YEAR IN REVIEW
SOCIETY 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW 2 WOCN
LETTER FROM
Dear Members, As the year comes to a close, I am honored to reflect on our shared triumphs in this 2024 Year in Review. Together, we celebrated milestones, fostered connections, and advanced our shared mission to support WOC nurses and the patients we serve.
the President Whether at the bedside, in the classroom, conducting research, or advocating for change, your work advances our mission to educate, innovate, and advocate for the WOC nursing specialty.
Every achievement highlighted in this Year in Review is possible because of you, our dedicated members. Whether at the bedside, in the classroom, conducting research, or advocating for change, your work advances our mission to educate, innovate, and advocate for the WOC nursing specialty. Highlights of the year include the success of WOC Nurse Week 2024, where we recognized the vital role you play in healthcare, and WOCNext® 2024, which brought our community together for unparalleled education, innovation, and collaboration. This year, we also strengthened opportunities for connection through our WOCN Connected Communities and began launching brand-new Chapter websites, providing improved resources and engagement for our members nationwide. In addition, our focus on continuing education remained unwavering with outstanding single-day education events and CEC Courses alike, as well as impactful contributions to the evidence base of our practice highlighted in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing (JWOCN) and the various new publications and resources published throughout the year. We’ve also made great strides in Public Policy and Advocacy, amplifying your voices to ensure better support and outcomes for patients. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you. These achievements are a testament to your dedication, expertise, and passion. Thank you for being part of this exceptional community and for all that you do to advance the WOC nursing practice. I look forward to another inspiring year ahead as we continue to grow, learn, and lead together. Warm regards,
Vittoria (Vicky) Pontieri-Lewis, MS, RN, ACNS-BC, CWOCN WOCN Society President
WOCN SOCIETY 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
WOC NURSE WEEK 2024 WOC Nurse Week 2024 celebrated the extraordinary impact of WOC nurses—the true rock stars of healthcare! Just like legendary performers, WOC nurses bring their own magic to the healthcare stage, delivering expert patient care worldwide. Thank you to all who participated and helped spotlight the incredible impact of WOC nurses, whose dedication and passion reverberate far and wide!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM WOC NURSE WEEK 2024:
The WOC Nurse Week page on wocn.org was viewed over 6,580 times from 64 different countries
The WOC Nurse Week digital toolkit was downloaded over 1,800 times
The WOC Nurse Week social media campaign had an estimated reach of over 132,000 across platforms
PHOTO CONTEST WINNER!
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE YOUR WOC NURSE WEEK 2025 PACKET!
Visit your membership profile to confirm your mailing address is up to date and select “Yes” from the dropdown to sign up. Update your membership profile by Saturday, March 1, 2025, to secure your packet.
STAY CONNECTED WITH WOCN WOCN CONNECTED COMMUNITIES The WOCN online Connected Communities offer a space for members to collaborate, share expertise, and crowdsource knowledge in wound, ostomy, and continence care. These members-only communities provide easy access to resources, event updates, and the collective wisdom of your peers. Join the conversation and stay connected to the WOCN network!
WOCN CHAPTERS The WOCN Chapters provide members with valuable opportunities for local networking, events, and professional growth. By connecting with your local Chapter, you can build strong relationships with peers, stay updated on events close to home, and access resources that support your career and the WOCN community. Get involved in your Chapter community and strengthen your local network today!
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SOCIETY 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW 4 WOCN
2024
JUNE 9-12, 2024
HUNTINGTON CONVENTION CENTER OF CLEVELAND
Cleveland
WOCNext®, the only WOC educational event of the year hosted by healthcare professionals for healthcare professionals, rocked the house in Cleveland – the birthplace of WOC Nursing! This hybrid event showcased the latest developments in wound, ostomy, continence, and foot and nail care. We turned up the volume with more than 2,000 professionals who came together for three days of value-packed evidence-based research, professional development, and community networking. Thank you to all who joined us this year—your education, participation, and engagement are what WOCNext is all about!
“ATTENDING WOCNEXT WAS AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE. I LEARNED A LOT, MADE NEW FRIENDS, HAD FUN, AND ELEVATED MY PRACTICE TO A NEW LEVEL.” – ALICIA, FIRST TIME ATTENDEE
WOCNEXT 2025: THE YEAR TO BE HERE ®
Join us in Orlando, FL, for 3 days of cutting-edge education, networking, and sunshine!
