WEAMA Name Change Proposal Meeting

November 18th, 2018

1pm-4pm
Aegis Garden

13056 SE 76th Street
New Castle, WA 98056

This meeting is being held to gather stakeholder feedback from all WA LAc. WEAMA sent out a survey via email to all Washington acupuncturists to get stakeholder feedback prior to the meeting on Nov 18th. The survey included supporting documentation to give background information of why WEAMA is recommending this name change. If you haven't taken the survey yet, please do so. We need as much feedback as possible. 

Whether or not you can attend the meeting, please take time to read the supporting documentation to familiarize yourself with this proposal to potential name change. WEAMA will be sending out mail-in ballots for your voice to be heard. Please become a member of WEAMA if you would like to place a vote, as per the bylaws, only members of WEAMA can place a vote.

Please remember that everyone is allowed their opinion and WEAMA asks everyone to be respectful of other opinions. We can agree to disagree and still show respect for one another. That is true democracy.

Fall edition now available to members on our website!


https://weama.info/memberbenefits/meridiansjournal
Meridians: The Journal of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is the official journal of the American Society for Acupuncturists (ASA).

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About WEAMA

The Washington East Asian Medicine Association first began as the Acupuncture Association of Washington over 25 years ago. The organization helped to provide a unified legislative voice for our profession. In fact, our founders were integral in helping establish the legal practice of East Asian Medicine in Washington state. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors currently consists of 5 democratically elected professionals in the field.

WASHINGTON ACUPUNCTURIST CALL TO ACTION!!

Mark your calendars and plan to attend and engage at these upcoming events!

ARNPs Medical Acupuncture Advisory Opinion Discussion with NCQAC - Acupuncture Workgroup meeting

November 13, 9:45am -11:15 am
Center Point Corporate Park Conference Center
20425 72nd Ave S, Suite 310
Kent, WA 98032
Mt. Adams Room

The Advisory Opinion significantly expands ARNP scope of practice into our highly regulated profession that is highly trained to practice acupuncture and requires NCCAOM board certification.

WEAMA strongly believes that there is a need for additional public review and clarification of this significant scope expansion. Please remember when representing our profession, it is imperative to be respectful.

WEAMA Name Change Proposal Meeting

November 18th, 2018 1pm-4pm
Aegis Garden 13056 SE 76th Street
New Castle, WA 98056

This meeting is being held to gather stakeholder feedback and a final vote will be held through mail-in ballots. WEAMA will send out a survey via email to all Washington acupuncturists to get stakeholder feedback prior to the meeting on Nov 18th. The survey will include supporting documentation to give background information of why WEAMA is recommending this name change.

Whether or not you can attend the meeting, please take time to read the supporting documentation to familiarize yourself with this proposal to potential name change. WEAMA will be sending out mail-in ballots for your voice to be heard. Please become a member of WEAMA if you would like to place a vote, as per the bylaws, only members of WEAMA can place a vote.

Please remember that everyone is allowed their opinion and WEAMA asks everyone to be respectful of other opinions. We can agree to disagree and still show respect for one another. That is true democracy.

East Asian Medicine Advisory Committee (EAMAC)

November 9th, 2018
Department of Health
Creekside Two Center Point Room 307
20425 72nd Ave. South
Bldg. 2, Ste. 310, Kent, WA

This is a public meeting and you are welcome to attend. Attending the EAMAC meetings allows our profession to be part of the decision-making and input for the WAC/Rules impacting your profession. The department is reviewing chapter 246-803 WAC to begin the rule drafting process. The public is welcome to take part in helping write rules. Rules are also known as regulations, Washington Administrative Code, or WAC.

2019 Acupuncture & East Asian Medicine Day

February 26, 2019 7am-4pm
Meet and greet with legislators.  Auricular acupuncture demo for legislators.

Join WEAMA for our Acupuncture & East Asian Medicine Day in Olympia! Come meet our legislators and create presence for our profession in Olympia.

WEAMA has reserved the Washington Room in Prichard Building on the Capital Campus for our legislative day. We will work with you to set up meetings with your local legislators to advocate for acupuncture. We are going to be offering auricular acupuncture treatments in the Capital Building as a demonstration!

