NCMS Board Member Jugta Kahai, MD, Receives Health Care Heroes Award

 

The Greater Wilmington Business Journal recently hosted its annual Health Care Heroes Awards at the Wilson Center, honoring the community’s health care workers.

Congratulations to NCMS Board member Dr. Jugta Kahai for winning the physician category award.

Dr. Kahai was honored for her work with the Columbus County Opioid Task Force, Columbia County Community Collaborative and Resilient Columbus. She also created a community garden at Columbus Regional.

 

by Joy Avery

FDA Warning: Stop Using These Over-the-counter Eye Drop Products

FDA warns consumers not to purchase or use certain eye drops from several major brands due to risk of eye infection

 

 

[10/30/2023] FDA is updating the list of over-the-counter eye drop products consumers should not purchase or use to include Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 mL sold by Walmart in stores and online. Walmart is removing the product from their store shelves and website.

[10/27/2023] FDA is warning consumers not to purchase and to immediately stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products due to the potential risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately. These products are marketed under the following brands:

  • CVS Health
  • Leader (Cardinal Health)
  • Rugby (Cardinal Health)
  • Rite Aid
  • Target Up & Up
  • Velocity Pharma

These products are intended to be sterile. Ophthalmic drug products pose a potential heightened risk of harm to users because drugs applied to the eyes bypass some of the body’s natural defenses.

FDA recommended the manufacturer of these products recall all lots on October 25, 2023, after agency investigators found insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas in the facility. FDA also recommends consumers properly discard these products.

CVS, Rite Aid and Target are removing the products from their store shelves and websites. Products branded as Leader, Rugby and Velocity may still be available to purchase in stores and online and should not be purchased.

FDA has not received any adverse event reports of eye infection associated with these products at this time. FDA encourages health care professionals and patients to report adverse events or quality problems with any medicine to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:

  • Complete and submit the report online at Medwatch; or
  • Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

 Eye Drop Retailers and Product Information

Retailer/ Label Product Product Information
CVS Health Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack) Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack) Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (single pack) Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (twin pack) Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops
Lubricating Gel drops 10 ml Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (single pack) Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack) Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
Mild Moderate Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack) Polyethylene Glycol 400 Eye Drop '0.25% w/v
Rugby (Cardinal Health) Lubricating Tears Eye Drops 15 ml Hypromellose 2910-0.3% w/v & Dextran 70- 0.1% Eye Drops
Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.4% Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml Polyvinyl Alcohol Eye Drops 1.4% w/v
Leader (Cardinal Health) Dry Eye Relief 10 ml Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack) Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack) Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Dry Eye Relief 15 ml Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
Eye Irritation Relief 15 ml Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops
Rite Aid Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack) Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack) Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
Gentle Lubricant Gel Eye Drops 15 ml Hypromellose 0.3%, Glycerin 0.2%, Dextran 70 0.1% Eye Drops
Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
Lubricating Gel Drops 10 ml Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops
Target Up&Up Dry Eye Relief Lubricant Eye Drops 30 ml Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 15 ml (single pack) Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 30 ml (twin pack)  Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Velocity Pharma LLC Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml (triple pack) Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
Walmart Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops

 

by Joy Avery

Happy Birthday to These NCMS Members Celebrating This Month!

Grab your party hats and noisemakers and let’s celebrate!

 