30+
45
CONTACT HOURS
SESSIONS
100+ EXHIBITORS
What to Expect: STREAMLINED SCHEDULE
3 days of focused learning to elevate your practice.
DEEPER LEARNING
Earn credits and apply innovative education to your practice.
DYNAMIC DISCUSSIONS
Interactive roundtables to shape the future of WOC care.
Importantdates!
Registration, Housing, & Symposia Opens: February 21, 2025 Early Bird Deadline: April 28, 2025
RESORT-STYLE RECHARGE
Learn, relax by the pool, and enjoy family-friendly amenities.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE! #WOCNEXT2025 | WOCNEXT.ORG
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RESORT HOTEL
WOCN SOCIETY 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
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WOCN® OSTOMY EDUCATION DAY 2024
MISSED THE LIVE EVENT? Life gets busy—if you couldn’t join us for WOCN Ostomy Education Day 2024, don’t worry! Unlock valuable ostomy care insights with our on-demand package. Elevate your expertise and earn credits at your convenience. Scan to access now!
WOCN Ostomy Education Day 2024 marked a significant milestone as the highest attendance to date! Over 4,100 professionals joined us for a free, online one-day virtual event dedicated to celebrating ostomy awareness, dispelling myths, and increasing ostomy education to improve patient outcomes. The program featured 10 sessions led by experienced WOC nursing professionals and subject matter experts. Attendees had the opportunity to earn 6.50 Contact Hours and 0.25 Pharmacology Credits, making it a valuable investment in their professional development. We’re grateful for your tremendous support and commitment to excellence in ostomy care.
WOCN Ostomy Education Day 2024 was funded through an educational grant from Hollister Incorporated as part of the Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow Program.
WOCN® WOUND EDUCATION DAY 2024 WOCN Wound Education Day 2024 continued to set new standards in wound care education! This award-winning event reached over 4,800 wound care professionals, offering a free full-day virtual experience. Designed to advance wound care through the latest evidence-based knowledge, the event provided resources to help wound care professionals teach, prevent, and heal even the most complex wounds. This year’s event featured an impressive lineup of 8 sessions, plus a NPWT lab presented by Solventum, all led by experienced WOC nursing professionals and subject matter experts. Attendees earned 7 Contact Hours and 0.25 Pharmacology Credits. Thank you to everyone who joined us in supporting the future of wound care education! WOCN Wound Education Day 2024 was funded through an educational grant from Solventum.
MISSED THE LIVE EVENT? Don’t worry—you can still access the full day of wound care education and insights with our on-demand package! This package is designed to enhance your knowledge and elevate your practice at your own pace. Scan to access now!
SOCIETY 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW 6 WOCN
PUBLICATIONS WOCN takes pride in ensuring our members have access to top-notch educational resources in the field. In 2024, our commitment to support the WOC practice, our members, and the community remained strong. This year, we updated clinical documents and resources. Here is where you can find them: Clean Versus Sterile: Management of Chronic Wounds
Document Library
Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society’s Basic Ostomy Skin Care: A Guide for Patients and Health Care Workers
Document Library
Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society’s Lower-Extremity Wounds due to Venous Disease, Arterial Disease, or Diabetes Mellitus and/or Neuropathic Disease: Clinical Resource Guide
Did you
know?
Document Library
LEAD CLINICAL GUIDELINE Guideline for Management of Wounds in Patients with Lower-Extremity Arterial Disease Access our LEAD Clinical Guideline to: • Explore recommendations for LEADrelated wound management. • Learn about vascular assessments, pain management, and compression therapy. • Discover key topics like wound care, nutritional interventions, and patient education.
The WOCN Document Library is a treasure trove containing over 50 documents developed by leaders in the field of WOC nursing. All members have exclusive access to download each of these digital resources for free. Navigate to the Document Library under the WOCN Members Only tab on wocn.org to unlock insightful content.
JOURNAL OF WOUND, OSTOMY, AND CONTINENCE NURSING (JWOCN) The Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (JWOCN) delivered another impactful year in 2024, offering essential insights and research for the specialty. Key highlights included advancements in pressure injury prevention, with evidence-based guidelines for early detection and innovative treatments. The journal also explored groundbreaking ostomy management techniques, including updates on barrier technology and patient-centered care models. In continence care, contributions emphasized equity in access to continence products and novel interventions for neurogenic bladder management. Special features and our “View From Here” guest commentaries celebrated international collaboration, presenting studies from diverse regions that enriched the global understanding of WOC nursing. Additionally, the introduction of a Pediatric WOC care section helped expand our focus to encompass the unique needs of younger patients. Through case studies, clinical trials, and expert commentary, JWOCN 2024 remained a cornerstone resource, driving excellence and innovation in wound, ostomy, and continence care.
