General Assembly Passes Third Round of Hurricane Helene Relief
The General Assembly has passed a third round of Hurricane Helene relief funding totaling $252 million.
The first two rounds of relief funding by the legislature totaled approximately $922 million. The latest round of funds brings the total commitment to $1.1 billion.
Senate Bill 382’s $252 million in spending includes $220 million to be transferred from the state’s Savings Reserve to the Helene relief fund. There is also around $100 million for local government loans in areas and $100 million in loans for water and wastewater repair projects.
The Helene-related spending includes a number of items, including compensation for education employees for instructional days missed during the hurricane and extension of various waivers on licensing, housing, care facilities, and it also pauses the adoption of the 2024 Building Code for six months to stop regulatory changes from hampering recovery efforts.
The bill takes $50 million from the Office of State Budget and Management’s (OSBM) Disaster Relief Reserve to the Office of Recovery and Resiliency to cover that agency’s recently announced budget gap. The funds will support homeowner recovery projects under the Rebuild NC program for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Per the bill, OSBM will be required to monitor NCORR’s spending and operations. Additionally, the state auditor will conduct financial and performance audits of NCORR by July 1, 2025, and report back to the legislature.
Some of the key spending items include:
- $25 million for debris removal uses
- $33.75 million for childcare stabilization grant extensions for the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education
- $125 million from the Transportation Emergency Reserve for repair and reconstruction of transportation infrastructure in the affected areas
- $574,578 in recurring funds to adjust funds provided state university institutions, as determined by the UNC enrollment funding model for changes in resident student credit hours.
- $7,837,646 for UNC enrollment loss mitigation. Broken down that includes $1,364,971 East Carolina University, $1.5 million for the University of North Carolina at Asheville, over $19,000 for University of North Carolina at Greensboro, more than $3.7 million for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and over $1.251 million for Winston-Salem State University.
Read the full article here.
COVID-19 Vaccine and Reimbursement Guidelines for 2024-2025 for NC Medicaid
On June 27, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccination with an FDA-approved or authorized vaccine for ages 6 months and older. On Aug. 22, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), approved new COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 season, FDA: Covid-19 Vaccines. For details on the 2024-2025 Covid-19 vaccines, visit the CDC's MMWR: Use of COVID-19 Vaccines for Persons Aged ≥6 Months: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2024–2025.
NC Medicaid will cover the COVID-19 2024-2025 vaccines and CPT codes 91318-91322 with an effective date of Aug. 22, 2024.
The Novavax vaccines for the 2024-25 season under CPT code 91304 are covered with an effective date of Aug. 30, 2024.
COVID-19 vaccines are part of the Vaccines for Children program (VFC) (CDC VFC List) for beneficiaries ages 18 and younger. Based on updated Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) guidance related to the PREP Act, NC Medicaid will cover pharmacy point-of-sale claims for COVID-19 vaccines for beneficiaries ages 3 and older through Dec. 31, 2024. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, NC Medicaid will only cover COVID-19 vaccines for beneficiaries ages 19 and older in the pharmacy point-of-sale setting.
Read the full NCDHHS bulletin here.
Want to be Part of a Dynamic Team? Join Ours! The North Carolina Medical Society is Hiring!
The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) is looking for talented, driven individuals to help us shape the future of healthcare in North Carolina. We are currently hiring for two key positions: Coordinator, Association Management and Manager, Financial Operations.
Manager, Financial Operations - NCMS Foundation
The Manager, Financial Operations manages day to day financial transactions of the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation (NCMSF) and other affiliated organizations. Processes accounts payable and receivables, reconciles bank statements, performs accounting and audit functions and other financial administration of the Enterprise.
Get a full description of the Manager, Financial Operations - NCMS Foundation position here.
Coordinator, Association Management
The Coordinator, Association Management manages the day-to-day needs of the Association Management department. This department manages and operates 14 component associations. Duties include project coordination, conference and event support, membership recruitment and retention, daily accounting functions, responding to member and prospective member inquiries, and preparation and follow-up activities associated with board and committee meetings.
Get a full description of the Coordinator, Association Management position here.
How to apply:
Send your resume to [email protected].
Rates of Postpartum Depression Have Doubled in the Last Decade. Many are Asking Why.
Rates of postpartum depression -- a serious mood disorder affecting new moms within the first 12 months after childbirth -- have doubled over the last decade, according to a new study of more than 440,000 people from Kaiser Permanente Southern California. The rate of diagnosis jumped from about 9% in 2010 to 19% in 2021.
This is part of a larger trend. Mental health conditions are now the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Postpartum depression symptoms can include persistent feelings of sadness, lack of interest in activities, eating and sleep disturbances and excessive irritability or crying. It's more serious than the temporary and mild sadness of the "baby blues," according to the American Psychiatric Association.
Read the full article here.
Join DOCMS at the University Club Wednesday, December 11!
Join DOCMS at the University Club!
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
University Club, 3100 Tower Boulevard, Suite 1700 - Durham, NC 27707
AGENDA:
6:00pm- 6:30pm – Socializing & Housekeeping
6:30pm- 7:30pm – Dinner & Guest Speaker
7:30pm- 7:45pm – Q&A
7:45pm- 8:00pm – DOCMS 2024 Business
"Doctors and Empathic Communication: An Oxymoron?
Reading the Room, the skill you were never taught!"
Speaker:
Anthony N Galanos, MA, MD | Professor of Internal Medicine, Duke University
Dr. Galanos (Dr G) came to Duke in 1989 to do a Fellowship in Geriatric Medicine and has never left. He started the Ger Med Consult Service at Duke Univ Hospital in 1995 and started Duke Palliative Care in 1998.He retired from Clinical Med in 2023 and has stayed on to teach, debrief and mentor housestaff, Fellows and Faculty. He has always been interested in clinical teaching and often employs role play and rapping to hold the interest of his audience. He is here to demonstrate the efficacy and fun of role play while teaching a concept like “reading the room”.
1 CME Credit is available! Click here for how to claim your credit.
DOCMS Members & Prospective Members - FREE to attend
Guests - $25 to attend (will be collected at meeting site)
NCMS Recognizes NCMS Disaster Relief Fund Contributors
A heartfelt THANK YOU to these individuals and organizations for their contribution to the NCMS Disaster Relief Fund. Your generous donation is far more than just a financial contribution; it’s a lifeline for the many affected by Hurricane Helene, and vital in providing support to healthcare professionals and communities impacted by this disaster.
We invite you to spread the word about the NCMS Disaster Relief Fund and stay engaged with us as we work together to help restore our Western North Carolina neighbors.
We are grateful to have you in our community!
- Bangladesh Medical Association of North Carolina
- Rebecca S. Carlin, MD
- Carolina Complete Health Inc.
- Anonymous
- James M. Provenzale, MD
- Moulton Family Fund
- Puraven Beauty and Wellness
- UBS Financial Services, Inc.