Moses Y. Aboagye-Kumi, MD
Jeffrey E. Abrams, MD
Richard W. Adams, MD
Puneet Agarwal, MD
Masoud Ahdieh, MD
Oluwaseye S. Alabi, DO
Elizabeth Allen, MD
Joanne B. Allen, MD
Carrie D. Alspaugh, MD
Frank V. Aluisio, MD
Russell D. Anderson, MD
Allison A. Angott, MD
Robert A. Appert, MD
Aman Arora, MD
John H. Arrington, III, MD
Matthew E. Atkins, MD
Gillian A. Aylward, MD
Saiyyed O. Aziem, DO
Aaron H. Baer, MD
Marty A. Baker, MD
Scott M. Baker, MD
Daniel H. Barco, MD
Spencer K. Barrett, MD
Albert K. Bartko, III, MD
Thomas D. Batchelor, Jr., PA-C
Daren M. Beam, MD
Mark E. Beamer, MD
Thomas L. Beardsley, MD
Jeremy M. Belch, MD, MPH
William T. Benesky, Jr., PA-C
Sanford P. Benjamin, MD
Thomas N. Bernard, III, MD
Bruce H. Berryhill, MD
Charles S. Betts, MD
Courtney R. Bitzer, PA-C
James N. Blackerby, MD
Tracelynn J. Blackwell, PA-C
Joseph C. Boals, IV, MD, FAAP
Paul V. Bobryshev, MD
Hayley M. Boisseau, PA-C
Mohammad R. Bolouri, MD
Lindsay C. Boole, MD
Eduardo Borja Lascurain, MD
Gregory A. Bortoff, MD
Katay C. Bouttamy, DO
Cynthia Bowers-Lee, MD, FACEP
Michael H. Bowman, PhD, MD, FAAN
Robert E. Boykin, MD
H. Ezell Branham, Jr., MD
Michael W. Brennan, MD
William Z. Bridges, Jr., MD
Clyde L. Brooks, Jr., MD
Megan K. Brown, PA-C
Paul E. Brown, MD
Rachel E. Brown, MD
Rhett L. Brown, MD
Robert L. Brownlow, Jr., MD
James A. Bryan, III, MD
Leamor D. Buenaseda, MD
Nigel A. Buist, MD
Larry T. Burch, MD
Rachel M. Burch, MD
William J. Burchfield, MD
Jordan M. Burner, MD
Richard R. Burris, Jr., MD
Mark A. Burt, MD
Harry G. Burton, III, MD
Vernon D. Byrd, MD
Kyle L. Cabbell, MD
Milagros P. Cailing, MD
David S. Caldwell, MD
Harold H. Cameron, MD
Angelo C. Cammarata, MD
Woodward Cannon, MD
L. Keely Carlisle, MD
Keith K. Carmack, MD
Robert W. Carter, MD
Robin L. Casey, MD
Amy L. Cassidy, MD
Francisco A. Castillos, III, MD
Shelley D. Cathcart, MD
Amanda N. Centner, PA
Serena M. Chacko, MD
Christina M. Chaconas, MD
Kenneth H. Chambers, MD
Kirk L. Charles, MD, FACS
Sameer N. Chawla, MD
James X. Chen, MD
Mingwei Chen, MD
Cherry Chevy, MD
John Cho, MD
Bradley T. Christoph, DO
Trinh M. Chu, MD
Anna J. Ciccolini, PA-C
Darren A. Ciccolini, PA-C
William M. Clark, MD
George H. Clarke, MD
Charles H. Classen, Jr., MD
Kevin E. Coates, MD
Sandya T. Cohen, MD
Judith Y. L. Colclough, MD
Linda I. Collazo-Batista, MD
Nicole A. Collins, MD
Joseph C. Contento, MD
Ryan J. Cooper, MD
Rick J. Cornella, MD
Carey G. Cottle, Jr., MD
John C. Council, Jr., MD
Matthew Crabtree, DO
Jack L. Crain, MD
John L. Crawford, III, MD
Elizabeth D. Cressy, MD
Michael Creta, DO
A. Kerianne Crockett, MD
Julian C. Culton, MD
Raj M. Dalsania, MD
Nailesh D. Dave, MD
Gregory B. Davis, MD
William H. Davis, PA
J. C. B. Dean, MD
Arturo D. DeLeon, MD
Kiersten S. Derby, MD, MPH, FAAP
Amrita P. Devalapalli, MD
Shirish D. Devasthali, MD
Robert G. Deyton, Jr., MD
George H. Dornblazer, MD
Jamie Doster McIntyre, MD
Kevin G. Dover, MD
Amelia F. Drake, MD
Melinda J. DuBose, MD
Charles H. Duckett, MD
Gary P. Dupuy, MD
William F. Durland, Jr., MD
Kimberly R. Edwards, MD, MS, FAAD
Kurt J. Ehlert, MD
Returi P. R. Elkins-Williams, MD
Jessica D. Ely, PA
Elizabeth A. England, MD
Daniel M. Entwistle, MD, FAAP
J. McDonald Ernest, III, MD
Tracy L. Eskra, MD, MBA
Frank W. Farrell, Jr., MD
Cecil M. Farrington, Jr., MD
Alan B. Fein, MD
Whitney Y. Feltus, MD
Todd A. Feltz, PA-C
Mary J. Ference-Valenta, DO
Andrea S. Fernandez, MD
Carol A. Filomena, MD
Terence J. Fleming, MD
Jonathan Flescher, MD
Elizabeth N. Fojtik, MD
Maggie E. Foster, PA-C
William W. Foster, MD
Chelsea E. Fowler, DO
Amy W. Fox, MD
Robert W. Fraser, III, MD
M. Gena Frederick, MD
Natalee S. French, MD, FAAP
Robert C. Frere, MD, FAAN
John R. Fry, MD
Glenn E. Fusonie, MD
Kathleen A. Gallagher, MD
Jagadeesh R. Ganji, MD, FACC
Erika G. Gantt, MD
Jerome B. Gardner, MD
John S. Gaul, III, MD
Richard Gellar, MD
Donald D. Getz, MD
David B. Gilbert, MD
Kathryn F. Glenn, MD
Joseph L. Godfrey, MD
Michael J. Goebel, MD
Ugo Goetzl, MD, FAAN
Phillip J. Goldstein, MD
Tatyana V. Golub, MD
Stephen C. Gooding, MD
Kathleen G. Gordon, MD
Ronald G. Gore, MD
Ernesto J. F. Graham, MD
Frank R. Graybeal, Jr., MD, FACR
Nicole G. Greyshock, MD
Ormond D. Grice, MD
Ericka C. Griffin, MD
Raymond R. Groller, MD
Marc P. Guerra, MD
Mark A. Guirguis, DO
Gregory G. Gunsten, MD, FAAP
Gool K. Gupta, MD
Nitin Gupta, MD
Sachin K. Gupta, MD
Gary A. Haakenson, MD
Nizar Habal, MD, FACS
Sinisa Haberle, MD
Zeina A. Haddad, MD
James B. Hall, MD, FACOG, FACS
Alfred W. Hamer, Jr., MD
William F. Hancock, Jr., MD
L. Robert Hanrahan, Jr., MD
Joshua L. Hardison, MD
Gregory S. Harris, MD
R. Paul Harris, MD
Frank N. H. Harrison, Jr., MD
William F. Harriss, MD
Charul G. Haugan, MD
Richard I. Hayes, MD
Andrew T. Healy, MD
Mitchell T. Heflin, MD
Sarah F. Hendrickson, PA-C
Alyssa K. Henson, DO
Roger R. Hill, MD, MPH
Sherry J. Hinson, PA-C
Jack B. Hobson, MD
Kathryn R. Hodges, PA-C
Kelly L. W. Hoffmann, PA-C
Charles R. Hoidal, MD
Alisha V. Holbert, PA-C
Allen J. Holmes, MD
Derrick J. Hoover, MD
Susan S. Horlick, PA-C
Malina Howard, MD
Brendan L. Howes, MD
George C. Hughes, IV, MD
Jack Hughes, MD
Julia T. Hughes, MD
Jordan C. Humphrey, MD
Karen C. Hunt, MD
Zehra Husain-Syed, MD
Georgina D. D. Ishak, PA-C
Travis H. Jackson, MD
Allison L. Jacokes, MD
Selina L. James, MD
Jay C. Jansen, MD
Peter J. Jarosak, MD
Claudius D. B. Jarrett, MD
Brian L. Jerby, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Soma S. Johnkutty, MD
J. Theodore Johnson, Jr., MD
Robert B. Johnson, MD
Sally R. Johnson, MD
Jennifer Johnson Holley, PA-C
David S. Jones, MD
Mary M. Jones, MD
Perry E. Jones, MD
William H. Jones, MD
Shaconda M. Junious, MD
Jugta Kahai, MD, FAAP
Neelima Kamineni, MD
David J. Kammer, MD
Gordon C. Kammire, MD
Matthew G. Kanaan, DO, MS
Andrew J. Kapustin, MD
Nicolas-George Katsantonis, MD
Jeffrey A. Katz, PA-C
Marc S. Katz, PA-C
Mark A. Katz, MD
Justin R. Kauk, MD
Amarpreet Kaur, MD
Rebecca E. Keiffer, MD
Brendan P. Kelley, MD
Michael J. Kelley, MD
Andrea M. Kelly, PA-C
Susan L. Kennedy, MD
Jean B. F. Kenny, MD
Kendra E. Kesty, MD
Shaukat A. Khan, MD
Nina Z. Khatibi, PA-C
George D. Kimberly, MD
Houston M. Kimbrough, Jr., MD
Bradley M. King, MD
Michael B. King, MD, FACC
Stephen C. King, MD
Krista M. Kirby, PA-C
Michael B. Kodroff, MD
Daniel N. Koehler, DO
David J. Koenig, MD
Phillip M. Kostelic, MD
Sage P. Kramer, MD
Johanna E. Kreafle, MD
George H. Krebs, Jr., MD
Brian A. Krenzel, MD
Steven P. Kubicki, MD
Satish K. Kumar, MD
Michalina Kupsik, MD
James E. Kurz, MD
Michael A. Lach, DO
Andrew P. Lange, MD
Adam D. Langenbrunner, MD
Richard E. Lassiter, MD
Michael A. Lawrence, MD
Aimee M. Lawson, PA-C
Alicia H. Lazeski, MD
Yeonhee Lee, MD
Catherine C. LeGrande, PA-C
Laurie LeMauviel, DO
Michael R. Leone, MD
Robert H. Lester, MD
Dana A. Leventhal, DO
David D. Lewis, MD
Heather K. Lewis, MD
Newman M. Lewis, MD
Zachary A. Lindsey, MD
David Ling, MD
A. Stanley Link, Jr., MD
Daniel J. Linn, MD
W. A. Litzenberger, MD
Joseph T. Liverman, MD
David F. Locascio, MD
Choomsang Lohavichan, MD
Verachai Lohavichan, MD
Marchi V. Lopez-Linus, MD
Michael R. Love, PA-C
Jonathan C. Lowry, MD
Joy S. Lowry, MD, FAAP
Miha S. Lucas, MD
Evelyn M. Lyles, MD
Jennifer M. Mabry, MD
Scott A. MacDiarmid, MD
Christopher R. Madden, MD
Christian E. Magura, MD
Rafat Mahmood, MD
Anna M. Malysz Oyola, DO
Leena Mammen, MD
Stanley R. Mandel, MD
P. Prasad Manne, MD
Christopher R. Mantyh, MD
Howard F. Marks, Jr., MD
David A. Martin, Jr., MD
Jeffrey B. Martin, PA-C
Habib A. Masood, MD, FACP
Christopher W. Mattern, MD
Mark A. Mattioli, MD
Gary E. Mauldin, MD
Gina E. Mauldin, PA-C
John E. McAuliffe, MD
Jennifer R. McCarren, PA-C, MPAS
Patrick J. McConville, MD
John K. McCool, MD
Bobby K. McCullen, Jr., MD
Stacey L. McDonald, PA-C
Christopher M. McDowell, DO
Steven J. McEldowney, MD
Carrie A. McGroarty, PA-C
William F. McGuirt, Sr., MD
Adam B. McKenzie, DO
Warren W. McMurry, MD, FACS
D. Clinton McNabb, MD
Jesse N. McNiel, MD
Mary C. Meadows, PA-C
Robert L. Means, MD
John F. Mearns, DO
Gwenesta B. Melton, MD
Michele L. Mercer, MD
Rebecca B. Mercer, PA-C
Eric M. Meredith, MD
Richard H. Merrill, MD
James M. Mertesdorf, MD
David R. Messerly, MD
Margaret C. Metts, MD
David D. Meyer, MD, MBA
William F. Milam, MD
Carolyn A. Miller, MD
Jodi L. Miller, DO
Jacqueline H. Mims, MD
Stanley G. Minor, MD
Jennifer M. Mitch, MD
Gregory C. Mitro, MD
Robert L. Mittl, Jr., MD
Simone P. Montoya, MD
Brittany A. Moore, PA-C
Stephen I. Moore, III, MD
Elizabeth B. Moran, MD
Mark W. Morgan, MD
Stephanie E. Morgan, MD
Kenny J. Morris, MD
Peter J. Morris, MD, MPH
Crystal D. Mosteller Hopson, PA-C
Amit M. Mukhia, MD
Brian E. Munro, MD
Gina M. Murray, MD
Ryan P. Murray, MD
Hannah C. Muthersbaugh, PA-C, MMS
Thomas P. Mutton, MD
Susan G. Myers, MD
Menaka M. Nadar, MD
Kiran R. Nakkala, MD, MPH
C. Hughes Napper, MD
Richard Natale, II, MD
Lee Ann Naylor, MD
J. Thomas Newton, MD
Cuong T. Nguyen, MD
Brett C. Niblack, MD
William P. Nixon, Jr., MD
H. B. Noah, MD
Mark S. Noble, PA-C
Jaime B. Noonan, MD
Andrew M. Norris, MD
H. T. Norris, MD
Joseph A. Noto, MD
Joseph F. Nutz, Jr., MD
Dustin W. O'Keefe, MD
Eric L. Olson, MD
John S. O'Malley, MD
Todd J. Oswald, MD
Adam C. Ottley, MD
Gaylon V. Owens, MD
Sakine Ozyurt, MD
MaryEllen D. Pace, MD
Kristen R. Page, MD
James F. Palombaro, MD
Vishwan Pamarthi, MD
Clarito M. Pang, MD
Anup H. Parikh, MD
Ashesh S. Parikh, MD
Rakesh A. Parikh, MD
Holly H. Parker, MD
Seth T. Parker, MD
Walter T. Parkerson, MD
James A. Pascale, MD
George W. Paschal, III, MD
Mary L. Passannante, PA-C
Ashish B. Patel, MD
Hetal P. Patel, MD
Kalpesh G. Patel, MD
Ashwin A. Patkar, MD
H. Clifton Patterson, MD
Jay W. Patti, MD
Jaime Pedraza, MD
William B. Pemberton, MD
Sarah Peters, MD
Eric W. Peterson, MD
Amanda J. Pettibone-Pond, MD
Benjamin M. Petty, MD
John K. Petty, MD
Christina R. Peyton, MD
Marc A. Pilato, MD
Maria D. Pincus, MD, FAAP
R. Lee Pippin, MD
Jesse C. Pittard, MD
Sean Ploof, MD
Nicholas G. Plundo, DO
Tereza Poghosyan, MD
Scott C. Porter, PA-C
Jeffrey M. Potter, MD
Alexandra N. Powell, MD
Stephen H. Powell, MD
Donna L. Prather, MD
Ian S. Pratt, MD
Tanya S. Pratt, MD
Crystal M. Pressley, MD
Thomas B. Price, MD
Kris E. Proeschel, PA-C
Raeford T. Pugh, MD
Evan M. Pushchak, MD
Shelby K. Pushchak, MD
Misbah U. Qadir, MD, FACP
Cecil H. Rand, Jr., MD
Carl E. Ravin, MD
Keshavpal G. Reddy, MD
Kevin J. Reese, MD
David E. Rentz, MD, MPH
Gregory B. Reynolds, MD
John O. Reynolds, Jr., MD
Brian B. Rhodes, MD
Alfred L. Rhyne, III, MD
Lindsey N. Rice, PA
James C. Riley, MD
David A. Rinehart, MD
Ahren C. F. Rittershaus, MD
Jessica N. Rittler, PA-C
John D. Roberson II, MD
Benjamin S. Robey, MD
William L. Robinson, MD
Danielle B. Rocchio, MD
J. Gardiner R. Roddey, MD
Melissa Q. Rogers, PA-C
John T. Roper, MD
Jose I. Ros, MD
Todd J. Roth, MD
Jonathan S. Rubens, MD, FACEP
Roger B. Russell, MD
Sean C. Russell, PA-C
Edmund J. Rutherford, MD
Robert K. Sackmann, MD
Carolyn M. Sampson, MD
Gurinder P. S. Sandhu, MD
Devdutta G. Sangvai, MD, MBA, FAAFP
Joshua W. Sawyer, MD
Drew D. Schnyder, MD
Nicholas R. Schoenbachler, MD
Jared N. Schwartz, MD, PhD
Kevin S. Scully, MD
Stephen R. Seal, MD
Jennifer L. Seddon, MD
Torben Seear, MD
Karen Sennewald, MD
Dipen R. Shah, MD
Nimesh B. Shah, MD
Joseph C. Shanahan, MD, FACR
Nikhil Shankar, MD
Nael Shanti, MD
Mark T. Shapiro, MD, FAAO
Melissa J. Shelton, PA-C
Ajay Shreenath, MD
Tracy A. Shuford, PA-C
Leslie Sierra-Renten, MD
W. Reginald Sigmon, Jr., MD
Manmohan Singh, MD
Brian A. Singleton, MD
B. Todd Smith, MD
Danielle E. Smith, DO
Erin M. Smith, MD, FACEP
Scott L. Smith, MD
Tamas Soos, MD
Jacob B. Sooter, PA-C
Davey B. Stallings, MD
Karrie A. Stansfield, MD, FAAP
Natalie L. Staples, PA
Paul B. Starling, MD
Craig H. Steffee, MD
Tiffany Stephens, PA-C
Kristine C. Stevens, PA-C
Lori D. Stiegemeier, DO
Kristin K. Strange, MD
Taylor H. Stroud, MD
Roy E. Strowd, III, MD
Allston J. Stubbs, Jr., MD
Erin H. Stubbs, MD
Jennifer L. Sumner, MD
David K. Sutton, MD
William R. Sutton, MD
David W. Swayne, MD
Darden C. Swords, MD
James J. Szabo, MD
Paula E. Szypko, MD
Charles V. Taft, MD
Leonard J. Tananis, Jr., MD
Teerath P. Tanpitukpongse, MD
Velma V. Taormina, MD, FACOG
Wallace C. Tarry, MD
Zavette M. Tatum-Kodzai, MD
Joshua Tayloe, MD
Marshall C. Taylor, MD
Melinda Taylor, MD, FAAP
William C. Taylor, MD
Anand Tewari, MD
James M. Thomas, MD, FACS
Jessica G. Thomas, PA-C
Emily H. Thompson, MD
Brittain H. Tulbert, MD
Scott J. Tyrey, MD
Joseph J. Urash, DO, FAOCD
Jalane C. Valentini, DO
Val Pierre Vallat, MD
Robert A. van der Vaart, MD
Jan A. van Ravesteyn, MD
Elizabeth F. Vandergriff, MD
Harold M. Vandersea, MD
Mathew S. Varghese, MD
Steven A. Vernali, MD
Maria J. S. Villena, MD
Neil C. Vining, MD
Eugene H. P. Wade, MD
Carol M. Wadon, MD
Lauren E. Waldron, PA-C
William T. Walker, Jr., MD
Cheryl L. Walker-McGill, MD, MBA
James G. Wall, MD
Danielle S. Walsh, MD, FACS
Erin E. Walz, PA-C
Mark J. Warburton, MD
Scott A. Washburn, MD
Pearlie B. Watkins, III, MD
Bradley A. Watling, MD
Patrick Watterson, PA-C
LaShawn A. Weaver-Lee, MD
William W. Webb, Jr., MD
Spencer G. Weig, MD
Scott M. Wein, MD
Sarah E. Wells Slechta, MD
Thaddeus C. West, III, MD
Alan S. Wheeler, PA
Benjamin J. White, MD
Arthur W. Whitehurst, MD
Lelan F. Whitmire, MD
Joseph G. Wiater, MD
Steven F. Wiegand, MD
Tammie F. Wiley, MD
Stanley A. Wilkins, Jr., MD
Ernest C. Williams, MD
Joseph E. Williamson, MD
Stephen E. Willis, MD
Jonathan W. Winter, MD
S. Bradley Winter, MD
Donald B. Winters, MD, FAAP
Mary L. Wisniewski, MD
Kenneth A. Wolfson, MD
John M. Wooten, MD
Glenn T. Yamagata, MD
Marguerite M. Yao, MD, MPH
Siegfried C. Yeh, MD
Garret P. Young, MD
James R. Young, MD
John E. Yurko, MD
MaryShell B. Zaffino, MD
Jeffrey S. Zaidman, MD
Carlton J. Zdanski, MD
Mark K. Zeller, MD
Andrew J. Zerkle, MD
Yunxiang Zhu, MD