Hot Topics in 2024 Wound Care
• Innovations in pressure injury prevention and treatment • Advances in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) • Evidence-based protocols for managing chronic wounds (e.g., diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers) • Role of bioengineered skin substitutes and tissue regeneration • Infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship in wound care • Multidisciplinary approaches to complex wound management
Ostomy Care • Improved ostomy pouching systems and skin barrier technologies • Psychosocial impacts of living with an ostomy and patient advocacy • Preoperative and postoperative care strategies for ostomy patients • Pediatric ostomy management and long-term outcomes • Best practices for peristomal skin care • Emerging surgical techniques and ostomy alternatives
Continence Care • New therapies and technologies for urinary and fecal incontinence • Patient-centered continence care in older adults and long-term care settings • Advances in management of neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction • Innovations in absorbent products and containment strategies • Behavioral and lifestyle interventions for continence management • Equity and access issues in continence products and care
Interdisciplinary and Global Perspectives • Collaboration across healthcare disciplines for improved patient outcomes • Global disparities in WOC care and strategies for addressing inequities • Education and training for WOC nursing in underserved regions
Professional Growth and Practice Development • Advocacy for the WOC nursing specialty and the impact on healthcare policy • Use of technology and digital tools in WOC care (e.g., telehealth, apps for monitoring wounds) • Enhancing patient education and self-management in wound, ostomy, and continence care • Professional burnout prevention and workforce sustainability
WOCN SOCIETY 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
WOCTALK PODCAST The WOCTalk podcast channel, remains your go-to source for the latest healthcare advances, industry news, and education. Clinical experts, leaders, and passionate caregivers come together to deliver valuable insights in a format that’s both informative and easily digestible on-the-go. Certain episodes of WOCTalk don’t just provide insights; they also award Contact Hours! Keep an eye out for the (*) next to episode titles at wocn.org/podcast. Once the last episode of the year is launched, our Contact Hour claiming system will open. You’ll get the chance to identify the episodes you listened to and complete an evaluation to receive a certificate of completion with the awarded Contact Hours.
LOOK AT SOME OF OUR WOCTALK PODCAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
MORE THAN 240,000+
170 PUBLISHED
OVER
2
hosts
downloads in 115 Different Countries
TOP 10
EPISODES
(new episodes published every 2 weeks + bonus industry-supported episodes!)
AREAS FOR DOWNLOADS: US, Canada, China, Singapore, Australia, Germany, UK, Brazil, Japan, Mexico
CONTINUING EDUCATION CENTER The Continuing Education Center (CEC) is your one-stop hub for the latest in WOC nursing educational courses. Members have free access to a wealth of education courses in the CEC, designed to enhance professional development and expertise.
A YEAR OF EDUCATION IN NUMBERS
THIS YEAR, WE PROUDLY DELIVERED: 1 LIVE WEBINAR 2 LIVE EDUCATION DAYS 1 HYBRID EVENT OVER 1,800 HOURS OF LIVE EDUCATION 14,688 HOURS OF ON-DEMAND CONTENT VIEWED 16,390 EVALUATIONS SUBMITTED A TOTAL OF 33,560 ANCC CREDITS EARNED
THE MOST VIEWED CEC PROGRAMS: 1.
Pharmacology and the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse
2.
Pre-operative Stoma Site Marking: What’s New? An Update from the Joint WOCN/AUA/ASCRS Stoma Site Marking Task Force
3.
Managing Wound-Related Pain
4.
Microclimate: The Rest of the Story?
5.
Urostomy Management
Thank you to all who engaged with our CEC—together, we are advancing the future of WOC nursing!
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SOCIETY 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW 8 WOCN
PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY
2024 saw continued growth in the WOCN’s ability to advocate for our profession and our patients before both state and federal policy makers. Building on the major successes of 2023, including the implementation of the Lymphedema Treatment Act and the formation of new Medicare coverage for compression therapy, 2024 advocacy focused on patient access to supplies while continuing to grow and define the specialty. Let’s shine a spotlight on highlights from our 2024 advocacy success:
Access to Ostomy Supplies
without the patient present (initial 30 minutes).
the Access & Care Coalition, WOCN met with several of the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MACs), who are responsible for administering Durable Medical Equipment (DME) claims for Medicare beneficiaries, to discuss obstacles that prevent Medicare beneficiaries from receiving medicallynecessary supplies. This meeting follows a letter sent by the coalition outlining our concerns.
