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.

Clinton L. Meyer, MD
Heather L. Davis, DO
John B. Chiavetta, MD
MaryShell B. Zaffino, MD
William W. Hope, MD, FACS
Yunxiang Zhu, MD


NC Rural Communities Will Feel Pinch of National Physician Shortage

 

Alarming numbers are pointing to a cause for concern for people who live outside of metropolitan areas across the country and in North Carolina.  According to a 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges study, America could see a shortage of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034. The study said that if rural residents had the same access to healthcare as their urban counterparts, rural areas would need an additional 180,000 doctors. [source]

That could be a big problem for people who live in the more rural areas of North Carolina.

Read the full article here.


UNC Health, Campbell University, Burke County Health Department Offer Free Health Fairs

 

UNC Health is partnering with Campbell University and the Burke County Health Department to hold the free health fairs this week.

No appointments are needed, and participants will receive a basic exam, diabetes risk assessment, heart disease assessment and dental screening. A basic exam will include a blood pressure check, as well as heart and lung function assessments.

The next scheduled health fairs will be held:

Wednesday, March 15
East Burke Senior Center

101 Main Ave. W., Hildebran

8 a.m. to noon and 2-6 p.m.

Thursday, March 16
New Day Christian Church

1023 E. Union St., Morganton

8 a.m. to noon and 2-6 p.m.

For more information about the health fairs, call 828-580-5690.

Read the full article here.


Appointment Opening for the NC Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control

 

 

The NCMS has the opportunity to nominate a member to be appointed by the Governor to the NC Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control.

The mission of the Advisory Committee is to facilitate the reduction of cancer incidence and mortality for all North Carolinians, enhance statewide access to quality treatment and support services, and maximize quality of life for all North Carolina cancer survivors, patients, and their loved ones through educating and advising government officials, policy makers, public and private organizations, and the public.

The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) will hold virtual interviews for this appointment the evening of Wednesday, April 19, 2023.

Deadline to submit NCMS Application for NC Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control: Friday, April 7, 2023.

*Preferred area of practice: Oncology

NCMS Application to State Boards and Commissions here.

Learn more about the NC Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control here (pdf download).

View their 2023 meeting dates here (pdf download).


Could Your Patients Benefit from Assistive Technology?

 

 

Assistive Technology (AT) helps people with disabilities actively participate in community life, including sports and recreational activities and programs.

The NC Department of Health and Human Services is hosting three AT Pop-Up events this Spring to help people learn about local resources and get hands-on experience. These Adaptive Recreation and Gaming Resource Fairs are free and open to the public.

Attendees will be able to:

  • Try out accessible recreational equipment and adaptive gaming
  • Learn about resources to participate in local sports programs
  • Meet new people with similar interests
  • Get active, try something new and have fun

Learn more about the event and download a flyer here.


Governor Roy Cooper Releases Plan to Address Mental Health and Substance Use Crisis

 

Governor Roy Cooper recently released a comprehensive plan to invest $1 billion in addressing North Carolina’s mental health and substance use crisis.

The plan outlines three areas for investment in the continuum of behavioral health care: Making behavioral health services more available when and where people need them; building strong systems to support people in crisis and people with complex behavioral needs; and enabling better health access and outcomes with data and technology.

Read more on the plan here.


UNC Health Hospitals Among "World’s Best” Rankings for 2023

 

Three UNC Health hospitals have been named among the best in the world according to Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospitals 2023” rankings. They include:

UNC Hospitals (Chapel Hill, NC)
UNC Health Rex (Raleigh, NC)
UNC Health Johnston (Smithfield, NC)

The goal of the rankings is to provide a data-based comparison of hospital reputation and performance across countries that is useful to patients and families seeking the best care for themselves and loved ones, as well as to hospitals as they benchmark themselves against their peers.

Read the full article here.


Substance Use Prevention Services in Primary Care Challenge Competition

 

NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse seeks creative, visionary, and actionable plans to implement substance use prevention interventions in primary care.

Learn more by visiting the challenge webpage here.

Plans should be submitted by Friday, May 19.

 


Legislative Weekly Review: March 10, 2023

 

 

This week the General Assembly released the language of the agreement between the House and Senate on Medicaid Expansion. While the main provisions of HB 76 remain the same, the amendment makes the following changes:

• Removes loan assistance program for those getting advanced degrees.
• HASP effective immediately, which would enhance hospitals Medicaid reimbursements.
• Medicaid Expansion would be dependent on the passage of a 2023-2024 budget.
• Adds a program that would help residents on Medicaid transfer to marketplace place healthcare when available.
• Adds Certificate of Need (CON) Reform which would do the following:

  • Remove the certificate of Need Requirement for chemical dependency treatment beds and psychiatric beds. (effective immediately)
  • Raises the threshold for replacement equipment requiring a CON from $2 million to $3 million and adds a provision to update this number for inflation yearly. (effective immediately)
  • Raises the threshold for diagnostic centers requiring a CON from $1.5 million to $3 million and adds a provision to update for inflation yearly. (effective immediately)
  • Exempts new institutional health services for children home care agencies and new chemical or substance abuse facilities. (effective immediately)
  • Exempts Ambulatory Surgery Centers from CON review if in an urban county (counties with more than 125,000 residents as of 2020) and requires those counties contribute 4% charity care (Medicare and Medicare self-pay) to be exempt from CON review. Annual reporting also mandatory for charity care. (effective 2 years after first HASP payment)
    MRI machine purchase does not require a CON review if in an urban county if not in a diagnostic center (counties with more than 125,000 residents as of 2020). (effective 3 years from the first HASP payment)

The bill has moved swiftly through committees this week and will be heard by Rules this week. Here are some other bills from this week we are tracking:

HB 297, Educate Patients About Opioid Antagonists: Requires healthcare practitioners and pharmacists and educate patients with opioid prescriptions on the danger of opioids, overdose prevention, and using opioids antagonists to prevent overdose rates.

HB 298, Criminal Falsification of Medical Records: Makes it a crime to tamper with medical records to cover up mistakes, deaths, or unlawful monetary obtaining.

HB 316, Respiratory Care Modernization Act: Would create a new type of respiratory care professional and a new licensing board.

HB 321, Reduce Maternal Morbidity/Mortality/Medicaid: Would attempt to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality through increasing the Medicare rate of reimbursement to OBs and material bundle payments.

HB 350 & SB 156, Medicaid Children & Families Specialty Plan: Would expand Medicaid services to create a children and families specialty plan. children in foster care, people who are receiving adoption assistance, and former foster care youth.

HB 336, Healthy Students- A Nurse in Every School: Would require at least one permanent nurse in every public school.

SB 236, Modernize Audiology Practice Laws: Expands scope of audiologists and adds an audiologist assistant.

Read full summaries of these bills here.


Join NCDHHS for the next Mental Health Town Hall on Children and Youth

 

The next NCDHHS Mental Health Town Hall is Thursday, March 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Forsyth County Government Center in Winston-Salem. It is a community discussion on improving behavioral health and resilience of children and youth across North Carolina.

Secretary Kody Kinsley, Senator Jim Burgin, and other local leaders will join the conversation.

View the clickable flyer and RSVP information for this event here. Get more information and find recordings of previous mental health town halls here.


