New Duke Study: Can Artificial Intelligence Detect Autism?

Duke Awarded $12M Research Grant to Use Artificial Intelligence to Detect Autism

The Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development has been awarded a $12 million federal grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to develop artificial intelligence tools for detecting autism during infancy and identifying brain-based biomarkers of autism.

In a project, artificial intelligence will automatically code video footage of young children’s behavior and interactions with their caregivers from a digital app used by parents at home. Information collected is used to identify behavioral characteristics of infants and toddlers who are later diagnosed with autism.

A second project will use artificial intelligence to analyze 260,000 health insurance claims, including those from 6,000 children diagnosed with autism, from birth to 18 months.

That data will be used to develop an algorithm to predict autism during infancy and identify the nature of early medical conditions associated with a later diagnosis of autism.

Read the full article here.

 


NCMS Foundation Webinar: Treating Hepatitis C in Patients with Substance Use Disorders

 

 

Register now for the webinar: "Treating Hepatitis C in Patients with Substance Use Disorders"

 

Rick Moore, MD, AAHIVS
Assistant Professor, UNC Family Medicine
NCDHHS Viral Hepatitis Medical Director

Monday, November 14, 2022
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

 

We would like to invite you to a webinar, focusing on optimizing treatment of Hepatitis C in patients with active or recent substance use. It will focus on treatment strategies, examination of available data about safety and efficacy of treatment, and local and state initiatives to maximize care.

What: Treating Hepatitis C in Patients with Substance Use Disorders Webinar

When: November 14th from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Who: Physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and healthcare staff involved in the care of people with substance use disorders.

Why: The aim of this webinar is to discuss rationale behind and strategies for achieving broader uptake of Hepatitis C treatment for patients with active or recent substance use. New Hepatitis C infections are highest in young adults, with the majority of these infections being tied to injection drug use. Available data in real world and study settings has demonstrated that treatment of Hepatitis C is safe and effective, and expansion of treatment in this setting stands to have a dramatic impact on individual and public health.

 

This webinar is free but you must be registered to attend.
Space is limited so register early!

 After you register, you will receive an emailed confirmation with webinar and phone-in instructions.

Rick Moore, MD, AAHIVS

About Dr. Moore:

Richard (Rick) Moore II, MD, AAHIVS, obtained his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.  He then attended family medicine residency training at the Lawrence Family Medicine Residency in Massachusetts, where he underwent an integrated training track in care of patients with HIV and Hepatitis C.  He worked for Rural Health Group from 2014-2019, a federally qualified health center in northeastern North Carolina, where he directed their HIV, viral hepatitis, and medication-assisted treatment programs and served as associate medical director.  He continues to provide HIV and Hepatitis C care in this setting and to direct those programs.  He helped develop the Carolina Hepatitis Academic Mentorship Program, which trains North Carolina providers in low-resource settings in Hepatitis C care delivery.  He serves as the medical director for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Viral Hepatitis Program, a role which he began in November 2020.  He is an assistant professor for the University of North Carolina’s Department of Family Medicine in Chapel Hill, a role which he began in July 2019.

Register here.

 


HCA Healthcare opens North Carolina Hospital

FRANKLIN, NC -- Nashville-based HCA Healthcare has opened a $68 million hospital in Franklin, N.C.

Angel Medical Center is part of HCA's Mission Health, which is based in Asheville, N.C.

The center is a critical access hospital, has a 30-bed inpatient unit capacity, three operating rooms, an endoscopy suite, and a 17-bed emergency department. Outpatient services include a wound clinic, a full laboratory, digital mammography, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Learn more about  Angel Medical Center here.


In Memoriam: Marian Wahba Ghraib, MD

Marian Wahba Ghraib, MD

NCMS member Marian Wahba Ghraib, MD, died Wednesday, September 7. She was 35 years old.

Dr. Ghraib was affiliated with the UNC Medical Center, North Carolina, where she served the Rocky Mount community.

She attained her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2015 and completed her residency in otolaryngology at Temple University, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Ghraib was a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health from 2009 to 2011, after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 2019 with a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology.

The staff and members of the North Carolina Medical Society extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.

Read Dr. Ghraib's complete full obituary here.


NCMS Partners With Radio One on Annual "Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day"

 

The NCMS has partnered with Radio One affiliate stations to sponsor the annual "Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day."

The annual event was started in 2001 and is held every third Tuesday in September.

Today Radio One's affiliate stations in the triangle area -- WQOK 97.5, WFXC 107.1 and 104.3, and WNNL 103.9 -- are promoting routine health screenings and annual physical examinations among African Americans and other ethnic minority groups who have disproportionately high rates of chronic health conditions.

Listen all day to hear appeals by your fellow NCMS members.


The 2022 Golden Stethoscope Award Winners ARE...

 

 

Rebecca Hayes, MD, MBA-HM, CPE, FAAFP

Dr. Rebecca Hayes is the first 2022 Golden Stethoscope Award winner!

After more than two years of sacrifice and hard work it is time to celebrate again!  The North Carolina Medical Society is honoring physicians and PAs who went above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Each day this week we are announcing the winners. YOU can join them at the Golden Stethoscope Awards Gala on October 15.

 

 

 

About Dr. Hayes:

Rebecca Hayes, MD, MBA-HM, CPE, FAAFP currently serves as the Vice-Chair of Clinical and Community Operations in the Department of Family Medicine and the Assistant Specialty Medical Director of the community clinics in the Emerging Care Model Division at Atrium Health. She leads the primary care community and teaching clinics in the Greater Charlotte Area through positive healthcare delivery transformation to better care for and improve the lives of underserved communities, while also developing highly skilled, competent, and compassionate primary care physicians.  In her 15 years with Atrium Health, Dr. Hayes has served as medical director and core faculty at Elizabeth Family Medicine, and associate program director for Cabarrus Family Medicine Residency Program. In addition she is currently a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She was selected as the 2009 Cabarrus Family Medicine Residency Family Physician of the year. Prior to joining Atrium Health, Dr. Hayes had the honor to serve in multiple leadership positions within the US Navy Medical Corp to include faculty and team leader at Naval Hospital Pensacola Family Medicine Residency Program, Senior Medical Officer for the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center Medical Clinic, and Regimental Surgeon, 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC.  Dr. Hayes holds a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from UNC-Greensboro and is a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine.  She completed her family medicine residency at Naval Hospital Bremerton, WA and her Faculty Development Fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Hayes earned her MBA in Healthcare Management from Western Governor’s University in 2021.  Dr. Hayes lives in Concord, NC with her husband and 8 year old son.  They enjoy all things Disney/Star Wars and spending time at the beach.

More winners will be announced all week!

It is time to leave the lab coat at the office and dust off your dancing shoes!  Join Dr. Hayes and all your NCMS colleagues on October 15 at the 2022 Golden Stethoscope Awards Gala.

Tickets are going fast.  Click here to get yours!


Will New Offer From Hospitals Jolt Stalled NC Medicaid Expansion Negotiations?

North Carolina hospitals offer new Medicaid expansion proposal

 

The NC Healthcare Association has delivered a proposal to the General Assembly and the Governor that calls on the General Assembly to quickly pass Medicaid Expansion.

