Graduating Scholar Spotlight
This week, the Executive Healthcare Leaders program would like to profile one of their Graduating Scholars, Dr. Benjamin Stacy of Kintegra Health, EHL Scholar 2026.
Benjamin Stacy, DO, has built his career serving underserved communities. During medical school he became a National Health Service Corps scholar and chose to pursue primary care to make a difference in communities. His interests led to a combined family medicine and psychiatry residency at the University of Iowa, where he served as chief resident. Drawn to North Carolina and the need for care across Appalachia, he joined Kintegra Health in 2019, focusing on integrating primary care and behavioral health services.
After serving as VA Outpatient Psychiatry section chief from 2023 to 2025, Dr. Stacy returned to Kintegra as psychiatric medical director. This work drives his Executive Healthcare Leaders (EHL) project, Expanding Primary Care’s Role in Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) which aims to increase first line access for patients to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Primary care providers are often patients’ first point of contact and are well positioned to initiate treatment for opioid use disorder.
Through the Executive Healthcare Leaders program, Dr. Stacy has gained tools for leading change, organizing improvement projects, and building teams. Guided by his belief that leadership means creating value for others, he remains dedicated to driving meaningful change that expands from one person to benefit whole communities.
Interested in learning more about Dr. Stacy’s project and other EHL projects? Register here to attend the virtual Graduation on September 26.
Thank You to Our 2026 PAC Donors
|
NCMS Responds to Lawsuit Challenging Physician Collaboration Requirements
A lawsuit filed this week in Wake County Superior Court is challenging North Carolina laws that require nurse practitioners (NPs) to practice in collaboration with physicians.
In Gallagher v. Rao-Patel and Ingram, a Wake County family nurse practitioner is asking the court to declare the state’s physician collaboration requirements unconstitutional and prevent the North Carolina Medical Board and North Carolina Board of Nursing from enforcing them against nationally certified NPs.
The lawsuit argues, among other claims, that requiring NPs to maintain collaborative practice agreements with physicians unfairly restricts their ability to practice and treats them differently from other healthcare professionals.
NCMS opposes this lawsuit and efforts to eliminate physician collaboration requirements through litigation.
Healthcare works best when we work together. Physicians, APPs, and other healthcare professionals all play an important role in caring for North Carolina patients. Strong team-based care brings those professionals together while ensuring patients have access to the right level of expertise when they need it.
Good physician supervision and meaningful collaboration are not barriers to care—they are important parts of delivering safe, coordinated, high-quality care.
NCMS encourages physicians and PAs across the state to stay informed and engaged on this issue. NCMS is rolling out additional information, including an action alert for you to express your views on this topic. Please watch for emails from NCMS in the coming days and we will continue to provide updates through the Weekly Dose as the case moves forward.
Advanced Healthcare Leaders Final Project Presentations 2026
September 28, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
SCHEDULE DETAILS
6:00 PM – 6:14 PM
Welcome and Opening Comments
Monecia Thomas, PhD, MHA, VP, Professional Growth, NCMS Foundation
Lydie Ky, MIDP Program Manager, Professional Growth, NCMS Foundation
Lawrence (Larry) Greenblatt, MD, Co-Chair, Advanced Healthcare Leaders
Michaux Kilpatrick, MD, PhD, Co-Chair, Advanced Healthcare Leaders
Scholar Presentations: 10 minutes with 4 minutes for questions
6:15 PM – 6:29 PM
Presentation 1: Increasing Rural Access to Dermatology: Promotion and Implementation of Teledermatology Services
Sarah Rimmer, MD, Wake Forest University
6:30 PM – 6:44 PM
Presentation 2: Mitigating Physician Burnout Through AI-Enabled Documentation for Outpatient Clinic Visits
Mariam Tariq Awana, MD, ECU Health
6:45 PM – 6:59 PM