- Donald P. Wilcox
- American Medical Association Foundation
- Atlantic Internal Medicine
- Amar M. Amaresh, MD
- Edwin C. Bartlett, Sr., MD
- Deanna M. Boyette, MD
- Edwin K. Burkett, MD
- Cobb County (GA) Medical Society
- John A. Fagg, MD
- Barbara Hodde
- Martha G. Peck, MD
- Gary Price, MD
- Eugene E. Wright, Jr., MD
- Kathy F. Wright
- Curi
- Anonymous
- Christopher T. Grubb, MD
- Lyndon K. Jordan, III, MD, FACR
- Katie Lowry, MD, MPH
- Laura J. Luckadoo, MD
- Robeson Pediatrics
- Kirby Sheridan
- Catherine L. Sotir, MD
- Vinod C. Vallabh, MD
- Ian D. Archibald, MD
- Preecha Bhotiwihok, MD, MPH
- John W. Black, MD
- Anonymous
- Gay M. Bowman
- Georgi N. Brockway, MD
- Michael T. Brohawn
- Anonymous
- Carolina Complete Health Network
- Sharon M. Foster, MD, FAAP
- Donna C. Graves, MD
- M. Mark Hester, MD
- Suneya G. Hogarty, DO
- Marius J. Ilario, MD
- Linda W. Lawrence, MD
- Douglas S. McFarlane, MD
- Mark B. Moeller, MD
- Anonymous
- Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic, PA
- Timothy J. Reeder, MD, MPH, FACEP
- Alan J. Rosenbaum, MD
- Anonymous
- Marshall Z. Schwartz, MD
- Douglas D. Sheets, MD, FACOG
- W. Alan Skipper, CAE
- Jennifer K. Stoddard, MD
- STUSQU, PLLC
- Lisa W. H. Thompson, MD
- Cheryl L. Walker-McGill, MD, MBA
- Craig E. Webb, MHS, PA-C
- Johnathan D. Williams, MD
- Anonymous
- Idil Aktan, MD
- R. D. Almkuist, II, MD
- American Board of Pediatrics Inc
- Caroline D. Ames, MD, FACS
- James H. Antoszyk, MD
- Joy Avery
- Timothy M. Beittel, MD
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
- Cedar Mount Behavioral Health, PA
- Center For Pain Management, PLLC
- Melissa M. Coale, MD
- Anonymous
- Kim D. Dansie, MD
- Jackie M. Davis-Jones
- Jessica F. Doerrler, PA
- Patricia Duncan
- Peter A. Eweje, MD
- Mark W. Featherston, MD
- Anonymous
- Joanne M. Fruth, MD
- Lisa M. Gangarosa, MD
- Highland Medical Associates
- Anonymous
- Joseph P. Hunstad, MD, FACS
- Kitsie Jones
- Christopher P. Jordan, MD
- Kerry Kendall
- Eugenie M. Komives, MD, FAAFP
- Ted R. Kunstling, MD, FCCP
- Andrew S. Lamb, MD
- Keith LaScalea, MD
- Anonymous
- Elizabeth G. Livingston, MD
- Anonymous
- Laura L. Martinez, MD
- Darlyne Menscer, MD
- Ashley Newton
- J. Thomas Newton, MD
- Carolyn O'Conor, MD
- Michael K. Patrick, MD
- Patricia Petrick, MD
- Emily Rayes-Prince, MD
- Anonymous
- Corianne D. Rogers, MD
- Nimesh B. Shah, MD
- Kristen M. Shipherd
- Maria J. Small, MD
- Anonymous
- Michol Stanzione, DO
- Steele Creek Dermatology
- Al Steren, MD and Diane Snyder Steren, MD
- Martha Strange, MD
- Thomas M. Swantkowski, MD, AGAF, FACG
- Marian L. Swinker, MD, MPH
- Christopher L. Tebbit, MD
- Monecia Thomas, PhD
- Dimitri G. Trembath, MD
- Michael J. Utecht, MD, FACEP
- Lynnea Villanova, MD
- Bonnie E. Wagner, PA-C
- Rebecca Y. Weinshilboum, DO
- Carl J. Westcott, MD
- Thomas R. White, MD
- Anonymous
- Women's HealthCare Consultant PC
- Nagarjuna Yerra, MD
- Michael Bartiss, MD / Family Eye Care of the Carolinas
- David Boone, MD
- Carolina Complete Health
- Karl Chiang, MD
- John Chretien, MD
- Anonymous
- Kelly Fedoriw, MD
- Carolyn Ferree, MD
- Alison Gardner, MD
- John Goldfield, MHS, PA-C
- Akilah Grimes, MD
- Sandra Jackson / Eastern Pediatrics
- Matthew Katz, MS / MCK Health Strategies
- Melissa Kenny
- Donna McGee, MD
- Larry Napolitano, Jr., MD
- Michael P. Reddy-Miller, MD
- Anonymous
- Andrew Pasternak, MD
- Antonio Ramirez, MD
- Beth Remhof
- Jennifer Root, MD
- Richard Savage, MD
- Anonymous
- Soma Sengupta, MD
- Nimesh Shah / Noble Hospitality Investment
- Amanda Trimpey, MD, MPH, FACOEM
- Yunxiang Zhu, MD
*Please note: List reflects donations received through Tuesday, November 19.
Thousands of American Youth Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
A study published in Gastroenterology provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) prevalence in the United States.
The research, led by investigators from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Pennsylvania, estimates that more than 100,000 American youth under the age of 20 live with IBD. The study illustrates that the prevalence of pediatric IBD in the U.S. continues to increase and is among the highest worldwide.
This landmark study analyzed data from two commercial insurance claims datasets (Optum's Clinformatics Data Mart database and Carelon Research's Health care Integrated Research Database) and Medicaid data from five states (Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and California), providing a nationally representative picture of physician-diagnosed pediatric IBD across the country.
The researchers utilized a validated combination of medical diagnoses and prescription medications to identify IBD cases, and calculated age-, sex-, and race-specific estimates of IBD prevalence. These estimates were then standardized to the 2020 United States Census to generate national prevalence estimates. The study found an increase of about 22% for Crohn's disease and 29% for ulcerative colitis in the pediatric population compared to 2009 prevalence data.
Continue to full article here.
Preparing for Your Thanksgiving Feast? Put Food Safety at the Top of Your List!
The Holidays are a Time for the Three F's: Family, Feasts, and Fun!
Whether you’re cooking up a classic turkey dinner, baking mouthwatering desserts, or preparing that famous side dish, food safety should be a priority! As you start to gather your ingredients, be sure to check the FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts list.
Around Thanksgiving and Christmas, rates of foodborne illness tend to rise, often due to the increased handling of raw meats, dairy products, and the large volumes of food being prepared and shared. According to the CDC, 1 in 6 Americans gets sick from foodborne illnesses each year. Though most cases are mild, serious illnesses can lead to hospitalizations or even death.
Common Foodborne Illnesses during the holidays:
- Salmonella: One of the most common culprits during the holidays, particularly from raw poultry.
- E. coli: Found in undercooked meat, especially ground beef, E. coli bacteria causes serious stomach cramps and diarrhea. During the holiday season, the USDA noted that over 40% of E. coli outbreaks occurred in December and January.
- Listeria: Linked to dairy products, deli meats, and even fresh produce, Listeria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and can lead to miscarriage or severe health complications. The CDC reports that Listeria outbreaks are more likely to be reported in the colder months when foods like cheese and deli meats are more commonly consumed.
Tips for Holiday Food Safety:
- Pay attention to recalls
- Thoroughly wash hands and utensils
- Cook to the proper temperature
- Refrigerate leftovers (refrigerate within two hours of cooking)
Mobile Outreach Unit Delivering Essential Care to Uninsured
Meeting patients where they are: That’s the simple but impactful mission behind UNC Health Johnston’s Mobile Outreach Unit.
The bus is equipped with various medical equipment, an exam table and a consultation area.
Leah Johnson works as UNC Health Johnston’s community outreach coordinator. She explained the goal of the mobile unit is to serve as the first point of care while connecting patients to primary care physicians and long-term resources.
“We work with the patient from the moment we’re creating their medical chart in our electronic system, to getting them registered for their appointment, connecting them with a physician, helping them figure out how to go to the hospital to get their labs drawn, helping them pay for that and helping them pay for medication if they need it,” shared Johnson.
Registrations for most clinics and screenings are not required.
Many of the walk-in patients Johnson sees are uninsured.
“It feels like all the time we run into diabetics and people with high blood pressure who know they have a diagnosis, who have previously been on medication, but because they’re uninsured they have let their health fall to the wayside,” said Johnson.
The Mobile Outreach Unit holds five urgent care clinics each month spread throughout Johnston County. Clinics are often held on weekends or after hours on weekdays to help with accessibility.
Clinics are open to patients between 6 months and 65 years of age.
Some screenings have additional requirements for eligibility, for example lung cancer screenings through the Mobile Outreach Unit require patients to have a long-term history of smoking.
Read the full article here.
It's 'Easier for You' to Renew Your 2025 NCMS Membership
The immediate crisis caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina has subsided. Now, the long journey to full recovery is beginning.
