf According to some estimates, seven percent of annual revenue is lost to employee fraud. The healthcare industry is not immune from this affliction. In her article, Leslie Bottomly, Partner, Labor & Employment Group, of Ater Wynne LLP, discusses the need to address suspected employee fraud while mitigating potential employment claims arising from the investigation and response. Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:41:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-lbottomly0910.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jjay0910.pdf Have you reviewed your past Medicare billings recently? There could be a ticking time bomb hiding in them. Janet Jay, Agency Sales and Service Representative of Physician Insurance Agency, recommends you review specific terms of your insurance policy covering defense costs, fines and penalties to be sure there are no surprises if you need to file a claim. Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:41:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jjay0910.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mmwilliams0910.pdf Are residents in Washington getting high-quality, high-value healthcare? Frankly, the answer is, it depends. Mary McWilliams, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Health Alliance, explains in further detail in her article, "Understanding Care Variations is the First Step to Fixing Problem." Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:41:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mmwilliams0910.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-nora0910.pdf Completed in May 2010, the new Auburn Regional Cancer Center located in the Auburn Regional Medical Plaza fulfills the vision of its founders for a regional destination cancer center in South King County. In her article "TGBa Designs "Stand-Out" Auburn Regional Cancer Center," Nora Haile, Contributing Editor of the Washington Healthcare News, describes the facility and it's many benefits to the community. Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:41:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-nora0910.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-williamskaster0610.pdf This article, written by Judd H. Lees and KoKo Huang of Williams Kastner, discusses the broad brushstroke requirements under the healthcare legislation which will go into effect on various dates over the next several years, and provides guidance for HR personnel to both understand and prepare for the changes ahead. Fri, 07 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-williamskaster0610.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-aterwynne0610.pdf Leslie Bottomly and Kathy Feldman, of Ater Wynne LLP, write how new technology and social media opportunities have opened a Pandora's Box for employers and HR professionals in their article "Social Media: New Opportunities and Headaches." Fri, 07 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-aterwynne0610.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-pi0610.pdf Janet Jay, Sales and Service Representative of Physicians Insurance Agency, describes how a good Employment Practices Liability policy can help guide you, and provide coverage, when there is an employment claim. Fri, 07 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-pi0610.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-ssmith0610.pdf In her article, "The New Excise Tax Penalties: Compliance is Your Best Defense," Susan Smith, SPHR of Healthcare Management Administrators summarizes the new IRS excise tax penalties applicable to employer sponsored group health plans and describes what can be done to prevent incurring them. Fri, 07 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-ssmith0610.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/planhospital121209.pdf Washington Hospital financial summaries through 09/30/09 and Northwest Health Insurance Financial Information through 12/31/09. Fri, 07 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/planhospital121209.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-ltieman0610.pdf Linda Tieman, RN, MD, FACHE, Executive Director of the Washington Center for Nursing, provides an update on the nursing workforce situation in her article "Is There Really a Nursing Shortage in Washington State?" Fri, 07 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-ltieman0610.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/chp2.pdf Tue, 18 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/chp2.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/lancasterpollard2.pdf Tue, 18 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/lancasterpollard2.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/pi3.pdf Tue, 18 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/pi3.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/pi4.pdf Tue, 18 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/pi4.pdf http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/physicians-practice-and-providence-health--services-to-improve-patient-care-in-oregon-94244389.html BALTIMORE, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Physicians Practice and Providence Health and Services have joined forces to help provide area physicians and their staff more time to devote to patient care. This new partnership is a unique program designed to help doctors in the state of Oregon better handle the cumbersome and time-consuming issues of managing a busy practice. Through this new alliance, Providence Health and Services will use Physicians Practice's extensive resources to deliver essential practice management tools to help local physicians manage the business aspects of medicine more efficiently and effectively. Wed, 19 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/physicians-practice-and-providence-health--services-to-improve-patient-care-in-oregon-94244389.html http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011897508_mentalhealth19m.html The Seattle Police Department will hire a full-time mental-health professional this summer to help officers when going out on calls that deal with the mentally ill. The pilot program will be funded by a two-year, $250,000 federal-justice grant. Wed, 19 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011897508_mentalhealth19m.html http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/diagnosticimaging3.pdf MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital plans to increase health care services offered in Bonney Lake with the construction of a new medical office building. Mon, 24 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/diagnosticimaging3.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/whn-djohnson0710.pdf A description of common outpatient hospital reimbursement methodology Sun, 06 Jun 2010 06:26:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/whn-djohnson0710.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/whn-gsb0710.pdf How the Patient Protectiona and Affordable Care Act of 2010 will force a dramatic change in the Medicare payment methodology. Sun, 06 Jun 2010 06:26:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/whn-gsb0710.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/whn-wharris0710.pdf How to determine whether a hospital or clinic is paying market level administrative fees on their pension or other retirement plan Sun, 06 Jun 2010 06:26:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/whn-wharris0710.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/whn-dherbert0710.pdf 15.6 Billion Returned to the Medicare Trust Fund from all Fraud Audit Recoveries Since Inception in 1997 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 06:26:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/whn-dherbert0710.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/whn-rhoward0710.pdf Why hospitals, physicians and other health care providers who engage in peer review should familiarize themselves with Washington's Peer Review Act. Sun, 06 Jun 2010 06:26:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/whn-rhoward0710.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams0810.pdf This article describes Accountable Care Organizations and why they may become centric to healthcare reform efforts. Wed, 14 Jul 2010 07:12:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mossadams0810.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dpeel0810.pdf This article summarizes 2008 and 2009 Washington hospital financial performance. Wed, 14 Jul 2010 07:13:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-dpeel0810.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-amiles0810.pdf This article demonstrates that securing protected health information (PHI) remains a worthy focus of risk-management resources for insurance entities, hospitals and health systems. Wed, 14 Jul 2010 07:15:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-amiles0810.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tbeecken0810.pdf This article argues that stop-loss insurance to protect against high dollar claims is not a commodity that can be purchased solely based on basic contract provisions and price. Wed, 14 Jul 2010 07:17:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-tbeecken0810.pdf http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-djohnson0810.pdf This article demonstrates that employee engagement in wellness programs leads to reduced healthcare costs and healthier employees. Wed, 14 Jul 2010 07:19:00 PST http://www.wahcnews.com/newsletters/wa-djohnson0810.pdf