Presentation 3: Antipsychotic Guide for New Grads & Non-Psychiatry Providers
Beth Ehlers, DMS, PA-C, Good Hope Hospital/Daymark Recovery Services
7:00 PM – 7:14 PM
Presentation 4: Stroke Support Group
Jessica Mabe, FNP-BC, Hugh Chatham Health – Family Medicine
7:15 PM – 7:29 PM
Presentation 5: Connecting Wilkes to Mental Health Support
Jennifer Childress, FNP-BC, Hugh Chatham Health – Family Medicine
7:30 PM – 7:44 PM
Presentation 6: Moving Toward the Development of a Nonprofit for Mutual Aid Wellness Collective
Lucy Smith, DNP, MSN, BSN, BA, FNP-BC, RN, AAHIVS, Vecinos & Mutual Aid Wellness Collective
7:45 PM – 7:55 PM
Closing Statements
AHL Team
October 1, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
SCHEDULE DETAILS
6:00 PM – 6:14 PM
Welcome and Opening Comments
Monecia Thomas, PhD, MHA, VP, Professional Growth, NCMS Foundation
Lydie Ky, MIDP Program Manager, Professional Growth, NCMS Foundation
Lawrence (Larry) Greenblatt, MD, Co-Chair, Advanced Healthcare Leaders
Michaux Kilpatrick, MD, PhD, Co-Chair, Advanced Healthcare Leaders
Scholar Presentations: 10 minutes with 4 minutes for questions
6:15 PM – 6:29 PM
Presentation 1: Addressing Barriers to ASWB Exam Success to Increase Diversity Among LCSW Clinicians
Dayna L. Farrington, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS, Integrated Family Services, PLLC
6:30 PM – 6:44 PM
Presentation 2: Improving APP Retention in an FQHC Setting
Jennifer Pernesky, MSN, RN, NP-C, Rural Health Group
6:45 PM – 6:59 PM
Presentation 3: Hospital and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
Team Collaboration
Danielle Mohlhenrich-Thompson, LCSW, LCAS, Daymark Recovery Services
7:00 PM – 7:14 PM
Presentation 4: Redesigning Cardiology Consult Workflow: A Scalable, Team-Based Model for Continuity of Care
Osejie Oriaifo, MD, MSc, ECU Health
7:15 PM – 7:29 PM
Presentation 5: Closing the Loop: Improving Documentation of Emergent Consultation in Trauma
Bryson Jenkins, DO, ECU Health
7:30 PM – 7:44 PM
Presentation 6: Hospital Sponsored Group Home
Lauren Dunn, DO, ECU Health
7:45 PM – 7:55 PM
Closing Statements
AHL Team
2026 NCMS Executive Healthcare Leaders Program Graduation
SCHEDULE DETAILS
9:15 AM – 2:30 PM | Saturday, September 26
9:15 AM – 9:25 AM
Welcome and Opening Comments
Monecia Thomas, PhD, MHA, Vice President, Professional Growth, NCMS Foundation
Lydie Ky, MIDP, Program Manager, Professional Growth, NCMS Foundation
Eugenie (Genie) Komives, MD, Co-Chair, Executive Healthcare Leaders
Bryant Murphy, MD, MBA, Co-Chair, Executive Healthcare Leaders
9:25 AM – 9:30 AM
Guest Speaker Introduction: EHL Co-Chair Eugenie (Genie) Komives, MD
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Guest Speaker Remarks: NCDHHS Secretary, Devdutta Sangvai, MD
9:45 AM – 9:58 AM
Opening Comments
Monecia Thomas, PhD, MHA
Scholar Presentations: 12 minutes with 3 minutes for questions
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Presentation 1: Preventing Menopause Associated Recurrent UTIs with Vaginal Estrogen in Women with Intellectual Disabilities at a State Developmental Center
Kia Sewell-Chance, MD, Caswell Development Institute
10:17 AM – 10:32 AM
Presentation 2: Expedited Workup for Emergency Department Patients with Acute Chest Pain
Gary Asher, MD, MPH, UNC Health
10:34 AM – 10:49 AM
Presentation 3: Increase Primary Care Support to Act as a First Line of Defense to Ensure Access to MOUD Treatment for Patients Organization-Wide
Benjamin Stacy, DO, Kintegra Health
10:50 AM – 11:03 AM
Break
11:05 AM – 11:20 AM
Presentation 4: Medicaid Medical Claims Denial Reduction
Corey Taliaferro, MBA, Carolina Complete Health
11:22 AM – 11:37 AM
Presentation 5: More Than Scheduling: Strengthening the Frontline Pathway to OUD Care
Gwendolyn Gilbert, MS, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS, Agape Community Health
11:40 AM – 11:55 AM
Presentation 6: Improving Scheduled 2-Week Postpartum Visits for ECU
IMPACT Patients
David Ryan, MD, FASAM, FACOG, ECU Health
12:00 PM – 12:55 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Presentation 7: Increasing CPR Competency in Rural Areas
Shannon Courtleigh, PA-C, MS, Stedman-Wade Health Services
1:17 PM – 1:32 PM
Presentation 8: Informed Consent Counseling
Vijaysinha Mandhare, MD, Wake Spine and Pain Specialists
1:34 PM – 1:49 PM
Presentation 9: Optimizing APP Schedule Utilization
Jessica Heestand, MD, Wake Internal Medicine Consultants, Inc.