Included on your 2025 invoice is a spot to Round Up When You Renew! The money raised will support your colleagues as they re-build, re-open, and start to care for patients again.
Also, we’ve made it Easier for You to renew your 2025 state, county, and NCMS managed specialty society dues … all on one convenient invoice.
Look for your 2025 Membership Dues Invoice in your inbox or renew online now — and remember “Round Up and Renew” and it’s “Easier for You.”
FDA Approves Revuforj to Treat a Genetic Form of Leukemia
image credit: pharmaphorum
Just three days after Syndax Pharmaceuticals revealed data from a trial of revumenib in one indication of acute leukemia which chilled investors, the FDA has approved the small molecule in another indication of the disease.
On Friday, the U.S. regulator signed off on Revuforj as the first menin inhibitor to treat a genetic type of leukemia called lysine methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A). The nod applies to patients one year and older with relapsed or refractory leukemias who have rearrangements of the KMT2A gene.
The approval came six weeks ahead of its target date and is the second FDA new drug endorsement for Syndax in the last three months. In August, Syndax and its commercial partner Incyte earned a thumbs up for Niktimvo (axatilimab), a CSF-1R inhibitor to treat chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in patients who’ve failed at least two prior lines of systemic therapy.
Continue to full article here.
Reminder: Disaster Relief Applications for Health Care Professionals Not Currently Enrolled as an NC Medicaid Provider
The NC Department of Health and Human Services is committed to ensuring continued access to care for NC Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as reimbursement to qualified providers for services rendered, in good faith, throughout the period of impacts from Hurricane Helene, retroactively from Sept. 25, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024, (unless otherwise communicated by DHHS).
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) granted approval effective October 1, 2024, for DHHS to implement a temporary, expedited enrollment process for health care professionals to become an NC Medicaid provider due to a natural disaster. This process is not for providers who regularly see NC Medicaid beneficiaries.
Health care professionals who will be rendering services to NC Medicaid beneficiaries due to Hurricane Helene can complete and submit an application through the NCTracks Provider Portal. Please refer to the disaster provider enrollment job aid Disaster Relief Provider Enrollment Application Job Aid (PRV703) located under Quick Links on the NCTracks Provider Enrollment home page for necessary instructions to complete the temporary disaster provider enrollment application. Be sure to review the job aid before starting to complete the application, as several preliminary steps are necessary.
Providers must indicate the application is for Disaster Relief by answering “Yes” to the Disaster Relief enrollment question on the Online Application page of the application.
Note: This is not for providers who see NC Medicaid beneficiaries on a regular basis.
Please review North Carolina Medicaid Provider Enrollment Disaster Relief and Waiver or Modification of Requirements Under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act from the Secretary of Health and Human Services for additional information.
Information about Governor Cooper’s Declaration of a State of Emergency can be found at Governor Cooper Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Helene.
Contact:
- NCTracks Call Center: 800-688-6696
- Provider Ombudsman: 866-304-7062, [email protected]
Don't Miss Thursday's Medicaid Managed Care Fireside Chat
Medicaid Managed Care Fireside Chat
Thursday, November 21
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Please join this month's Fireside Chat on November 21, hosted by Dr. Janelle White, Chief Medical Officer of Medicaid, Medicaid colleagues and CEOs from Standard Plans and Tailored Plans.
Topics will include:
- Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts
- Results from the 2023 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems
- Medical Clinical Policy Updates
- Pharmacy Updates
- Collaborative Care Capacity Building Program (CoCM)
- Community Alternatives Program (CAP) Referral Process for Children and Disabled Adults
Save the Date: 2nd Annual CoCM Behavioral Health Care Manager Summit
2nd Annual CoCM Behavioral Health Care Manager Summit
May 16, 2025
Conference Center at GTCC | Colfax, NC
Mark your calendar for the 2nd Annual Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) Behavioral Health Care Manager (BHCM) Summit, presented jointly by NC AHEC and Southern Regional AHEC. Explore the pivotal role of BHCMs in CoCM and their significant impact.
This summit will feature esteemed national and state CoCM experts, including representatives from the AIMS Center at the University of Washington. Attendees will benefit from insightful presentations by experienced CoCM BHCMs and integrated behavioral health Subject Matter Experts.
Don't miss out on this invaluable training opportunity! Registration details will be available soon.
Collaborative Care Model: Problem-Solving Therapy Training
COLLABORATIVE CARE MODEL (CoCM)
Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) Training
December 2 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Please join on December 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Southern Regional AHEC in Fayetteville to empower your practice with Problem Solving Therapy (PST).
PST is an evidence-based model that employs short interventions to help individuals develop effective coping skills to manage life’s challenges. This six-hour skills-building workshop will give Behavioral Health Care Managers working in Primary Care and Specialty Care settings an understanding of the fundamental principles of Problem-Solving Therapy.
Speaker: Annie McGuire, MS, LMHC, MHA Clinical Trainer & Practice Coach, AIMS Center, University of Washington
Objectives:
• Identify the steps involved in the PST model.
• Explain the role of PST in Collaborative Care Model.
• Describe how PST can improve patient outcomes.
• Demonstrate the application of PST techniques in clinical scenarios.
• Use PST strategies to address common patient issues.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of PST interventions in practice.
• Critique different PST techniques based on patient outcomes.
• Develop personalized PST plans for patients.
• Design innovative solutions to integrate PST into collaborative care.
MedBoard Matters Podcast: NC DHHS’s Response to Hurricane Helene
The North Carolina Medical Board's Jean Fisher Brinkley talks with State Health Director Dr. Betsey Tilson about all of the things NC DHHS has been doing to safeguard the health and safety of people impacted by Hurricane Helene, how they are helping licensees safely continue to practice, and more.
Jean Fisher Brinkley
Communications Director, North Carolina Medical Board
Jean Fisher Brinkley is NCMB’s Communications Director, a role that involves developing and overseeing production of communications materials and strategies needed to enhance public and professional awareness and understanding of the Board and its mission. She joined NCMB in 2008, after an 11-year career in newspaper journalism, most of it dedicated to reporting on medicine, health policy and the business aspects of health care.
Brinkley earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Mills College in Oakland, CA, and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. She lives in Raleigh with her husband and two daughters.
You can reach Jean at [email protected]
Dr. Betsey Tilson
State Health Director and NC DHHS Chief Medical Officer
Elizabeth Tilson serves North Carolina as the State Health Director and the Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health and Human Services. In this role, she promotes public health and prevention activities, as well as provides guidance and oversight on a variety of cross-Departmental issues including the COVID-19 Pandemic Response, the Opioid Epidemic, Early Childhood, Medicaid Transformation, and Healthy Opportunities.
Prior roles include serving as the Medical Director of Community Care of Wake and Johnston Counties, Chief Network Medical Director for Community Care of North Carolina, and Assistant Consulting Professor and Cancer Control Specialist with Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Tilson practiced primary care pediatrics for 26 years and has been active in leadership roles in many local, state, and national pediatric, public health and preventive medicine organizations.
Dr. Tilson is a graduate of Dartmouth College (BA), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (MD), and the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (MPH). She completed Residencies and is board certified in both Pediatrics and General Preventive Medicine/Public Health.
URGENT: Impending Medicare Physician Payment Cut Is Looming
U R G E N T
Impending Medicare Physician Payment Cuts
Impact Survey
For four consecutive years, Medicare providers have experienced annual payment cuts, while the costs of maintaining a practice and healthcare facilities have increased annually. Another 2.8% payment cut is scheduled for 2025, and practice costs are projected to increase by 3.56% over the next year.
The North Carolina Medical Society continues to engage with members of Congress to find a solution to the growing crisis resulting from these devastating cuts, and we urgently need your assistance in that effort. Help us make our outreach on Capitol Hill more impactful by sharing information on how previous and anticipated cuts have and will affect your practice and your patients.
Please respond to this survey by November 22, 2024. Please also help this effort by circulating this notice and survey with your colleagues. The more responses we receive, the stronger our message.