NC Launches Caregiving Workforce Strategic Leadership Council

 

North Carolina leaders are projecting shortages in direct care workers and other caregiving positions in the coming decade. At the same time, demand for these services is rising. To address this gap, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Department of Commerce are leading North Carolina’s new Caregiving Workforce Strategic Leadership Council.

The Council will address the complex problem head-on and strengthen the pipeline of caregivers.

NCDHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley says Council members "are committed to working together to create real solutions."

Read the full article here.

 


New NC Stroke Registry Tracks Patients by County, Zip Code and Identifies Trends in State

 

On February 15, 2023, the N.C. Health Information Exchange Authority launched the North Carolina Stroke Registry, a population health tool that supports the N.C. Division of Public Health (DPH). The dashboard leverages demographic and clinical data on stroke patients that is received by NC HealthConnex to improve the stroke care continuum.

The registry uses existing data for its dashboards from more than 9,000 facilities connected to NC HealthConnex at this time. The dashboard gives a visualization of the prevalence of stroke by county and by zip code, tracks analysis on comorbidities, and identifies trends based on demographics such as race and age. Data regarding stroke patients from emergency medical services connected to the HIE is planned to be included in a future enhancement in cooperation with the Office of Emergency Medical Services.

The Stroke Registry project aims to improve the system of care for stroke patients in North Carolina; identify areas in the stroke care continuum where interventions may be needed, whether that involves stroke prevention or post-stroke care measures; and address disparities in care.

Read more about the dashboard here.


In Memoriam: NCMS Lifetime Member Dr. Jon Bunde Tingelstad

Jon Bunde Tingelstad, MD (image credit: Legacy)

 

Lifetime NCMS member Jon Bunde Tingelstad, MD, died Tuesday, February 28. He was 88.

Dr. Tingelstad joined the North Carolina Medical Society in 1976. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1958 and Harvard Medical School in 1960. He trained in pediatrics at the Children's Hospital Medical Center in Boston and the University of Colorado Medical Center in Denver, and in pediatric cardiology at the Children's Hospital in Buffalo. He served as a pediatrician at the U.S. Air Force Hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany and was a member of the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Virginia, Richmond. In 1976, he and his family moved to Greenville, and he was named Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the ECU School of Medicine, a title he held for 23 years.

Read Dr. Tingelstad's full obituary here.


Advocacy a Headline Issue at the NC Chapter/American College of Physicians Annual Meeting

Lacy Hobgood, MD, NC/ACP Governor Maron McCrary, MD, NC/ACP Governor-elect Timothy Reeder, MD, Member/NC House of Representatives

 

This past weekend, the NC Chapter of the American College of Physicians convened for its 2023 annual meeting in Greensboro.

In addition to a variety of clinical topics, the program also focused on important patient advocacy issues. Joining the discussion was Timothy Reeder, MD, member of the NC House of Representatives. Dr. Reeder offered insight into the issues before the NC General Assembly and encouraged NC ACP members to engage in political and legislative advocacy.


Duke Health Plays Major Role in FDA-approved Drug to Help Slow Vision Loss

 

Specialists at the Duke Eye Center played a major role in the development of a new drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is designed to slow the progression of vision loss, which is an irreversible condition.

Read the full article here.


NCMS Highlights Women Leaders in Medicine: Michaux R. Kilpatrick, MD, PhD

Michaux R. Kilpatrick, MD, PhD

 

In honor of women's history month, the NCMS highlights the leadership of Dr. Kilpatrick, NCMS member, KIPL alum, and current North Carolina Medical Board President.

Dr. Kilpatrick practices at Novant Health Brain & Spine Surgery with offices in Kernersville and Greensboro. She also holds an Adjunct Faculty position at the UNC School of Medicine Charlotte Campus. Her practice includes the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of spine, brain, and peripheral nerve disorders in adults.

Dr. Kilpatrick graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill and completed her Neurosurgery residency at UNC Hospitals. Dr. Kilpatrick earned a Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Read more about Dr. Kilpatrick here.

 


Catching ZZZ's in NC! Raleigh Makes List for 10 Best Cities for Sleep

Time for a nap! Raleigh ranks in top 10 for best places to sleep.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines recommend adults ages 18 to 60 get seven hours or more of sleep per night. Decline in sleep quality can lead to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or any number of physical and mental health ailments.

In a new study of the 10 best and worst cities for sleep based on environmental factors, Raleigh ranked number two on the list for one of the best cities for sleep.

Several factors were considered in compiling these lists:

  • Air Pollution
    • Air quality measured by amounts of fine particulate matter of less than 2.5 micrometers that are suspended in the air for a 24-hour period (PM 2.5) by city in 2021
  • Light Pollution
    • Light pollution, adjusted for land areas within each city, measured in spectral radiance (nW/cm²/sr)
  • Noise Pollution
    • Road noise data, adjusted for land areas within each city, measured in adjusted decibels (dBA)
  • Physical Activity
    • Overall prevalence of physical activity by state, as reported by the CDC
  • Short Sleep Duration
    • Overall prevalence of short sleep duration by state, as reported by the CDC

See what other US cities made the list here.

 


Carolina Complete Health Network Appoints Kelly Phillips as New CEO

Kelly Phillips, MBA (image credit: CCHN)

Carolina Complete Health Network (CCHN) announced the appointment of Kelly Phillips as its President. Phillips has served as the organization’s Vice President of Operations and Finance since 2020. CCHN is part owner of the only Provider Led Entity in North Carolina’s Medicaid program, established in 2016 to provide network services for Carolina Complete Health, serving over 220,000 Medicaid members in North Carolina.

Phillips brings extensive experience in business strategy, operations, and finance within the health care sector. She has developed innovative solutions to support providers in national and regional health systems and individual practices to meet the physical and behavioral needs of complex populations.

“We are thrilled to have Kelly as President of Carolina Complete Health Network to support the mission of provider-led health care in North Carolina,” said Stephen Keene, general counsel for CCHN. “Kelly is a strong leader with the vision to expand, support, and grow the first-of-its-kind partnership to transform health.”

Previously, Phillips served in executive and leadership roles at Community Based Care and Alliance Behavioral Health. She holds an MBA from the University of Missouri - Kansas City and a BBA in Accounting from the University of Iowa. Phillips also serves on the Board of The Disabled Inventors Foundation.


Foundation Friday

 

Today, the NCMS Foundation recognizes donors who have joined us on the journey to help make health and well-being attainable for all North Carolinians. These Travelers are contributing monthly to make sure clinicians are where they are needed most and that clinician leaders are lighting the way. Thank you for your continued support to help North Carolinians lead healthier lives. Contact Belinda McKoy ([email protected]) to learn more about how YOU can make a difference too.

Philip M. Brown, Jr., MD
Paul R. Cunningham, MD
Cynthia M. Gary, PA-C, MPH
Lacy C. Hobgood, MD, FACP
Jugta Kahai, MD, FAAP
Katie Lowry, MD, MPH
John J. Meier, IV, MD, MBA, FAAP, FACP, CPE
Darlyne Menscer, MD
Eileen Raynor, MD, FACS, FAAP
Timothy J. Reeder, MD, MPH, FACEP
Steven M. Shaber, JD
Douglas D. Sheets, MD, FACOG
Michael J. Utecht, MD, FACEP


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.