1:50 PM – 2:10 PM
Closing Comments: Scholars
2:10 PM – 2:20 PM
Closing Comments: EHL Team
2:20 PM – 2:45 PM
Photos
Advocacy in Medicine Fellowship Applications Are Now Open!
Applications are now open for the 2027 NCMS Advocacy in Medicine Fellowship! This statewide program gives medical and PA students the tools, experience, and connections to become stronger advocates for themselves, their patients, and the future of healthcare in North Carolina.
The fellowship is the first statewide program of its kind, bringing together students from medical and PA schools across North Carolina to learn more about health policy and how they can make an impact. So far, more than 50 students from five medical schools and one PA school have participated.
Through virtual workshops and in-person experiences, fellows will learn how to:
- Understand North Carolina’s healthcare policy landscape and the issues impacting medicine.
- Advocate effectively with policymakers and other healthcare stakeholders.
- Lobby for legislation that affects patients and the practice of medicine.
- Build connections with legislators, regulatory officials, organized medicine leaders, and students from across the state.
The fellowship is a chance to start building advocacy skills and relationships now while gaining experience that can lead to future leadership opportunities at the state and national levels.
Applications close October 1!
NCMS Wants to Hear From You!
NCMS is gathering feedback to better understand how our organization is known and perceived within the medical community. We’d love to hear your perspective by filling out the brief survey below.
Your feedback will help shape how NCMS communicates and connects with physicians and PAs moving forward.
This survey should take 15 minutes or less, and your feedback is invaluable. We want to hear your perspectives and ensure your voice is heard. The survey closes September 11, 2026. Click below to participate.
Coming Thursday 8/20: New Political Pulse Episode
Announcing this week’s special guest on the Political Pulse Podcast: Congressman Don Davis!
Congressman Davis has spent his career in service — as an Air Force officer, educator, minister, Mayor of Snow Hill, State Senator, and now a member of Congress representing 22 counties across ENC.
Health care has been a major focus of his work, especially expanding access to affordable care in rural communities.
Tune in Thursday on the NCMS Substack for the full conversation! Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!
Carolinas Society of Endocrinologists 2026 Annual Meeting
Join the Carolinas Society of Endocrinologists (CSE) for its 2026 Annual Meeting, this weekend, August 21–23 in Charleston, SC.
This premier endocrine education event brings together leading experts to share the latest advances in diagnosing, treating, and managing endocrine and metabolic disorders.
Designed for endocrinologists, trainees, and the wider healthcare team, the meeting features cutting-edge scientific sessions, practical clinical insights, and valuable networking opportunities — all set against the historic charm of Charleston. Elevate your practice, connect with colleagues, and stay at the forefront of endocrine care.
NCDHHS Updates Guidance for Fall Respiratory Vaccine Season
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has shared several important updates for the upcoming fall respiratory vaccine season. The NC Board of Pharmacy has advised that pharmacists may continue administering routine influenza and COVID-19 vaccines under last year’s ACIP recommendations, which remain in effect.
The Department is also assessing the potential implications of the Aug. 10 Executive Order, which seeks to revise federal childhood vaccine recommendations by narrowing the vaccines routinely recommended for all children and shifting others, including influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, to shared clinical decision-making.
NCDHHS has not yet received formal federal guidance on how the order may affect North Carolina. In the meantime, the Vaccines for Children program is expected to operate as usual, NC Medicaid will cover indicated vaccines for beneficiaries, and pharmacists may administer the newly licensed mRNA influenza vaccine to adults 50 and older.
Additional guidance, seasonal updates and resources for health care professionals are available on NCDHHS’ Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses website.
ENROLL NOW: Free Quality Improvement Support for NC Clinical Practices
|
Old North State Medical Society Annual Scientific Conference
|
NCMS leaders and staff were pleased to support and attend the 135th Annual Scientific Conference of the Old North State Medical Society this past weekend. The conference brought together physicians and attorneys from across the state in Wilmington, where the NC Association of Black Lawyers held a joint meeting with ONSMS. NCMS President Carl Westcott, MD, and President-Elect Karen L. Smith, MD, FAAFP, were among the distinguished speakers. The lineup also included Willie Underwood, MD, President of the AMA; Cedric Bright, MD, President of ONSMS; Eddie Glaude Jr., PhD, a noted educator, author, and expert on racial and religious identity and politics in the U.S.; and the NCMS Foundation’s Monecia Thomas and Lisa Mwaikambo. |
NCMS Foundation’s Growing Impact Earns Regional Recognition
The North Carolina Medical Society Foundation (NCMSF) was recently recognized by the Triangle Business Journal among the Triangle’s largest foundations. The Foundation ranked #5 in annual giving percentage increase, #20 in dollar increase in giving, #32 in total assets, and #42 in total giving.