NOTE: At the end of the survey, we ask for your contact information. That information will not be shared in any distribution of the survey results without your explicit permission. We need practice/contact information to avoid duplicate entries of responses, since the survey notice will be sent through multiple channels and could generate more than one reply from a practice. We especially need home addresses, which is how individuals' members of Congress are identified. This will enable us to quantify and qualify the impact of Medicare cuts geographically. We respect the confidentiality of your information.
ALL IN: First Round of Wellbeing First Champion Award Recipients Recognized!
At the North Carolina Medical Society’s LEAD Conference Gala, hospitals and health systems that completed Phase 1 of ALL IN: Caring for North Carolina’s Caregivers initiative were honored on-stage. The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation CEO Corey Feist, JD, MBA and CMO Stefanie Simmons, MD, FACEP, along with NCMS CEO Chip Baggett, JD, presented these organizations with the Wellbeing First Champion badge.
This year, the North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being (NCCPRW) Consortium and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation (DLBHF) launched their partnership with the ALL IN: C4NCC initiative, beginning with Phase 1 – Breaking Down Barriers to Help-Seeking. To qualify for the Wellbeing First Champion badge, hospitals and health systems must remove invasive and stigmatizing mental health language from credentialing applications, addendums, and peer review forms.
Since its launch in April, ALL IN: C4NCC is proud to recognize the following health systems and organizations as Wellbeing First Champions, celebrating their commitment to protecting and prioritizing health worker well-being.
Tameka Peterson, Vice President, Chief Provider Experience Officer for Credentialing & Medical Staff Operations accepted the award
Nadia Charguia, MD, Executive Medical Director of the Well-being Program at
UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine accepted the award.
Michelle McMoon, PA-C, PhD, Director of Education and Professional Development and Chair of the WakeMed Physicians Practices
Well-being subcommittee and Susan Force, Director of Medical Staff Services accepted the award.
Mike Causey, Commissioner of Insurance accepted the award.
Recognized, but not present.
North Carolina is inviting all remaining hospitals, health systems, and practices that credential licensed health workers to go “ALL IN” and join the efforts of NCCPRW and DLBHF. Together, we’re taking steps to improve workplace policies and practices that reduce burnout, normalize help-seeking, and strengthen professional well-being – accelerating impact to improve health workers’ well-being and mental health.
Click here to learn more about ALL IN: Caring for NC Caregiver’s and its 3-phased approach.
Make Plans Now! Join NCMS for 2025 National Advocacy Conference
Registration is open!
Make your plans today to join us in Washington, DC for the
AMA’s 2025 National Advocacy Conference
2025 National Advocacy Conference
February 10-12, 2025 / Washington, DC
Use these links to Register and
to secure your Accommodations.
The 2025 NAC will address urgent health policy issues
Impacting the medical profession and patients like
Medicare payment reform
Workforce challenges
Prior Authorization
Make plans today to be part of our North Carolina team
Headed to Capitol Hill in February. Your support matters!
If you have more questions, contact Alan Skipper, NCMS VP External Affairs, [email protected]
Do you know your state and federal legislators? More importantly, do your legislators know you?
The NCMS can help you connect with policy makers as a constituent and advocate!
Shine-A-Light on Lung Cancer Event is Tuesday. Make Plans to Attend Today!
Lung cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers in America, and it is the leading cause of cancer deaths annually.
The American Cancer Society estimates about 234,580 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, while about 125,000 will die from the disease. These numbers are more than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined.
In partnership with GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, FirstHealth will host its annual Shine-A-Light event at 5:30 p.m. on November 19 at the FirstHealth Cancer Center located at 135 Page Road North, Pinehurst, N.C.
The event is free and open to the public and will include a presentation about clinical trials at FirstHealth. The research treatment opportunities at FirstHealth are part of the same research treatment opportunities that you would find at the country’s leading academic hospitals.
Event attendees will also be able to take part in a lighting ceremony.
FirstHealth’s event will be one of more than 200 similar events held across the country during November, which is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
For more information or to register for FirstHealth’s Shine a Light on Lung Cancer event or to register, call 800-213-3284. For more information on cancer services provided by FirstHealth of the Carolinas, visit nccancercare.org. [source]
It's 'Easier for You' to Renew Your 2025 NCMS Membership
The immediate crisis caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina has subsided. Now, the long journey to full recovery is beginning.
Included on your 2025 invoice is a spot to Round Up When You Renew! The money raised will support your colleagues as they re-build, re-open, and start to care for patients again.
Also, we’ve made it Easier for You to renew your 2025 state, county, and NCMS managed specialty society dues … all on one convenient invoice.
Look for your 2025 Membership Dues Invoice in your inbox or renew online now — and remember “Round Up and Renew” and it’s “Easier for You.”
Hurricane Helene Disaster Response: Help for Helpers. Because You are NOT Alone!
In a disaster, it's essential that first responders and volunteers have the resources they need—when and where they need them.
If you are a first responder or volunteer experiencing stress, emotional fatigue, a mental health crisis or just need someone to talk to, you can call the Hope4NC Helpline, 1-855-587-3463. Hope4NC is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Hope4NC is a Crisis Counseling Program which will provide immediate support and crisis counseling services for responders and volunteers providing Hurricane Helene disaster response.
HHS Releases Sexually Transmitted Infections Progress Report and Herpes Simplex Virus Addendum
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the 2021–2023 Progress Report - PDF for the Sexually Transmitted Infections National Strategic Plan for the United States: 2021–2025. The progress report provides a high-level overview of progress on select federal agency programs, policies, research, and other activities during fiscal years 2021–2023.
The progress report features an at-a-glance table of the status of seven core indicators and seven disparities indicators, which were identified in the national plan as a quantitative approach to measuring progress on STI prevention and care in the United States. The most recently available data reveal that seven of the indicators have met or are moving toward annual targets and that seven have not met or are moving away from annual targets. Of this latter group, six indicators relate to syphilis, which is the focus of the National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic Federal Task Force led by HHS Assistant Secretary for Health, Admiral Rachel Levine, M.D.
“These data serve as a call to action for continued collaboration in our national response to STIs,” said Admiral Levine.“ Through education, awareness, and increased access to care, we can improve outcomes of syphilis, and other STIs, and safeguard the health of communities across our nation.”
Building on federal efforts to meaningfully prevent and control STIs in the United States, the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Addendum to STI National Strategic Plan sets a unified national response to HSV. HSV is a lifelong condition that spreads primarily from skin-to-skin contact and is one of the most common STIs in the United States. Most people with HSV are asymptomatic and undiagnosed. For those who are symptomatic, HSV can cause recurring outbreaks of painful sores on the mouth or genital areas, and the stigma associated with HSV can significantly impact quality of life.
HSV was not initially included in the national strategy, which focused on chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and human papillomavirus. This is because the plan originally focused on STIs in the United States for which there are federally funded control programs. Additionally, HSV is not a nationally notifiable condition and there is no existing national surveillance system for HSV or neonatal herpes to measure progress. Likewise, diagnosing genital herpes can be challenging, since many people do not have symptoms.
“HSV is a critical priority for us. Future iterations of the STI Plan will incorporate HSV within its purview. HHS will work with communities who are underserved and disproportionately affected to prevent HSV and improve access to care, while also advancing health equity and reducing stigma,” said Kaye Hayes, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Infectious Disease and the Director of the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy.
The development of the HSV Addendum was guided by principles focused on integrating the latest science; prioritizing federal actions; leveraging existing infrastructure, capacity, and resources; and coordinating action between national, state, territorial, tribal, and local community organizations and members. [source]
Read the 2021–2023 STI Progress Report - PDF
Read the HSV Addendum - PDF
Read the STI Federal Implementation Plan - PDF
Read the STI National Strategic Plan - PDF
Join the American Indian Respiratory Health Initiative Fireside Chat and Tele-town Hall on November 14
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, November 14, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines and other steps to protect tribal communities against severe respiratory illness, hospitalization and long-term respiratory health complications. Panelists will also discuss ways people can find nearby health care providers and access care, as well as how to access free or low-cost vaccines.