• G0542: Each additional 15 minutes of caregiver training (in conjunction with G0541).
In collaboration with our partners in
During the discussion, WOCN asked the MACs to simplify the process that allows beneficiaries to receive supplies above the maximum allowable quantity if they are medically necessary. Many WOCN members have reported that these claims for additional supplies ar often denied even when documented for medically necessity. In addition, the coaolition advocated for the MACs to consider changing their coverage policy to better support double ostomates to receive the supplies they need.
Expanded Caregiver Codes
CMS has finalized the new coding and payment policies for 2025 to support caregiver training for direct care services and support. These trainings may cover a range of topics, including techniques to prevent pressure injury formation, wound care, infection control, and ostomy care. The newly finalized caregiver training codes include: • G0541: Caregiver training in direct care strategies and techniques to support care for patients with an ongoing condition or illness and to reduce complications (including, but not limited to, techniques to prevent decubitus ulcer formation, wound care, and infection control), provided face-to-face
• G0543: Group caregiver training in direct care strategies and techniques to support care for patients with an ongoing condition or illness and to reduce complications, face-to-face with multiple sets of caregivers, without the patient present (including, but not limited to, techniques to prevent decubitus ulcer formation, wound care, and infection control). These updates are in addition to the new caregiver codes approved in the 2024 Physician Fee Schedule which included CPT codes 96202, 96203, 97550, 97551, and 97552. Those codes allow a practitioner to bill for the training of a caregiver who helps an adult family member (or other individual they have a significant relationship with) who provides assistance to an individual with a chronic condition, disabilities, or functional limitation. This training includes supporting caregivers in providing care for an individual with an ostomy.
NPI & Taxonomy Code Update
National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) allow healthcare providers, including Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), to bill Medicare and Medicaid for services provided to patients. While RNs cannot typically bill for services, they can still register for an NPI. Creating an NPI not only helps advocate for transparency in paying for nursing care, but also has the potential to transform how healthcare employers engage RNs, ultimately benefiting patients and the nursing profession. The ANA published a position statement encouraging all members,
including RNs, to obtain an NPI. Additionally, WOCN has sent a letter to the National Uniform Claim Committee asking that they include taxonomy codes specific to wound care for all levels of nursing. Taxonomy codes allow healthcare providers to self-identify their specialty through a unique 10-character alphanumeric code. These codes are categorized into three distinct levels: Provider Grouping, Classification, and Area of Specialization. The current coding system fails to recognize the nuanced nature of wound care management, which spans across multiple physician specialties including plastic surgery, podiatry, and emergency medicine. The lack of dedicated taxonomy codes for wound medicine for all levels of providers has far-reaching implications. Currently the only code available to nursing is for RNs, excluding our advanced practice members. WOCN is advocating for the inclusion of taxonomy codes that would allow every level of practice to identify as a wound care specialist.
WOCN Comments on FDA Wound Dressings Policy
In February, WOCN commented in response to a proposed rule from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), seeking to classify certain types of wound dressings and liquid wound washes containing antimicrobials and/or other chemicals (unclassified, preamendments devices) into categories such as solid wound dressings; wound dressings formulated as a gel, cream, or ointment, and liquid wound washes. The FDA is proposing to change the regulatory status hundreds of commonly used wound products which could significantly their availability, and disrupt
WOCN SOCIETY 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
patient care. WOCN asked that the FDA to reconsider this proposed rule and work with clinicians to ensure patient care is not disrupted while the FDA reconsiders the classification of these wound dressings, creams, gels, and washes. This proposed rule is still pending.
WOCN Joins Policy Statement on TAI
WOCN joined with members of the Access & Care Coalition to create a policy statement advocating for Medicare coverage of Transanal Irrigation (TAI) equipment and supplies. Currently, Medicare does not provide coverage for TAI equipment and supplies, exposing beneficiaries with bowel dysfunction to complications, frequent emergency department visits, and the potential for stoma surgery. TAI is recognized as medically reasonable and necessary for treating bowel dysfunction by over half the State Medicaid programs, the VA, TriCare, and 120 private sector health plans, including some of the largest plans that participate in Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP). However, Medicaid does not cover these supplies and WOCN will be working with the coalition to gain coverage. The complete document can be found here.
