Patients with interstitial lung disease demonstrated a higher proportion of comorbidities and rheumatoid arthritis activity, as well as rheumatoid arthritis-related conditions, according to a presenter at the EULAR 2020 Virtual Congress. “Interstitial lung disease is a common extra-articular manifestation of
COVID-19 Prior Authorization and Ongoing Patient Care Updates from UnitedHealth
UnitedHealthcare is working to help people access health care to the fullest extent possible as we come together to address this national emergency. We’re adopting measures that will reduce administrative burden for physicians and facilities, helping members more easily access
UnitedHealth Group Accelerates Nearly $2 Billion in Payments and Support to Health Care Providers to Help with COVID-19 Financial Challenges
Please see the formal announcement from UHC. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), through UnitedHealthcare and Optum, has announced it is taking steps immediately to accelerate payments and other financial support to health care providers in the U.S. to help address the
COVID-19 Response
The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA), Washington state officials, and the state’s health care community have joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in responding to an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Initially detected
New Resources Added to WRA Website
CreakyJoints https://creakyjoints.org/ CreakyJoints is a digital community for millions of arthritis patients and caregivers worldwide who seek education, support, advocacy, and patient-centered research. All of our programming and services are always provided free of charge. Education: Constantly updated and informed by
Ask Your Lawmakers to Protect Access to Part B Therapies
From the American College of Rheumatology In a significant and dangerous departure from previous policy, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will begin adjusting Part B drug reimbursements to physicians based on their performance in the Merit-based Incentive
Take Action (September 2017)
Physicians across the country are concerned about keeping the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from imposing quality-program penalties and bonuses on Part B drug payments. Across the country, physicians are urging Congress to oppose this proposal, which could compel
MED limit removed from HCA opioid policy
August 23, 2017 Update to new HCA opioid policy: On August 23, 2017, the Health Care Authority sent a message through GovDelivery to providers explaining the new HCA opioid policy, which will go into effect for Medicaid on October 1,
New opioid clinical policy (effective October 1, 2017)
Washington State Healthcare Authority Announcement: Healthcare providers should be aware that on October 1, 2017, a new Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) clinical policy pertaining to opioid prescriptions takes effect for Apple Health (Medicaid), both through managed care organizations
Advocacy-Related Requests for WRA Members
Adam Cooper, Senior Director, Government Affairs, American College of Rheumatology, attended our 2016 WRA Annual Conference and asked us to pass on these advocacy-related requests to our members: 1. We are asking members to join or renew their AMA memberships