The town hall is part of an ongoing initiative to raise awareness of respiratory illnesses, promote vaccination and improve the overall health of American Indian communities throughout North Carolina. The initiative is guided by a newly formed American Indian Respiratory Health Advisory Group, composed of leaders and health care providers throughout North Carolina’s tribal communities.
Event participants include:
- Greg Bryant, Health Committee Chairperson, North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs
- Katie Lowry, M.D., MPH, Pediatrician, Robeson Pediatrics
- Aiyana Lynch, Development & Marketing Director, The CARE Clinic
The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can also dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext.114212#.
The American Indian community is among those most severely impacted by respiratory viruses — double that of white, non-Hispanic individuals. Seasonal vaccines are the best way to prevent people ages 6 months and older from experiencing severe cases of flu and COVID-19, especially for those who are at a higher risk of complications from the viruses. This includes people who are under 5 and those 65 and older, pregnant and/or living with chronic medical conditions. Updated vaccines are needed even if individuals have received vaccinations in the past. The updated vaccines were developed to protect against current virus strains.
In addition to flu and COVID-19 vaccines, RSV vaccines are now available for older adults and pregnant women. Some babies and children under 2 may also need to receive an immunization to help build protection against RSV.
Testing and treatment are available to catch virus cases early and help prevent severe illness. Reach out to a health care provider as soon as symptoms begin to test for the flu, COVID-19 or RSV and see if treatment is needed.
Visit MySpot.nc.gov for information, guidance and resources on seasonal vaccines and how they support respiratory health. [source]
Diabetes Performance Improvement in Primary Care
Diabetes Performance Improvement in Primary Care - Enduring
Online Self-Paced Learning
Free for the first 100 to register!
Complete at your own pace
This educational activity aims to inform the learner about the status of diabetes and chronic kidney disease in primary care. This activity will explore barriers and facilitators to promote patient engagement in treatment. This activity will focus on performance improvement methods and activities which promote health among patients with diabetes.
Objectives
- Describe barriers and strategies for clinical care teams in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Utilize new methods to identify how diabetes and CKD disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities in clinical workflows.
- Explain processes for screening, diagnosis, and raising awareness about diabetes and its connection to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
For more information and to register, click here.
North Carolina Hospitals See Surge in Pediatric Pneumonia Cases
‘A-typical pneumonia’ is landing more children in Triangle-area hospitals for treatment.
Mycoplasma pneumonia, often referred to as ‘a-typical pneumonia’ is landing more children in Triangle-area hospitals for treatment.
It’s the same kind of bacteria that causes walking pneumonia.
Dr. Zachary Willis, UNC Children’s pediatric infectious disease specialist, explained the case volume the area is currently seeing is “a bit unusual.”
“Commonly, we would see it in older children and teenagers but recently we’re seeing it more in younger children which is something of a surprise,” Willis said. “Children as young as 2 years old we’re seeing with us.”
Willis explained that most who get sick with this type of pneumonia can recover on their own.
“There is no vaccine for this specific type of infection but there are antibiotics that are effective,” Willis said.
UNC Hospitals reports 40 positive cases of mycoplasma pneumonia were reported during the last week of October 2024. During that same period last year, zero cases were detected.
Read the full article here.
Join the Community Alternatives Program Fall Provider Webinar
NC Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) will host a Fall Provider webinar on Community Alternatives Program (CAP) services Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Providers who support Community Alternatives Program for Children (CAP/C) and Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in NC Medicaid Direct will receive updates and have an opportunity to ask questions.
To register, visit the NCLIFTSS (Acentra) web page.
The webinar will cover:
- Hurricane Helene disaster recovery efforts
- CAP Population Census and Health Disparity Report
- Proposed data to display on the CAP Dashboard
- CAP/DA waitlist management process
- CAP/DA Renewal Waiver update
- CAP/C Utilization of attendant nursing care (ANC), pediatric nurse aide (PNA) and In-home aide (IHA) services in combination with other Medicaid and waiver services
- CAP Measurements of Continuous Quality Improvement Strategies
Contact: NCLIFTSS (Acentra) or 833-522-5429
Register Now! PANS and Related Inflammatory Brain Disorders – Advances in Immunopsychiatry
Join Us for On-Demand CME –Free to North Carolina Physicians
PANS and Related Inflammatory Brain Disorders: Advances in Immunopsychiatry features nationally and internationally renowned experts skilled in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches who will present a diverse range of emerging clinical and research challenges, insights, and advances in the field of inflammatory brain disorders.
Download the pdf here.
NCDHHS: Notification Required for Change of Ownership
Enrolled providers must notify the Department at least 30 days prior to the effective date of a change of ownership.
Consistent with state and federal law, NCDHHS requires notification of any change of ownership (CHOW) for providers enrolled as a NC Medicaid provider. The enrolled provider must notify the Department at least 30 days prior to the effective date of any CHOW.
Providers will need to complete the Provider Change of Ownership Disclosure Form. The form is located on the NCTracks Providers webpage under Quick Links.
Once the form is downloaded, the Provider will need to:
- Complete all applicable fields within the CHOW form
- Email the form and any supporting documentation to [email protected]
In addition to submitting the Disclosure Form, both the former and new owner must make changes to the provider’s NCTracks enrollment record. For information regarding the enrollment, termination or modification of the NCTracks Provider Enrollment record due to a CHOW, review the Change of Ownership (CHOW) FAQs and follow the instructions as applicable to the intended structure of the NCTracks enrollment record under the new owner.
Questions? Contact: NCTracks Call Center: 800-688-6696
Joy, Giving, and Community Spirit: 20th Annual Cheers! for Brenner Children's Hospital
The 20th Annual Cheers! for Brenner Children's Hospital will take place Friday, November 15, at the Millennium Center in downtown Winston-Salem.
Organizers are promising an extraordinary evening filled with joy, giving and community spirit. The event is presented by Simply Southern, which has committed to match all funds raised, up to $150,000, amplifying the impact of each dollar donated.
Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children's Hospital in Winston-Salem, a full-service children’s hospital serving western North Carolina, is the Triad region’s only children’s hospital, pediatric emergency department, Level I children’s surgery center and Level I pediatric trauma center, a distinction it has held since 2011 when it became the first in the state.
Since its inception in 2005, Cheers! has raised over $3 million, with funds helping Brenner Children's Hospital deliver critical services, advance research and ensure that every patient receives exceptional care. Over the years, this beloved event has become a heartfelt tradition, bringing together generous individuals, former patients, families and friends, all united in support of Brenner Children’s Hospital’s mission.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Cheers! will feature an array of activities, including a seated dinner, specialty cocktails and both live and silent auctions. The evening will conclude with an energetic late-night silent disco, providing a unique experience to cap off a memorable night.
“As we celebrate 20 years of Cheers! for Brenner Children's Hospital, we’re reminded of the incredible impact our community’s support has had," said Lisa Marshall, chief philanthropy officer and vice president at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. "This longstanding generosity has allowed us to expand our reach and elevate our services, ensuring that we can continue making a profound difference in the lives of countless children and families. Together, we’re building a legacy of hope that grows stronger every year."
More information about the 20th annual Cheers! for Brenner Children's Hospital, including ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities, can be found at BrennerChildrens.org/Cheers.
“We encourage our community to join us on Friday, Nov. 15 for an unforgettable evening of celebration, unity, and philanthropy as we work together to make a difference in the lives of children in need,” Marshall said. [source]
Enhanced Breast Cancer Screening for Women with Dense Breast Tissue
AdventHealth Hendersonville is excited to announce the availability of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) for patients in Western North Carolina, particularly benefiting women with dense breast tissue. The CEM is available through AdventHealth Imaging Hendersonville’s Hologic 3Dimensions® mammography system.
Recent research has shown that standard mammography can be 30% to 40% less sensitive in women with dense breast tissue. Studies prove that contrast-enhanced mammography is especially effective on dense breasts because it is unaffected by background breast tissue, making it an easier and more effective exam.