WOCN Members Contributes to CMS Panels
WOCN Past President Stephanie Yates, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, CWOCN, was selected to represent WOCN on a Technical Expert Panel (TEP) established by CMS. This panel focused on measure development for patients with Movement Disorders and Non-Pressure Ulcers. CMS works with contractors to develop the methods for analyzing costs in episode-based cost measures and to seek input during the cost measure development process. In this instance, CMS has contracted with Acumen to develop and maintain episode-based cost measures for their potential use in the
cost performance category of the Meritbased Incentive Payment System (MIPS). As part of our measure development process, Acumen convenes Clinician Expert Workgroups (“workgroups”) to provide input on measure specifications for patients with Movement Disorders and Non-Pressure Ulcers. Joyce Pittman, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, CWOCN, WOCNF, FAAN was selected to represent nursing on the National Quality Forum TEP panel reviewing candidate Serious Reportable Events. This work will contribute to quality indicators as part of the NQF focus on HARM (Harmonizing Accountability in Reporting and Monitoring). This is a patient safety initiative that aims to reduce preventable harm by first modernizing the criteria for what constitutes an SRE and aligning standards for reporting such events across different accountability systems—an essential step to strengthen efforts to pinpoint and address the causes of preventable harm.
Pushing for Changes to Wheelchair Cushion Policy
WOCN has been building community support to urge CMS, and their contractors, to update their payment policy for covering pressure redistribution cushions so that payment reflects the current published evidence. Current Medicare policy will only approve a beneficiary for a skin protecting cushion if they met one of the following: • current pressure ulcer, or history of a pressure ulcer, in area of contact with the seating surface, • absent or impaired sensation; or, • inability to carry out a functional weight shift. These criteria only capture a portion of the at-risk population. All people with impaired mobility, regardless of diagnoses, are at risk, per the “Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers / Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline” (2019 Guidelines). Specifically, the 2019 guideline would indicate that anyone who is a permanent wheelchair user should have a pressure redistribution
(skin protection) cushion because of impaired mobility. WOCN is working with other groups to request that Medicare update its Wheelchair Seating Policy so that any individual who is a permanent wheelchair user qualifies for a skin protecting cushion without any other criteria, such as pressure ulcers/injury history, impaired sensation, or inability to carry out a functional weight shift.
WOCN & Alliance Work on Creating Sustainable Policy for CTPs
WOCN, in partnership with the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders, has been advocating for sustainable policies on skin substitute grafts/cellular and tissuebased products (CTP) for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and venous leg ulcers (VLU) in the Medicare population. CMS recently released finalized Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) and accompanying Coding and Billing Articles. Key improvements include: • Increased Application Limit: The maximum covered applications increased the covered application limit from 4 to 8 in the final policy which is now consistent with the supportive clinical evidence and treatment guidelines. • Extended Treatment Duration: The “episode of care” treatment duration increased from 12 to 16 weeks. Under the finalized LCDs, providers have the application flexibility, supported by sufficient documentation, needed for wound healing. Importantly, Medicare beneficiaries with hard-to-heal DFUs/VLUs can benefit from improved outcomes. WOCN and all Alliance members have worked tirelessly to create a coverage policy based on updated treatment protocols and this updated policy reflects those efforts. A detailed statement from the Alliance can be found here. Look for additional resources from WOCN on this issue throughout 2025.
VISIT WOCN.ORG/PUBLIC-POLICY-ADVOCACY FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PARTICIPATE IN CALLS FOR ACTION ON IMPORTANT ADVOCACY EFFORTS.
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SOCIETY 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW 10 WOCN
NEW IN 2024 FREE PERISTOMAL SKIN GUIDE AVAILABLE IN CHINESE The Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide for Clinicians is now available in Chinese! Leveled up with new videos and content, this mobile tool remains FREE. It’s your essential resource, guiding clinicians in identifying and treating peristomal skin complications. Packed with patient care instructions and insights on when to refer to a WOC, it’s a must-have in your toolkit.