Bill Ferrell, MD
Christopher Tebbit, MD
Elizabeth Acquista, MD
Jenny Hinson, MD
Sandeep Patel, MD
Yogi Wilson, II, MD


FDA Narrowly Votes in Favor of Pfizer RSV Vaccine

 

Despite some safety concerns, on Tuesday, February 28, vaccine advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration narrowly voted in favor of Pfizer’s RSV vaccine for adults over the age of 60, paving the way for approval of the first nation’s RSV vaccine.

The FDA is scheduled to decide on approval of the vaccines by May, ahead of RSV’s typical winter surge. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must then recommend the shot before it becomes available to the public.

Get more details here.


Nominations Now Open for E. Harvey Estes, Jr., MD, Physician Community Service Award

 

The North Carolina Medical Society is accepting nominations for the E. Harvey Estes, Jr., MD, Physician Community Service Award.

This award is to provide recognition for the many and varied services rendered by physicians to their communities apart from their practice of medicine.

The recipient must be a physician licensed in North Carolina; must not have received the award previously; and must have compiled an outstanding record of community service, which, apart from his or her specific identification as a physician, reflects well on the medical profession.

The deadline for submissions is June 1st.


Women's History Month Starts Today

 

Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.”

In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month.

Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. [source]

Be sure to watch your Morning Rounds all month long as we highlight Women in Medicine and later this month look for our first Public Rounds featuring a physician advocate member of NCMS.


DEA Announces Proposed Rules for Permanent Telemedicine Flexibilities

(Image source: DEA.gov)

 

The Drug Enforcement Administration announced proposed permanent rules for the prescribing of controlled medications via telemedicine, expanding patient access to critical therapies beyond the scheduled end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The proposed rules – developed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and in close coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – propose to extend many of the flexibilities adopted during the public health emergency with appropriate safeguards.

Read the full article here.


New Medical School Coming to Fayetteville

 

Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health recently announced a new partnership that will establish the state-of-the-art Methodist University medical school to train the next generation of healthcare professionals. The new medical school, to be located on the campus of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, will combine the expertise and resources of both institutions to provide students with unparalleled educational and clinical experiences.

The partnership between Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health will also contribute to the economic development of the region. The new medical school is expected to create jobs and attract new businesses to the area, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

Learn more about this endeavor here.


Attention! NCMS Anderson Award Now Open for Nominations!

 

The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) is accepting nominations for the John Huske Anderson Award, given annually to a layperson whose contributions have had a positive impact on the medical profession and public health. The award honors Mr. Anderson’s service to medicine and the Society, having served as NCMS legal counsel from 1937 until his retirement in 1983.

The deadline for submissions is June 1st. Nominations must be made by an NCMS member.


We're Celebrating March Birthdays!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all of our members celebrating this month!

 

