Save the Date
WMS Tailgate at War Memorial Stadium
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WMS to host tailgate at UW Football game against Fresno State -
October 16, Time TBD
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The Wyoming Medical Society board members and staff will be in attendance. Throw on your best game day gold and plan to stop by for fun with colleagues from across the state before kickoff!
Hotels reservations are extremely limited, we recommend booking ASAP.
Details coming soon...
See you there!
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Monoclonal Antibody Therapy |
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The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) would like to increase awareness about FDA authorized monoclonal antibody therapeutics for patients 12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19 who are at high risk for progression to severe illness. In randomized, placebo-controlled trials of nonhospitalized patients who had mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms and certain risk factors for disease progression, the use of anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody products reduced the risk of hospitalization and death. Recently, one monoclonal antibody therapeutic (REGEN-COV) was also authorized for post-exposure prophylaxis among patients exposed to COVID-19 who are at high risk for progression to severe illness. Monoclonal antibodies can be administered in any clinical setting in which health care providers have immediate access to medications to treat a severe infusion or hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylaxis, and the ability to activate the emergency medical system (EMS), as necessary. Increasing access to these medications could help reduce COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality and reduce the number of patients needing hospitalization.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services clinical subject matter experts will shortly begin offering weekly national calls for healthcare professionals to receive information and ask questions about the use of monoclonal antibodies in a variety of clinical settings. Additional information about the schedule of these webinars and how to join will be available shortly.
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Wyoming Broadband Taskforce Talks Telehealth |
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WMS Executive Director, Sheila Bush, addressed the WY Broadband Taskforce Friday, 9/3, to offer support for their efforts to promote and expand telehealth across Wyoming. The Committee discussed LSO draft 22LSO-0054 .7 which appropriates $8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for broadband internet access projects with an additional $1 million from ARPA funds in grant funding available to health care providers for purposes of telehealth.
WMS spoke in support of the concept and offered the organization's appreciation for the effort. Director Bush asked the taskforce's consideration in broadening the way the grant funds for health care providers could be used to reach beyond equipment purchases and extend into patient education, public outreach and provider support.
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Governor Gordon signs proclamation for Telehealth Awareness Week |
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Governor Mark Gordon signed the proclamation declaring September 19 - 25 as the first ever Telehealth Awareness Week!
Members of the Wyoming Telehealth Consortium, of which the Wyoming Medical Society is a part of, gathered at the Capitol to celebrate.
To get involved visit:
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August 31, 2021
Dear Wyoming Medicaid Physicians,
I am writing to inform you of proposed policy changes regarding the frequency of follow up visits for patients with non-malignant pain treated with opioids. Based on a comprehensive review of medical records, it has come to our attention that some patients are being seen on a monthly or even biweekly schedule when there is no medical indication documented for such frequent visits.
As Medicaid is not allowed to pay for care that is not medically necessary, we would like to propose a policy that attains a balance of meeting the needs of the patients you provide care to while reducing unnecessary visits. Attached please find a proposed change to our policy. I am interested in receiving your input regarding this proposal. I appreciate the care you provide to our mutual clients, and welcome any thoughtful feedback you might wish to share. Please feel free to contact me by email at james.bush@wyo.gov or at the number listed below.
Sincerely,
James Bush, MD, MACP
State Medicaid Medical Officer
Division of Healthcare Financing
122 W 25th Street, 4 West
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Tel 307-777-7245
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WMS leadership and pain specialist members of WMS are working in collaboration with State Medicaid Medical Director, Jim Bush, MD, on this proposed policy change. |
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COVID-19 Immunization Data |
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Click image to view full sized report. |
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Here you will find:
- Vaccine program provider enrollment
- Required training for COVID-19 vaccine coordinators
- COVID-19 vaccine resources and information
- COVID-19 vaccination program templates and forms
- CDC's V-Safe After Vaccination Health Checker
- Wyoming Immunization Registry (WyIR) Resources
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Obesity Coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming has updated procedure codes related to obesity coverage and preventive benefits. Preventive diet, behavioral, and medical counseling are permitted for obesity under the US Preventive Service Task Force recommendations. These standard preventive benefits apply to all fully insured lines of business but can vary for self-funded groups.
Availity Recorded Webinar Available – Prior Authorizations
To assist our providers with the Sept. 1 transition, BCBSWY would like to share the recorded webinar for you to view at your convenience.
Please follow this link, login to Availity Portal. Then click the Enroll button to view the course.
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Online Education Opportunities |
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Healthcare Provider Support Group
Wyoming Professional Assistance Program will be reinstating its weekly confidential support group meeting for healthcare providers coping with burnout, PTSD and stress related to treating COVID-19.
Every Thursday at 6:30 PM Mountain Time
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 868 9748 7256
Dial in
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 868 9748 7256
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Click image to view full-size flyer |
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The wellbeing of healthcare workers and counselors matters to all Wyomingites, especially in these unprecedented times. Recognizing a need to support the caregivers, the Wyoming Department of Health will offer free resilience and mindfulness training this fall to health professionals across the state.
Please sign up and take advantage of this valuable opportunity!
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Sept 22nd & 23rd - Healthcare and Social Service Providers
Conference Costs:
- $25.00: Preconference Options for Healthcare/Social Service Provider (Elder Abuse/Adult Protection)- Sept 22nd. *Sr Center Director Training has no charge
- $75.00: Conference for Healthcare/Social Service Provider - Sept 22nd and 23rd (both days)
- NO CHARGE: Conference for Public and Caregivers/Family- Sept 24th
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Pustular Psoriasis: Recognizing and Treating a Rare But Serious Disease |
June 21, 2021 - June 21, 2022
Pustular psoriasis is a clinically heterogenous group of rare psoriasis subtypes characterized by aseptic, neutrophil-rich pustules. The three most common types are generalized pustular psoriasis, palmoplantar pustular psoriasis, and acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau. The diagnosis of pustular psoriasis relies mainly on clinical features and is challenging.
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Cigna Digital Solutions
Webinar Schedule
4th quarter schedule for webinar learning courses for Cigna For Health Care Professional
Other Cigna Resources:
Please visit our dedicated provider COVID-19 resource page on CignaforHCP.com for the most current billing and virtual care guidance, resources, FAQs, and more
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Click image to view full-size flyer |
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For more education opportunities visit the
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Thank you 2021 Friends of WMS! |
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