Orientation and review of talking point starting at 7am! Let us know if you would like to be one of the practitioners demonstrating auricular acupuncture on interested legislators and their staff!

More info to come as we get closer to the date!

Important insurance claims request from Johan Frostad

John Frostad has begun the dialogue with the Insurance Commissioner about the practice of insurers denying any EAMP-care outside of acupuncture needling. He needs all Washington practitioners to provide documentation of these practices.

Details here!

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Not a member! Join or renew here

About WEAMA
The Washington East Asian Medicine Association first began as the Acupuncture Association of Washington over 33 years ago. The organization helped to provide a unified legislative voice for our profession. In fact, our founders were integral in helping establish the legal practice of East Asian Medicine in Washington state. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors currently consists of 7 democratically elected professionals in the field.

Dear lovers of acupuncture,

John Frostad has begun the dialogue with the Insurance Commissioner about the practice of insurers denying any EAMP-care outside of acupuncture needling. He needs all Washington practitioners to provide documentation of these practices.

What we need:

1. Practitioner testimonials: Please write a testimonial describing how payment of CPT codes by insurers has affected your ability to deliver care to your patients. Are you having to make patients pay for services that should be paid by the insurer? Are you not offering patients services that they need as part of their care because the insurer will not pay for it? Mention specific insurers if you can. Please keep your complaints specific to non-payment of codes and not issues with pre-authorizations and such.

2. Copies of claims: Send claims that show denials for non-acupuncture needling codes. This includes things like cupping, tuina, and other services, but also necessary re-evaluations and herbal consultations, etc.

a. Please make sure to remove/black out all patient information on the claims before sending them.

b. If possible, please also send an explanation of specifically what it was you billed that was denied. Why was a re-evaluation needed? If a code needs explanation, what was the service it was specifically billed for?

c. Make sure all reason codes are sent also. These usually occur on the last page of the EOBs. The reason it was denied by the insurance is very important.

d. Please send denied claims for as many different insurers as possible. We will be addressing claims handling insurer by insurer.

3. Patient testimonials: Testimonials from your patients are also very important. If patients can complain to the Insurance Commissioner about having to pay for services out of pocket that should have been covered, that would be very helpful. Please make sure their specific insurer and service is included. Make sure they clearly address the letters to the Insurance Commissioner and sign them, so they can be forwarded on.

Send documents and questions to john_frostad@hotmail.com. If you cannot scan and send the documents, you can mail them to 3217 Meridian Ave E, Edgewood WA 98371.

Select the link below to view the text of John Frostad’s presentation to the OIC outlining our concerns as to how our practice scope is being handled.

"Ongoing Issues with Patient Access to EAMP Services."

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Note a member? Renew or join here!

About WEAMA
The Washington East Asian Medicine Association first began as the Acupuncture Association of Washington over 33 years ago. The organization helped to provide a unified legislative voice for our profession. In fact, our founders were integral in helping establish the legal practice of East Asian Medicine in Washington state. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors currently consists of 7 democratically elected professionals in the field.

Greetings,

We are sending you this White Paper to advise you that the WEAMA board has a recommendation for your consideration. WEAMA recommends a change to the name of our association from "Washington East Asian Medicine Association" to "Washington Acupuncture Medicine Association." 

For your review, attached is a White Paper, the petition from the Chinese community and personal statements from WEAMA board members. The White Paper is a summary of issues that have prompted the proposal of a name change and the petition from the Chinese community details their concern with our current name. WEAMA membership discussed the name change at our Fall Membership Meeting on Sunday October 21st and it was decided to hold a separate meeting to discuss this potential name change. WEAMA will send out more information about that meeting as soon as possible. Stay tuned!

Please give this your consideration and feel free to contact us at weama@info.com and please come to the meeting to further discuss in person. Thank you for your time and commitment to our profession!

If you would like to have the opportunity to place a vote on this important name change, please become a member of WEAMA today. In accordance with WEAMA bylaws, only paying members of WEAMA can submit votes. Becoming a paying member of WEAMA goes directly to support LAc legislative efforts like the preauthorization bill that just passed requiring preauthorization after the 6th visit. We need all Washington LAc to join forces. We need YOU! Add your voice today and help shape the future of our profession!