Robert B. Abrahams, DO
Yousef S. Abumostafa, MD
Stephen J. Acosta, MD
Jeffery A. Adams, MD
Mia R. Adkins, MD
Mamatha Agrawal, MD
Mahmood G. Aijazi, MD
Lysle K. Ailstock, MD
Raul C. Aizcorbe, MD
Muhammad S. Alam, MD
Kira M. Alatar, MD
Kyle A. Alexander, MD
Kimberly A. Alford, MD
Hassan Alhosaini, MD
David J. Allison, MD
D. Kevin Allred, PA-C
Eric W. Alspaugh, MD
Ishwari S. Amin, PA-C
Rakesh D. Amin, MD
David T. Anderson, MD
Vincent C. Andracchio, MD
Drury L. Armistead, MD
Robert F. Armstrong, MD
Melanie R. Artho, MD
Michael S. Artman, MD, FAAP
Adedayo O. Ashana, MD
Arthur Axelbank, MD
Malick V. Bachabi, MD
J. Russell Bailey, MD, FACC
Linny M. Baker, MD
Bhavani Balaravi, MD
Donald W. Bales, Jr., MD
Stephanie L. Balkman, PA-C
James D. Ball, MD
Elizabeth B. Baltaro, MD
Bryan J. Barboza, PA-C
Tawana W. Barrow, MD
Edwin C. Bartlett, Sr., MD
Joshua S. Baru, MD
Edgar H. Batcheller, Jr., MD
Shayne E. Bates, MD
Alan S. Baumgarten, MD, MPH
Joel D. Beachkofsky, DO
Jeffrey S. Beecher, DO
Nana A. D. Benneh, MD
Christiana J. Bernal, MD
Joe D. Bernard, MD
Gregory M. Bertics, MD
Margaret L. Bertrand, MD
Navin C. Bhojwani, MD
Preecha Bhotiwihok, MD, MPH
George A. Binder, MD
Richard E. Bird, MD
John P. Birkedal, MD
Jeffrey R. Blackburn, MD
Christopher Y. Blackman, MD
Jamie E. Bleyer, MD
Pennie Bliss, MD
Zachary T. Blom, MD
Samuel N. Bone, III, MD
Jared B. Bowns, MD
Ker Boyce, MD, FACC, FACP
Robin Boyd-Kranis, MD
Tyler C. Bradley, PA
Ashley J. F. Brandon, MD
Andrew R. Brant, MD
Edward P. P. Bridgeford, MD
Lori C. Bridges, PA-C
Patrick T. Brillant, MD, FACS, FASCRS
George M. Brinson, MD
Thomas E. Brock, MD
Brian K. Brodwater, MD
Jeffrey A. Brody, MD
Bradley J. Broussard, MD
Alycia M. Brown, MD
Cynthia J. H. Brown, MD
Rebecca H. Brown, MD
Richard F. Bruch, MD
Matthew J. Bruehl, MD
Vardaman M. Buckalew, Jr., MD
Philippe I. Bulauitan, MD
Donald K. Bulla, PA-C
Joseph M. Bumgarner, MD
D. Patrick Burney, MD
Merle R. Busby, MD
Parag Butala, MD
Jerome M. Butler, Jr., MD
Brian R. Cabarrus, MD
Elaine S. Cabinum-Foeller, MD, FAAP
William B. Caldwell, DO
Dwayne D. Callwood, MD
Gerald W. Capps, MD
Thomas K. Carlton, Jr., MD
Dennis D. Carmichael, MD
Laurel E. Carter, MD
Margaret F. Carter, MD
Steven R. Carter, MD
Virginia F. Casey, MD
N. Daniel Catz, MD
Allen H. Chamovitz, MD
Margaret E. K. Champion, MD
John S. Chang, MD
Sarah J. Chapman, PA-C
Danielle N. Chavis, PA-C
Marc A. Chester, MD
Dev R. Cheti, MD
John C. Childress, III, MD
Mohan M. Chilukuri, MD
Katherine E. Chockley-Nystrom, PA-C
Christina H. Choe, MD
Andrew I. Choi, MD
Michele M. Clancy, MD
Robert E. Clark, MD, PhD
Jim R. Cleary, MD
David A. Clements, II, MD
Margaret R. Clifton, DO
H. Leslie Clinton, Jr., MD
Timothy E. Cloninger, MD
Michael R. Coan, MD
Ian S. Cohen, MD
Joseph A. Coladonato, MD
Ann S. Collins, MD
Dana D. Copeland, MD
Donald L. Copeland, MD
Vincent A. Cordero, MD
Mark W. Cornelius, MD
Joshua C. Counihan, MD
Alexandra F. Covington, PA
Karen D. Coward, MD
Kirsten S. Cox, MD
James S. Coxe, III, MD
William L. Craig, III, MD
Benjamin Craighead, MD
Larry M. Crane, MD
Adam C. Creech, MD
Matthew A. Creighton, MD
Lori K. Crihfield, DO
Daniel L. Crocker, MD
Charles C. Crowell, III, MD
John B. Crudup, III, MD
Nathan S. Cuka, MD
E. R. Curry, MD
Richard F. Curtis, MD
Thomas L. D'Alessio, MD
Michael B. Daley, MD
Julie Daniel, DO
Laura F. Danile, MD
Stephen M. David, MD
John D. Davis, Jr., MD
Jeffrey R. Daw, MD
Troy C. Dawley, DO
Lindsey E. de Guehery, MD, FACP
Gary J. DeFilipp, MD
Bridget M. Degele, MD
Price W. DeHay, MD
Derek W. DelMonte, MD
William T. Derry, MD
Maureen Despres, MD
Bernard Dib, MD
Crystal M. Dickson, MD
Robin Dimitrious, MD
Steven A. Dingeldein, MD
Patricia Dodd, MD
Robert M. Doline, MD
Shannon B. Dowler, MD
Shannon M. Drohan, MD
Douglas A. Drossman, MD
Elizabeth D. Dryden, PA-C
Josiah W. Duke, MD
Melissa B. Duncan, MD
Michael R. Duran, PA-C
Sarah K. Dusel, PA-C
Daniel P. Dwyer, MD
H. Shelton Earp, III, MD
Mark T. Edge, MD, PhD
E. Stephen Edwards, MD
George S. Edwards, Sr., MD
Kent R. Edwards, Jr., MD
Vance H. Edwards, MD
Bryan A. Ehlert, MD
Carl J. Eisenberg, MD
Mohamed T. El-Kara, MD
Sherif O. El-Mahdy, MD
Shandal S. Emanuel, MD
J. Mark Englehardt, MD
Paul N. Erckman, MD
Heath B. Ergas, MD
John M. Erickson, MD
Vaishali G. Escaravage, MD, FAAD
William M. Eubanks, Jr., MD
Uzma S. Faheem, MD
William L. Fangman, MD
John C. Faris, MD
Daniel H. Fertel, MD
Ashley B. Fields, MD
Harriett Paige Fisher, MD, FACOG
Nicholas J. Fitzsimons, MD
Gitanjali M. Fleischman, MD
Herbon E. Fleming, MD
Joseph P. Flynn, DO
Brittany N. Forshay, MD
Adam W. Fosnaugh, MD
Mark S. Fradin, MD
John D. Franklin, MD
Earl A. Frantz, DO
Lynn Marie Fraser, MD
Darrell W. Freeman, MD
Jon E. Fromke, MD
Joanne M. Fruth, MD
Elizabeth P. Fry, MD
Anne Fulbright, MA, PA-C, MMS
Jeremy A. Gaines, PA-C
Robert H. Gaither, MD
Steven W. Galyon, MD
Lance M. Garber, MD
Kendall K. Garing, MD
Michael L. Garner, MD
John W. Garrett, MD
Timothy M. Gast, PA-C
Amber M. Gaught, MD
Matthew P. Geib, DO
Mathew George, MD
Wood B. Gibbs, MD
Kathleen Gibson, MD
Herman A. Godwin, Jr., MD
Kyle T. Golden, DO
Jason F. Goldie, MD
H. Ronald Gollberg, MD
Tristan Gonzalez Sanz, MD
Daniel S. Gordon, MD
Hormoze A. Goudarzi, MD
Matthew R. Grafenberg, MD
William M. Gramig, III, MD
Francis W. Green, MD
Thomas M. Green, Jr., DO