by Joy Avery

Registration Now Open: Tobacco Treatment in Adolescent and Young Adult Populations

Register now for a new intensive
One-Day Training!
Tobacco Treatment in Adolescent and Young Adult Populations


by Joy Avery

New Partnership Brings State-of-the-art Medical School to Fayetteville

Cape Fear Valley Health and Methodist University have combined forces to bring the first ever Medical School to Fayetteville

 

Earlier this year, news of a new medical school coming Fayetteville was announced. The project has been in the works since 2019. Now, leadership at the two institutions responsible are opening up about the Methodist University School of Medicine at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center (SOM), a state-of-the-art institution soon to be joining the Cape Fear Valley Health campus.

Continue reading here.

 

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New Medical School Coming to Fayetteville

by Joy Avery

NC Medicaid Updates: Maternity Coverage and Service Reimbursement

 

In compliance with Session Law 2023-14 (SL 2023-14) and to further improve the maternity coverage for NC Medicaid members, NC Medicaid is making updates to maternity coverage. The information in this bulletin applies to both NC Medicaid Direct and NC Medicaid Managed Care.

In accordance with SL 2023-14, NC Medicaid is making the following coverage and reimbursement updates, effective July 1, 2023:

  • Establishing parity for vaginal and cesarean delivery code rates at the higher rate that is no lower than 71% of the Medicare rate. Please see the Rates Increased for Obstetrical Maternal Services bulletin article for more details (including impacted codes) on this update.
  • Updating Clinical Coverage Policy 1E-5, Obstetrical Services, to reflect that Group Prenatal Care is an optional service that may be provided to pregnant beneficiaries. Medicaid shall pay an incentive for Group Prenatal Care when five or more visits are attended and documented in the health record. Records of this attendance must be available to NC Medicaid Direct or the NC Medicaid Managed Care health plans upon request.

In addition, NC Medicaid is making the following updates to Clinical Coverage Policy 1E-5, Obstetrical Services:

  • Adding coverage for the following new vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) codes, effective July 1, 2023:
  • Adding additional codes so that NC Medicaid can have a better understanding of the initial pre-natal and postpartum visits.

Some reminders related to NC Medicaid Maternity Coverage:

  • Providers shall complete the pregnancy risk screening form at the beneficiary’s initial visit and follow-up screening any time there is a maternal or fetal change in condition necessitating a new risk assessment. It is recommended that the Pregnancy Risk Screening Form be completed at the visits closest to 28 weeks gestation and 36 weeks gestation. NC Medicaid now reimburses for completion of the pregnancy risk screening form up to three times in a pregnancy.
  • Home births are not covered by NC Medicaid.
  • The Request for Coverage Form can be used to formally submit a request for coverage of a procedure(s), product(s) and/or service(s) by providers and external stakeholders.

Providers are encouraged to review Clinical Coverage Policy 1E-5, Obstetrical Services for a detailed overview of other language and guidance related to Maternity coverage. Additionally, providers can also see the 1E-5 Obstetrical Services and 1E-6 Pregnancy Management Program Policy Changes Effective Jan. 1, 2023 bulletin for more details on other changes which were made to maternity coverage in January 2023.

Providers can find the applicable rate increases listed on their respective Fee Schedule.

Questions? Contact NCTracks Call Center, 800-688-6696

by Joy Avery

Your PA Colleague Shares NCMS Leadership College Experience

NCMS has Leadership Development Opportunities for PAs

This year we're celebrating the NCMS 20th anniversary of Leadership College!

The award-winning leadership development program has seen more than 35 physician assistants get important new skills and build camaraderie with other PAs and physicians from across the state.

Hear from Class of 2018 Leadership College graduate
Cynthia Gary, MPH, PA-C, about her experience...

YOU can take advantage of these opportunities too!

Questions about membership?
Please contact us to learn more or for the opportunity to share your experience!

by Joy Avery

CDC Panel Backs Broader Use of Mpox Vaccine

 

By a 14-0 vote, CDC's vaccine advisors endorsed the use of the mpox vaccine for high-risk adults even after the outbreak.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the two-dose Jynneos vaccine for mpox prevention in adults at risk for infection.

Vaccine effectiveness estimates with the recommended two-dose Jynneos vaccine (given 28 days apart) range from 66% to 89%. The vaccine is currently approved for both smallpox and mpox.

According to the CDC, since the outbreak began in 2022, there have been more than 30,000 mpox cases reported and at least 54 death associated with the virus in the US. The current average is about one new case per day.

Read the full article here.

by Joy Avery

Present Your Work at the 2024 NC & SC OTO Annual Assembly

Call for Lecture Abstracts

NC & SC Societies of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
2024 Annual Assembly

July 12-14 at the Grove Park Inn

 

The NC and SC Societies of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery invite your participation at the 2024 Annual Assembly over the weekend of July 12-14, 2024 at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.

If you would like to be considered as a participant on the program, you are invited to submit a lecture abstract for consideration by Friday, December 15.

Please submit the Lecture Abstract Submission form, your curriculum vitae, and the disclosure form to Megan Eberle ([email protected]) or by fax to 919-833-2023.

Submission Deadline: December 15, 2023

Questions? Contact Megan Eberle at [email protected] or 919-623-3838

by Joy Avery

Are You Looking to Hone Your Leadership Skills? This Program is For You!

 

Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine is now accepting applications for its Master of Health Professions Education program (MHPE).

