| Administrative
simplification—reducing the hassle factor, streamlining
policies and procedures and decreasing nonproductive
work—has been a key focus of Asuris Northwest
Health for several years. As part of that commitment,
we’ve been an active participant in the Washington
Healthcare Forum, (the Forum) a statewide organization
committed to improving the health care system.
In the Spring of 2002, the Forum unveiled 10 new policies
and procedures for administrative simplification. These
policies, and new initiatives the Forum is developing,
are now available only at the new Forum
web site.
We hope you’ll check out the new
site. In addition to administrative simplification
initiatives, you’ll also find information on Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
transactions.
Washington Healthcare Forum
The Washington Healthcare Forum (the Forum), the only
private statewide organization in Washington that includes
health plans, hospitals, physicians and purchasers,
has unveiled a new web Web
site that outlines activities the coalition has
undertaken over the past two years to improve the health
care system.
The Forum's mission is to:
- Streamline and simplify healthcare financing and
delivery across the state
- Advance a public dialogue on sustainable solutions
to the challenges facing the health care system.
The Forum represents a broad spectrum of the industry,
including four leading health plans, two provider associations,
a health plan association, three large health systems
and purchasers.
Forum members include:
- Association of Washington Business
- Association of Washington Healthcare Plans
- Everett Clinic
- First Choice Health Network
- Group Health Cooperative
- Inland Northwest Health Services
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- Premera Blue Cross
- Providence Health System Washington
- Regence Blue Shield
- Swedish Health Services
- Washington State Hospital Association
- Washington State Medical Association
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Leaders of the Forum initially identified two key
areas to decrease hassle and non-productive work between
providers and health plans: administrative simplification
and electronic solutions for the secure exchange of
information. These focus areas represent significant
opportunities to dramatically reduce unnecessary paperwork
and improve cash flow. In the summer of 2003, the Forum
added activities relating to the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Forum’s 10
policies and procedures for administrative simplification
as well as information about our HIPAA activities are
available for the first time online. We hope you’ll
explore the new
site.
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