Amardeep S. Grewal, MD
Amy M. Griffin, MD
John P. Grimm, MD
Sarah R. Grossman, MD
Kelly R. Grove, DO, FAAP
Leah M. Gruber, PA
Mark J. Gruchacz, MD
Marc F. Guerra, MD
Alison P. Guptill, MD
Shauna L. Guthrie, MD, MPH
Amy Guttmann, MD
Jason C. Haag, MD
Trevor Hackman, MD
Jeremy M. Hackworth, MD
Moosa Hajisheikh, MD
Brian H. Hamilton, MD
Gene T. Hamilton, MD
Douglas I. Hammer, MD
Jonathan A. Hancher, MD
Charin L. Hanlon, MD, FACP
Perry M. Harmon, MD
Willard C. Harrill, MD, FACS
James A. Harris, MD, FACS
Tina G. Harris, MD
David L. Harshman, MD
Jennifer M. Hart, MD
Omer A. Hassan, MD
Robert E. Hassler, MD
Debbie A. Hauser, MHS, PA-C
Michael W. Hauser, MD
James H. Hawkins, Jr., MD
Seth C. Hawkins, MD
Sherman M. Hawkins, Jr., MD
Kathryn J. Hecker-Magee, MD
William D. Heizer, MD
Joel H. Heller, MD
George P. Henderson, Jr., MD
Richard R. Henderson, MD
Mark D. Henin, MD
Victoria M. Herriott, MD
Marc A. Herschelman, DO
Jessica A. R. Hildebrand, MD
David L. Hill, MD, FAAP
Shannon N. Hill, MD
Scott J. Hines, MD
Thomas R. Hinson, Jr., MD
Jason G. Ho, MD
Audrey J. Hockeborn, PA-C
Marcus A. Hodges, MD
Bennett R. Hollenberg, MD
Kevin D. Hollis, MD
Douglas K. Holmes, MD
Adrian W. Holtzman, MD
Brent P. Holway, MD
Andrea L. B. Honeycutt, MD
Janice R. Hong-Messier, MD
James B. Hooker, MD, MPH
William W. Hope, MD, FACS
C. David Hord, MD
Jeffrey J. Horvath, MD
Robert G. Howard, Jr., MD
William C. Hubbard, MD
Edward V. Hudson, MD
Megan A. Hunstad, PA-C
Jacklynn L. Hunt, PA-C
Karrar Husain, MD
Farah S. B. A. Hussain, MD
George K. Ibrahim, MD
Odinaka G. Idada, PA-C, MHS
Lourdes Illa-Sanchez, MD
Edward K. Isbey, III, MD
Kayla M. Jacobs, PA-C
William R. Jacobs, MD
Adam R. Jaffe, DO
Azmi S. Jarrah, MD
Elizabeth G. Jarvis, MD
Malithi Jayasundara, MD
Casey V. Jeffreys, MD
Olugbemiga E. Jegede, MD
Jerome E. Jennings, MD
Sarah C. Jernigan, MD
Jolene R. Jewell, MD
Andrew E. Johansen, MD
Charles S. Johnson, MD
Kenneth L. Johnson, II, MD
Kamlyn Jones, MD
Steven A. Josephson, MD, FACP
Patrick K. Jowdy, MD
Walton K. Joyner, Jr., MD
Beatriz E. Juncadella, MD, FAAP
Hassan Kahi, MD
Ciamack Kamdar, MD
Kenneth S. Karb, MD
Stephen L. Kash, MD
Rachel Keever, MD, FACC
Mary K. Keith, MD
Jessica K. Kim, DO
Paul S. Kim, MD
Sarah Kim, MD
Seung W. Kim, MD
Stephen W. Kimmel, MD
Patrick J. King, MD
Edgar W. Kirby, IV, MD
David Kirk, MD
Alvin P. Kitchin, Jr., MD
Bert J. Klein, III, MD
Steven D. Klein, MD
John T. Klimas, MD
Christine T. Knettel, MD
Gilliam J. Knox, MD
Margaret M. Kocsis, MD
Dennis D. Kokenes, MD
Amy M. Kornegay, PA-C, MPAS
Jonathan H. Kornegay, MD
Walter T. Koscielniak, III, MD, FAAP
Jeffrey M. Kotzan, MD
Stephen H. Kouba, MD
Bruce J. Kowalski, MD
Michael V. Krasnokutsky, MD
Ronald E. Krum, MD
Andrew J. Kubinski, DO, MS
Victor F. Kubit, MD
Kamlesh Kumar, MD
Lydia E. Kuo-Bonde, MD
Jeffrey G. Kuremsky, MD
Evelyn C. Kwok, MD
Robert S. Lackey, MD
Mallory C. Lake, PA-C
Venkatesh Lakshman, MD
Jack W. Lam, MD
David R. Lane, MD
Fred D. Lassiter, MD
Adeyemi A. Lawal, MD
Mary Katherine Lawrence, MD
Robert L. Lawrence, MD
Mary Lou Lawson, MD
Daniel P. Leas, MD
Choo H. Lee, MD
Jinoo T. Lee, MD
Julie V. Levengood, MD
Ronald H. Levine, MD
Frederic E. Levy, MD
Jay B. Levy, MD
Caroline H. Lewis, PA
Katherine M. Lewis, MD
Alexander J. Lim, MD
Roger Lim, MD
Chelsea W. Lindley, PA-C
Hillary E. Lockemer, MD
Thomas T. Long, III, MD
William P. Lorio, MD
Jennifer M. Lovin, MD
Macie N. Lucas, PA
Donald T. Lucey, MD
Stephanie T. Lumpkin, MD
Edward B. Mabry, MD
Damien C. Macaluso, MD
J. Alexis MacDonald, Jr., MD
Graham L. Machen, MD
John P. Mahaney, Jr., MD
Anita M. Makowski, PA
Edgardo G. Maldonado, MD
Morton D. Malkin, MD
Michael S. Mallonee, MD
Vijaysinha A. Mandhare, MD
Peter G. Mangone, MD
Charles F. Marshall, Jr., MD
A. Michele Martin, MD
Charles R. Martin, MD
Matthew B. Martin, MD, FACS
Michael M. Marushack, MD
H. Benno Marx, MD
David P. Mason, MD, FACOG
Robert D. Matthews, MD
James H. Maxwell, MD
Lisa L. May, MD
Noemi E. M. Maydew, MD, FACOG
Karen E. Mayer, MD
Bradley T. McCall, MD
Samuel G. McCaskill, Jr., MD
John T. McCormick, MD
Marion M. McCrary, MD, FACP
John N. McDowell, MD
Barry D. McGinnis, MD
James S. McGrath, MD, MPH
Sheppard A. McKenzie, III, MD
Joseph T. McLamb, MD
Michael E. McLeod, MD
Thomas K. McMahan, MD
J. Eugene McMurry, Jr., MD
Ryan P. McWey, MD
Andrew M. Mealin, DO
Stephen J. Melson, MD
Sergio A. Mendoza Lattes, MD
Matthew J. Merritt, DO
Jobe C. Metts, III, MD
Michael A. Meuse, MD
Q. Alexander Mewborn, Jr., MD
Lori A. Meyerhoffer, MD, JD
Karen V. Meyers, MD
Stephen C. Meyers, MD
Charles G. Miller, MD
Joel B. Miller, MD
Justin D. Miller, MD
Leona A. Miller, MD
David D. Miner, MD
Richard W. Minielly, MD
Bonnie E. Minnick, PA-C
Ann Ree S. Mitchell, MD
Henry T. Mixon, MD
Mark B. Moeller, MD
Ali S. Mofrad, MD
Joseph A. Molitierno, Jr., MD
Michelle J. Moore, PA-C
Scott M. Moore, MD
Derek W. Moss, MD
Gregory J. Mosteller, MD, FACEP
Gary J. Mullen, Jr., MD
Robert L. Munt, Jr., MD
Gregory F. Murphy, MD, FACS
Sean M. Murphy, MD
Laura W. Murray, MD
Wissam E. Nadra, MD
Manjula Nagaraja, MD
Aswani S. Naidu, MD
Patrick J. Nailer, MD
Musharraf Navaid, MD
Shahla Naz, MD
Deanna M. Neigh, PA-C
Ronald J. Neimkin, MD
Chelsea K. Ngongang, MD
Harpreet K. Nijher, MD
Nathaniel P. Nonoy, MD
Christopher J. Norbet, MD
Ray G. Norby, MD
