Introducing NCMS Weekly Dose
Introducing NCMS Weekly Dose — A refreshed weekly newsletter crafted with you in mind
To Our Valued Members and Morning Rounds Community:
We are excited to share an important update with you about Morning Rounds, our long-standing daily email newsletter. In light of our evolving communication goals and, after reviewing feedback regarding the cadence of our communication, we are eager to share that Morning Rounds will transition into NCMS Weekly Dose, a more focused, impactful, and member-centered way to keep you informed and connected to your peers.
Providing you with consistent, up-to-date, meaningful communication is a top priority. We want to do this with excellence and with a clear focus, keeping in mind what is most important to you, without overloading your already cluttered inbox. Here is what you can expect from Weekly Dose:
- A refreshed focus: We want to be transparent in communicating what your dues dollars are supporting as a member. That means keeping you informed of the latest advocacy wins, member benefit updates, essential resources and support opportunities, and upcoming events. Our ultimate goal is to help support you and, consequently, your patients, keeping care delivery top of mind in the resources and updates we share.
- Better opportunities to spotlight YOU: With this transition comes a new opportunity for you to submit exciting news from your practice or system: whether it’s an innovative care model, a new technique, or community recognition, we want to let your peers celebrate with you and learn from you.
- A lighter inbox: If there is one thing we are sure of, it is this: your time is valuable. A less frequent cadence will help us deliver the most relevant updates to you, aligning with our refreshed focus. You’ll find the NCMS Weekly Rounds in your inbox on Tuesday mornings, right as you are getting into the groove of your week.
The last Morning Rounds email will be sent on September 23, with NCMS Weekly Dose beginning on September 30 and delivered to your inbox every Tuesday thereafter. Your subscription will automatically carry over — no action is needed on your part!
Many exciting changes are underway at the North Carolina Medical Society, and we are committed to communicating with you transparently about where we are headed while continuing to deliver excellent services along the way.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Toni Hill, Director of Marketing and Communications, at [email protected].
What IMLC means for International Physicians
What IMLC means for International Physicians
As you all know, House Bill 67 is made up of several different bills that are now law in NC. HB67 includes an Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) law, and one of its components is international physician requirements. In order to keep our members updated, we wanted to send some clarifying messaging.
Key Requirements for International Physicians under HB67:
- Employment Structure: International physicians must receive full-time employment offers from either rural hospitals or rural medical practices that maintain onsite supervision by a licensed physician.
- Qualifications: Physicians must hold active medical licenses from their home countries, have graduated from medical schools recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education, and have passed home country licensing exams recognized by the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities. Alternatively, they may be board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Osteopathic Association, or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
- Additional Requirements: Physicians must demonstrate English proficiency, obtain federal work authorization, and practice exclusively within their designated rural area.
The legislation includes comprehensive safeguards designed to protect patient welfare in North Carolina. Representative Campbell, a physician and NCMS member, has created an informational video addressing questions about the legislation here.
HB67 received unanimous approval in both chambers of the General Assembly. NCMS supports this legislation and looks forward to collaborating with the Medical Board and other stakeholders to address physician shortages in medically underserved areas of our state.
2025 AMA Annual Meeting Report from the NCMS AMA Delegation
2025 AMA Annual Meeting Report from the NCMS AMA Delegation
The NCMS Delegation to the American Medical Association recently attended the 2025 Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates. The meeting in June was one of two yearly sessions of the House of Delegates, which functions as a congress of physicians and medical students to consider AMA policy and health policy initiatives.
A summary of key issues addressed at the 2025 AMA Annual Meeting is available at: link.
North Carolina delegation to the AMA House of Delegates
The AMA House of Delegates provides a forum with representation from more than 170 constituencies including state medical societies, national medical societies and designated member sections. The deliberative process of the House drives AMA policies and initiatives. Delegate representation to participate in that process is allocated on a proportionate basis with one delegate seat allowed for every 1,000 AMA members. Presently, the NC Medical Society has 6 delegates to the AMA and 6 alternate delegate slots as well.
The NC Delegation is chaired by Rebecca Hayes, MD, of Charlotte, NC and includes:
Rebecca Hayes, MD / Chair, Delegate, Charlotte, NC
Arthur Apolinario, MD, MPH, Alternate Delegate, Clinton, NC
Mary Ann Contogiannis, MD, Delegate, Greensboro, NC
Justin Hurie, MD, Delegate, Winston-Salem, NC
Karen Smith, MD, Delegate, Raiford, NC
Royce Syracuse, MD, Delegate, Charlotte, NC
Tracy Eskra, MD, Alternate Delegate, Greenville, NC
John Meier, IV, MD, Alternate Delegate, Raleigh, NC
Eileen Raynor, MD, Alternate Delegate, Durham, NC
Carl Westcott, MD, Alternate Delegate, Winston-Salem, NC
Keynote remarks at the AMA Annual Meeting were presented by outgoing President, Dr. Burce Scott, and incoming President, Dr. Bobby Mukkamala.