In the proposal put forth Friday, health systems and hospitals would fund much of the state’s share of the expense of expanding Medicaid for 600,000 North Carolinians. The proposal also suggests that the state repeal CON law for psychiatric inpatient beds and chemical dependency beds.

North Carolina remains one of only a dozen states that has not expanded Medicaid.

Read the full article here.


Picture Perfect! NCMS Photo Contest Results Are In and They're Spectacular

Congratulations to the 2022 NCMS Photo Contest Winner

“Nature’s Beauty, Big and Small”

The beautiful image above, taken by first-time Photo Contest participant Brian Bowman, MD, PhD, is the overall winner of our member photo contest this year. His photo, “Nature’s Beauty, Big and Small,” will grace the cover of our NCMS 2023 calendar. Congratulations, Dr. Bowman!

This year over 50 photographers participated in the contest.

Kudos to the winners in the other categories!

Nature Category Winner: Karl S. Chiang, MD – “Mystic Swamps”

North Carolina Category: Charles H. Classen, Jr., MD – “The End of the Small Family Farm North Carolina”

Travel Category: Kathryn McConnell Greven, MD – “Yucca at Dawn”

Wildlife Category: Joel B. Miller, MD – “GRUBHUB Delivery”

 

FINALISTS:
Brian Bowman, MD, PhD "Nature's Beauty, Big and Small"
Karl S. Chiang, MD "Mystic Swamps"
Charles H. Classen, Jr., MD "The End of the Small Family Farm North Carolina"
Kathryn M. Greven, MD "Yucca at Dawn"
Joel B. Miller, MD "GRUBHUB Delivery"
Matt Atkins, MD "Slot Canyon"
T. James Baden, MD, FACP "Canadian Tranquility"
P. Mark Gallerani, MD "Atlantic Puffins"
Steven M. Genkins, MD ("Seadoc") "The Restless Sea"
Marion McCrary, MD, FACP "Clarity of Reflection"
Thomas J. Monaco, Jr., MD "Autumn Cascades"
Arnold C. Olegario, MD "Let's Keep It Green"
Danna Park, MD, FAAP, FACP "Currituck Lighthouse Spiral"
Leighton A. Raynor, MD "High Jump"

SEMI-FINALISTS:
Yun L. Boylston, MD, MBA "A Walk in the Woods"
Jeffrey Coston, DO "Looking Glass Falls"
M.E. Dossenbach, PA-C "Monarch Butterfly Feeding on Milkweed"
Jane Girskis, PA-C "Crazy Tree Root"
John Goldfield, PA-C "Coastal Fife Trail, St. Andrew, Scotland"
Jim Hill, MEd, PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA "Red Shoulder Hawk in Rain"
H. Slade Howell, MD "Flying Squirrel with New Home"
Rodger Israel, MD "Yates Mill in Autumn"
Andrew S. Lamb, MD "Assisi, Italy at Sunset"
H. Curtiss Merrick, MD, FACP "Baby Owls with Sweaters"
David Mertz, MD "Vallarta Surprise"
Vikas Patel, MD "Trees Mimicking Barn Color"
Katherine J. Pierce, MD "One Moment in Time"
Heather Pol "Kiawah in June"
Demetri T. Poulis, MD, FACS "Sunset, Nags Head, NC"

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Herbert W. Clegg, II, MD "Bear Cub Up a Tree"
Lisa M. Gangarosa, MD "Fall Creek Gorge in June"
Lawrence Greenblatt, MD, FACP "An Unusual Visitor in Urban Durham"
Richard M. Griffin, MD "Kayaker"
Hampton A. Howell, MD "The Lee Side"
Anna Malysz Oyola, DO "Violet Dawn"
Donna M. Richardson, MD, MBA "Rainy Day"
James A. Salisbury, MD "The Get Away"
Nadine B. Skinner, MD, FAAFP "Clowning Around"
David Tart, MD "Isle of Iona, Scotland Beach"
David Thomas Tayloe, Jr., MD, FAAP "Sunset at Hawkins Landing"
Robert E. Taylor, MD "Sunset at Ocean Isle Beach"
John G. Wagnitz, MD "Writing Spider"
Michael R. Wolff, MD "Southport Yacht Basin"


Congratulations, Columbus Regional! Now the region's first Center for Excellence in Robotic Surgery

Columbus Regional earns title of Excellence in Robotic Surgery.

 

Congratulations are in order for Columbus Regional Healthcare System. It has achieved accreditation from Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), becoming the region’s first Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery.

This accreditation recognizes Columbus Regional’s commitment and high standard of delivery of quality patient care and safety.

Columbus Regional has been performing and perfecting robotic surgeries since 2011.

Read full article here.


NC Doctors: Could Your Practice Benefit from the Collaborative Care Model?

An Evidence-Based Approach for Integrated Behavioral Health in Primary Care Settings

 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (DHB) has partnered with NC AHEC to provide educational and practice-based support to primary care practices interested in implementing the Collaborative Care Model.

Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) is an integrated modality that provides patients with medical and behavioral health care in a primary care setting.

The Collaborative Care Model leverages a team-based, interdisciplinary and systematic approach to screen, diagnose, treat, and provide follow-up care.

A Primary Care Provider (PCP) leads the Collaborative Care team, which includes a Behavioral Health Care Manager (BHCM), Psychiatric Consultants, and other mental health professionals acting as force multipliers of behavioral health expertise.

Learn more about CoCM here.

 


Earn CME credits and ABFM Activity Points While Enjoying the Beautiful Grove Park Inn this December!

 

The North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians (NCAFP) is delighted to welcome you to the 2022 Winter Family Physicians Weekend, December 1 – December 4, 2022, at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC!

The weekend's timely and requested general session topics, complimentary CME workshops, and innovative satellite seminars mean approximately 25+ AAFP Prescribed Credits are up for grabs.

Learn more and register for the event here.


Junkie. Drunk. Addict. Words Matter When Talking to Patients About Substance Use Disorder.

With simple changes in language, harmful stigma and negativity around SUD can be reduced or avoided

 

Junkie. Drunk. User. Habit. Dirty. Clean. Addict. User. Alcoholic.

Words, and how you use them when talking to patients, can have a profound effect on people. Talking about addiction in ways that are stigmatizing—meaning words are used that portray someone with a substance use disorder (SUD) in a shameful or negative way—may actually prevent them from seeking treatment.

While addiction is a treatable disease, many people make it more difficult with the language they use. The good news is that simple changes can reduce and eliminate the harmful stigma surrounding substance use disorder.

NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse produced an Addiction Language Guide for Clinicians to help change language and reduce or avoid sigma.

For more information on how you can help your patients, click here.

 


UNC Med Students Push for Medicaid Expansion

UNC Med students to hospital brass: Stop blocking Medicaid expansion.

 

On Wednesday, UNC medical students, backed with a 500-signature petition, called on UNC Medical School to press the state's hospital association to agree to regulator reforms as part of the Medicaid expansion bill.

The UNC students called on their medical school dean to press the association to back off so the Senate bill can move forward.

UNC Medical School students, faculty, staff and alumni signed a letter suggesting that UNC Health consider leaving the association if the association won’t “prioritize Medicaid expansion over financial interests.”

Read the full article here.