Sylvanus W. Nye, MD
Tadhg J. O'Gara, MD
Alfred E. Okeke, MD, FACE
Nicomedes G. Osalvo, PA-C
Jesse E. Otero, MD
Max M. Palatnik, MD
Jill M. Pappalardi, MD
Linda J. Paradowski, MD
Kinjal R. Parikh, DO
Norman H. Parks, MD
Laura A. Parra, MD
Alden M. Parsons, MD, FACS
Cornelius T. Partrick, MD
Ann S. Pate, MD
Bhavesh B. Patel, MD, MBA
Bindit S. Patel, MD
Jay L. Patel, MD
Mahendra S. Patel, MD, FACP
Milan A. Patel, DO
Neha A. Patel, MD
Shil K. Patel, MD
Viral D. Patel, MD
Nadine Pechter, MD
James R. Perrott, MD
James L. Perruquet, MD
Kirk D. Peterson, MD
Sommer E. Philips, MD
Wesley F. Phillips, MD
Andy Phung, DO
Michael J. Plakke, MD
George W. Plonk, MD
Edward T. Plyler, MD
George Podgorny, MD
John J. Poggi, MD
Ronald D. Polite, MD
Morris A. Pollock, MD
Eric J. Porter, MD
Martin A. Portillo, MD
Frederick L. Potts, III, MD
Demetri T. Poulis, MD, FACS
Jess A. Powell, III, MD
Thomas G. Powers, MD
Claire M. Poyet, MD
Jessica J. Prestwood, MD
Melinda H. Privette, MD
Randall L. Proctor, Jr., MD
V. Watson Pugh, Jr., MD
Craig S. Purcell, PA-C
Ripudeep Rai, MD
Matthew K. Rapp, MD
Eric Rappaport, MD
Tiffany L. Reed, DO
Myles L. Reedy, MD
John L. Rendall, III, MD
Michael G. Ribadeneyra, MD
John R. Rice, MD
Lucian C. Rice, Jr., MD
Donna M. Richardson, MD, MBA
R. Paul Rieker, Jr., MD
J. Wayne Riggins, MD
Rebecca C. H. Riley, MD
Alexie D. Riofrio, MD
Norbert J. Rios, MD
Kenneth M. Robert, MD
Surry P. Roberts, MD
Justin D. Rodriguez, MD
Kevin P. Rooney, PA-C
Manfred S. Rothstein, MD
Perry J. Roy, MD
Mary K. Rudyk, MD
Donald B. Russ, MD
Michael B. Russell, MD
Sarah D. Ryan, MD, FAAP
Isami Sakai, DO
Richard G. Saleeby, Jr., MD
Rodrigo T. Samodal, Jr., MD
Joseph L. Sampson, Jr., MD
Geetha Samuel, MD
John A. Sanchez, DO
Mahesh P. Sardesai, MD, MBA
Jasna Sator-Nogo, MD
Adam W. Saucerman, MD
Mariam S. Sauer, MD
Shannon M. Sawin, MD
Lauren A. Scarfo, PA-C
W. D. Schaefer, MD
Charles P. Scheil, MD
Shadley C. Schiffern, MD
Herbert M. Schiller, MD
Gregory F. Schimizzi, MD
David M. Scholle, MD
Brandon W. Schoonover, PA-C
Amanda L. Schuman, PA-C
Curtis W. Schupbach, MD
Matthew W. Schwanke, PA-C
Joshua D. Schwartz, MD
Blake K. Scott, MD
Daniel P. Seeburg, MD
Christian D. Selby, PA-C
John W. Sensenbrenner, MD
Roopa Shah, MD
William D. Shaw, Jr., MD
Ronald B. Shealy, MD
Rashid A. Sheikh, MD
Meredith L. Shillinglaw, PA
Amy J. Shipley, MD
Melissa F. G. Shipley, MD
Earl L. Shook, Jr., MD
Monson Shuh, MD
F. Philip G. Singer, MD
Rajdeep Singh, MD
Vikas Singh, MD
Adrienne H. Singleton, MD
Brent M. Skiver, DO
Natalie B. Small, PA-C
Daniel J. Smith, MD
Esther R. Smith, MD, FACOG
Todd C. Snyder, MD
Ralph Snyderman, MD
Michael F. Soboeiro, MD
Anjali Solanki, DO
Taylor R. Sorensen, PA-C
Amanda C. Spiritos, PA-C
David E. Spivey, Jr., MD
Daniel J. Stackhouse, MD
Ronald J. Stanley, MD
Anna F. Stephenson, PA-C
Hale H. Stephenson, MD, FACOG
Sharon R. Stephenson, MD, FACOG
Wesley H. Stepp, PhD
Joseph W. Stiefel, MD
Amy E. Stinson, DO
F. Keith Stirewalt, PA
Leon E. Stockton, MD
Jennifer K. Stoddard, MD
Michael P. Stoll, MD
Taylor J. Stone, MD
Megan K. Straughan, MD
Sara M. Suh, PA-C
R. Alan Summers, MD
John P. Surratt, MD
Carisa M. Sutherland, MD
Mark J. Sutherland, MD
Dylan J. Suttle, MD
Charlotte A. Sweeney, MD, FACOG
John T. Sweeney, MD
Charlie L. Sykes, Jr., MD
Michael G. Taggart, MD
Christopher P. Tanzie, MD
James A. Tart, MD
Syed T. Tasleem, MD
David H. Tate, MD
Ben S. Tatum, MD
David T. Tayloe, Jr., MD, FAAP
Britton E. Taylor, MD
Jeffrey S. Taylor, MD
Antonia G. Tettamanti, MD
Vipul V. Thakkar, MD
James P. Theofrastous, MD
Ronald L. Thiele, MD
J. Alexander Thomas, MD
Laura O. Thomas, MD
Corey A. Thompson, MD
Ricky A. Thompson, MD
Timothy A. Tolson, MD
Shannon K. Tomlinson, MD
Kevin R. Torrey, MD
Douglas M. Trate, MD
Brendan T. Tribble, MD
Joseph E. Tripp, MD
Hiren M. Umrania, MD
Bailey H. Underhill, PA-C
Henry A. Unger, MD, FACS
Paul A. Vadnais, MD
Bradley S. Van Dyke, MD
William J. Vanarthos, MD
Jennifer Vande Loo, ATC, PA-C
Rajat Varma, MD
Irene Vasko, DO
Marie O. Ventre, MD
Joshua I. Vogel, MD
George M. Wadie, MD, FACS
Joshua A. Wallace, MD
Daniel B. Wallihan, MD
Elizabeth A. Wanek, MD
Bryant A. Ward, MD
Matthew C. Ward, MD
Jeffrey D. Warden, MD
Alicia L. Warlick, MD
Raymond G. Washington, Jr., MD
Bradley J. Wasserman, MD, FAAP
Tyler S. Watters, MD
H. Boyd Watts, MD
Samuel H. Weatherford, PA-C
William J. Weatherly, MD
Joseph J. Wehner, MD
James E. Weilbaecher, Jr., MD
Elizabeth S. Weinberg, MD, FACS
Carl L. Welch, MD
Earl P. Welch, Jr., MD
Kimberly E. Wells, MD
Ora J. Wells, MD
Mark G. Wertman, MD
Robert L. Wheeler, PA-C
Thomas M. Wherry, MD
Barry E. White, MD
Jennifer K. E. Whitham, MD
Donna J. Whitt, MD
Thomas B. Wiggins, MD
Aaron T. Wild, MD
E. Brooks Wilkins, MD
Kristin R. Williams, MD
Rhoderick T. Williams, Jr., MD
William T. Williams, Jr., MD
John H. Willis, MD
Gary J. Wilson, DO
Sarah B. Wilson, MD
Erica R. Wilt, MD
Andrew Win, MD
Emily Wirt, PA-C
Daniel E. Wise, MD
Colleen L. Wisnosky, PA-C
Kristy M. Wolske, MD
James C. Womble, MD
Robert W. Woodward, MD
Alfred H. Woodworth, MD
Joe H. Woody, MD
John M. Woodyear, Jr., MD
Aldona Z. Wos, MD
Eileen M. Wright, MD
J. Robert Yankes, MD
Farhad K. Yazdi, MD
Marc D. Yelle, PhD, MD
Christina Zanakis-Reids, MD
Matthew L. Zerden, MD
J. Jean Zhang, MD
James G. Zolzer, MD
Donald L. Zust, Jr., DO


