Wyoming Medicaid to Cover Psychiatric Collaborative Care

I am pleased to announce that Wyoming Medicaid will cover psychiatric collaborative care services effective July 1, 2023 (CPT 99492-4 and G2214). This will be published in our register in August. It is my hope this will expand psychiatric services to patients throughout Wyoming. Many thanks to Drs. Donald Kirk in Star Valley and Justin Romano in Cheyenne for educating our team on the model and its application to Wyoming patients. 

In review, the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) was developed at the University of Washington (aims.uw.edu/collaborative-care). It is an integrated care model to address common mental health concerns in the primary care setting – not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD or alcohol or substance use disorders. CoCM involves a triad of clinicians, including a primary care provider, a behavioral health care manager embedded in the practice and a psychiatric consultant. Patients are tracked in a registry to monitor their clinical progress. Multiple studies demonstrate better clinical outcomes, greater patient and provider satisfaction, improved functioning and reduced health care costs (https://aims.uw.edu/collaborative-care/evidence-base-cocm). The model also has the potential benefit to widen the reach of psychiatrists to provide much needed services in Wyoming.



Medicare began to cover collaborative care in 2017. In its last legislative session, the Wyoming Legislature passed HB0140 requiring commercial insurers to cover CoCM as a benefit. 

WMS Communication Tool

Make Your Voice Heard

THE WIRE is an electronic tool that lets any member participate in making policy by sharing feedback and comments about WMS policy.

There are two ways to access THE WIRE:

1. The WMS website: https://www.wyomed.org/the-wire/
2. The WMS APP: Download the Wyoming Medical Society APP in the Apple or Android APP store

All you do is enter your email and click 'request password'. A password will be sent to you immediately and you're ready to join the conversation.

Seeking Interested Physicians

In October, WMS reported that WMS is statutorily obligated (W.S. 27-14-616 (a) (i))to provide the Governor’s office a list of 14 nominees to be appointed to the state medical commission. The WY Statute specifically states that the Governor shall appoint “Seven (7) licensed physicians appointed from a list of not less than fourteen (14) nominees submitted by the Wyoming Medical Society”. 

• The time commitment varies, but typically physicians review approximately 1 case per month.
• Compensation will be provided ($200/hour)

If you are are interested please email info@wyomed.org.

Celebrate 120 years with WMS - Gala Event Saturday Night!

GALA TICKET INCLUDED WITH CONFERENCE REGISTRATION



Grab a drink, enjoy a tasty meal, and dance the night away with a performance by Tris Munsick and the Innocents as WMS celebrates 120 years of physician advocacy in Wyoming! This is one celebration you won't want to miss!

AMPAC is excited to announce that the 2023 Campaign School will be returning in-person October 12-15 at the AMA offices in Washington, DC.

Registration for 2023 Campaign School is now OPEN!

Running an effective campaign can be the difference between winning and losing a race. That's why the Campaign School is designed to give you the skills and strategic approach you will need on the campaign trail. Our team of political experts will teach you everything you need to know to run a successful campaign.



Under the direction of our lead trainers, participants will be broken into campaign staff teams to run a simulated congressional campaign using what they've learned during group sessions on strategy, vote targeting, social media, advertising and more.

Attendees include physicians, spouses of physicians, residents and medical students and state medical society staff interested in becoming more involved in politics. Participants range from those attracted to grassroots efforts to those considering becoming a candidate for public office. No matter where you are in the process, you will develop a new understanding of how campaigns are run. As a graduate of the AMPAC program, candidates will rely on you to give them advice on strategy, message, and campaign plans.

Please note the following:

• Registration fee is $350 for AMA Member/$1000 for non-AMA members. This fee is waived for AMA residents and students; however, space is limited and the AMPAC Board will review and select four participants from the pool of qualified resident and student applicants.
• Faculty, materials, and all meals during the meeting are covered by the AMA. Participants are responsible for their registration fee, travel to/from Washington, DC and hotel accommodations (AMA will provide you with a list of nearby hotels within walking distance of the AMA offices).

Registration for the 2023 Campaign School is now OPEN. Space is limited and the deadline to register is September 18 (or sooner if maximum capacity is reached).

For more information contact us at: politicaleducation@ama-assn.org

Your campaign starts today!