ICYMI: CDC Issues Updated Guidance on Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Doses

CDC:  New guidance on Covid-19 boosters

On September 13, 2022, presenters at CDC’s Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) discussed the new guidance on bivalent COVID-19 booster doses for people ages 12 years and older, including those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

If you were unable to hear the call, slides and a recording are available and can be viewed here.


NC HealthConnex Deadline Approaching!

 

The deadline to connect to NC Health Connex, North Carolina's Information Exchange, is Sunday, January 1st, 2023.

All health care providers who receive state funds (Medicaid, NC Health Choice and State Health Plan) for the provision of health care services must connect to NC HealthConnex to continue to receive payments for services provided, with the exception of voluntary provider groups outlined in House Bill 70 (N.C. Session Law 2019-23). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the COVID-19 Recovery Act (NCSL 2020-3) extended the deadlines for certain provider groups.

For more information, visit the Health Care Provider FAQs page here.

For general FAQs about NC HealthConnex, click here.

 


Updated COVID-19 Vaccines at No Cost to Your Patients

 

The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), through CMS, announced that people with Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage, private insurance coverage, or no health coverage can get COVID-19 vaccines, including the updated Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines, at no cost, for as long as the federal government continues purchasing and distributing these COVID-19 vaccines.

Read full news alert here.


Medicaid's Transition to Managed Care: What You Need to Know

NCDHHS Monthly Webinars with Vital Information for Providers

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) Division of Health Benefits and North Carolina AHEC (NC AHEC) are offering an evening webinar series to help providers, practice managers, and quality managers succeed with Medicaid Managed Care.

These informative webinars are hosted by Shannon Dowler, MD, Chief Medical Officer, NC Division of Health Benefits and moderated by Hugh Tilson, Director of the NC AHEC Program and takes place on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 5:30-6:45 PM.

The Medicaid Managed Care Webinar Series is dedicated to bringing you late-breaking information and guidance on NC Medicaid’s transition to Managed Care.

Don't miss these upcoming Managed Care Webinars:

September 15, 2022
October 20, 2022
November 17, 2022
December 15, 2022

For information, click here.


Are You Talking to Your Patients About Prostate Cancer Screening?

Many insurance plans, including Medicare, include prostate cancer screening

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month.

During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, talk to your patients about their risk and screening options.

About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer diagnosed in men, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men.

The American Cancer Society’s estimates for prostate cancer in the United States for 2022 are:

  • About 268,490 new cases of prostate cancer
  • About 34,500 deaths from prostate cancer

Many insurances, including Medicare, covers prostate cancer screenings.

For more information, visit the CDC Prostate Cancer webpage or National Cancer Institute Prostate Cancer webpage.

Also, check out theses Medicare Resources:

Eligibility (PDF)

Prostate Cancer (PDF) data snapshot

Get information for your patients: Prostate cancer screenings 

 


Warning: Doctors Should Watch for Signs of EV-D68

Pediatricians and top health officials are warning about an uptick in activity of a common virus that, in rare cases, can cause a polio-like syndrome in young children.

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert to providers about the enterovirus known as EV-D68.

While this bug is common and typically only causes colds, occasionally, children infected with it will develop limb weakness and a progressive form of paralysis called acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM. Other symptoms include drooping eyelids and trouble swallowing or speaking. Pediatric infectious disease physicians are urging pediatricians and clinicians at emergency departments and urgent care centers, as well as parents, to be on the lookout for early signs of AFM.

The CDC issued the following recommendations for healthcare providers:

  • Consider EV-D68 as a possible cause of acute, severe respiratory illness (with or without fever) in children. Adults may also become infected with EV-D68, but it is thought to be more commonly detected in adults with underlying conditions.
  • Consider laboratory testing of respiratory specimens for RVs and EVs (typically part of multiplex respiratory assays) when the cause of respiratory infection in severely ill patients is unclear, if not already part of typical diagnostic routine.
  • Provide supportive clinical management for RV or EV, including EV-D68. There are no available vaccines or approved antiviral treatments.
  • Report clusters of severe respiratory illness to local and state health departments.
  • Strongly consider AFM in patients with acute flaccid limb weakness, especially after respiratory illness or fever, and between the months of August and November 2022.
  • Collect specimens from multiple sources (cerebrospinal fluid [CSF], serum, stool, and a nasopharyngeal [NP] or oropharyngeal [OP] swab) from patients presenting with possible AFM as early as possible and preferably on the day of onset of limb weakness.
  • Coordinate with your state public health laboratory to send AFM specimens to CDC for AFM and polio testing.
  • Maintain vigilance and report possible cases of AFM to the state or local health department using the patient summary form.

Read full article here.


Could Your Patients Benefit from HOP?

 

Healthy Opportunities Pilot--or HOP--is a first-of-its-kind program that aims to improve the health of patients by improving social determinants of health.

As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) are “the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. Research shows SDoH can influence health significantly.

Earlier this year, HOP rolled out in three phases: food and hunger-related services, housing and transportation services, and toxic stress and cross-domain services.

Learn more about the Healthy Opportunities Pilot program here.


More Resources Available to Behavioral Health Patients at Emergency Departments Across the State

On Wednesday, NCDHHS announced a Connection to Care Peer Services grant award for peer support services in emergency departments.

A 3-year grant totaling $1.65 million was awarded to Cumberland County Hospital System (Cape Fear Valley Health) to provide peer support services for consumers presenting to emergency departments with distress related to behavioral health. The pilot aims to provide improved coordination of ongoing treatment and recovery and to reduce future utilization of ED services for behavioral health needs.

In the emergency department setting, peer support staff will:

  • Engage with those who are presenting in the ED with Serious Mental Illness or Serious Emotional Disturbance
  • Answer questions about recovery supports
  • Provide support and education on how to access community resources and supports
  • Help individuals connect to services and supports within their own communities
  • Support individuals in establishing or developing strong connections and relationships within their communities
  • Help individuals in finding or accessing resources related to employment, housing and other Social Determinants of Health
  • Support hospital discharge
  • Confirm individuals have connected to community resources and supports
  • Track connections and referrals

Read the full NCDHHS press release here.

 


Free Monkeypox Vaccine Available at Cone Health Pop-up Clinic in Greensboro

Cone Health will hold a pop-up monkeypox vaccine on Friday, September 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Triad Health Project's Higher Ground Day Center in Greensboro.

The no-cost vaccine is for the people 18 years and older who meet NCDHHS criteria.

Vaccine supply is limited, so registration is encouraged. Walk-up appointments will be available. To register for a free vaccination appointment, go to https://www.conehealth.com/monkeypox-vaccine.

Get more information here.


CCHN Seeks Medical Policy Workgroup Members

 

Carolina Complete Health Network is seeking membership to Medical Policy Workgroups, particularly Obstetrics/Women's Health and Primary Care.

CCHN facilitates five specialty-matched medical policy workgroups:

1. Primary Care
2. Obstetrics/Women's Health
3. Emergency Medicine
4. Pediatric
5. Behavioral Health

Any physician (MD, DO, NP, PA) or behavioral health clinician can participate in their specialty-matched Medical Policy workgroup as long as they are a participating CCH provider.