NEW LEAD GUIDELINE The fourth edition of the Guideline for Management of Wounds in Patients with Lower-Extremity Arterial Disease (LEAD) is now available in the WOCN bookstore. This essential guide includes 76 updated recommendations informed by a thorough review of recent literature (2017–2022) and insights from a 2023 task force. Key topics covered include vascular assessment, wound care, pain management, and patient education, providing comprehensive support for the screening, diagnosis, and management of LEAD-related wounds. Visit wocn.org/bookstore to purchase your copy today.
OSTOMY CARE MANAGEMENT Elevate your care team’s ostomy knowledge with the brand-new Ostomy Care Management Program. This online course covers basic stoma care, adaptation, site marking, complications, and fistula management, and is geared toward healthcare professionals involved in basic stoma care for patients with colon and rectal disease. The Program awards 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
NEW PUBLICATIONS IN THE WOCN DOCUMENT LIBRARY Explore the latest resources, exclusively available to members, added to our Document Library in 2024: • Lower-Extremity Wounds Due to Venous Disease, Arterial Disease, or Diabetes Mellitus and/or Neuropathic Disease: Clinical Resource Guide: A comprehensive guide offering evidence-based strategies for managing lower-extremity wounds related to various conditions. • Basic Ostomy Skin Care: A Guide for Patients and Health Care Workers: A practical guide providing essential information on effective ostomy skin care for both patients and healthcare professionals. • Clean Versus Sterile: Management of Chronic Wounds: An updated resource exploring best practices for chronic wound care, comparing clean and sterile techniques.
NEW WOCNEXT ENCORE PRESNTATIONS TAG Want to visit or revisit previous WOCNext sessions? Visit wocn.org/cec and click the “WOCNext Encore Presentations” tag to find a complete list of repurposed sessions from WOCNext. Whether you missed a session or want to experience valuable content again, this new tag brings together repurposed sessions from WOCNext, giving you the chance to revisit and explore valuable content you may have missed or want to experience again.
SOCIAL LEARNING This year we introduced Social Learning, a new professional development opportunity that connects clinical research with real-world expertise, transforming how we engage with clinical research and learn from each other’s expertise. Through Social Learning, members engaged in weekly discussions, shared experiences, and earned Contact Hours at their own pace. This innovative platform fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange, helping build a stronger community of practice. Join the conversation in the Communities and continue to be part of this exciting way to learn, grow, and connect with peers.
WOCN SOCIETY 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
Coming in 2025 ADVANCING OSTOMY CARE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW At WOCN, we recognize that the ongoing management of ostomy care hinges on specialized, often costly supplies. Unfortunately, outdated Medicare coverage policies published by CMS have not kept pace with patient needs or the complexities of modern ostomy care. Current HCPCS codes, reimbursement rates, and coverage policies frequently fall short, creating significant challenges for patients and providers alike. In March 2025, we’re taking action! WOCN will convene a groundbreaking strategy conference, bringing together key stakeholders—patients, providers, payers, manufacturers, and DME distributors—to tackle critical issues, including: •
•
•
Inadequate Reimbursement: Addressing reimbursement rates that fail to cover actual supply costs, causing financial strain for patients and healthcare providers. Coding Challenges: Reviewing and proposing updates to HCPCS codes to better reflect the variety and specifics of modern ostomy supplies, ensuring fair and accurate reimbursement. Coverage Gaps: Identifying and addressing access issues in the outdated Medicare Ostomy Supplies policy, particularly for ostomy and fistula treatments.
This strategy conference marks the first step in a broader initiative to reform policies and improve the lives of patients who rely on ostomy care. Together, we can drive meaningful change and ensure equitable access to the resources our patients need. Join us on this transformative journey—2025 will be a year of impact!
MENTOR MATCH PROGRAM Mentor Match, an online mentoring program, is set to revolutionize professional development and networking across the WOCN Connected Communities platform. Here’s how it will work: Members can enroll as a Mentor or Mentee (or both), unlocking the ability to request a mentoring relationship with another enrolled member. Mentors will share knowledge with Mentees, who in turn will gain valuable insights. This dynamic network will foster genuine and meaningful connections and will enable Mentors and Mentees to exchange resources and experiences and collaborate to achieve both professional and personal goals. More information coming in 2025!
NEW CHAPTER WEBSITES
In 2025, we’re bringing all of the WOCN Chapter websites under one roof on wocn. org, giving you easier access to everything your chapter has to offer! This new, centralized hub makes it simple to stay connected, access resources, and find up-to-date information on chapter events, elections, awards, and scholarships—all in one place. Soon you will be able to explore your chapter’s new online home and discover all it has to offer!