North Carolina Election Success at the AMA
North Carolina’s legacy of leadership in the American Medical Association took a giant step forward at the 2025 AMA Annual Meeting. Two North Carolina candidates for AMA office were unanimously elected.
Dr. Mary Ann Contogiannis, plastic surgeon from Greensboro and member of the NC Delegation to the AMA, was re-elected to the AMA’s Council on Constitution and Bylaws.
Dr. Kavita Arora, ob/gyn at UNC Chapel Hill and member of the ACOG Delegation to the AMA, was elected to the AMA Council on Science and Public Health.
Congratulations to these two leaders and gratitude to them both for their leadership and work on behalf of their colleagues.
The AMA House of Delegates will convene for its 2025 AMA Interim Meeting over the dates of November14-18 at National Harbor, Maryland.
North Carolina Physicians Return to the Hill — 2025 ASM DC Fly-in
North Carolina Physicians Return to the Hill — 2025 ASM DC Fly-in
Over the dates of July 14-16, 2025, a delegation from North Carolina participated in the Alliance of Specialty Medicine’s annual advocacy event. The fly-in was dedicated to meeting with members of Congress and engaging with government representatives, including FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary.
Congressman Greg Murphy, MD, presented at the conference and covered recent and upcoming health policy issues.
Participants from North Carolina included:
Hans Arora, MD
Urologist / UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
Dermot Phelan, MD
Cardiologist / Atrium Health, Charlotte
David Ramsay, IV, MD
Gastroenterologist / Digestive Health Specialists, Winston-Salem
Alan Skipper, CAE
NC Medical Society, Raleigh
Highlighting the trip to Washington was a visit to Capitol Hill. All sixteen Senate and House offices were visited to address . . .
Medicare Physician Payment Reform
Medicaid Advantage Upcoding
Prior Authorization Reform
Workforce - GME Expansion
NC Health Insurance Payers to Downcode with Claims Review Programs
NC Health Insurance Payers to Downcode with Claims Review Programs
The NCMS recognizes several health insurance companies have recently implemented claims and code review programs resulting in the down coding of certain Level 4 and 5 Evaluation and Management (E/M) claims.
This UM tactic scrutinizes Level 4 and 5 E/M claims for “correct coding” and performs pre-payment edits as payers deem appropriate, ultimately resulting in claims being paid at a lower rate than originally billed. As claims review programs are being defined by their policy guidelines, there is no separate notification when claims are downcoded, so practices are strongly advised to monitor remittance of documents for appropriate payments. Inclusion in such claims review programs generally lasts for one year; however, practices can pursue early removal from the program by successfully appealing 75% of down-coded claims. We encourage you to contact payers for additional information about these programs should you find yourself involuntarily participating.
The AMA has actively addressed this issue over the past year, collaborating with specific payers to tackle concerns. In partnership with state medical associations and specialty societies, the AMA crafted model legislation to support state initiatives aimed at reducing automatic downcoding.
The NCMS has directly engaged with certain payers, highlighting the significantly negative impact of their downcoding practices on physician practices in our state.
Jenni Hines, Manager of Payer & Practice Engagement, maintains close relationships with payers, and is dedicated to helping facilitate solutions for your practice. You can reach her at [email protected]. NCMS remains committed to resolving this issue through non-legislative means and will continue fostering open communication with payers to seek lasting solutions.
To help avoid inclusion in these claims review programs and ensure appropriate payments from payers, always verify benefits before each visit, as coverage and policies may change. Additionally, providers need to code and bill the highest level of specificity for diagnoses and ensure proper documentation within the medical record.
To help ensure proper claim processing, providers should:
- Stay current on coding changes, payer policies and relevant regulations to ensure compliance
- Maintain thorough and accurate medical documentation to support billed services and accurate coding
- Ensure medical necessity is met for the visit and supports the services rendered
- Appeal downcoded claims when documentation supports a higher level of service
Bicillin L-A Recall
Bicillin L-A Recall
King Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Pfizer, has issued a voluntary recall of some lots of Bicillin L-A distributed between December 11, 2023 and June 24, 2025. The recall is related to particulates in the syringes.
To date, Pfizer reports that no adverse effects have been documented, but Bicillin L-A doses included in the recall should not be used.
Pfizer has issued important instructions on how to identify impacted lots, how to return them, and how to receive reimbursement. Details about the recall, impacted lots, and instructions for customers are accessible in the links below to the recall notice and customer letter:
ALERT: DEA Scam
ALERT: DEA Scam
Scammers are impersonating Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents through letters and phone calls, targeting medical professionals in an attempt to steal their identities and money. The scams often involve threats of arrest, prosecution, or revocation of DEA registration as penalty for noncompliance. The scammers may demand payment via wire transfer or gift cards, and may also request sensitive information like social security numbers.
Below is an alert from the DEA.
Beware and if you have been targeted by this scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