In the U.S., mammograms are recommended yearly or bi-yearly for people aged 40 to 74.
According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly half of women 40 and older who get mammograms have dense breasts. For women with dense breast tissue, or women with a high risk of cancer, contrast-enhanced mammography offers the ability to find cancer earlier.
With contrast-enhanced mammography before the patient has the imaging scans, they are given contrast dye through an IV. This dye shows up in the scans and allows for cancer to be recognized at the earliest possible stages. Contrast-enhanced mammography is also proven to reduce the number of biopsies on women who might not have cancer.
AdventHealth encourages women who are interested in this new cancer screening and diagnostic tool to talk with their doctor to find out if contrast-enhanced mammography is the right option for them. Patients may qualify for CEM cancer screening if they have dense breast tissue, intermediate risk of cancer, or are at high risk but do not qualify for MRI or would prefer CEM.
Extended Imaging Hours:
To make it easier for patients to receive the imaging services they need, AdventHealth now offers Extended Imaging Hours at our hospital in Hendersonville. Patients can call 828-681-2180 to schedule imaging appointments until 8 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
AdventHealth Hendersonville is committed to providing comprehensive cancer care you can count on. With this new state-of-the-art cancer screening and diagnostic tool, women in WNC can have peace-of-mind knowing that AdventHealth is making it easier and more convenient to catch their cancer early.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit AdventHealthWNC.com or call 828-681-2180. [source]
Register Now! Psychiatric Presentations with a Neuroimmune Basis ECHO
Neuroimmune Foundation has partnered with Project ECHO® – an internationally recognized platform with over one million learners in 45+ countries focused on over 1000 medical conditions, to offer weekly didactics and case-based learning to physicians worldwide.
Download the pdf document here.
Register here.
🎉It's New Member Monday!🎉
Join us in welcoming these new members to the North Carolina Medical Society!
- Ian Adam, MD
- Catherine M. Alexander, MD
- Yonghee K. Cho, MD
- Nicola S. Corbett, MD
- Jakub M. Dmochowski, MD
- Michael B. Geary, MD
- John W. Henderson, II, DO
- Andrew S. Hodge, DO
- Kyle C. Lambert, PA-C
- David M. Macknet, MD
- Lauren S. Mokris, MD
- Jessica R. Swavely, DO
- Trishna Chand Thakur, MD
- Paul R. Weaver, DO
We are thrilled to have you!
Not a member but would like to be? Joining is simple. Visit our membership center here.
A Message from the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office: Protecting the Wellbeing of the Clinical Workforce
A Message from the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office
“We know that better is not only possible but is vital before any more lives are lost among us or impacted further by the stigma that surrounds mental health. Health workers, in particular, now more than ever, deserve the care, treatment, and support they need, whenever they need it, and without any shame or fear of losing their health professional licenses, jobs, even careers.”
Jeane Garcia Davis, MSN/MPH, RN
Deputy Director for Science and Policy
U.S. Surgeon General’s Office
Jeane Garcia Davis, Deputy Director for Science and Policy at the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office, shares a video message with North Carolina physicians, PAs, trainees, residents, and students. In her message, she underscores national efforts to protect the wellbeing of the clinical workforce, highlighting landmark policies and investments aimed at transforming structures, systems, and workplace cultures. She emphasizes that the wellbeing of our nations and state’s health workers is just as vital as that of the patients they care for.
Key Stretch of Blue Ridge Parkway Reopens After Hurricane Helene Damage
Hurricane Helene carved a path of devastation across the southeastern United States in September and left areas like the Blue Ridge Mountains around Asheville, North Carolina in complete destruction. Now, less than two months later, an important part of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is once again open to drivers.
On November 6, the Blue Ridge Parkway announced that it reopened an 11-mile stretch of the famous road near Asheville. The newly reopened portion reaches from milepost 382.5 at U.S. 70 near the Folk Art Center to milepost 393.6 at NC Route 191 near the North Carolina Arboretum and the French Broad Overlook at milepost 393.8.
Continue reading here.
NCMS Recognizes NCMS Disaster Relief Fund Contributors
A heartfelt THANK YOU to these individuals and organizations for their contribution to the NCMS Disaster Relief Fund. Your generous donation is far more than just a financial contribution; it’s a lifeline for the many affected by Hurricane Helene, and vital in providing support to healthcare professionals and communities impacted by this disaster.
We invite you to spread the word about the NCMS Disaster Relief Fund and stay engaged with us as we work together to help restore our Western North Carolina neighbors.
We are grateful to have you in our community!
- American Medical Association Foundation
- Atlantic Internal Medicine
- Amar M. Amaresh, MD
- Edwin C. Bartlett, Sr., MD
- Deanna M. Boyette, MD
- Edwin K. Burkett, MD
- Cobb County (GA) Medical Society
- John A. Fagg, MD
- Barbara Hodde
- Martha G. Peck, MD
- Gary Price, MD
- Eugene E. Wright, Jr., MD
- Kathy F. Wright
- Curi
- Anonymous
- Christopher T. Grubb, MD
- Lyndon K. Jordan, III, MD, FACR
- Katie Lowry, MD, MPH
- Laura J. Luckadoo, MD
- Robeson Pediatrics
- Kirby Sheridan
- Catherine L. Sotir, MD
- Vinod C. Vallabh, MD
- Ian D. Archibald, MD
- Preecha Bhotiwihok, MD, MPH
- John W. Black, MD
- Anonymous
- Gay M. Bowman
- Georgi N. Brockway, MD
- Michael T. Brohawn
- Anonymous
- Carolina Complete Health Network
- Sharon M. Foster, MD, FAAP
- Donna C. Graves, MD
- M. Mark Hester, MD
- Suneya G. Hogarty, DO
- Marius J. Ilario, MD
- Linda W. Lawrence, MD
- Douglas S. McFarlane, MD
- Mark B. Moeller, MD
- Anonymous
- Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic, PA
- Timothy J. Reeder, MD, MPH, FACEP
- Alan J. Rosenbaum, MD
- Anonymous
- Marshall Z. Schwartz, MD
- Douglas D. Sheets, MD, FACOG
- W. Alan Skipper, CAE
- Jennifer K. Stoddard, MD
- STUSQU, PLLC
- Lisa W. H. Thompson, MD
- Cheryl L. Walker-McGill, MD, MBA
- Craig E. Webb, MHS, PA-C
- Johnathan D. Williams, MD
- Anonymous
- Idil Aktan, MD
- R. D. Almkuist, II, MD
- American Board of Pediatrics Inc
- Caroline D. Ames, MD, FACS
- James H. Antoszyk, MD
- Joy Avery
- Timothy M. Beittel, MD
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
- Cedar Mount Behavioral Health, PA
- Center For Pain Management, PLLC
- Melissa M. Coale, MD
- Anonymous
- Kim D. Dansie, MD
- Jackie M. Davis-Jones
- Jessica F. Doerrler, PA
- Patricia Duncan
- Peter A. Eweje, MD
- Mark W. Featherston, MD
- Anonymous
- Joanne M. Fruth, MD
- Lisa M. Gangarosa, MD
- Highland Medical Associates
- Anonymous
- Joseph P. Hunstad, MD, FACS
- Kitsie Jones
- Christopher P. Jordan, MD
- Kerry Kendall
- Eugenie M. Komives, MD, FAAFP
- Ted R. Kunstling, MD, FCCP
- Andrew S. Lamb, MD
- Keith LaScalea, MD
- Anonymous
- Elizabeth G. Livingston, MD
- Anonymous
- Laura L. Martinez, MD
- Darlyne Menscer, MD
- Ashley Newton
- J. Thomas Newton, MD
- Carolyn O'Conor, MD
- Michael K. Patrick, MD
- Patricia Petrick, MD
- Emily Rayes-Prince, MD
- Anonymous
- Corianne D. Rogers, MD
- Nimesh B. Shah, MD
- Kristen M. Shipherd
- Maria J. Small, MD
- Anonymous
- Michol Stanzione, DO
- Steele Creek Dermatology
- Al Steren, MD and Diane Snyder Steren, MD
- Martha Strange, MD
- Thomas M. Swantkowski, MD, AGAF, FACG
- Marian L. Swinker, MD, MPH
- Christopher L. Tebbit, MD
- Monecia Thomas, PhD
- Dimitri G. Trembath, MD
- Michael J. Utecht, MD, FACEP
- Lynnea Villanova, MD
- Bonnie E. Wagner, PA-C
- Rebecca Y. Weinshilboum, DO
- Carl J. Westcott, MD
- Thomas R. White, MD
- Anonymous
- Women's HealthCare Consultant PC
- Nagarjuna Yerra, MD
- Michael Bartiss, MD / Family Eye Care of the Carolinas
- David Boone, MD
- Carolina Complete Health
- Karl Chiang, MD
- John Chretien, MD
- Anonymous
- Kelly Fedoriw, MD
- Carolyn Ferree, MD
- Alison Gardner, MD
- John Goldfield, MHS, PA-C
- Akilah Grimes, MD
- Sandra Jackson / Eastern Pediatrics
- Matthew Katz, MS / MCK Health Strategies
- Melissa Kenny
- Donna McGee, MD
- Larry Napolitano, Jr., MD
- Michael P. Reddy-Miller, MD
- Anonymous
- Andrew Pasternak, MD
- Antonio Ramirez, MD
- Beth Remhof
- Jennifer Root, MD
- Richard Savage, MD
- Anonymous
- Soma Sengupta, MD
- Nimesh Shah / Noble Hospitality Investment
- Amanda Trimpey, MD, MPH, FACOEM
- Yunxiang Zhu, MD
*Please note: List reflects donations received through Tuesday, November 5.