For more information on getting involved with Medical Policy, please email Shaune Williams, Medical Policy Coordinator: [email protected]


Mental Health Expansion Coming to NC School System

In the past decade, NC has seen an increase in mental health issues among the state’s youngest population. School systems like Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) are finding ways to help combat these growing numbers.

WCPSS currently offers in-school mental health services to schools in the district. Currently, 16 contracted therapists travel to the 40 schools in the program to provide these services.

WCPSS has plans to expand to all 197 schools in the district.

Read the full article here.


North Carolina's COVID State of Emergency Has Expired. Could This Mean an Uptick in Medical Malpractice Cases?

Will end of State of Emergency lead to uptick in legal issues?

The COVID state of emergency in North Carolina offered temporary protections to health care facilities and providers. In August, North Carolina's COVD state of emergency expired, removing the COVID immunity health care protection, which gave health care facilities and workers immunity from malpractice claims brought during that time.

When the federal state of emergency was declared in early 2020, the Federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act was enacted, giving protection to health care workers from liability for administering COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and drugs.

North Carolina's state of emergency went a step further and shielded from lawsuits that could arise from inadequate staffing and supplies.

Now that the state of emergency has expired, could this mean an uptick in medical malpractice cases in North Carolina?  Some legal experts believe it will.

To find out why and the latest on Federal protections click here.


Hope4Healers Helpline Available

Hope4Healers is a free service that provides counseling to help healthcare workers, childcare workers, and first responders manage the stress created by the extraordinary conditions brought on by the Coronavirus.

Hope4Healers is also available 24 hours per day, seven days a week at (919) 226-2002 for people to reach out for support from a licensed mental health professional.

Learn more about the program here.


New COVID-19 Boosters Expected in NC This Week

RALEIGH -- Half a million COVID-19 boosters are headed to North Carolina, arriving as early as this week.

The CDC recommended the updated boosters for adults and teenagers. This new booster is designed to protect against the countries most common strains of the coronavirus, BA.4 and BA.5.

Starting Wednesday, September 7th, Wake County will allow residents to schedule boosters, offering some same-day appointments.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, testing and treatments, or to find locations to get a COVID-19 vaccine, visit MySpot.nc.gov or contact the North Carolina COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center by phone at 888-675-4567.


How well do you understand monkeypox? NCDHHS issues new toolkit to help

NCDHHS toolkit aims to answer your monkeypox questions

RALEIGH -- Monkeypox continues to dominate headlines across the nation and here in North Carolina. To help better understand it and to answer your questions, NC DHHS has developed a toolkit for NC physicians and health professionals.

The kit contains all you need to know including FAQs, a pocket guide, quick facts, and much more, including an additional social media toolkit. Each document is available in both English and Spanish.

To access this information and get your questions answered, visit the NC DHHS website here.


North Carolina Closer to Receiving Reformulated COVID-19 Booster

The FDA has given emergency authorization to a "bivalent" vaccine that targets the original COVID-19 virus, along with the world-dominate BA.4 and BA.5 variants. The new combination booster is expected to provide similar or better protection against omicron.

The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) is expected to vote September 1, 2022 on a recommendation for who should receive the boosters and when.

Get up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccines and more by using the NCDHHS's COVID-19 Dashboard.


North Carolina doctors still have options to treat COVID-19 for uninsured patients

NC still has access to bebtelovimab for uninsured COVID-19 patients

 

Doctors in North Carolina still have options for treating COVID-19 patients who are uninsured. A state inventory revealed that there is still access the monoclonal antibody bebtelovimabtil for uninsured patients who are not a good fit for other authorized COVID-19 treatments.

Bebtelovimab went on the commercial market in August, thanks to a plan implemented by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

North Carolina’s current inventory of bebtelovimab is expected to last through the end of the summer if used at its current rate.

Providers can find more information and learn how to request supply on the NCDHHS COVID-19 website.


NCMS PAC Thankful Thursday!

 

On this Thankful Thursday, we are recognizing some of our NCMS PAC Investors! Thank you for your continued support and investment to your patients and profession. Contact Hannah Rice ([email protected]) to learn more about how you can make a difference.

Mark B. Moeller, MD
Kurt K. Lark, MD
Christoph R. Diasio, MD, FAAP
Carey M. Ziemer, MD
Ronald B. Laney, Jr., MD, MPH
Scott C. Sledge, MD


We're Celebrating September Birthdays! Happy Birthday to these NCMS Members

 

Happy Birthday from your NCMS Family!