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SOCIETY 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW 12 WOCN
PAPERLESS BILLING
Make your membership renewal easier and eco-friendly by opting for paperless billing. Simply log into your membership account, find the “Paperless Billing” option, and select Yes to receive email reminders instead of printed invoices. Help us reduce paper waste while enjoying a more streamlined experience—sign up today!
WOC DAISY NURSE OF THE YEAR AWARD
WOCN is now an official Supportive Association of the DAISY Foundation and will begin offering a DAISY Foundation Award in 2025! Together, we will harness the power of partnership to honor the extraordinary contributions of WOC nurses across the globe.
OCA INTERNATIONAL
Beginning in 2025, WOCN is bringing the Ostomy Care Associate Program global! With the goal of enhancing ostomy care worldwide, and with support from an educational grant from Convatec, we will begin offering the OCA Program in 5 new countries outside of the United States.
NEW PUBLICATIONS
WOCN takes pride in knowing our members have access to the best educational resources in the field. To continue to support the WOC practice, our members, and the community at large we are working to develop updates to our clinical and educational documents and resources.
NEW EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Education is essential, and knowledge is power. We’re working to develop a variety of additional online educational opportunities that provide relevant, on-the-job instructions based on current best practices to meet the growing needs of our community.
Be sure to visit wocn.org/get-involved for updated ways you can get involved with WOCN in 2025.
WOCN SOCIETY 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
FUND THE FUTURE WOCN continues to raise funds to provide financial support to nurture future WOC nurses as they seek additional education to grow their knowledge and advance their careers. Due to the need for WOC nurses across the continuum of care, by “funding the future” we can create and grow a lasting network of certified WOC nurses, generate a heightened awareness of the WOC nursing specialty, and further advance the quality of life for the patients that WOC nurses serve.
LEARN MORE OR DONATE BY VISITING FOUNDATION.WOCN.ORG.
Thank you to the following individuals who contributed to our Fund the Future campaign in 2024*: Kristen Anderson
Roxanne Elling
Dori Miesse
Eileen Blodgett
Wendy Farrell
Debra Netsch
Joselin Bodaghi
Sarah Grcich
Rosemary Newbold
Letitia Breath
Susan Hill
Clare Poulose
Rene Brewer-Durkee
Rachel Hussmann
Barbara Sadler
Diane Bryant
Crystelle Johnson
Emilie Schlitt
Patricia Burke
Kathleen Judge
Jeannine Sorensen
Emily Burnett
Karen Keller
Judea Sy
Eileen Carter
Ann Marie Lanza-Bisciello
Melanie Vinette
Sophia Chandler
I Hung Liu
Dale Walsh
Nancy Dombek
Judy Mason
Shirley Drake
Margaret McCoy Thank you to Coloplast for helping to “Fund the Future” by supporting the preparation of future WOC nurses through an unrestricted educational grant.
*This list of donors is not all-encompassing and only includes individuals who chose to be acknowledged and made contributions before December 18, 2024. Additional donors who contributed after this date will be included in the WOCN Society’s Year in Review 2025.
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SOCIETY 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW 14 WOCN
Thank You
TO OUR 2024 CORPORATE MEMBERS! Agility
MPM Medical, LLC
Advanced Oxygen Therapy
Marlen Mfg & Devel. Group
Alpha Tekniko
Medical Monks
AROA Biosurgery
Medline Industries, Inc.
Archangel
MiMedx
Arnasi Group ASP Global Attindas Baxter / Hillrom is part of Baxter Birchwood Laboratories Byram Healthcare Calmoseptine, Inc. Coloplast ConvaTec Inc.
Northshore Care Supply Nu-Hope Laboratories, Inc. Ostoform Ltd. Owens & Minor OVIK Health Parthenon Company (The) Prism Medical Products Safe N Simple Simply Beautiful Smith + Nephew
Curbell Medical
Solventum
D-Ostomy
Stealth Belt
DeRoyal Industries, Inc
Stomagienics, Inc
EHOB
Stratus Pharmamaceuticals Inc.
Encompass Group, LLC
SuportX
Healogics
TG Eakin Ltd
Histologics
Tens Aces Med LLC
Hollister, Inc.
Torbot Group, Inc.
Huntleigh
UI Medical
Innovacyn
Urgo Medical, LLC VATA, Inc.
WISHING YOU A H A P P Y A N D H E A LT H Y