Oregon Health Authority Awards $27 Million in “Transformation Funds” to State’s CCOs
Republished with permission from State of Reform
Amanda Waldroupe
Southwest Washington Mental Health Providers Increase Rates
The increased rates are closer to what providers in the rest of Washington are paid, and are expected to create a stronger workforce
September 6, 2013—The Southwest Washington Behavioral Health’s governing board has substantially increased the reimbursement rates for mental healthcare providers, bringing them closer to the market rate.
Public Health Division Continues Preparing for How Climate Change Will Affect Health
In addition to hiring an epidemiologist who will analyze possible health impacts of climate change, the state is working with county health departments to develop local adaptation plans
September 3, 2013—The Oregon Public Health Division has hired an epidemiologist who will focus on determining how climate change will affect people’s health, both regionally and individually.
Medical Groups Balk at Registering as Drug Outlet, New Regulations
A first stab at discussing regulatory rules raised numerous concerns about regulations, fees, and why registering is even necessary
August 27, 2013—Medical groups representing practitioners who dispense medications are raising concerns about registering as a “drug outlet” with the Oregon Board of Pharmacy, which would allow the board to inspect their sites and investigate whether medication is safely dispensed, stored, labeled, and inventoried.
Wyden-Smith Town Hall Spreads Word About Cover Oregon, Health Reform
Many attendees were unfamiliar with how the state’s health insurance exchange will work, less than two months before enrollment starts
August 21, 2013--The drumbeat to inform Oregonians about impending health reform continued on Monday with a town hall hosted by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden (D) and Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith that 120 people attended.
Trillium’s CCO Developing Ways to Coordinate Chronic Pain Treatment
Screening patients for chronic pain, improving access to chiropractic care, and coordinating with mental health services are among numerous recommendations
August 19, 2013—Trillium Community Health Plan, the coordinated care organization serving Oregon Health Plan patients in Lane County, is hoping to start a new, integrated approach to treating patients suffering from chronic pain by early next year.
Big Changes Ahead for Insurance Rate Review, Accountability as Insurance Division Gets New Commissioner
Oregon’s new insurance commissioner hopes to drive down costs, making sure that insurers charge more appropriate rates
July 24, 2013—Oregon’s new insurance commissioner thinks there’s an opportunity to make insurance companies more accountable to consumers and drive healthcare costs down as the Affordable Care Act is implemented and the state seeks ways to bolster its rate review process.
Portland Neighborhoods Seek to Become Pesticide-Free
A recent policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics motivates local efforts while Oregon’s Legislature failed to take action on a Toxics Disclosure for Healthy Kids Act.
July 23, 2013—The more Mulysa Melco noticed the amount of Round Up, pesticides and herbicides used by the garden center where she worked as a landscape designer, the more worried she became about those pesticide’s health and environmental effects.
Portland City Council Proclaims “Stand Up for Workplace Wellness Day”
Various city officials may begin encouraging their employees to stand up at work more
Workforce Demands Strain Healthcare Reform
Reforming billing systems and incorporating naturopaths can help solve workforce shortage issues, and be implemented quickly, according to Dr. Lisa Dodson.
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