Sandra M. Abda, MD

Mark S. Abel, MD

James C. Abell, MD

Patricia L. Adams, MD

Samuel B. Adkins, III, MD

Tehmina Adnan, MD

Vijay K. Agarwal, MD

Robert N. Agnello, DO

Longinus O. Agor, MD

Amanda M. Aguirre-Johnson, PA-C

Mark D. Aldous, MD

John R. Allbert, MD

Joseph C. Allen, MD

William G. Allen, MD

Jeffrey A. Alloway, MD, FACP, FACR

Arghavan Almony, MD

Robert S. Alphin, MD

Joseph M. Alvarez, MD

George C. Andrinopoulos, MD

Mary E. Armentrout, MD

Hans C. Arora, MD

Kavita S. Arora, MD

Pradeep S. Arumugham, MD

Philip E. Ashburn, MD

Sarah Elizabeth W. Atkins, MD, MPH, FAAP

Spencer Atwater, Jr., MD

Susan L. Auffinger, MD

Frederick D. Austin, III, MD

Kirsten H. Avery, MD

Fadi S. Azer, MD

Rocky E. Bacelieri, MD

George T. Bailey, MD

Kristin D. Baker, MD

Matthew F. Baldwin, MD

Bailey S. Balentine, DO

Ricardo G. Baler, MD

Rodman Barber, MD

Brad P. Barnes, MD

Luther E. Barnhardt, Jr., MD, FACS

Sydney F. C. Barnwell, MD

Rickey Baskett, Jr., MD

Zane K. Basrawala, MD

Allison B. Bean, MD

Charles R. Beasley, MD

Eric W. Beck, MD

Aileen Beckham, MD

Keith G. Begelman, MD

Linda R. Belhorn, MD

Carol R. Bell, MD

William B. Bell, MD

Lindsey M. Bellamy, DO

Larry F. Berman, MD

Lorraine Birdsong, MD

Alice Bishopric, MD

Cary F. Bizzell, MD

John A. Black, MD

John W. Black, MD

Thomas R. Blackburn, MD

Cameron T. Blackman, MD

Robert G. Blair, Jr., MD

Wendy S. Blair, PA-C

Kenneth R. Blanton, PA

Karl E. Bolstad, MD

Kenneth R. Bonfield, MD

Allison M. Borja, MD, Pharm. D

Edward G. Boss, PA-C

Sherif B. Botros, MD

Emmanuel J. Botzolakis, MD

John E. Bourgeois, MD

Michael L. Bowen, MD

Jenee L. Bowman, MD

Patrick Box, MD

Gray T. Boyette, MD

Eugene M. Bozymski, MD, MACP

Stephen M. Bracewell, MD

Chadwick R. Brasington, MD

David C. Brendle, DO

Anthony C. Breuer, MD

Brian K. Brighton, MD

Allison K. Broderick, PA-C

Dahari D. Brooks, MD

David A. Browder, MD

William E. Brown, MD, FACOG

Jon M. Bruce, MD, FACS, FASMBS

Clayton H. Bryan, MD

Blair Bryan, MD

Jennie B. Buchkovich, PA-C

Bethany L. Buie, PA-C

William R. Bullock, MD

Tonya M. Burnette, PA

Jennie L. Byrne, PhD, MD, DFAPA

Arthur M. Calabretta, MD

David L. Call, MD

Donald B. Campbell, MD

Grant L. Campbell, MD

Michael L. Cannon, MD

Paul R. Capito, MD

Antonio M. Carbonell, MD

Marjorie B. Carr, MD

Philips J. Carter, MD

Franklin Cashwell, Jr., MD

Vincent P. Castellano, MD

Brian J. Caveney, MD, JD, MPH

Stephen G. Cecil, MD

Rajat Chander, MD

Joe T. Chandler, MD

Geoffrey S. Chapman, MD

Alexander W. Chasnis, MD

Priyank Chaudhary, MD

Christopher H. Chay, MD

Tong Y. Chen, MD

Sendhil K. Cheran, MD

Hong Y. Chi, MD

Amy D. Chidester, MD

Charles O. Chrysler, MD

Octavio Cieza, MD

Christine M. Ciszek, PA

Daniel L. Clarke-Pearson, MD, FACOG, FACS

Elizabeth B. Cleland-Roberts, MD

Michael G. Cloutier, MD

Edmund J. Cody, MD

Jason A. Coffey, MD

Wendy K. Coin, MD

Farrell Collins, Jr., MD, FACP

Jason T. Cook, MD

Robert G. Cooke, III, MD

Nicholas A. Coolidge, PA-C

John D. Corey, MD

Francis C. Corrigan, MD

Billie F. Cosgrove, MD

Ronnie L. Cox, MD

Paul E. Craft, PA-C

Bert J. Crain, MD

James D. Crandall, MD

Marston Crawford, MD, FAAP

Gerald D. Crist, PA

James M. Croft, MD

Dorwyn W. Croom, II, MD

Randy A. Cruell, MD

Deepak Cuddapah, MD

Antonio Cusi, MD

Ravi R. Dalal, MD

Kimberly A. Dao, MD

James L. Darsie, MD

Ivan David, MD

Vartan A. Davidian, Jr., MD

Dwight D. Davidson, MD

Heather H. Davis, PA-C

John E. Davis, MD

John S. Davis, MD

Leon D. Davis, MD

Jordan N. De Lay, PA-C

Andrew R. Deibler, MD

Geoffrey D. DeLeary, MD

Steven H. Dennis, MD

Douglas H. DeSantis, MD

Donald G. Detweiler, MD

Gauri Dhir, MD, FACE

Bruce M. Distell, MD

Emily A. Diznoff, MD

Laura B. M. Dosier, MD

Arthur E. Douglas, Jr., MD

Denise E. Duff, MD

Christopher J. Dunatov, MD

Richard W. Dunlop, MD

David N. DuPuy, MD

Cecil T. Durham, Jr., MD

John R. Dykers, Jr., MD

Thomas S. Dziedzic, MD

Frederic E. Eckhauser, MD

Lenard J. Edralin, MD

James M. Edwards, MD

Palmer Edwards, MD, DFAPA

J. Ekwonu, MD

Harold W. Elliott, MD

John N. Ellis, MD

Eric T. Emerson, MD, FACS