The MHPE is an online degree program focused on education in leadership, change management, curriculum design and teaching skills for clinicians of all disciplines.

The program is excellent preparation for clinicians considering an academic role – graduates have progressed to leadership roles in medical schools, PA programs, GME, and clinical organizations. HCLM graduates are eligible for 5 credit hours toward degree requirements through our partnership with CUSOM.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take your passion for patient care and teaching to the next level.

For more information, click here or email [email protected].

The application deadline for January entry is November 15th. Apply by November 10th and the application fee is waived using code MHPEFREE2024.

by Joy Avery

Duke Researchers Explore Psychedelics as Medicine

 

Decades after most hallucinogens were outlawed in the 1970s, scientists are researching their use in treating disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and addiction. How they work is still a mystery.

Across the Duke University School of Medicine, researchers are starting to understand their magic.

When people use psychedelics, several processes are believed to be at play in the brain. The substances can change how certain mood-related chemicals including serotonin receptors work, potentially reduce inflammation, and increase communication between specific emotional and sensory processing networks.

These mechanisms might help explain the profound and sometimes healing effects of psychedelics MDMA, psilocybin – the primary compound in magic mushrooms -- lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and ketamine, all known for their hallucinogenic properties.

Continue to the full article here.

by Joy Avery

Ready for Medicaid Transformation? Here Are Resources to Make It Easier

 

NC Medicaid, in partnership with NC Area Health Education Centers (AHEC), will be providing education and engagement, outreach and practice-level technical assistance to essential practices on transition processes and quality initiatives as NC Medicaid transitions to managed care. This high-level interaction is intended to help Medicaid providers successfully transition to managed care.

The partnership is assisting with webinars, online resources, meet-and-greet events with health plans across the state, virtual office hours and regional-focused training events. More information and resources are available in the Provider Playbook for Medicaid Transformation.

This support will also focus on rural and independent practices, including on-site coaching and technical assistance. For questions, email [email protected].

 

Related Posts:

Get Ready for December! NCDHHS Releases Medicaid Expansion Toolkit

Medicaid Expansion Will Go Live Friday, December 1, 2023! NCMS CEO and Board President Respond

by Joy Avery

NCMS Capitol Chronicle - Physicians’ Voices Heard at Rep. David Rouzer Roundtable

 

 

Congressman David Rouzer’s recent Health Care Roundtable in Wilmington assembled a panel of constituents to discuss issues on Congress’ agenda which impact patient care across the state. The interactive session focused on issues the NCMS and its partner societies have stressed as urgent to our members of Congress. Asks of Rep. Rouzer included:

  • Help remedy the workforce shortage problem the state by supporting more residency slots and eliminating the requirement that international medical graduates who train in the United States must return to home post-training.
  • Support relief from the burden of utilization management by advancing measures to eliminate wasteful prior authorization requirements and step therapy restrictions.
  • Help assure access to care for our state’s Medicare population by enacting Medicare payment reforms that would update the physician payment formula to include automatic inflationary adjustments
  • Support legislation that would lift the restriction on Physician Owned Hospitals.
  • Support our state’s veterans get the care they deserve by opposing the VA’s proposed National Standards of Practice that would allow unqualified, nonphysician providers the ability to practice medicine
  • Champion continued expansion of telehealth access.

Roundtable attendees included:

Claude Jarrett, MD / NCMS board member and Wilmington orthopaedic surgeon

Michael Moulton, MD / NCMS past president and Wilmington emergency medicine physician

Art Apolinario, MD / NCMS president and Clinton family physician

Van Huffmon, MD / New Hanover-Pender County Medical Society past president and Wilmington spine surgeon

Alan Skipper, CAE / NCMS Vice President, External Affairs

 

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!

 

by Joy Avery

Do You Wonder About Surgical Robots? NC System Is Answering Your Questions.

GREENSBORO –Imagine surgery with smaller incisions, fewer complications, less pain and a faster return to doing the things you love. Surgical robots are making that happen for increasing numbers of people. The public can see what the excitement is about at an open house Nov. 1 from 8:30 a.m.- 4:40 p.m. in the Medical Mall at Alamance Regional Medical Center.

While surgical robots can’t perform surgeries by themselves, they give surgeons superhuman capabilities that greatly benefit patients. The tools doctors use in traditional surgery have been made far smaller. The robot allows the surgeon to use these tools very precisely in increasingly complex operations. This leads to faster recoveries and smaller scars for patients.

A surgical robot will be in the medical mall so visitors can touch and see up close what the platform is capable of. Surgeons and operating room staff will be on hand to answer questions and to put on demonstrations throughout the day with simulations and models.

“Over the past four years, we’ve increased the number of robotic surgeries at Alamance Regional by 700% and have tripled the number of surgeons using them,” says Dr. Isami Sakai, the physician leader of Alamance Regional Medical Center Robotic Surgery. More robotic surgeries are done at Alamance Regional than any other hospital in Cone Health.

Alamance Regional was the first hospital in North Carolina to earn accreditation by SRC as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. Most general surgeries, gynecological procedures, oncology procedures and urology procedures are done robotically at Alamance Regional. [source]

by Joy Avery

Do CVD Preventive Care and Targeted Incentives Work? CMS Releases New Report.

CMS has released the final evaluation report of the Million Hearts Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model.

 

The report describes the model’s implementation and includes estimates of the model’s impact on heart attacks, strokes, survival, and spending. Over five years, the model reduced the incidence of first-time heart attacks and strokes by 3 to 4 percent in all-cause mortality among high- and medium-risk beneficiaries but did not measurably impact Medicare fee-for-service spending.

View the report here.

by Joy Avery

NCDHHS Providing Instructions for Removal of NC Medicaid Direct Members

 

NC Medicaid is providing Instructions for providers requesting removal of NC Medicaid Direct members from their patient panel. To have an NC Medicaid Direct member reassigned:

  1. Verify that members to be reassigned are active by using the NCTracks Recipient Eligibility Verification tool or by calling the NCTracks Call Center for more information: 800-688-6696
  2. Send the list of member IDs and the reason for reassignment to the main fax number of the local Department of Social Service (DSS) office in the members’ respective county of residence to initiate the reassignment process.
  3. If the submitted member(s) continues to appear on the provider’s panel the month following submission to DSS, follow-up with the DSS office in the members’ respective county of residence through email.

The Department has provided DSS additional guidance on the reassignment process with the intent of expediting the reassignment timeline.

For existing Help Center inquiries related to NC Medicaid Direct member reassignment, the Department will respond with the following message:

“Thank you for submitting your inquiry. Unfortunately, the Department is unable to reassign Medicaid Direct members at this time. We have shared correspondence with DSS offices reiterating the PCP change process and emphasizing the importance of timely processing of these such requests. Please resend these members to DSS for reassignment. This ticket will be closed.”

Question? Contact NC Medicaid Contact Center, 888-245-0179

by Joy Avery

Medicaid Expansion Update on HIV Copay Requirements

 

Effective November 1, 2023, in preparation for the launch of NC Medicaid Expansion, NC Medicaid will remove all copay requirements for antiretroviral (ARV) medications, which decrease viral load in patients with HIV. This change applies to both NC Medicaid Direct and NC Medicaid Managed Care and covers all FDA-approved ARVs used to treat HIV.

Currently, an eligible Medicaid beneficiary who receives prescribed drugs through the Outpatient Pharmacy benefit is required to pay a $4 copay for each prescription received unless they are exempt for one of the reasons listed in the Outpatient Pharmacy Clinical Coverage Policy No. 9. This change in policy supports public health efforts to reduce the transmission of HIV.

by Joy Avery

Get Ready for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

 

WINSTON-SALEM – To help ensure the safe disposal of unused medications, Novant Health is encouraging members of the community to clean out their medicine cabinets October 28, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Novant Health is hosting special events in Winston-Salem and Wilmington in honor of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The health system also has permanent medication take back containers in its hospital lobbies for year-round disposal as part of its sustainability goals and initiatives. Anyone in the community may use the containers free of charge to dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescription and/or over-the-counter medications. Locations include:

Greater Charlotte area locations:

  • Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, 10030 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC, 28078
  • Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, 1500 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews, NC 28105
  • Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center, 8201 Healthcare Loop, Charlotte, NC 28215
  • Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, 200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204
  • Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, 612 Mocksville Ave., Salisbury, NC 28144

Greater Winston-Salem area locations:

Special event Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Bolton Elementary School (1250 Bolton St., Winston-Salem). The drive-thru event is in conjunction with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department and Inmar Intelligence, a drug stewardship operator and leader in pharmaceutical reverse distribution. All medications and sharps/syringes will be accepted.

Permanent container locations:

  • Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center, 6915 Village Medical Circle, Clemmons, NC 27012
  • Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, 3333 Silas Creek Parkway. Winston-Salem, NC 27103
  • Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center, 1750 Kernersville Medical Parkway, Kernersville, NC 27284
  • Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center, 207 Old Lexington Road, Thomasville, NC 27360

Coastal region locations:

Special, drive-thru event Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at:

  • Novant Health New Hanover Medical Plaza, 2243 S. 17th St., Wilmington
  • Novant Health Scotts Hill Outpatient Surgery Center, 9104 Market St., Wilmington

The following will be accepted at this event: All medications, syringes, electronic cigarette and vaping devices with batteries removed.

Permanent container locations:

  • Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, 240 Hospital Drive NE, Bolivia, NC 28422
  • Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy, 2131 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC, 28401
  • Novant Health Emergency Department - Scotts Hill, 151 Scotts Hill Medical Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28411
  • Novant Health Pender Medical Center, 507 E. Fremont St., Burgaw, NC, 28425

Prescription drugs are the second most common type of illicitly used drugs, only behind marijuana. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.3 million people over age 12 reported misusing a prescription pain reliever in the prior year, with just under half of respondents reporting they received the medication from a friend or relative. Prescription pain relievers are not the only risk, however, with 5.1 million people reporting misuse of prescription stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin in the past year, and another 4.8 million people reporting benzodiazepine misuse.

by Joy Avery

AMA, American Health Association Give Gold Awards to NC Medical Group

Greensboro – The American Heart Association and the American Medical Association have awarded Cone Health Medical Group, gold awards for the way its medical practices treat high-blood pressure, cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes.