Visit our Website
Not a member? Join here

The WEAMA Board Open Letter to Membership
Chinese Community Petition

Board of Directors personal responses

Tyler Martin Response.pdf

Jeremy Gilsoul Response.pdf

Charis Wolf Response.pdf

Catherine Dayhoff Response.pdf

Brenda Lowe Response.pdf

Respectfully,

WEAMA Board of Directors

About WEAMA
The Washington East Asian Medicine Association first began as the Acupuncture Association of Washington over 33 years ago. The organization helped to provide a unified legislative voice for our profession. In fact, our founders were integral in helping establish the legal practice of East Asian Medicine in Washington state. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors currently consists of 7 democratically elected professionals in the field.

WEAMA October 2018 Public Policy Update
Prepared by Leslie Emerick, WEAMA Lobbyist

Legislative Overview: Dozens of races across Washington state will determine if Democrats maintain — or possibly even increase — their control of the Legislature. All 98 seats in the House are up for election Nov. 6, and voters will decide 25 of the Senate's 49 seats. While Democrats hold most statewide offices in Washington, the political split in the Legislature is much narrower: Democrats currently hold a one-seat advantage in the Senate and a two-seat advantage in the House.   WEAMA October 2018 Legislative Report (1) (2).pdf

Only 2 days left to take advantage of Early Bird incentives through October 6th!

Let your voice be heard! Important panel discussion and membership participation taking place to reach a consensus on WEAMA position on Trigger Point Needling legislation in the 2019 Legislative session.

*Speakers & Topics

WA State Legislation & Public Policy Update
WEAMA Lobbyist, Leslie Emerick, MPA
Overview of Political Environment for 2019 Legislative Session

• RCW 18.06 East Asian Medicine Statute Update
• NCQAC Medical Acupuncture for ARNPs
• DOH Rule Making on EAMP WAC

*Non-Pharmacological Alternatives to Opioids-Governor's Decision Package.
Update on 2019 Trigger Point Needling Legislation by Physical Therapists.

• Current Legislative environment as it relates to Trigger Point Needling Bill
• Overview of facilitated conversation with the Physical Therapists of WA Association (PTWA)
  *Panel discussion and membership participation to reach a consensus on WEAMA position on Trigger Point Needling legislation in 2019 Legislative session.

The Future of Our Medicine
Panel discussion:
Dr. Iman Majd, Kathleen Lumiere, DAOM, EAMP, Brenda Loew, M.Ac.,EAMP, L.Ac, Dipl. AC, WEAMA Lobbyist, Leslie Emerick, MPA

Thoughts on Palpation in Contemporary East Asian Medicine
Daniel Bensky, DO
Discover some of the many benefits of palpation. Learn what different types of palpation bring to the practice of East Asian Medicine and specific ideas that have gone into the fusion of osteopathic and East Asian approaches that Dr Bensky has helped to develop, that is called "Engaging Vitality". Speaker Sponsored by:

Transformation and Integration in Healthcare
Dr. Heather Tick
Transformational change is needed in the medical system which continues to be the third leading cause of death in the US. Integration of evidence-based non-pharmacologic strategies offers effective, lower cost interventions which are embraced by patients and have markedly lower risks. Dr. Tick will discuss data and strategy and will welcome discussion.

WEAMA’s Fall Membership Meeting
Date: October 21st, 2018
Location: Aegis Gardens, 13056 SE 76th Street, Newcastle, WA 98056
Registration: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Event: 9 AM – 3:30 PM

Register Here!

Registration Includes:
CEUs, Lunch Buffet, Free Parking, Vendor Tables!

Visit our website
Not a WEAMA member? Join Here

It is through financial support from members that all this is possible. Please consider becoming a member or making additional contributions toward our ongoing efforts. We can't do this without your financial support!

About WEAMA
The Washington East Asian Medicine Association first began as the Acupuncture Association of Washington over 33 years ago. The organization helped to provide a unified legislative voice for our profession. In fact, our founders were integral in helping establish the legal practice of East Asian Medicine in Washington state. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors currently consists of 7 democratically elected professionals in the field.

You’re invited to take advantage of Early Bird incentives through October 6th!