James J. Epperly, Jr., DO

Darlene M. Esper, MD

Kelly R. Esposito, MD

Stephen J. Ezzo, MD

Duncan M. Fagundus, MD, FACR

Carrie A. Fales, MD

Carolina E. Fasola, MD

Gary J. Fischer, MD

Duane D. Fitch, MD

David P. Fitzgerald, MD

Henry A. Fleishman, MD

Stephen B. Fleishman, MD

Megan N. Fleming, PA-C

Sidney M. Fletcher, MD, FACEP

Howard Floch, MD

Mark D. Foster, MD

Vickie Fowler, MD

Richard E. Frazier, MD

Mitchell Freedman, MD, FAAN

Mala A. Freeman-Kwaku, MD

Kevin M. French, MD

Everett Frerichs, MD, FAAP

Scott M. Frieary, DO

Michael D. Fried, MD

Jerry K. Froedge, MD, FAAP

Robert E. Gaddy, Jr., MD

Manasi Gahlot, MD

Judson P. Garbarino, MD

Ryan M. Garcia, MD

Garth J. Garramone, DO

Dana L. Garrett, MD

Debra J. Gazzuolo, MD

Amber J. Gendron, PA

Peter A. Gentling, MD

John B. Gentry, MD

Zachariah Gerger, MD

Manisha Ghimire, MD

James S. Gibbs, MD

Brett J. Gilbert, MD

Brent R. Gill, MD

Brooks W. Gilmore, MD

Samuel J. Gilmore, MD

Thomas M. Ginn, MD

David L. Glenn, Jr., MD

Tapan N. Godiwala, MD

Raj Gondalia, MD

Margaret E. Goodwin, MD

Lakshmi Gordon, MD

Arthur L. Graff, MD

Donald D. Graham, Jr., MD

Eugene Granger, MD

Kelsey R. Graven, DO

Dino A. Graziano, MD

Taylor W. Green, PA

Michael W. Grier, MD

Cherece N. Grier Smith, MD

Sergey B. Gukasov, MD

Daniel Gutman, MD

Michael M. Haglund, MD, PhD

Joseph F. Hakas, Jr., MD, FACC

James L. Hamby, MD

Harriet N. Hansell, MD

Marie N. Hardy, MD, FAAD

Brent T. Harkrider, MD

Stewart J. Harley, MD

Revella B. Harmon, MD, MPH

John M. Harrelson, MD

James W. Harris, Jr., MD

Kelvin C. Harris, MD

Jessica L. Hart, MD, FAAP

Lisa M. Hartman, MD

John F. Hartness, Jr., MD

Christopher C. Hasty, MD

Benjamin Hatcher, MD

Henry C. Hawthorne, Jr., MD

Samuel A. Heathcote, Sr., MD

Joel A. Hedlund, MD

James F. Hedrick, MD

Mark R. Hedrick, MD

William W. Hedrick, MD

Peter W. Heetderks, MD

Timothy J. Heffron, MD

Melissa A. Helman, MD

Jonathan R. Helms, MD

Martin M. Henegar, MD

John T. Henley, Jr., MD

John H. Herring, MD

William A. Herring, Jr., MD

Lloyd M. Higgins, MD

Lacy C. Hobgood, MD, FACP

Edward W. Hoehn-Saric, MD

James B. Hoer, MD

Suneya G. Hogarty, DO

Chad A. Holder, MD

John C. Holder, MD

Claude Hollingsworth, MD

James H. Holmes, IV, MD

Henry D. Holt, MD

Thomas E. Hooper, MD, FACP

Marbry B. Hopkins, III, MD

Kirk A. Howard, MD

Jennifer G. Hudson, MD

Joshua R. Hughes, MD

Kaissar S. Ibrahim, MD

Adam A. Ingraffea, MD

Todd A. Irwin, MD

Peter W. Jaber, MD

Silvestre Jaimes, PA-C

Andrew M. Jakubowicz, MD

Arvind N. Jariwala, MD

Wayne T. Jarman, MD, FACS

Jolene Jean-Gracia, DO

Stanleigh E. Jenkins, Jr., MD

Charles S. Jere, MD

Harriman H. Jett, MD

Adrena E. Johnson, PA

Charles T. Johnson, Jr., MD

Donald C. Johnson, MD

Rachel M. Johnson, MD

Robert H. Johr, MD

Charles W. Jones, MD

Mary E. Jones, MD

George L. Jordan, III, DO

Joseph C. Jordan, MD

Kristen M. Jordan, PA-C

Cristian A. Jurau, MD

Marc Kadyk, MD

Lisa M. Kafer, MD, FAAP

Jennifer A. Kalich, MD

Rajdeep S. Kanwar, MD

Ulf L. Karlsson, MD

Mark A. Kasari, MD

Crystal D. Katz, MD

Rita M. Kawatu, MD

Hailu M. Kebede, PA-C

W. Keeling, MD

Claire A. Kelleher, MD

Jeffrey S. Kerr, MD

Siva S. Ketha, MD

Saad S. Khan, MD

Atul Khanna, MD

Jefferson K. Kilpatrick, MD

Paul K. Kim, MD

Catherine G. Kirk, PA-C

Rex A. Kiteley, II, MD

Mary Ann Knovich, MD

  1. A. Koontz, MD

Christopher C. Kornegay, MD

Lawrence D. Krabill, MD

Daniel P. Krontz, MD

Eric F. Kuehn, MD

Amit Kumar, MD

Adam J. Lake, MD

Andrew S. Lamb, MD

Christian J. Lambertsen, Jr., MD

John A. Lang, III, MD

Marianna G. Law, MD

Richard M. Leighton, DO

Melissa L. Lemnah, PA-C

Philip G. Leone, MD

Gary G. Leonhardt, MD

Peter L. Leuchtmann, MD

Benjamin P. Levine, MD

Felicia Levine, PA-C

Andrew J. Lewis, Jr., MD

Clifford T. Lewis, MD

Margaret R. Lewis, MD

Richard S. Lewis, MD

Todd M. Listwa, MD, FACEP

Frederick C. N. Littleton, Jr., MD

Tyler P. Litton, MD

Robert J. Logel, MD

Pamela S. Londres, MD

John A. Lowery, MD

Brian P. Lowry, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Chancy G. Lucas, MD