"This is terrific validation of the focus that our physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants place on prevention,” says Cone Health Medical Group President Dr. Martin Portillo. “When you and your provider keep blood pressure, cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes under control, you are going to live a healthier, longer life and avoid many expensive hospital stays."

Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke or heart failure. High cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure are leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, with timely diagnosis, research-based treatment and education, these conditions can be managed.

This year, Cone Health Medical Group received these achievement awards:

  • The American Heart Association’s Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ Gold
  • The American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Gold
  • Target: BP™ Gold+ recognition jointly presented by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association.  

The outpatient achievement award programs put the unparalleled expertise of the American Heart Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest research-based guidelines. Cone Health Medical Group was recognized after demonstrating how the organization has committed to improving risk factor management for patients.

"Type 2 diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure management are keys for better cardiovascular health – and critical today, when heart disease and stroke continue to be leading causes of death for Americans,” said Dr. Howard Haft, American Heart Association volunteer; consultant, senior medical advisor and adjunct professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine; and former executive director of the Maryland Primary Care Program with the Maryland Department of Health. “The American Heart Association is pleased to recognize Cone Health Medical Group for its commitment to managing patient risk factors related to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes."

Cone Health Medical Group has more than 860 providers in primary and specialty care. The group has more than 150 locations in Alamance, Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph and Rockingham counties. [source]

 

by Joy Avery

UPDATE: Retroactive Disenrollment from NC Medicaid Managed Care

 

This updates information in Retroactive Disenrollment from NC Medicaid Managed Care posted on August 15, 2022. The update is to information the provider should send to the NC Medicaid Managed Care Provider Ombudsman:

  • If the service provided is a nursing facility, include admission and discharge dates and dates for any hospital stays.
  • These tickets and the claims they represent will be given high priority, but missing information will delay research into the issue.

A delay in identifying individuals in NCTracks as dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid has been discovered. If an individual is enrolled in a health plan and Medicare data is delayed, submission of Medicare evidence will trigger an automatic retroactive disenrollment of the member back to the first day of the month of the Medicare effective date. This retroactive disenrollment can span back several months and, in some cases, back to the NC Medicaid Managed Care Go-Live on July 1, 2021.

The enrollment change will trigger a recoup of payments made to the health plan by the Department, and the health plan will in turn recoup any claims paid for the period while the individual was in managed care. To ensure the provider is paid for recouped services rendered due to no fault of the provider, the provider agency should submit claims to NCTracks for the dates of service that now fall in NC Medicaid Direct.

For example, a member is enrolled in health plan1 beginning July 1, 2021, and is receiving personal care services (PCS). They became dually eligible Feb. 1, 2022, but the system does not show the Medicare information until June 15, 2022.

  • NCTracks will update the enrollment segment retroactively to reflect the health plan1 effective disenrollment date to align with an NC Medicaid Direct effective date of Feb. 1, 2022.
  • In this example, the provider should submit claims to NCTracks for services rendered for dates of service from Feb. 1, 2022, to June 15, 2022.

The provider should check NCTracks for appropriate prior authorizations (PAs) and submit claims to NCTracks. If the provider receives a denial of those claims or experiences other difficulties submitting the claims to NCTracks, the provider should contact the NC Medicaid Managed Care Provider Ombudsman at 866-304-7062 or [email protected] to generate a ticket for claim reprocessing.

The provider should include the following information:

  • Subject: Retro Disenrollment Claims Issue
  • Provider Name and NPI
  • Previous Health Plan Name
  • MID
  • Service Provided
  • Dates of Service
  • If the service provided is a nursing facility, include admission and discharge dates and dates for any hospital stays
  • EVV provider, if applicable
  • Copies of health plan PAs, if applicable
  • Evidence documenting recoup of health plan claims

Contact

NC Medicaid Contact Center, 888-245-0179

by Joy Avery

New NC Law Expands List of Providers No Longer Required to Connect to NC HealthConnex

 

The North Carolina Regulatory Reform Act became law (N.C.S.L. § 2023-137) in early October 2023. This law contains updates pertaining to the N.C. Health Information Exchange Authority (NC HIEA). The new law has expanded the list of providers who are no longer required to connect to NC HealthConnex to include chiropractors.

The HIE Act (N.C.G.S. § 90-414.4) requires that providers who receive state funds, such as Medicaid and the State Health Plan, for the provision of health care services must initiate a connection to send data to NC HealthConnex. Previously, certain provider types were exempted from the mandatory requirement to connect and send data by N.C.S.L. § 2019-23.

The following is an expanded list of provider types that have the option to connect on a voluntary basis:

  1. Community-based long-term services and supports providers, including personal care services, private duty nursing, home health and hospice care providers.
  2. Intellectual and developmental disability services and supports providers, such as day supports and supported living providers.
  3. Community Alternatives Program (CAP) waiver services (including Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA), Community Alternatives Program for Children (CAP/C) and Innovations waiver) providers.
  4. Eye and vision services providers.
  5. Speech, language and hearing services providers.
  6. Occupational and physical therapy providers.
  7. Durable medical equipment providers.
  8. Nonemergency medical transportation service providers.
  9. Ambulance (emergency medical transportation service) providers.
  10. Local education agencies and school-based health providers.
  11. Chiropractors licensed under Article 8 of this Chapter.

Providers no longer required to connect but have already submitted a Full Participation Agreement: 

  • Have the option to continue as an NC HealthConnex participant. The provider may choose to still submit data to NC HealthConnex or may simply receive access to the clinical portal and other value‐added services.
    • Access to the clinical portal will allow the provider to view a more complete health record for patients the provider has a treatment relationship with.
    • No action is necessary at this time for providers who plan to remain a full participant of NC HealthConnex.
    • Anyone with a Full Participation Agreement has access to the NC HealthConnex Suite of Services, regardless of their organization's connection status.
  • Providers who do not want to submit data to NC HealthConnex or access patient data may terminate their agreement. If the agreement has not been signed by the NC HIEA yet, the provider can request that the agreement not be finalized. Providers should send an email to [email protected] if they you do not want the NC HIEA to process their participation agreement or if they would like to terminate it. This will end the provider’s relationship with the NC HIEA and NC HealthConnex.

Providers no longer required to connect but submitted a Submission Only Agreement: 

  • The NC HIEA will reach out to the provider about terminating or replacing their agreement soon.
  • If the organization would like to voluntarily participate in NC HealthConnex in order to view patient records or utilize the NC HealthConnex value‐added features, the organization can complete a Full Participation Agreement, which is available at nchealthconnex.gov.

For more information about the benefits of participating in NC HealthConnex visit the HIEA website or sign up for the next How to Connect Call that is hosted the last Monday of each month at noon.

Providers with questions may contact the NC HIEA at 919-754-6912 or [email protected] or see the FAQ section regarding connection exemptions for chiropractors.

For question, contact NC HIEA, 919-754-6912

by Joy Avery

CDC Alert: Limited Supply of RSV Drug, Options to Help Infants

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to provide options for clinicians to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the context of a limited supply of nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody immunization product recommended for preventing RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in infants.

Read the full alert here.

by Joy Avery

Updated Community Health Workers Profile in Occupational Outlook Handbook

 

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook has updated the Community Health Workers (CHW) profile. HRSA helped inform the update as part of an interagency initiative to address long-term CHW sustainability through novel, whole-of-government solutions.

The new standalone CHW profile better reflects the core duties, competencies, and training and employment sites. While the profile focuses on CHWs, it also mentions other professions such as peer support specialists, community health representatives, and promotores de salud for the first time. They are included in the CHW Standardized Occupational Classification (SOC) code.

by Joy Avery

Eliminating Disparities in Perinatal Health Funding Opportunity

Applications are now being accepted for funding under the Healthy Start Initiative: Eliminating Disparities in Perinatal Health (Healthy Start or HS) Program.

 

 

The purpose of HS is to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy and reduce the well-documented racial/ethnic differences in rates of infant death and adverse perinatal outcomes.

HS is intended to support projects in communities and populations experiencing the greatest disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. HS has two focus areas:

1) providing direct and enabling services (for example, screening and referrals, case management and care coordination, health and parenting education, and linkage to clinical care) to enrolled HS participants; and

2) convening Community Consortia (formerly known as Community Action Networks or “CANs”) comprised of diverse, multi-sector partners to advise and inform HS activities as well as to develop and implement plans to improve perinatal outcomes within the selected project area.

Deadline to apply is December 15,2023.

Learn more and how to apply here.

by Joy Avery

NCDHHS Issues Respiratory Season Guidance

 

The NC Department of Health and Human Services has issued a notice to clinicians with updated information and guidance on influenza, COVID-19, and RSV for the 2023-2024 respiratory season. Topics covered include testing, clinical management, prevention and control measures including vaccines, and surveillance and tracking.

The notice from NCDHHS is available here.

Additional updates to the guidance will be available on the NC DHHS Flu Website.

If you have questions, please contact the Communicable Disease Branch epidemiologist on-call number (919-733-3419).

by Joy Avery

CMS Releases Information on Three National Coverage Determinations

 

CMS continues its commitment, through national coverage determinations (NCDs), to ensure that people with Medicare have access to emerging treatments and technologies that will improve health outcomes.

October 10: CMS announced that the final NCD on Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Using Antiretroviral Therapy to Prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection would not be posted by the expected date of October 10. CMS received comments on the proposed NCD that expressed concern over the potentially complex transition of coverage of these preventive drugs from Part D to Part B.  CMS will work with Part D plans and pharmacies to facilitate an orderly transition as we work towards finalizing the NCD. A final NCD will be forthcoming. Information on the proposed NCD is found here.

October 11:  CMS issued a final NCD for Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) of the Carotid Artery Concurrent with Stenting. This NCD resulted from a request from the Multispecialty Carotid Alliance (MSCA) for a reconsideration of a former NCD. The procedure restores blood flow when arteries are clogged due to peripheral artery disease. In the final NCD, CMS expanded coverage of PTA of the carotid artery with stenting for a broader population and allowed Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to make reasonable and necessary determinations for any other beneficiary seeking coverage.