NC State Researchers Develop an Inhalable ‘SHIELD’

 

North Carolina State University have developed an inhalable powder that could protect lungs and airways from viral invasion by reinforcing the body’s own mucosal layer. The powder, called Spherical Hydrogel Inhalation for Enhanced Lung Defense, or SHIELD, reduced infection in both mouse and non-human primate models over a 24-hour period, and can be taken repeatedly without affecting normal lung function.

Learn more about this discovery here.

 


Updated CME Series in Opioid Prescribing and Responding to Addiction

 

The North Carolina Medical Board collaborated with WakeAHEC and the UNC Chapel Hill Addiction Medicine Fellowship program to create three one-hour CME modules that address responsible opioid prescribing basics, recognizing and responding to signs of substance misuse, and best practices in chronic pain management.

The modules are designed to meet North Carolina’s CME requirement for controlled substances prescribers. There is a $20 registration fee for each one-hour course.

Controlled Substance Prescribing Module 1: Prescribing Controlled Substances in North Carolina

Controlled Substance Prescribing Module 2: Recognizing Signs of Substance Misuse

Controlled Substance Prescribing Module 3: Best Practices in Chronic Pain Management and Safe Opioid Prescribing

Find these and other controlled substance prescribing CME opportunities at here.


Nominations Open for NCMS Foundation Board of Trustees

 

The NCMS Foundation Board Development Committee is looking for nominations for individuals to serve on the NCMS Foundation Board of Trustees.

The North Carolina Medical Society Foundation (NCMSF) is the philanthropic arm of the North Carolina Medical Society. The mission of the NCMSF is to improve access to quality health care for all North Carolinians. Our portfolio of programs demonstrates our commitment to this vision. Learn more about each of these programs here.

Those who serve on the NCMS Foundation’s Board of Trustees have general experience with and understanding of a philanthropic, 501c3 organization. Trustees are willing and able to articulate the purpose of each of the Foundation’s initiatives, and, ideally, will be able to offer details about their firsthand experience with a particular NCMS Foundation program and the value it brings to the profession and to North Carolina.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply here. Nominations are due by May 31, 2023


NCMB Addresses a Not-So-New Law in its Latest Podcast

 

The February episode of the North Carolina Medical Board’s MedBoard Matters podcast covers North Carolina’s Duty to Report statute, which obligates any licensee of the medical board who is aware that another licensee may have engaged in sexual misconduct with patients to NCMB. The law took effect in fall 2019; unfortunately, many licensees remain unaware of it.

Listen to this important podcast here.


Need Help? New Webinar Addresses Physician Burnout

 

The American Medical Association is leading the national effort to solve the growing physician burnout crisis. Join AMA President Jack Resneck, Jr., MD, the U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, MD, MBA, and a panel of physician wellness experts: Anjalee Galion, MD; Nigel Girgrah, MD; and Christine Sinsky, MD, as they discuss the symptoms and drivers of physician burnout and examine solutions to address this crisis.

Speakers will share their experiences, analyze the latest research and its implications for our nation’s health, and discuss the system-level changes necessary to reduce burnout and restore physician wellness.

Addressing Physician Burnout
Thursday, March 9, 2023
11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET


Celebrating Black History Month!

The North Carolina Medical Society recognizes and celebrates Black History Month.

 

Though we are approaching the final days of Black History Month, the NCMS celebrates the diversity of our membership beyond just February.

We continuously strive to become a better organization and remain fully committed to ensuring ALL members are equally represented each day of the year.

Enjoy another look at the NCMS Black History Month Video, NCMS--Past to Present.


Legislative Weekly Review: February 24, 2023

 

 

Last week, the House passed the Physician Assistant Team Based Care Bill, HB 75. The North Carolina Medical Society was involved in crafting the legislation and is glad to see this legislation passed in the House. The bill has been filed in the Senate, but has not been heard by the Rules Committee.

The Senate has also been debating the NC Compassionate Care Act, SB 3, which would allow medical cannabis in North Carolina. The bill has passed the Finance and Judiciary committees and will head to Rules next.

Here are some other bills filed this week we are watching:

HB 150, School Contracted Health Services: Would allow local education agencies providing services related to special education to contract with private agencies or programs to provide special education services at public school.

HB 161, Protecting Properly Insured Individuals: This bill modifies the evidence that may be used to establish the amount of recoverable medical expenses for a personal injury claim.

HB 162, Living Donor Protection Act: This bill would provide leave to state employees for being a living organ donor and would provide a tax credit for all living organ donors.

HB 170/SB 145, Continuing Care Retirement Communities Act: This bill would encourage the development of continuing care retirement communities and require providers offering continuing care in the state to obtain a license and to be monitored by DOI. This would apply to nonprofit and for-profit providers.

HB 172, Sam’s Law: This bill would train students and public-school personnel on how to recognize and respond when a student is having a seizure.

HB 190, Department of Health and Human Services Revisions: This bill would make technical changes to the laws governing DHHS and allow physical therapists and dentists to be County Medical Examiners.

SB 156, Medicaid Children & Families Specialty Plan: Would expand Medicaid services to create a children and families specialty plan. children in foster care, people who are receiving adoption assistance, and former foster care youth

Read full summaries of these bills here.


Join Us in Raleigh for NCMGMA Advocacy Days!

 

 

In March, don't miss the opportunity to engage with other industry leaders and legislators on key decisions impacting your patients and practice. Join us in Raleigh for NCMGMA Advocacy Days.

This event will be held Tuesday March 28th and Wednesday, 29th at the NCMS Headquarters (222 North Person Street in downtown Raleigh). NCMS' Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Chip Baggett, JD, will be one of the featured speakers.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about vital industry and legislative updates from key decision makers in North Carolina.

For the complete details and to register, please click here.


Take the Pledge to Fight Diabetes!

DiabetesFreeNC is a statewide initiate to help prevent Type 2 Diabetes. It allows physicians and care teams support their family, friends, and patients, who have prediabetes, with a free or low cost, evidence-based National Diabetes Prevention Program.

Add your name to the growing list of North Carolina clinicians who are taking a stand against diabetes, then tell your colleagues and friends.

Take a stand! It costs you nothing to join this movement.

Learn more about the initiative and take the pledge by clicking here.



PA Team-based Care Bill Passes in House

 

On February 22, House Bill 75 - PA Team-based Care - passed the House of Representatives 115 to 0.

Below is a brief summary of HB 75:

  • Defines team-based practice as one of the following:  
    • A medical practice that is owned by one or more physician, who are licensed and practice regularly, the physicians and PAs who work in the same clinical practice area 
    • Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other health facilities with active credentialing 
    • Does not include any practice that "specializes pain management"
  •  PAs working in team-based practice will not be required to submit a supervising physician to the Board 
  • PAs without supervision, practicing instead in a team-based environment, must meet the following conditions: 
    • Practice in one of the settings required above 
    • 4,000 hours of clinical practice and 1,000 of clinical practice in said specialty 
    • Submit the above bullets to the board for approval
  • The legislation also includes language about how Physician Assistants can practice within these settings. 

The North Carolina Medical Society was involved in crafting the legislation and is glad to see this legislation passed the House.

 

Related Articles:

How Do Bills Become Laws in NC?


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.

Bonnie Brown
Charin Hanlon, MD, FACP
Cynthia Gary, PA-C, MPH
Joseph Inglefield, III, MD
Mariam Sauer, MD
Robert Henihan, MD


ATTENTION ALL MEDICAID PROVIDERS: Reverification to be Reinstated

 

The Public Health Emergency (PHE) is expected to end on May 11, 2023, according to the Statement of Administrative Policy that was released from the Executive Office of the President on January 30, 2023.

The end of the federal PHE means that reverification notices will resume for all Medicaid providers per the CMS requirement. Providers who receive a notice for reverification are encouraged to respond promptly. If the process is not completed during the allotted timeframe, a Notice of Suspension via postal mail and NC Tracks portal will be sent.

For more information, please refer to the Medicaid Bulletin.


