The latest from the Washington Health Alliance:

Alliance recommends Ambulatory Surgery Centers report safety efforts

The Washington Health Alliance serves as the Regional Lead organization for the Leapfrog Group’s patient safety work in Washington State. In this role, we support hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), encouraging them to demonstrate their commitment to patient safety through participation in Leapfrog’s hospital or ASC annual safety surveys.

Read more.

Chronic Kidney Disease: Improving mortality rate through early diagnosis

Chronic kidney disease is common, yet many people do not know they have it.

In early September, the Alliance pulled together experts to discuss the impact of chronic kidney disease in Washington State and how early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve outcomes and cut health care costs.

Check out the highlights.

One week left to register for this free webinar:

Colon Cancer: Second leading cause of cancer death in Washington

Virtual – 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT on Sept. 20

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Washington state, according to the State Department of Health, yet the rate of preventative screenings continues to drop.

With the right plan, healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare purchasers can act to ensure all residents get appropriate screenings to prevent this life-altering disease. 

Join your peers from across the health care system to hear more about how to address the barriers to care and improve the health of our communities.

What you can expect to take away: 

• A clear picture of the existing care gaps and inequities in colorectal cancer screenings in Washington state.  
• The financial impact of the disease and the well-defined benefits of early screening and treatment.  
• What efforts can be taken through shared decision-making and alternative screenings to ensure that everyone is getting the appropriate care.  
• The framework of an action plan that all stakeholders, including healthcare providers, health plans and health care purchasers, can take to close the care gaps. 

Our members and supporters can be the best ambassadors for our work. If you know someone who would like to learn more about membership in the Alliance, contact Denise Giambalvo, Director of Member Engagement & Business Strategy, at dgiambalvo@wahealthalliance.org.