WEAMA’s Fall Membership Meeting
Date: October 21st, 2018
Location: Aegis Gardens, 13056 SE 76th Street, Newcastle, WA 98506
Registration: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Event: 9 AM – 3:30 PM

*Speakers & Topics

Leslie Emerick, WEAMA Lobbyist “WA State Legislative and Public Policy Update.”
Overview of Political Environment for 2019 Legislative Session

• RCW 18.06 East Asian Medicine Statute Update
• NCQAC Medical Acupuncture for ARNPs
• DOH Rule Making on EAMP WAC

*Non-Pharmacological Alternatives to Opioids-Governor's Decision Package.
Update on 2019 Trigger Point Needling Legislation by Physical Therapists.

• Current Legislative environment as it relates to Trigger Point Needling Bill
• Overview of facilitated conversation with the Physical Therapists of WA Association (PTWA)
• Panel discussion and membership participation to reach a consensus on WEAMA position on Trigger Point Needling legislation in 2019 legislative session

Daniel Bensky, DO. “Thoughts on Palpation in Contemporary East Asian Medicine.”
Discover some of the many benefits of palpation. Learn what different types of palpation bring to the practice of East Asian Medicine and specific ideas that have gone into the fusion of osteopathic and East Asian approaches that Dr Bensky has helped to develop, that is called "Engaging Vitality". Speaker Sponsored by:

Dr. Heather Tick, “Transformation and Integration in Healthcare.”
Transformational change is needed in the medical system which continues to be the third leading cause of death in the US. Integration of evidence-based non-pharmacologic strategies offers effective, lower cost interventions which are embraced by patients and have markedly lower risks. Dr. Tick will discuss data and strategy and will welcome discussion.

Register Here!

Registration Includes:
CEUs (pending), Lunch Buffet, Free Parking, Vendor Tables!

Visit our website
Not a WEAMA member? Join Here

It is through financial support from members that all this is possible. Please consider becoming a member or making additional contributions toward our ongoing efforts. We can't do this without your financial support!

About WEAMA
The Washington East Asian Medicine Association first began as the Acupuncture Association of Washington over 33 years ago. The organization helped to provide a unified legislative voice for our profession. In fact, our founders were integral in helping establish the legal practice of East Asian Medicine in Washington state. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors currently consists of 7 democratically elected professionals in the field.

American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) worked in collaboration with Lhasa OMS to produce this document. Please share widely and use it as a tool to educate and advocate. (NOTE: if you join WEAMA, you automatically gain membership to ASA!)
Click link below to view document

You’re invited to take advantage of deeply discounted Early Bird incentives through October 6th!

WEAMA’s Fall Membership Meeting
Date: October 21st, 2018
Location: Aegis Gardens, 13056 SE 76th Street, Newcastle, WA 98506
Registration: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Event: 9 AM – 3:30 PM

*Speakers & Topics

Daniel Bensky, DO. “Thoughts on Palpation in Contemporary East Asian Medicine.”
Discover some of the many benefits of palpation. Learn what different types of palpation bring to the practice of East Asian Medicine and specific ideas that have gone into the fusion of osteopathic and East Asian approaches that Dr Bensky has helped to develop, that is called "Engaging Vitality". Speaker Sponsored by: 

Dr. Heather Tick, “Transformation and Integration in Healthcare.”
Transformational change is needed in the medical system which continues to be the third leading cause of death in the US. Integration of evidence-based non-pharmacologic strategies offers effective, lower cost interventions which are embraced by patients and have markedly lower risks. Dr. Tick will discuss data and strategy and will welcome discussion.

Leslie Emerick, MPA, WEAMA lobbyist will share current legislative happenings. Please plan to join us to learn about the legislative progress being made for our profession locally and nationally, and how you can participate!

Local & National Update
L & I Pilot Project Update & Treasurers Report

Register Here!

Registration Includes:
CEUs (pending), Lunch Buffet, Free Parking, Vendor Tables!

Visit our website
Not a WEAMA member? Join Here

About WEAMA

The Washington East Asian Medicine Association first began as the Acupuncture Association of Washington over 33 years ago. The organization helped to provide a unified legislative voice for our profession. In fact, our founders were integral in helping establish the legal practice of East Asian Medicine in Washington state. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors currently consists of 7 democratically elected professionals in the field.