October 13: CMS announced a final decision to remove the NCD for Beta Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease, permitting Medicare coverage determinations to be made by the MACs. Removing the NCD also removes the current limitation of one PET beta-amyloid scan per lifetime from the coverage requirements.

by Joy Avery

NCMS Board Member Dr. Jugta Kahai Addresses Children's Mental Health Crisis in Rural NC

“When you come from a strapped rural county where funding is cut every year,” Kahai said, “you have to manage by compromising. It’s a sad reality. Often those kids need the facilities the most, yet they end up deprived.”

Dr. Jugta Kahai


Jugta Kahai, MD, FAAP (image credit: Border Belt Independent)

 

NCMS Board member Jugta Kahai, MD, FAAP, is the pediatric medical director at Columbus Regional in Whiteville. In a recent article, she addresses children’s mental health in rural North Carolina.

According to the article, nationwide, children are dealing with a mental health crisis that experts say is fueled by bullying, the COVID-19 pandemic, discrimination and other stressors. Unfortunately, placement can be hard to find at a pediatric mental health facility in North Carolina.

Read the full article here.

by Joy Avery

Join a Side-by-Side Webinar with NCDHHS' Division of MH/DD/SUS

 

Join staff from NCDHHS' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services (MH/DD/SUS) on October 23 at 2 p.m. to learn more about policies and programs that affect the Mental Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Substance Use Services, and Traumatic Brain Injury community.

The goal of these monthly webinars is to bring everyone together in one (virtual) place to share ideas for public policy that will improve the lives of North Carolinians.

Register for the meeting and see a flyer (Spanish) for more information.

by Joy Avery

Registration Now Open for NCNS 2024 Annual Meeting!

Registration is now open!

The NC Neurological Society's
2024 Annual Meeting
February 23-25 at the Grandover Resort
Greensboro, NC

Register today!


Enhance Your Neurology Practice!

Online Registration

Download the Agenda

Poster Submission Form

Accommodations: Secure your accommodations online by using this link, or call (336) 294-1800 and mention NC Neurological Society to receive the discounted group rate of just $239, plus tax and fees.

The hotel cutoff date is February 1. Space is limited, so book today!

We look forward to seeing you in Greensboro!

by Joy Avery

Registration is Open for NCDA 2024 Annual Meeting

Registration is Now Open!

The NC Dermatology Association
2024 Annual Meeting
January 26-28 at the Grandover Resort
Greensboro, NC

Register today!

Online Registration

Meeting Brochure

Poster Submission Form

Accommodations: Secure your accommodations online by using this link, or call (336) 294-1800 and mention NC Dermatology Association to receive the discounted group rate of just $239, plus tax and fees. The hotel cutoff date is January 4. Space is limited, so book today!

 

We look forward to seeing you in Greensboro!

by Joy Avery

Foundation Friday! Thank You to These NCMS Foundation Donors.

 

Today, the NCMS Foundation recognizes some of our Member donors who have joined us on the journey to help make health and well-being attainable for all North Carolinians. These individuals are contributing to make sure clinicians are where they are needed most and that clinician leaders are lighting the way.

Frank H. Moretz, MD * Life Member
Domenic A. Palagruto, II, DO
Lawrence H. Greenblatt, MD, FACP
Venkat L. Prasad, MD, MBA, MHA * First-Time Foundation Donor
Ashok Jain, MD, MBA, FAAP

Thank you for your continued support to help North Carolinians lead healthier lives.

Learn more about how YOU can make a difference too here.

by Joy Avery

Wake Forest School of Medicine Receives Grant to Study Clinician Shortages in Rural Areas

There are many factors that contribute to poorer health outcomes for rural Americans compared to those who live in urban areas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One reason is a lack of physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners in rural areas, which leads to limited access to convenient health care for rural residents.

To better understand why clinicians choose to practice in specific areas, Wake Forest University School of Medicine has received a two-year, $445,000 grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Using a preference method called a discrete choice experiment, the researchers will gain a better understanding of the specific reasons medical residents and fellows, along with physician assistants and nurse practitioner students, choose a particular clinical position. The study team will look specifically at the rural Appalachia region of the United States.

“Despite job availability in rural areas, many clinicians choose to work in more affluent suburban or urban areas,” said Chris Gillette, Ph.D., associate professor of PA Studies at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and principal investigator of the study. “We want to better understand the complex interplay of personal reasons, job-related needs or community preferences that influence the decision-making process.”

The findings of this study will help identify a set of policy options and incentives that would attract more clinicians to rural areas of the country.

“To design effective policies and incentives that will attract clinicians to rural areas, it is critical to develop a better understanding of their preferences for decision-relevant characteristics, as well as the trade-offs they are willing to make when choosing a job location,” Gillette said.

Gillette and Jan Ostermann from the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health will lead this project in collaboration with offices of rural health from Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the University of Kentucky School of Medicine. [source]

by Joy Avery

Congratulations to our NCMS LEAD Poster Session Winners!

 

Clinical Research – Resident

1st place – Jane D. Dewire (ECU) - Impact of child abuse on pediatric patients evaluated in the Emergency Department for psychiatric conditions

Clinical Vignette – Resident

1st place – Bhumi Patak (Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center) - An Unexplained Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young Adult

Clinical Research – Student

1st place - Avery Wright (WFU) - The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Pediatric Facial Trauma

1st place - Kyungmin Yoo (WFU) - Age-Related Comparisons on Alzheimer's Disease Manifestations in Ocular Tissue From a Non-Human Primate Model

3rd place – Amritha Jacob (Campbell University) - Discharge Readability: Comparing Reading Levels of Patients and Caregivers of UNCH-Southeastern with the Printed EHR Discharge Instructions

Clinical Vignette – Student

1st place - Andrew Cummingham (ECU) - Pembrolizumab Induced Tumor Shrinkage in Rare Osseous Metastasis of Basal Cell Carcinoma

2nd place – Simran Ohri (UNC) - Retinopathy in a Patient With Influenza Associated Pancytopenia

3rd place – Ayarah Dharanikota (Campbell University) - Intracranial Subdural Empyema Secondary to Streptococcus Bacteremia

 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Poster Session!

by Joy Avery

CMS Accepting 2023 MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception and MIPS Promoting Interoperability Performance Category Hardship Exception Applications

 

The Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances (EUC) Exception and MIPS Promoting Interoperability Performance Category Hardship Exception applications are available for the 2023 performance year. Applications can be submitted until 8 p.m. ET on January 2, 2024.

MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception Application

MIPS eligible clinicians, groups, and virtual groups may apply to reweight any or all MIPS performance categories if they’ve been affected by extreme and uncontrollable circumstances. Extreme and uncontrollable circumstances are defined as rare events entirely outside of your control and the control of the facility in which you practice. These circumstances must:

  • Cause you to be unable to collect information necessary to submit for a MIPS performance category;
  • Cause you to be unable to submit information that would be used to score a MIPS performance category for an extended period of time (for example, if you were unable to collect data for the quality performance category for 3 months); and/or
  • Impact your normal process, affecting your performance on cost measures and other administrative claims measures.

For Alternative Payment Model (APM) Entities

APM Entities participating in MIPS APMs can also submit a MIPS EUC Exception application. However, the policy for APM Entities differs from the MIPS EUC policy for individuals, groups, and virtual groups in that:

  • APM Entities are required to request reweighting for all performance categories;
  • At least 75% of an APM Entity’s MIPS eligible clinicians must qualify for reweighting in the Promoting Interoperability performance category; and
  • Data submission for an APM Entity won’t override performance category reweighting.

Learn more in the 2023 MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Application Guide (PDF, 1MB).

MIPS Promoting Interoperability Performance Category Hardship Exception Applications

MIPS eligible clinicians, groups, and virtual groups may apply to reweight the Promoting Interoperability performance category to 0% if they:

  • Have decertified electronic health record (EHR) technology;
  • Have insufficient Internet connectivity;
  • Face extreme and uncontrollable circumstances such as disaster, practice closure, severe financial distress, or vendor issues; or
  • Lack control over the availability of certified EHR technology (CEHRT); simply lacking the required CEHRT doesn’t qualify you for reweighting.

NOTE: You don’t need to apply for this application if you qualify for automatic reweighting of the Promoting Interoperability performance category based on your clinician type or special status.

As a reminder, small practices qualify for automatic reweighting. Refer to Appendix A of the 2023 MIPS Promoting Interoperability User Guide (PDF, 1MB) for a complete list of clinician types and special statuses that qualify for automatic reweighting in the 2023 performance year. Learn more in the 2023 Promoting Interoperability Hardship Application Guide.

How do I Apply?

You must have a Health Care Quality Information Systems (HCQIS) Access Roles and Profile (HARP) account to complete and submit an exception application on behalf of yourself, or another MIPS eligible clinician, group, virtual group or APM Entity. For more information on HARP accounts, please refer to the Register for a HARP Account document in the QPP Access User Guide (ZIP, 4MB).

Once you register for a HARP account, sign in to the QPP website, select ‘Exceptions Applications’ on the left-hand navigation, select ‘Add New Exception,’ and select ‘Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception’ or ‘Promoting Interoperability Hardship Exception.'

Note for Subgroups

Subgroups will inherit any reweighting approved for their affiliated group; if the subgroup encounters an extreme and uncontrollable circumstance that doesn’t affect the entire group, the subgroup can contact the QPP Service Center to request reweighting.

How do I Know if I’m Approved?

You'll be notified by email if your request was approved or denied.  You can also check the status of your application by signing in to the QPP website and navigating to ‘Exceptions.’ If approved, this information will also be added to your eligibility profile in the QPP Participation Status Tool on a weekly basis. If your application is approved at the end of the performance year, it may not appear in the QPP Participation Status Tool until the submission window opens on January 2, 2024.

by Joy Avery

Celebrate the Impact of Community Health Workers at the 2023 NC Community Health Worker Summit

North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (NC AHEC) is thrilled to announce the 3rd Annual
NC Community Health Worker Summit:

CHWs Activators of Legacy

 

 

This two-day event will bring together Community Health Workers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore critical topics in the field of community health. This summit serves as a platform to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and strengthen the role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in improving the health and well-being of North Carolina's diverse communities.