CCHN and NC Alliance of YMCA to Host Heart Health Webinar

 

Carolina Complete Health Network and the NC Alliance of YMCAs will host a provider webinar Friday, February 24th to cover Heart Health topics and information about the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program.

The target audience for this webinar: Providers and clinical staff, Practice management and administration, Care managers and community health workers.


ECU Health Sets Focus on Sickle Cell Research

 

East Carolina University Health is hoping to improve the lives of people living with sickle cell disease.  People with sickle cell can experience extreme pain, breathing problems, and a higher risk of infection, but through ground-breaking research, ECU researchers hope to improve individuals suffering from the disease quality of life.

“Right here at this hospital, we have currently at least ten clinical trials looking at these new drugs for sickle cell disease. The drug called Crizanlizumab, which was approved in 2019, we were the highest enrolling site, studying that drug here, if you look at all sites in the country and the world,” says Dr. Beng Fuh, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Specialist at ECU Health. [source]

Read the full article and learn more about this life-saving research here.

Want to get involved in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease? The Neuse Pamlico Sound Women's Coalition will host its annual 5K Walk/Run to help raise awareness and funding, March 11 in New Bern.


ICYMI: Why Collective Bargaining Helps Physicians

 

This Organized Medical Staff Section (OMSS) webinar examines the risks and benefits of collective bargaining for physicians in today's healthcare environment.

Read the AMA's Advocacy Issue Brief on collective bargaining for physician and physicians-in-training here.

Learn more about the Organized Medical Staff Section here.


As Medicaid Expansion Moves to Senate, Some North Carolinians Hopeful for Victory – A Mother’s Story

 

After losing coverage, Dana Bango, a 55-year-old single mother living in Western North Carolina, always planned on getting insurance again. Before she could, however, the unthinkable happened. Bango was diagnosed with early-stage endometrial cancer. Thankfully, the team at Novant Health’s outpatient surgical center in Winston-Salem told her they would operate and that she could worry about the cost later.

Still, $30,000 in medical debt hangs over Bango's head.

Financial stress and the uncertainty of living without insurance are why Bango is hoping the North Carolina General Assembly will finally expand Medicaid this year as part of the Affordable Care Act’s opt-in expansion program. [source]

Read Bango's story here.


Spring is Almost Here! Celebrate Warm Weather at the NCMS Young Physicians Meet-up!

PICTURE THIS! 

Warm Weather, cool beverages, and fun with fellow young physicians!

 

Come enjoy beverages, light bites and meet local colleagues in Durham!

Drinks and snacks are courtesy of the North Carolina Medical Society!

 

Ponysaurus Brewing Company
219 Hood Street
Durham, NC 27701

March 30, 2023
5:30pm - 7:30pm

Please RSVP to this FREE event here!

Drinks and snacks are on us!

Got questions? Reach out to Toni Hill at [email protected]


Looking for Resources? We Can Help You AND Your Patients!

 

The NCDHHS has a database that may help you direct your patients to services they may need, from answering COVID-19 questions to resources for veterans.

DHHS also has a Customer Service Center that can assist in finding programs and people to help.

Learn more about these resources here.


Mark Your Calendar for the next NCDHHS Mental Health Town Hall

 

The NCDHHS will hold its next Mental Health Town Hall on Thursday, March 2 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the River Front Convention Center in New Bern.

The event will be a tri-county town hall that includes Craven, Jones, and Pamlico counties.

More information on this event, including how to register, will be coming soon.


NCMS Joins Nationwide Effort in Support of Prior Authorization Reforms

 

 

The North Carolina Medial Society, The American Medical Association (AMA), and 117 other leading medical societies united this week in strong support of the meaningful prior authorization reforms proposed for Medicare Advantage and the Medicare prescription drug benefit.

NCMS signed on to a letter sent to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator The Honorable Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, thanking her and urging the CMS to finalize proposed prior authorization reforms that target the inappropriate use of authorization requirements by Medicare Advantage plans to delay, deny, and disrupt the provision of medically necessary care to patients.

Read the full letter here.


NCMS Legislative Review: February 17, 2023

 

Another big week for health in the legislature.  The House passed its version of the Medicaid Expansion Bill, HB 76. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it may face changes before finalization.

The Department of Insurance also filed an Omnibus Bill, HB 127, this week that would move the required coverage age for colon cancer screen from 50 to 45 among other changes.

Here are some other bills that were filed this week of note:

HB 98 & SB 121, Medical Freedom Act: Would prohibit state agencies, local governments, schools, and health agencies from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

HB 107, Repeal Certificate of Need: Would repeal all of North Carolina's Certificate of Need Laws.

HB 108, Local Disease Programs/Funds: Gives money to DHHS and DPH to continue addressing COVID-19 and future health emergencies, as well as maintain staff. Money divided between local health departments.

HB 134, State Health Plan Administrative Changes: Would allow the State Health Plan (SHP) to access and utilize health insurance claims payment data while still protecting consumer data.

SB 116, 2023 Youth END Act: Would implement funds for local health departments, campaigns, military, etc. from the Tobacco Use Prevention Fund to decrease youth usage of electronic cigarettes and nicotine.

Read full summaries of these bills here.


Appointment Opening for the NC Medical Care Commission

 

The North Carolina Medical Society has the opportunity to nominate a member to be appointed by the Governor to the North Carolina Medical Care Commission.

The North Carolina Medical Care Commission of the Department of Health and Human Services consist of 17 members appointed by the Governor. Three of the members appointed by the Governor are nominated by the North Carolina Medical Society.

Learn more about the purpose of the NC Medical Care Commission here.
View the 2023 Schedule of quarterly meetings here.
NCMS Application to State Boards and Commissions here.

Deadline to submit NCMS Application for North Carolina Medical Care Commission: Friday, March 10, 2023.


Palmetto GBA: Multijurisdictional RPM/RTM for Non-Implantable Devices CAC Meeting Notice

 

On February 28 at 6 p.m. ET, Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) Novitas Solutions (Jurisdictions H and L) and First Coast Service Options (Jurisdiction N), along with Noridian Healthcare Solutions (Jurisdictions E and F), CGS Administrators (Jurisdiction 15), Palmetto GBA (Jurisdictions J and M), and WPS Government Health Administrators (Jurisdictions 5 and 8) will host a multi-jurisdictional Contractor Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting.

The purpose of the meeting is to obtain advice from CAC members and subject matter experts (SMEs) regarding the strength of published evidence on remote physiologic monitoring (RPM) and remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) for non-implantable devices and any compelling clinical data to assist in defining meaningful and measurable patient outcomes (e.g., decreases in emergency room visit and hospitalizations) for our Medicare beneficiaries to assist in the determination of whether an LCD should be developed. In addition to discussion, the CAC members and SMEs will opine on pre-distributed questions during the meeting. CAC panels do not make coverage determinations, but MACs benefit from their advice.

This meeting will be held via webinar only and will be open to the public; however, only CAC members, SMEs, and our RPM/RTM national work group CMDs will participate in the meeting discussion; all other attendees will be non-speaking observers. The meeting will be recorded, and both the audio and written transcript will be made public.

Complete details including meeting agenda, bibliography, discussion questions, and non-speaking observer registration is now available here.

Meeting Materials
Agenda (PDF)
Key Questions (PDF)
Bibliography (PDF)