The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Offices of Academic Affiliations (OAA) and Medical Sharing/Affiliate Office (MSO) issued a new “Affiliate Guide to Health-Care Contracting.” The guide is an update to the previous contracting guide published in 2014.
The first edition of the Affiliate Guide was developed following the 2013 affiliate forum strategic workshop, which included VA’s academic partners, Medical Sharing Office, Office of Academic Affiliations, and Office of the Inspector General. The workshop revealed an overwhelming desire to improve lines of communication, leading MSO to prepare the comprehensive affiliate guide to explain VA roles, responsibilities, and processes as they relate to the sharing of health care resources.
The updated contracting guide includes detailed chapters on conflict of interest; pricing methodologies; billing and electronic payment; credentialing and privileging; educational cost contracts; sharing agreements; and research.