Celebrate the dedication and impact of Community Health Workers in North Carolina and work together to build healthier, more resilient communities.

T-Shirts

NC AHEC will be pre-ordering t-shirts for $20, please select your size to make sure you receive one the day of the summit. Extra will be ordered but limited availability the day of the event for $25.

The Details

Date & Time:

Thursday, November 30, 2023; 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday, December 1, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location:

The Conference Center at GTCC, 7908 Leabourne Road, Colfax, NC

Registration Fee:

Pre-Summit Learning Labs $25; Summit Registration for CHWs $40; Summit Registration Allies $50; Virtual Summit $30

Hotel Accommodations:

La Quinta Inns & Suites by Wyndham Greensboro Airport High Point, 7905 Triad Center Dr, Greensboro, NC 27409 (7 mins from the Summit venue) Phone: (336) 840-1550

Credits Offered: Up to 8 contact hours available.

by Joy Avery

NCDHHS Encourages Mpox Vaccination for Those at Higher Risk

 

Raleigh — Two cases of mpox were reported to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services over the past six weeks, the first cases in North Carolina residents since April 2023. In addition to the two cases, mpox virus was recently detected in one out of 12 wastewater sites where monitoring is being conducted. These cases and wastewater detections were all in different counties, suggesting increased spread of mpox in North Carolina.

"If you are at higher risk for mpox and haven’t yet gotten the vaccine, now is a good time to do so," said Dr. Zack Moore, State Epidemiologist. "Numbers of cases have been low recently thanks to vaccinations and engagement of partners in the LGBTQ+ community, but this is a reminder that mpox is still with us."

NCDHHS is working closely with local health departments and community partners to provide education about mpox, encourage testing and improve vaccine access and uptake for individuals at higher risk. These efforts to enhance communication, education and outreach include the Mpox Equity Report, the Mpox Communications Toolkit and the Take Pride Now campaign.

Mpox typically begins with flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and exhaustion followed a few days later by a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face or mouth or near the genitals or perianal area. In some recent cases, the rash has appeared before or at the same time as the flu-like symptoms. Mpox can be spread from the time symptoms start until all sores have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed — this can take several weeks. Symptoms can be more severe for people who are immunocompromised, such as in individuals living with HIV.

The disease is spread person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact, having contact with an infectious rash, through body fluids or through respiratory secretions. Such contact often occurs during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex. While anyone can get mpox, in the current outbreak, most cases have been in men who have sex with men and more than half of the cases in North Carolina have been in people living with HIV.

If you think you have mpox or have had close personal contact with someone who has mpox, visit a health care provider or contact your local health department to help you decide if you need to be tested for mpox. You should also talk with your doctor about getting tested for other sexually transmitted infections including HIV and syphilis, both of which are on the rise in North Carolina. Learn more information about mpox testing and STD testing online.

NCDHHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend five steps to prevent mpox infection:

  • Get vaccinated. Vaccines, including the JYNNEOS vaccine, are free and available, regardless of immigration status. Vaccination can protect against mpox infection or reduce disease severity if infection does occur. NCDHHS recommends vaccination for —
    • Anyone who has or may have multiple or anonymous sex partners; or
    • Anyone whose sex partners are eligible per the criteria above; or
    • People who know or suspect they have been exposed to mpox in the last 14 days; or
    • Anyone else who considers themselves to be at risk for mpox through sex or other intimate contact.
    • Use the mpox vaccine locator to find nearby healthcare locations in your area that provide mpox vaccinations.
  • Take steps to lower your risk during sex or at social gatherings, like using a condom correctly every time you have sex.
  • Avoid close contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
  • Avoid contact with objects and materials a person with mpox has used.
  • Wash your hands often.

Information about mpox cases and vaccinations in North Carolina is updated monthly and displayed on NCDHHS’ mpox website.

Versión en español aquí

by Joy Avery

Welcome NCMS President Dr. Eileen Raynor!

 

At the NCMS annual meeting held over the weekend, Eileen Raynor, MD, FACS, FAAP, was inaugurated as president of the North Carolina Medical Society.

Dr. Eileen Raynor currently works as an Associate Professor of Surgery and an Associate Professor in Pediatrics in the Department of Surgery, Division of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences within the Duke University Health System. She has been an active member of the NCMS for a number of years, serving on the NCMS Legislative Cabinet, the Medical Education Committee and the Membership and Communications Advisory Committee. She is an alumna of the KIPL Leadership College Class of 2012 and also served as President of the North Carolina Otolaryngology Society.

Dr. Raynor shares, “I would like to positively impact the quality of life for North Carolina citizens and its physicians through advocacy and collaboration. As a member of the NCMS Board, we will be able to shape the future of health care for all of North Carolina.”

by Joy Avery

Honoring Dedication: Thank You NCMS Past President Dr. Arthur "Art" Apolinario

 

On Saturday night, the NCMS celebrated Dr. Arthur Apolinario's commitment and dedication to the North Carolina Medical Society and presented him with the presidential pin.

During his tenure, we witnessed Dr. Art's unwavering commitment to medicine and the medical profession. His contributions will have a lasting impact on the Society.

The NCMS extends our deepest appreciation for an exceptional year of service!

 

Flashback to #NCMSLEAD22

 

by Joy Avery

In Memoriam: Dr. Frank Walter Leak, Sr.

Compassionate physician. Champion of access to care. A special person.

 

 

Longtime NCMS member Dr. Frank Walter Leak, Sr., died Wednesday, October 4th. He was 89.

Leak graduated from UNC Medical School in 1967. He completed his residency at Charlotte Memorial Hospital and was awarded the Mead Johnson Award for Family Medicine Residents. He practiced family medicine in Clinton, NC, from 1969-1997 and was one of the founders of the Clinton Medical Clinic. He served as the president of the Sampson County Medical Society and the NC Academy of Family Practice.

Leak received many accolades as a physician, including the NC Academy of Family Practice Physician of the Year (1983) and the National Rural Health Association Physician of the Year (1990).

In 1998, Leak retired from clinical practice, moved to Raleigh, and accepted a position with NC Medical Society in conjunction with the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation Community Practitioner program. Throughout his career, he was dedicated to bringing family physicians to rural areas of North Carolina.

"As a newer NCMS staff member, I remember asking him tons of questions about the health care system and not being able to figure out why, at times, folks just couldn’t get along and do the right thing for patients," says Pam Highsmith, NCMS Vice President, Advancement. "His wise response was, 'Pam, it’s about the almighty dollar! Follow who's keeping the money and who's losing it, and you’ll usually find your answer'. That advice has proven true many times!"

Read Dr. Leak's full obituary here.

by Joy Avery

Your Input Needed for the AMA Physician Practice Information Survey

 

The American Medical Association (AMA) Physician Practice Information (PPI) Survey is underway, and we urgently need all selected physicians to actively engage in this effort. The intent of the survey, which has been endorsed by over 170 medical societies and other health care associations (see full list here), is to collect updated and accurate data on practice costs which are a key element of physician payment. These data have not been updated since last collected over 15 years ago and it is critically important to update these data to ensure accurate payment.

See here for more information about this survey.

Mathematica, a well-regarded consulting firm, is helping the AMA run this survey. Your practice may receive an email (from [email protected]) and an USPS priority mail packet from Mathematica that contained a link to the survey as well as supporting information. We urge you to speak with your practice management colleagues to determine if they have received these communications and ask them to complete this important survey. In the coming weeks or months, your practice, or Mathematica, may ask you to complete a brief survey on the number of weekly hours spent on direct patient care. We urge you to complete this two-minute survey.  Help us help YOU to update Medicare physician payment!

by Joy Avery

Registration Open for "What’s Next with Medicare Payment Reform" Webinar

 

Payment cuts and temporary fixes have become predictable in Medicare physician payment over the past decade—leaving physician practices and patient access to care at serious risk.

Register for the AMA Advocacy Insights webinar "What’s Next with Medicare Payment Reform" to hear about:

  • Where Medicare payment reform stands now
  • How the AMA, alongside state and national medical specialty societies, is pushing for permanent payment reform
  • How you can get involved in these advocacy efforts

Moderator:

  •  Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH, Chair, AMA Board of Trustees

Speakers:

  •  G. Ray Callas, MD, President Elect, Texas Medical Association
  • Katie Orrico, Senior Vice President, Health Policy and Advocacy, American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons
  • Todd Askew, Senior Vice President, Advocacy, American Medical Association

 

What’s Next with Medicare Payment Reform

Friday, November 3, 2023

1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET

by Joy Avery

Wild Raccoons Rabies Vaccine Initiative Underway in Western NC. Find a Packet, Leave it!

 

RALEIGH -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help prevent the spread of rabies. Wildlife Services will be distributing oral rabies vaccine for wild raccoons in Western North Carolina.

Beginning Oct. 4, 2023, baits containing the oral rabies vaccine will be aerially distributed in Alleghany, Ashe, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, Macon, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Wilkes and Yancey Counties.

"Avoiding contact with wild animals and vaccinating our domestic animals and pets is the best way to prevent rabies, which can often be fatal," said NCDHHS Deputy State Public Health Veterinarian Erica Berl, DVM, MPH. "The wildlife rabies vaccination program prevents the spread of rabies among animals in the wild, which in turn prevents humans, pets and other animals from becoming infected."

The baits consist of a sachet, or plastic packet, containing the oral rabies vaccine. To make the baits attractive to raccoons, the packets are sprinkled with a fishmeal coating or encased inside hard fishmeal–polymer blocks about the size of a matchbox. When a raccoon bites into a bait, the vaccine packet is punctured, and the animal is exposed to the vaccine. This activates the animal’s immune system to produce antibodies that provide protection against rabies infection.

