Membership Update

WHRN Announces New Executive Director

Caroline Hickerson joins the Wyoming Health Resources Network (WHRN) as the new Executive Director

As a lifelong Wyomingite, Caroline is committed to helping grow and improve health care opportunities throughout the state. She grew up in Gillette and now resides in Cheyenne with her husband and two children. Caroline completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Wyoming and has years of organizational leadership experience that she is excited to apply in her new position. In her free time Caroline enjoys spending time outside enjoying Wyoming’s beautiful public lands as well as cheering on the Pokes whenever possible.

What is WHRN?

The Wyoming Health Resources Network (WHRN) is a non-profit 501c3 organization committed to improving health in the state of Wyoming. The primary mission is to help recruit and retain exceptional medical professionals across the state and by doing so increase access to exceptional healthcare and promote a healthier Wyoming. The Wyoming Medical Society is a founding partner of the WHRN. For more information visit the WHRN Website.

If your organization is in need of new physician or mid-level providers, please reach out to Director Hickerson for assistance.

AMA Updates

Debunking regulatory myths: Can physicians bill for both preventive and E/M services in the same visit?

The myth: Physicians should not bill for both preventive/wellness and evaluation and management (E/M) services when they are performed during the same visit. Click to learn more.

AMA comments on CDC’s proposed updated guideline for prescribing opioids

In February, the AMA applauded several changes that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) proposed in a comprehensive update to its problematic 2016 guideline on opioid prescriptions. This week, the AMA provided specific comments on the proposed update to the guideline, which were shared in a letter (PDF) to the acting director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

AMA Releases New Toolkit for the No Surprises Act Payment Process

Earlier this year, the AMA released an initial toolkit (PDF) for physicians on implementation of the No Surprises Act (NSA). Access a second AMA toolkit (PDF) to assist physicians with the payment process for certain out-of-network care under the NSA.

As part of its AMA Advocacy Insights series, a new webinar, “Out-of-network payment process under the No Surprises Act,” on April 21, will provide additional information on this process. Register now.

WMS Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting Website

What is WY 2-1-1?

Wyoming 2-1-1, Working with Healthcare Providers to Seek Better Health Outcomes for Wyoming’s Agriculture Industry

Wyoming 2-1-1 is the natural link between healthcare providers and individuals with unmet needs. Further, it is a free and confidential service, is easy to use, and brings value to the healthcare industry by providing referrals to needed services. It is likely that increased utilization of Wyoming 2-1-1 by health care providers may result in a decrease in readmission rates and reliance on emergency services and contribute to an overall improvement of the health of the population.

Click to read the full article.

State Updates

The Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy will be transitioning to the Bamboo Health (formerly known as Appriss Health) PMP AWARxE platform in the first half of 2022.

Bamboo Health provides its prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) platform to 44 of the 54 state and US territory PDMPs, as well as the Military Health System.

The anticipated go-live date for the Board to transition to Bamboo Health is July 1, 2022. The Board will provide more information as it progresses through the migration process, such as dates when users may register with the new platform, training resources, and user guides.

Please monitor the email you supplied to the Board of Pharmacy for your controlled substance registration (not the email used for your WORx account) and the Board’s website (https://pharmacyboard.wyo.gov/) to stay up to date.

You may check which email you used by logging into your account with the Board by visiting https://wybopprod.glsuite.us/GLSuiteweb/clients/wybop/private/shared/login.aspx. You may also call the Board office at 307-634-9636.

Wyoming Department of Health Immunization Unit

Click to read the latest updates

Wyoming Frontier Information

Click to read the latest updates

A Message from The Doctors Company

Gain Tools and Knowledge to Prepare for a Malpractice Lawsuit

The Doctors Company invites you to attend our Surviving Litigation Seminar, a complimentary workshop that provides constructive ways to deal with the stress of malpractice litigation. Acquire expert advice for becoming a strong, active participant in your own defense—now or in the future. This online seminar is approved for 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.*

Tuesday, Apr 26 2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Telephone Communication for Healthcare Providers: Safety Strategies

When casually or carelessly conducted, telephone communications can lead to diagnostic errors and misunderstandings that may culminate in professional malpractice claims.

Learn more here

Malpractice Litigation Strategies in a Pandemic World: Tracking Skeptical Jurors, Trial Delays and Social Inflation

More than one in three U.S. physicians will face a medical malpractice lawsuit in their careers. Therefore, healthcare providers may benefit from staying versed in key shifts in medical malpractice litigation.

Learn more here