Best Practices for Implementing a New EHR System
Join Seppo Rinne, MD, PhD, as he explores practical strategies for navigating the complex process of transitioning to a new electronic health record (EHR) system. Drawing on real-world experiences from organizations that have successfully implemented EHR changes, learn how to manage the challenges of EHR transitions to enhance workflow efficiency and improve patient care. From initial preparation to system optimization, this session will provide actionable steps for health care administrators, informaticists, clinical leaders, and frontline clinicians and include a live Q&A moderated by Jill Jin, MD, MPH.
Learn more and register here.
Register Now! Medicaid Managed Care Fireside Chat.
Medicaid Managed Care Fireside Chat
Thursday, November 21
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Please join this month's Fireside Chat on November 21, hosted by Dr. Janelle White, Chief Medical Officer of Medicaid, Medicaid colleagues and CEOs from Standard Plans and Tailored Plans.
Topics will include:
- Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts
- Results from the 2023 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems
- Medical Clinical Policy Updates
- Pharmacy Updates
- Collaborative Care Capacity Building Program (CoCM)
- Community Alternatives Program (CAP) Referral Process for Children and Disabled Adults
Downed Trees Prompt Wildfire Concerns in Western NC
Trees were strewn about like sticks across western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene brought torrential water currents rushing through valleys.
Now those same washed-out trees and brush are causing concern for wildfires.
The North Carolina Forest Service said this weekend that the potential for increased wildfire activity is above normal in November.
“In the aftermath of [Helene], the amount of fuel on the ground is excessive. Smaller diameter fuels and leaf litter will quickly dry out,” the Forest Service wrote on Facebook.
In addition to the fallen debris providing numerous kindling opportunities, the forest service says they’ll have trouble responding to fires if they break out.
“Damage to roads, unstable, and downed trees will continue to challenge response, making it difficult for first responders to access some wildfires, which increases the potential for large wildfires in the most heavily impacted areas,” the forest service wrote.
Channel 9′s Dave Faherty spoke with a forester with the NCFS who said there’s still a lot of work to be done after Helene.
“We’re expecting people to do more burning this fall. We are worried about access with landowner roads and small woods roads that landowners say they have not had the time to clean out yet,” said Eve Ciotti with the NC Forest Service. ”So if a wildfire does occur we are worried about getting to that fire.”
The forest service says November is one of their busiest months. Last year they had 2,000 wildfires across the state, and 1,200 of them were in the month of November.
But despite the risk, there’s still the need to burn safely. Gary Miller and his son were working to clear trees on their property near Colletsville, but there are so many that they’ll have to cut them up and burn them sometime in the next month.
“We’re going to burn,” Miller told Faherty. “We have to get a burning permit, do everything like we’re supposed to, so we don’t endanger anyone else’s property.”
They say they’re waiting for some rain before setting fire to the fallen trees. Since the storm hit more than five weeks ago, there has been very little rain here.
Some parts of western North Carolina are currently in early drought stages. The NCFS said it’s important to keep an eye on the weather. The agency reminded residents to not burn anything on dry and windy days.
You can find more tips to prevent wildfires at this link. [source]
NC Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being Consortium LEAD Highlights!
At the recent LEAD Conference, the North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being (NCCPRW) Consortium reaffirmed its dedication to improving the professional well-being of healthcare workers across the state. Earlier this year, NCCPRW joined forces with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation (DLBHF) to launch the ALL IN: Caring for North Carolina’s Caregivers initiative.
On Saturday, DLBHF CEO Corey Feist, JD, MBA and CMO Stefanie Simmons, MD, FACEP addressed conference attendees to share progress on Phase 1 of ALL IN: C4NCC and preview Phases 2 & 3 of the initiative. Phase 1, which began in April, called on hospitals and health systems to remove invasive and stigmatizing mental health language from credentialing applications, addendums, and peer review forms.
Since April, five North Carolina Health Systems, representing 45 hospitals and benefiting 14,000 credentialed health workers, along with the NC Department of Insurance, have audited, changed, and verified that their credentialing applications are free from intrusive and stigmatizing questions regarding mental health conditions and treatment.
We recognize the following recipients as Wellbeing First Champions:
- HCA Healthcare
- Novant Health
- Sentara Health
- UNC Health
- WakeMed Health & Hospitals
- NC Department of Insurance
- revised its Uniform Credentialing Application, enabling many hospitals across the state that use this form to benefit from the change and further update their own supplemental forms.
In the latter part of the NCCPRW Consortium session, Dr. Stefanie Simmons led a panel discussion titled “Leading Sustainable Systems-Change for a Healthy Workforce.” Panelists included Dr. Christina Bowen, Chief Wellbeing Officer at ECU Health; Dr. Nadia Charguia, Executive Medical Director of the Wellbeing Program at UNC Health and Medical School; and Dr. Jeffrey Hatcher, Chair of Physician Professionalism at Cone Health. They shared evidence-informed strategies being used within their organizations to drive and accelerate structural reforms, along with practical advice on initiating changes when resources and budgets are limited.
Be sure to continue checking Morning Rounds, as we share more photos and details from a weekend of recognition and celebration!
The North Carolina Medical Society is Hiring! Join Our Team!
The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) is looking for talented, driven individuals to help us shape the future of healthcare in North Carolina. We are currently hiring for two key positions: Coordinator, Association Management and Manager, Financial Operations.
Manager, Financial Operations - NCMS Foundation
The Manager, Financial Operations manages day to day financial transactions of the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation (NCMSF) and other affiliated organizations. Processes accounts payable and receivables, reconciles bank statements, performs accounting and audit functions and other financial administration of the Enterprise.
Get a full description of the Manager, Financial Operations - NCMS Foundation position here.
Coordinator, Association Management
The Coordinator, Association Management manages the day-to-day needs of the Association Management department. This department manages and operates 14 component associations. Duties include project coordination, conference and event support, membership recruitment and retention, daily accounting functions, responding to member and prospective member inquiries, and preparation and follow-up activities associated with board and committee meetings.
Get a full description of the Coordinator, Association Management position here.
How to apply:
Send your resume to [email protected].
Hurricane Helene and the Impact on Reproductive Health in Western North Carolina
Since Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina in late September, the full spectrum of reproductive health care in the region has been in precarity, from treatment for high-risk pregnancies to abortion care. Western North Carolina’s only abortion clinic is still closed, and third-trimester, high-risk pregnant patients have been transferred out to hospitals across the state, health care workers told States Newsroom.