Anyone who comes in contact with the liquid vaccine should wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and call the phone number listed on the bait for further instructions and referral.

Although the oral rabies vaccine products are safe, the USDA Wildlife Services program has issued these precautions:

  • If you or your pet find a bait, leave it where you found it unless it is on your lawn, driveway or other area unlikely to attract raccoons. While wearing a glove or other barrier, you can move the bait to an area of thicker cover where raccoons are more likely to find it and pets are less likely to encounter it.
  • Eating the baits won’t harm your pet but consuming several baits might temporarily upset your pet’s stomach.
  • Do not try to remove an oral rabies vaccine packet from your pet’s mouth, as you could be bitten.
  • Wear gloves or use a towel when you pick up bait. While there is no harm in touching undamaged baits, they have a strong fishmeal smell.
  • Instruct children to leave baits alone. If a bait is ingested by a child or adult, call 1-866-4-USDA-WS. NCDHHS has never received a report of a human ingesting a bait packet.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water if there is any chance the vaccine packet has ruptured.
  • A warning label on each bait advises people not to touch the bait and contains the rabies information line telephone number.

Rabies is most commonly found in wild animals in North Carolina. This poses a risk to people and domestic animals that encounter wildlife. It is a fatal disease in mammals, including people.

However, there are highly effective vaccines that prevent infection and illness in people and domestic animals. By North Carolina law, cats, dogs and ferrets must be vaccinated by four months of age and be kept up to date throughout their lives.

For more information on rabies prevention or the oral rabies vaccine program, call the USDA Wildlife Services toll-free rabies line at 1-866-487-3297 or the NCDHHS Division of Public Health at 919-733-3419.

Baiting should be completed by late October. The Oral Rabies Vaccination program, originally implemented in the 1990s, helps prevent the raccoon rabies epizootic from moving west of the Appalachian Mountains, where raccoon rabies does not exist. The program has been successful in that regard and the vision is to gradually move the vaccine barrier east until raccoon rabies is eliminated. [source]

You can also find information about the national program on the USDA website.

For general information on rabies, please visit the CDC website.

by Joy Avery

WakeMed and Siemens Healthineers Offer Free 3D Mammography Screenings

 

RALEIGH – WakeMed and Siemens Healthineers, a leading medical device company and imaging innovator, are once again teaming up to bring 3D mammography screenings to the community. Last year, more than 250 women participated in the potentially life-saving screenings.

From Oct. 23 – 27 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Oct. 28 (8 a.m. to noon), and Oct. 29-Nov. 2 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), women over the age of 40 can receive a 3D mammogram at no cost. The screenings will take place in the state-of-the-art Siemens Healthineers mobile digital mammography unit parked at WakeMed’s Raleigh Medical Park located at 23 Sunnybrook Road. The screenings are free and open to uninsured women over the age of 40 who have not had a mammogram in the last 12 months. Registration is strongly encouraged.

The mobile mammography partnership with Siemens Healthineers is part of WakeMed’s ongoing commitment to provide the community with greater access to critical breast cancer screenings and diagnostic tools to support early detection and intervention. Cancer disproportionately affects the underserved, underinsured and uninsured. Socioeconomic barriers to vital healthcare needs, like cancer screenings, often result in a late-stage cancer diagnosis.

“Early detection is essential when diagnosing and treating cancer. The earlier we can detect a problem, the better the chances are for both survival and remission,” said Dr. Brian Klausner, a physician and medical director for WakeMed’s Community Population Health program, which works to improve the health of uninsured and homeless patient populations. “The mobile mammography unit allows us to reach populations that have challenges that prevent routine medical tests and cancer screening, potentially saving lives.”

“Siemens Healthineers is proud to work with WakeMed for a second year to offer local women access to our advanced digital mammography technology, which has been specifically designed to help ensure a more comfortable screening experience,” said Felicia Kurtz, senior vice president of Advanced Therapies and executive sponsor for Health Equity and Outreach Activities at Siemens Healthineers North America.

Raleigh Radiology, a designated Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology and WakeMed’s imaging partner, will review all scans taken during the mobile mammogram event and consult with WakeMed doctors on any necessary next steps.

This is the second year WakeMed and Siemens Healthineers have partnered to offer mammography screenings to the greater Triangle area.

Registration for screenings is strongly encouraged. To register for a mammogram, visit: https://www.wakemed.org/care-and-services/imaging-services/mobile-mammography-event With questions, or to register via phone, call 919-350-1317.

by Joy Avery

Hospital Violence Protection Act Enacted

In his freshman year as a member of the NC House of Representatives, Dr. Tim Reeder achieved a notable victory in the passage of the Hospital Violence Protection Act. This legislation, initially introduced as a stand-alone bill, HB809, was ultimately incorporated into another bill, HB125. It was passed with broad bipartisan support by both chambers and signed by the Governor on September 29, 2023.

The new law will make hospitals a safer care environment for patients, staff and the public. There will be an increased presence of law enforcement to provide greater security in hospital facilities, with a focus on the emergency department. The bill also includes training and reporting provisions to monitor the measure’s impact and compliance.

Dr. Reeder thanked multiple stakeholders for their support, including the NC Medical Society, the NC Healthcare Association and law enforcement. You may view Dr. Reeder’s summary of the legislation here and the press conference here.

 

Dr Reeder provided an
overview of the new law and
thanked his legislative colleagues
for their bipartisan support

 

NCMS President, Dr. Art Apolinario, shared
the NC Medical Society’s support of the
Hospital Violence Protection Act

 

Joining Dr. Reeder at the October 10
press conference were (left to right) Erik Manring MD,
Craig Mangum MD, Arthur Apolinario MD – NCMS President,
and Greg Cannon MD

by Joy Avery

NCMS LEAD MedTalk Speaker Showcase: Dr. Dana Point

NCMS Welcomes 2023 Leadership College Scholar

Dana Point, MD

We can't wait to see you at the 2023 LEAD Conference and Golden Stethoscope Awards Gala!

Hear Dr. Point's MedTalk: "Bolstering Awareness of Rare Disease through a Novel Approach"

To learn more about leadership training opportunities at NCMS click here.

by Joy Avery

NIH’s Build UP Trust Challenge

 

Racial injustice and inequities in healthcare contribute to health disparities. Lack of trust among underserved populations can lead to reluctance to engage with biomedical research and utilize healthcare technologies. The National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Build UP Trust Challenge will award up to $1.25 million to improve engagement with minority health populations and populations with health disparities.

NIH seeks solutions that increase research participation and the adoption of existing and new tools and approaches to detect, treat, and monitor diseases, conditions, and disorders.

The website includes a Readiness Tool to help you determine eligibility and ensure your solution is a strong fit.

by Joy Avery

Application Deadline Extended for The Physicians Foundation 2024 Fellowship Program

 

The Physicians Foundation recently launched a call for applicants for the Fellowship Program! New or early-career physicians are encouraged to apply by November 16.

With a focus on drivers of health (DOH), the Fellowship Program enhances physicians’ leadership skills so they can strengthen the physician-patient relationship, support medical practices’ sustainability and navigate the changing health care system. The fellow will develop and implement a project that supports physicians in their understanding of DOH and integration into medical practices.

Requirements include:

  • Open to physicians who are new or early-career in their practice.
  • Applicants must demonstrate experience with and/or interest in DOH, physician leadership, health policy, health equity and clinical/care delivery innovation.
  • Submit a program application with a current resume/CV and statement of intent that briefly describes how participation will be a transformative experience for you to learn how to make positive, constructive contributions to the medical profession in the future.

Receive two (2) letters of recommendation, one of which is recommended to be from the fellow's state or county medical society.

 

About The Physicians Foundation

The Physicians Foundation is a nonprofit seeking to advance the work of practicing physicians and help them facilitate the delivery of high-quality health care to patients. As the U.S. health care system continues to evolve, The Physicians Foundation is steadfast in strengthening the physician-patient relationship, supporting medical practices’ sustainability and helping physicians navigate the changing health care system. The Physicians Foundation pursues its mission through research, education and innovative grant making that improves physician wellbeing, strengthens physician leadership, addresses drivers of health and lifts physician perspectives. For more information, visit www.physiciansfoundation.org

by Joy Avery

Links in Pink Breast Cancer Screening Event Happening this Month

 

WILMINGTON — Novant Health and the Wilmington Chapter of Links, Incorporated will host Links in Pink next week, where locals can access mammogram screenings and health resources in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 21 at the MLK Center, 401 S. Eighth St. in Wilmington from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this time, Links members will educate the community about the importance of breast awareness, self-examinations and mammograms. Novant Health will provide mammograms and share resources for surgical and prosthesis bras.

Breast cancer survivors will also be celebrated, including Mildred Bethea, the event’s featured speaker.

This event is co-sponsored by Novant Health and the YWCA of The Lower Cape Fear.

Appointments are recommended. To schedule, please call (910)721-1485. The minimum age for a screening mammogram on the mobile is 35. Screening mammograms are covered as preventive care under most insurance plans. For convenience, Novant Health will file a claim with the insurance provider. [source]

by Joy Avery

NC Medicaid – F Code Survey to Gauge Prenatal & Postpartum Care

 

The Division of Health Benefits of the NC Department of Health and Human Services is requesting North Carolina ob/gyns and primary care practices to help NC Medicaid better track prenatal and postpartum care access. Below is a notice from DHHS/DHB with a link to a survey asking about the use of F codes and feasibility of practices’ EHR incorporating these codes.

 

F Code Availability within EHRs to Support Measurement of Prenatal and Postpartum Care Visits

To better understand the number of NC Medicaid members receiving prenatal and postpartum care, NC Medicaid encourages providers to use two F codes: 0500F for Initial Prenatal Visits and 0503F for Postpartum Care Visits.

In an effort to determine whether a practice's current Electronic Health Record (EHR) allows for the selection of the above codes, we are asking practices to complete a brief survey.

Survey: The survey is accessible here.

Deadline: Friday, October 20

Thank you for your assistance! If you have any questions, contact Hannah Fletcher at NC Medicaid via [email protected].

by Joy Avery