John M. Lucas, PA-C

Wayne B. Lucas, MD

George B. Lutman, MD

Surendrapal S. Mac, MD

Katherine T. MacDonald, MD

Christopher J. Magryta, MD

Patrick D. Maguire, MD

Nicholas H. Mai, MD

Marshall J. Malinowski, DO

Charles H. Mann, MD

Courtney H. Mann, MD

Theodore B. Manny, Jr., MD

Lisa I. Mansur, MD

James T. Marino, MD

Anne T. Martinelli, MD

Sameer Mathur, MD

Jerry F. Matkins, Jr., MD

Matthew T. Matthew, MD

Curtis J. Matthews, Jr., MD

Eric E. Maur, MD

Taylor E. Maxwell, PA

Douglas Maynard, MD

Ryan K. McBeth, MD

Robert B. McBride, Jr., MD

Elizabeth A. McCool, PA

Sandra L. McCormack, MD

Jason McDaniel, Jr., MD

Christopher N. McDaniels, MD

Michael L. McGehee, MD

Scott McGinnis, III, MD

Erin K. McGloin Shanahan, MD

Patrick L. McKenzie, MD

Ryan L. McKimmie, MD

Scott McLanahan, MD

Connette P. McMahon, MD, MBA, FACOG

Fred D. McQueen, Jr., MD

Thomas J. Meakem, III, MD

Miriam Medero-Eng, MD

William D. Medina, MD

Bettina B. Meekins, MD

Todd D. Meisinger, MD

Al L. Melvin, MD

Radha V. Menon, MD

Darlyne Menscer, MD

Jay W. Meredith, MD

Michael S. Merrill, MD

David K. Mertz, MD, FAAP

Douglas W. Michael, MD

John R. Michalak, MD

David P. A. Michel, MD

John A. Mihaltses, DO

Mark R. Mikles, MD

Erik J. Miles, MD

Bruce L. Miller, PA-C

Henry S. Miller, Jr., MD

Lisa L. Miller, MD

Robert W. Miller, MD

Sanjib P. Mohanty, MD

Daniel J. Mollin, Jr., MD

William M. Monroe, MD

George H. Moore, Jr., MD

Richard S. Moore, Jr., MD

Ronald A. Moore, MD

Frank H. Moretz, MD

Lynne R. Morgan, MD

Daniel J. Motuz, MD

Andrew J. Muir, MD

Joseph P. Mullen, III, MD

Kimberly C. Munro, MD

Meena P. Murphy, MD

Georgina L. Murray, MD

Richard S. Myers, MD

Larry A. Napolitano, Jr., MD

John Nardiello, MD

John A. Narron, III, MD

Adnan Nasir, MD

Joe Navejar, IV, DO

John W. Neal, VI, MD

Shelileah R. Newman, MD

William H. Newman, MD

Phillip N. Nguyen, MD

Gary S. Niess, MD, FACC

Michael E. Norins, MD

Shelly B. Odom, Jr., MD

Maria C. Offner, PA-C

Laura N. Okolie, PA-C

Kaebah S. Orme-Evans, MD

James C. Osborne, MD

Barry S. Ostrow, MD

William J. Panzo, PA

James A. Partridge, MD

Barry R. Pate, MD

Carey Pate, MD

Raj V. Patel, MD, EMT-T

Shirley H. Patel, MD

Sunny H. Patel, MD

Swetang M. Patel, MD

Laura G. Patwa, MD

Nicholas P. Pediaditakis, MD

Sara Perez, PA-C

Ijeoma M. Perkins, PA-C

Jennifer A. Perkins, PA-C

Abigail C. Pettigrew, PA-C

Arin Piramzadian, DO

Michele Polidoro, MD, FACOG

Joseph W. Ponzi, MD

Karla M. Pou, MD

Alison S. Powell, MD

LeVonne G. Powell-Tillman, MD

Arthur J. Prange, Jr., MD

James P. Pressly, MD

Mary E. Price, MD

Robert E. Price, Jr., MD

Camilla A. Proctor, MD

George H. Provosty, MD

Tarek B. Radwan, DO

Amy H. Radzom, DO

Florian J. Ragaz, MD

Robert J. Raible, MD

Christina P. Rama, MD

Sujatha Raman, MD

Lakshman Rao, MD

Elizabeth M. Rattle, PA

Sammy Razik, MD

Robert A. Reade, MD

Elizabeth C. Reichard, MD

Patricia A. Reichert, DO

Keith C. Reschly, MD

Evan R. Restelli, DO

Janelle A. Rhyne, MD, MACP

Everett C. Ribakove, MD

Lori A. Ricklefs, DO

Stephanie L. Riggins, MD

Syed A. R. Rizvi, MD

John P. Roberson, MD

Ketarah C. Robinson, MD

Timothy M. Robinson, MD

Chadwick G. Rogers, PA-C

Jim A. Rogers, MD

Silvia Ross, MD

Robert E. Ross, Jr., MD

Stephen E. Rostan, MD

Richard E. Roux, MD

Marie S. Rowe, MD, FACOG

Eugene F. Russell, II, MD

Mario J. Sanchez-Martinez, MD

Kaddijatou Sanyang, PA-C

Justin D. Sargent, DO

Sarah Ann M. Saunders, PA-C

Charles J. Sawyer, III, MD

John R. Scagnelli, MD

Brian P. Scannell, MD

Stephen B. Scheibner, MD

Julie H. Schopps, MD

Jodi Schwab, MD

John L. Scott, MD

Brent W. Seifert, MD

Phillip A. Sellers, MD, MACP

Frank T. Shafer, MD

Dhirenkumar N. Shah, MD, FACC

Erika R. Shah, MD

Priyavadan M. Shah, MD, FACC

Azra P. Shaikh, MD

Charles A. Shaller, MD

Golnosh Sharafsaleh, MD, MS, MBA

Deepti Sharma, MD

Robert A. Sharpe, MD

Michael R. Shaughnessy, MD

Douglas D. Sheets, MD, FACOG

Delmer L. Shelton, PA-C

Trevor Shick, MD

William R. Shipley, MD

Edwin H. Shoaf, Jr., MD

Christopher J. Shuman, MD

Jason A. Silva, MD

Ashima Singal, MD

Nadine B. Skinner, MD, FAAFP

Ginger E. Smith, PA-C

Lyman S. Smith, MD

Lynn K. Smith, MD

Stephen R. Smith, PA-C

John M. Solic, MD

Kim Song, MD

Kyle S. Spinrad, PA-C

Thomas R. Spruill, MD

George Stamataros, DO

Malcolm T. Stark, Jr., MD

Eric N. Stashko, MD

Jeffrey P. Stein, MD

Henry L. Stephenson, Jr., MD

Walker Stevens, Jr., MD

Lindsay Stevenson, MD

Robert I. Steward, MD

Hal T. Stoneking, MD

Phillip E. Stover, MD

Daniel R. Sucherman, MD

Kristen Suchniak-Mussari, MD

Thomas E. Sumner, MD

Bryan N. Swilley, MD

Royce R. Syracuse, MD

Ryan K. Takenaga, MD

Knox R. Tate, MD

Julian R. Taylor, MD

Michael R. Tedrow, DO

Charles H. Tegeler, IV, MD

Fredrick A. Teixeira, MD

Christopher M. Terry, MD

Jessica L. Thibault, PA-C

Charles C. Thomas, II, MD, FACRO

Megan R. Thomas, MD

Willard R. Thompson, Jr., MD

Roger Z. Thurman, MD

Karen G. Todd, MD

Stuart K. Todd, MD

David E. D. Tolentino, DO, FACOI

Susan Torres, MD

Erron J. Towns, MD, FAAP

Brent A. Townsend, MD

Lee A. Townsend, PA-C

Victoria Trapanotto, DO

Earl Trevathan, Jr.

Michael D. Tripp, MD

Andre K. S. Tse, MD

Theodore Tsomides, MD, PhD

Rosemary H. Tulloh, MD

Chad A. Turner, PA-C

Ajay Uprety, MD

Allyson N. Valentine, PA-C

Thomas D. Vance, MD

Indira M. Varia, MD

Allin C. Vesa, MD

Carrie H. Vice, MD

Suzanne J. E. Voorhees, MD

Sharad G. Vora, MD

Earl W. Walker, Jr., MD

Karen J. Walter, MD, FAAP

Walter J. Wardell, MD

Craig A. Warner, MD

Sarah K. Warren, MD

Susan C. Watson, MD

Randolph Weast, MD

Jonathan B. Weaver, MD

Richard A. Weaver, DO

Mary R. Wedegaertner, MD

Charles S. Wehbie, MD

Richard T. Weisenburger, DO

Steven T. Welch, MD

Adam H. Wells, MD

John S. Welsh, Jr., MD

Aaron A. Westphal, MD

Joseph D. Whisnant, Jr., MD

Heather M. White, MD

Heidi K. White, MD

John L. Whitlock, MD

Shea T. Whittaker, PA-C

David M. Williams, III, MD

Johnathan D. Williams, MD

Meghan B. Williams, MD

Robert C. Williams, Jr., MD, FACS

Rufus D. Williams, Jr., MPAS, PA-C

Linda L. Willis, MD

John E. Wise, MD

Kurt P. Wohlrab, MD

Karen E. Wood, MD

Stacey A. Wood, Jr., MD

Warden L. Woodard, III, MD

LaToya N. Woods, DO

Hannah E. Woriax-Forsythe, MD

Andrew C. Wu, MD

Robert T. Wyker, MD

Amber C. Yarrison, PA-C

Frank A. Young, MD

John A. Young, II, MD

Sarah W. Young, MD

William M. Zban, MD, FACEP

Robert T. Ziegelmann, MD

Eugenia F. Zimmerman, MD

Robert E. Zipf, Jr., MD

Mark G. Zukaitis, MD

 


Appointment Opening for the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging. Deadline TODAY!

The NCMS has the opportunity to appoint an NCMS Member to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging (GAC). TODAY, August 31st, is the deadline to submit NCMS Application to State Boards and Commissions.

The GAC consists of 33 members including 29 members appointed by the Governor, two members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

2022 GAC Meeting Schedule

NCMS Application to State Boards and Commissions

 

*Preferred area of practice: Family Medicine - Geriatric Medicine


NC AHEC, NCDHHS to Host Live Monkeypox Webinar

 

NC AHEC is partnering with NCDHHS to host a live webinar on Thursday, September 8 at 6:00 p.m. to ensure NC providers have timely and relevant information about the monkeypox outbreak and the state’s response efforts.

Participants can attend the event via this Zoom link.

Public health officials urge North Carolinians to get checked, tested and vaccinated to reduce spread of monkeypox. Testing is widely available for everyone, and, as vaccines continue arriving in the state, health officials encourage those at-risk and eligible to seek vaccination as quickly as possible.

You can find the latest information about monkeypox cases in North Carolina, along with details on North Carolina’s response to the outbreak on the NCDHHS website at: ncdhhs.gov/monkeypox.


Do Your Patients Trust You? If Not, You Could Be Making Them Sicker!

Is your bedside manner making your patients sicker?

When we think of the physician-patient relationship, trust is one of the first words to come to mind. Unfortunately, these relationships sometimes lack a mutual confidence.

Do your patients trust you?  Do they have your confidence?  If not, their health could be adversely affected.

A new study suggests patients experience more pain and pain-related brain activity when they perceive their physician as untrustworthy. Learn more on what you can do by clicking  here.


The Changing Face of Monkeypox

Would you know monkeypox if you saw it?  Patients are presenting with varying symptoms and a variety of ailments.

The characteristic large pustules aren't the only symptoms physicians are currently seeing in monkeypox patients. In some, the pustules present as mosquito bites or ingrown hairs.

Infected patients typically experience flu-like symptoms, with a rash developing later; however, some never develop a rash. There have also been cases where patients experienced confusion and seizures, severe eye infections and heart muscle inflammation.