This recognition reflects the Foundation’s continued growth and increasing capacity to invest in programs that support physicians, strengthen communities, and improve health across North Carolina. We are grateful to our donors, partners, and supporters whose generosity makes this work possible and helps expand the Foundation’s impact across the state.
NCSEPS President & Surgeon Serves in South Sudan
|
NCMS President-Elect Karen Smith, MD Appointed to Health Care Affordability Commission
|
BCBSNC E/M Leveling Program
NCMS is closely monitoring the August 15, 2026 implementation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina’s (BCBSNC) Evaluation and Management (E/M) Leveling Program and its potential impact on physicians and practices across the state.
BCBSNC has identified approximately 13% of its network providers for inclusion in the program, including physicians, physician associates (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) across specialties. Letters to impacted providers were sent on July 27, 2026. Currently, the program is limited to office-based services (Place of Service 11) billed under E/M codes 99204, 99205, 99214 and 99215.
Under the program, BCBSNC may take one of three actions on an affected claim: pend the claim for further review, reimburse the service at a lower E/M level, or recoup payment through future reimbursements. When the program is applied, the provider’s payment remittance will include an EXCD code.
While the notification letter states the insurer will be using “an analytic solution to determine whether coding on these claims is aligned with national industry standard,” BCBSNC has indicated the process being used involves human review rather than AI. Providers who disagree with the determination will be directed to follow the health insurer’s standard claims dispute process.
What You Should Know: NCMS recognizes that changes to E/M claims review and reimbursement can create significant administrative and financial implications for physician practices. We encourage those who receive a notification letter to review it carefully, ensure documentation appropriately supports the E/M level billed, monitor remittance notices for EXCD codes, and track any claims that are reduced, pended or subject to recoupment.
NCMS will continue engaging BCBSNC on this issue, gathering feedback from the physician community and seeking additional clarity regarding implementation of the program. If your practice has received a notification letter or experienced a claim adjustment related to the E/M Leveling Program, we want to hear from you.
Please contact Jenni Hines at [email protected] to share your experience. Your feedback will help NCMS better understand the program’s impact on North Carolina physicians and inform our ongoing advocacy and education efforts.
NCMS Rounds: Let’s Talk Downcoding!
Welcome to NCMS Rounds, a new video series focused on your questions, challenges, and issues affecting physicians, PAs and medical practices. Let’s first talk downcoding!
Thank you to those who contributed questions for this episode!
Here’s what you asked:
- What is downcoding?
- What is the legality of downcoding?
- How prevalent is downcoding?
- What is the economic impact on small rural practices?
- What steps can we take to prevent or recognize downcoding within a practice?
- Why are only diagnosis codes becoming the basis for downcoding?
If this segment brought up additional questions or thoughts, we want to hear from you!
Fill out our quick form, drop your thoughts in the comments on our social media post, or reach out to Jenni Hines directly at [email protected].
Bipartisan Bill Aims to Stabilize Medicare Physician Payments
Last week, the bipartisan Doctors Caucus chairs – United States Representatives John Joyce, MD, Greg Murphy, MD, and Kim Schrier, MD – introduced the Patients First Act, HR 9693. A proposal to reform MACRA (Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act) and the Medicare physician payment system.
The proposed legislation would make several significant changes to Medicare physician payment with the goal of creating a more stable and predictable system. It would tie annual payment updates more closely to inflation, provide additional support for independent and rural physician practices, and launch a five-year pilot program that combines traditional fee-for-service payments with monthly care management payments for primary care practices.
The bill would also replace the current Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) with a new quality reporting program called the Patient Outcome Improvement National Tabulation System (POINTS). The new program is designed to simplify reporting, reduce administrative burden, and place greater emphasis on patient outcomes while giving physicians a stronger voice in developing quality measures.
Overall, the legislation aims to improve payment stability, reduce paperwork, encourage participation in value-based care, and help ensure Medicare patients continue to have access to high-quality physician care.