Dr. Bhaskari Burra is an Asheville-based OB-GYN who works at the only high-risk obstetrics center in western North Carolina. She’s also a fellow with Physicians for Reproductive Health.
The clinic had to close after the storm and wasn’t able to fully open back up until the middle of October, Burra said: “We’re already in a maternity care desert in this area and that sort of further ostracized people from accessing care on the outpatient side.”
Continue reading here.
Baxter International Restarts IV Fluid Solutions Manufacturing at Largest Plant
Baxter International restarted its highest-throughput intravenous solutions manufacturing line at its hurricane-hit North Cove facility in North Carolina, the company announced Thursday.
At its peak operation, prior to Hurricane Helene, manufacturing line represented approximately 25% of the site’s total production and approximately 50% of the site’s production of one-liter IV solutions, the most commonly used size by hospitals and clinics.
Baxter said initial batches will be manufactured concurrently with ongoing quality activities and will only be released in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements to ensure the quality and safety of the products.
“Recovery progress at our North Cove site continues to be very encouraging. In a matter of weeks, our team has advanced from the depths of Hurricane Helene’s impact to restarting our highest-throughput manufacturing line. This is a pivotal milestone, but more hard work remains as we work to return the plant to full production," José E. Almeida, chair, Baxter International president and chief executive officer said in a statement. "I want to recognize the dedication of our North Cove team as well as the countless Baxter employees globally who have committed themselves to helping contribute to supply continuity amid this unprecedented challenge. I also offer Baxter’s gratitude for the steadfast support of ASPR, FDA, the State of North Carolina and HHS. And we are deeply appreciative of our customers’ patience and partnership as progress continues.”
Continue to the full article here.
Capitol Chronicle: Medicare Payment – 2.8% Cut on the Horizon / Working Toward a Fix
Medicare Payment – 2.8% Cut on the Horizon / Working Toward a Fix
On Friday, November 1st, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued its final rule on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which includes a 2.8% cut in Medicare physician payment. The payment reduction is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2025.
News of the potential cut was announced mid-year and the North Carolina Medical Society, along with our medical/specialty society partners, has been advocating since that notice for a fix to the anticipated cut. That work will continue in earnest as we approach year-end.
If the payment cut goes into effect, physicians will be facing a fifth year in a row of declining payments while medical practice costs continue to rise. Our message: This is unsustainable, and practices are at the breaking point as they strive to meet Medicare patients’ needs. Practice viability hangs in the balance and shifting patient mix to offset another payment reduction is not an option for many.
A Fix on the Horizon
Fortunately, our messages are being heard on Capitol Hill and a bipartisan group in the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Rep. Greg Murphy, MD, has introduced legislation to avert the 2.8% cut (H.R. 10073) and to add a positive payment adjustment to help physicians and medical practices absorb next year’s projected 3.6% increase in the medical practice operational cost.
Congress will be headed back to Washington after this week’s election and a fix for Medicare physician payment cut will continue to be our priority during their home-stretch session. Our hope is that a fix won’t be a last-minute rescue as the 2024 clock winds down.
You can help in this effort. Please use this LINK that the AMA posted to send your members of Congress a message stressing another cut in Medicare physician payment is unsustainable. You may have received similar requests from our partner organizations, such as national specialty societies, and we encourage you to use those channels for communicating your concerns as well.
We are also collecting statements and practice profiles from across the state to help in our effort to convey the impact of Medicare payment cuts on practices and access to care for patients. Please email your submissions to be included as examples we can share with our members of Congress.
Thank you. Your engagement matters.
Do you know your state and federal legislators? More importantly, do your legislators know you?
The NCMS can help you connect with policy makers as a constituent and advocate!
NCMS Member Performs First Dual Chamber Leadless Pacemaker System in Wake County
NCMS member Dr. Hemant Solomon with WakeMed Heart & Vascular - Cardiology recently performed Wake County’s first procedure to implant Abbott’s AVEIR™ DR, the world’s first dual chamber leadless pacemaker system.
Approved by the FDA in June 2023, Abbott’s AVEIR DR is roughly one-tenth the size of a traditional pacemaker and provides a new minimally invasive option for patients who require pacing in two chambers of the heart. Primarily used for people with slow or irregular heart rhythms, the Abbott AVEIR DR uses innovative technology to wirelessly communicate and make sure the heart stays on beat.
Unlike traditional pacemakers, leadless devices are implanted directly into the heart through a minimally invasive procedure and eliminate the need for cardiac leads. This reduces exposure to potential lead and pocket-related complications and offers a less restrictive and shorter recovery period for patients.
Congratulations to Dr. Solomon and the WakeMed Cary Hospital Heart & Vascular Labs team!
For more information about WakeMed Heart & Vascular services, visit www.wakemed.org/hearts. [source]
The General Election Is Today!
During the early voting period, voters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county. This is different than Election Day, when registered voters must vote at their assigned polling place. During the early voting period, eligible individuals may also register to vote and vote at the same time (see Same-Day Registration below).
For an overview of North Carolina’s current elections, visit Upcoming Election.
The general election is on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Unsure if You Are Registered?
Find out if you are registered to vote by entering your information into the Voter Search.
Don’t Forget Your Photo ID
North Carolina voters will be asked to show photo ID when they check in to vote. Learn more: Voter ID.
Same-Day Registration
Although same-day registration is available for voters during early voting, same-day registration is not available for most voters on Election Day.
Your Sample Ballot
To view sample ballots, registered voters must enter their information into the Voter Search and navigate to “Your Sample Ballot.” Voters can practice making selections with the accessible sample ballot: “Option 4” at the NC Absentee Ballot Portal.
Note: Sample ballots for each election are only available once finalized.
By-Mail Absentee Ballot Drop-Off
Voters who receive an absentee ballot by mail may deliver their ballot to their county board of elections office or to an election official at an early voting site during any time that site is open for voting. Ballots will be kept securely and delivered to the county board of elections for processing.
Voting Equipment
Curious which equipment will be at your voting site? Check the interactive map and table: Early Voting Equipment by County.
Voter Assistance and Curbside Voting
Any voter who qualifies for assistance may ask for help at their polling place under Assistance to voters (N.C.G.S. § 163-166.8). To find more information, visit Help for Voters with Disabilities. Curbside voting is available for eligible individuals. For more information, see Curbside Voting.
After You Vote
You can find out whether your vote counted in the “Your Absentee Ballot” section of the Voter Search database. Under North Carolina law, all early votes — by-mail or in-person — are considered absentee votes. Your ballot status also will show up in the “Voter History” section as soon as your county completes the post-election process of assigning voter history to your record. This may take up to a few weeks after Election Day.
Learn about NCMS member candidates here.
Workplace Safety: Creating a Culture of Care and Respect - Live Webinar
Workplace Safety: Creating a Culture of Care and Respect
Wednesday, November 6
12:00 – 1:00 PM EST/EDT
In this webinar, Paul Perryman, MSN, MS, RN, NE-BC and Catherine Capp, MSN, RN, ANP-BC aims to define workplace violence and its impact in the healthcare setting. During this session, regulatory standards to address workplace violence will be reviewed as well as proactive strategies to reduce the risk of workplace violence and raise awareness on the incidence of workplace violence in the hospital setting.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the scope of workplace violence
- Define workplace violence and differentiate its domains
- Describe one proactive strategy to prevent workplace violence
- Identify institutional strategies to raise awareness on workplace violence
Registration is a Breeze at 2024 LEAD Conference in Greensboro
Day one of the 2024 LEAD Conference kicked off with Kelly Wilson and Beth Remhoff manning the registration booth. Once registered, attendees proceeded to the Practice Solutions Hall after seeing the NCMS History Hall.
NCMS LEAD Exhibitors Make 2024 Event Amazing Time for Attendees
This is a selection of some of the vendors at 2024 LEAD Conference! Thanks to all of the people who helped make this an amazing event!