For more, read the full article here.


Back-to-School, Vaccines, and Boosters! Oh My!

Help your patients stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for the start of the 2022-23 school year! Get the latest NCDHHS data on vaccinations, Covid boosters for kids, and monkey pox here.


NC Ranks 7 on Data Breach List. How to Protect Your Data

North Carolina has made a list. Unfortunately, it's not good. The state ranked 7 out of 10 states where medical data is most likely to be breached.

Healthcare data breaches are on the rise, and sophisticated hackers are finding ways to take advantage of businesses.

The 5 most common ways hackers gain access to systems:

• DDOS Attack
• Phising Scams
• Password Hacking
• Remote Code Execution Attack
• Fake Wireless Access Point

For ways to protect your valuable data, click here.


Is a Writers Wellness Workshop Just What You Need?

Stories Heal and Reveal: A Radical Listening and Reflective Writing Workshop

Join a virtual Writers Wellness Workshop sponsored by the NC American College of Physicians (NC ACP).

This free, reoccurring well-being event starts September 7, 2022 and will occur the first Wednesday of each month at 8 pm eastern time via zoom.

Learn more about the workshop here.


North Carolina Still Not Part of Medicaid Expansion

The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Medicaid expansion expanded Medicaid coverage to nearly all adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. It also provided states with an enhanced federal matching rate (FMAP) for their expansion populations. Still, Medicaid expansion remains a hot topic across the country.

To date, thirty-nine states (including DC) have adopted the Medicaid expansion.

North Carolina has still not signed on.

View a list of key states with expansion activity, along with an interactive map by clicking here.


Attention Providers! Learn Now About NC Tailored Plans

Attention Primary Care and Physical Health Providers!

Carolina Complete Health and Trillium Health are hosting a provider information session on Wednesday, September 7th @ noon about the upcoming launch of the Tailored Plans.

The session will focus on the important role of Primary Care and Physical Health Providers.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Integrated whole-person care for Tailored Plan members
  • How to join the network or remain "in-network" as a physical health provider for the Tailored Plan
  • Upcoming milestones for the launch of Tailored Plans on December 1, 2022, including contracting deadlines

The webinar will provide valuable information as you move forward.

To easily enroll click here.


Some Good News Regarding Cancer-Related Health Outcomes During COVID Pandemic

Researchers who studied health related topics and the impact of COVID found that despite an increase in the unemployment rate in 2020 (increased by 43% among cancer survivors) the rate of uninsured cancer survivors aged 18–64 years remained relatively stable at 8%, compared to 8.8% in 2017–2019.

Additional study findings showed a decrease in insufficient sleep among cancer survivors by 43% to 39% and smoking by 22% to 19%.

MedScape says that given the considerable upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers wanted to explore how cancer survivors, in particular, were affected during the first year of the pandemic.

Read the full article and see their insights by clicking here.


We Love Man's Best Friend! Tell us about yours!

Today is National Dog Day!

Established in 2004, National Dog Day is meant to raise awareness about adopting pets currently in rescue centers.

Did you know dogs have been with us for at least 14,000 years? Or that 86% of people tell their dog "I Love You" at least once a month?

Learn more interesting fur baby fun facts, including which state loves dogs more, here.

Please share a photo of your pup with us! If you're posting about your best friend, be sure to #NCMS.

 


COVID-19 Concerns in North Carolina Classrooms

As North Carolina school systems welcome students back into the classroom, there are still lingering concerns about COVID-19 transmission; however, a CDC study shows three-quarters of the state's children have already been infected.

Read the full article here.


Can Virtual Reality Improve Health Care? Some think so!

From medical training to mental health therapy, some believe the metaverse could be the answer to increased access to health care.

Hundreds of health care patents have been filed in the metaverse, including many from big name companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Siemens. But while the possibilities from improving health care via the metaverse looks promising, there are critics. Experts cite data privacy as a major concern.

Read the full article here.


Reaching for a Low-Calorie Sugar Alternative? We have some advice!

While low-calorie sugar alternatives help carve calories, a new study suggests they may also disrupt gut health.

In a test of saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, and stevia, they were all found to alter gut microbiome, the collection of microbes in the gut that help protect humans against disease and enable us to digest food.

Read the full article here.


Heart Attack Patients in Rural Areas Wait Longer for EMS

 

North Carolina has 100 counties, most of which are rural. Focusing on rural health and access to care in rural communities is a priority of the North Carolina Medical Society, which is why the findings of a study showing that rural heart attack patients wait longer for EMS services is disturbing. Read more here.


Changes Needed to Improve North Carolina's Mental Health Crisis

The increasing number of people experiencing mental health issues is creating a burden on the state's mental health system.

Advancing behavioral health in North Carolina includes an increase in both inpatient and outpatient mental health services. Hospitals are working to build facilities to offer more inpatient services to those needing psychiatric treatment.

Experts say an array of services are need: from readily available therapy appointments to community wellness centers to intensive outpatient treatment centers to psychiatric hospitals. Most importantly, patients need health insurance and insurance companies willing to pay for those services at the same rates they pay other health services.

For full article, click here.


Interested in a NCPHP Board of Directors Position?

The NCMS has the opportunity to appoint 3 members to the NC Professionals Health Program (NCPHP) Board of Directors. Learn more about responsibilities of NCPHP Board members.

Since 1988, NCPHP has been dedicated to helping medical professionals experience a lifetime of change and return to health. NCPHP assists with recovery from substance use disorders and other conditions that could impair a clinician’s ability to safely provide care and services to their patients.

NCPHP originated as a physicians’ health committee of the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS). In 1988, it was established as a formal program of the NCMS and written into the North Carolina General Statutes. To learn more about the important work of this organization, visit the NCPHP website.

The 3 members with terms ending on December 31, 2022 are eligible for a second term, however, physicians interested in an NCPHP Board position should complete the application form and return it to Evan Simmons, [email protected] by Tuesday, September 20.

 

Current NCPHP Board Appointees and Terms:

Stephen J. Ezzo, MD

1/1/20 – 12/31/22, 1st term

(Eligible for a 2nd term)

Jonathan Douglas (Doug) Jaffe, DO

1/1/22 – 12/31/24, 1st term

(Eligible for a 2nd term)

Neelima Kamineni, MD

1/1/20 – 12/31/22, 1st term

(Eligible for a 2nd term)

Vinay Saranga, MD

1/1/20 – 12/31/22, 1st term

(Eligible for a 2nd term)

David L. Tolentino, DO

1/1/19 – 12/31/21, 1st term

1/1/22 – 12/31/24, 2nd term


Five Friday Fun Facts!

Did You Know ...

1. It is impossible for most people to lick their own elbow. Now, we know some of you will not be able to resist the need to attempt this. We applaud your determination. Oh yeah, send video. We'd love to see it!

2. A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out. We highly recommend that you NOT attempt to debunk this fact. Just roll with it! It's on the internet. It has to be true, right?

3. The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is believed to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language. Again, we know some of you will try this. Please, please, please send video! We're laughing already.

4. A shark is the only known fish that can blink with both eyes. We hope you never get close enough to verify this!

5. An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. You're not alone, Mr. Ostrich. You're not alone.