Cleveland County Medical Society Roars Back to Life!
On May 4, 2023, the Cleveland County Medical Society celebrated a resurgence and rebirth at the first meeting it has held in nearly 4 years!
Over the years activity and attendance had waned for CCMS. The latest meeting is the result of hard work by several members who understand the importance of a united front for healthcare professionals in both Cleveland County and across North Carolina.
The North Carolina Medical Society CEO Chip Baggett had the honor of being the first speaker at the meeting. He discussed how the world has changed so much since the 1990's and the challenges of civilized rapport in our current divisive political climate. He reiterated the importance of a collective voice despite political differences and how that is what is best for both physicians and their patients.
If you are interested in joining or renewing your membership to the Cleveland County Medical Society click here.
On The Lighter Side - May 5, 2023 - Hurricanes, Hats, Crowns, and Cinco de Mayo!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
Hurricanes trounce Devils in Game 1 beatdown.
Play again tonight!
Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images
The Carolina Hurricanes smashed the New Jersey Devils, 5-1, Wednesday night at PNC Arena. They take on the Devils again tonight in Raleigh and again Sunday in Newark. Will they go all the way? You can still tickets and find out! Click here to get in on the action!
King Charles coronation is Saturday.
First coronation ceremony in 70 years. Charles II is longest serving Prince of Wales ever at 64 years (talk about a long road to the job)!
There are many events being held across the state. You can watch the coronation live on many platforms including ABC and CNN. It will be an early start, with coverage beginning at 5am. A Coronation Garden Party is being held to celebrate His Majesty King Charles and Her Majesty Queen Camilla at the Executive Mansion in Raleigh. Click here for more information.
Hats, horses, and mint juleps!
The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby
The greatest two minutes in sports is Saturday. You can watch live coverage starting at 2:30pm on NBC and Peacock. There are 20 horses ready to compete, but look for Forte at 3-1 odds as the favorite. Look for strong competition from Tapit Trice at 5-1 odds. If you want to bet on a long shot try Reincarnate (50-1), Hit Show (30-1), or Sun Thunder (50-1). If you can't make it to Churchill Downs then take some time and sing 'My Old Kentucky Home' to celebrate!
The Irregardless Tour lands in Raleigh.
Kevin James performs Sunday
Comedian, TV and film star Kevin James brings his Irregardless Tour to North Carolina. He performs Sunday night at Raleigh memorial Auditorium at 7pm. Tickets are still available. Click here to get yours.
That is a sampling of things happening across the state. If you know of something wonderful happening and would like us to mention it contact [email protected] .
TBT: Celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine! Here is Dr. Jennifer Abbott's MEDTalk from 2021
This year the North Carolina Medical Society is celebrating 20 years of Leadership in Medicine!
Here is a Throwback Thursday to Dr. Jennifer Abbott's MEDTalk from 2021. Look for a new TBT every Thursday until the 2023 LEAD Conference, October 13-14.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB2O43TDuPA&list=PLOhNHWKYpZPoS4lwFoCRfh5NojKSFJQbB&index=16
The 2023 LEAD conference registration opens soon. Click here for more information.
Please contact at NCMS to organize a class table of your own.
Wake County Medical Society Plans Membership Activities
Wake County Medical Society (WCMS) Alliance President Zohra Osman (l) plans for membership activities with the WCMS President Ted Kunstling, MD. Both the WCMS and the Alliance work tirelessly to support medical care in the community and the clinicians who provide it.
On The Lighter Side - April 28, 2023 - Ryan, Kenny, Ruben, Clay, Kelsea and Air Supply!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
For the first time in history, Kenan Stadium will host an international soccer match ... and it has a Ryan Reynolds connection!
Owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney celebrate Wrexham win over Boreham Wood
Fresh off a major win that secured Wrexham a promotion to the Football League after a 15-year absence comes this!
UNC Athletics and the Florida Cup (FC) Series have announced that Chelsea Football Club and Wrexham Association Football Club will face each other in Chapel Hill on July 19. Tickets are on sale now, and a portion of sales will be donated to the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Clinic at UNC Children's Hospital.
Wrexham plays in the fifth division of the English football league system, but made headlines in 2020 when Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the Welsh club. The team's story was documented in the FX series "Welcome to Wrexham," which premiered in August.
This match is club's debut on American soil.
Tickets are available through several vendors. Here is one place to get yours. Click here.
20 years in the making! Ruben and Clay are back together!
Twenty years in the making Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken team up for one of the most anticipated tours of the year. After years of individual success on the road, Billboard music charts, Broadway, television, and film, join these two powerhouse voices for one night together. Performing their hits and your favorites. “Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken : Twenty | The Tour” will truly be a night to remember.
This special night will benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund as part of the 2023 Concert 4 Cancer Series.
More info and tickets here.
No shoes, no shirt, no problems! (plus Kelsea Ballerini)
Country music superstar Kenny Chesney brings his I Go Back Tour to the Greensboro Coliseum and he's bringing Kelsea Ballerini along with him. Tickets are still on sale for the concert Saturday night!
Book your seats by clicking here.
They are not All Out Of Love yet! Air Supply is floating this way.
The rock duo who has been pumping out hits since the '70s is coming to the Carolinas. You can catch them tonight at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium! If you are two less lonely people in the world then even the nights get better with this show!
Details and tickets are here.
That is a sampling of things happening across the state. If you know of something wonderful happening and would like us to mention it contact [email protected] .
Physician Organizations Applaud Introduction of Medicare Payment Legislation, Urge Your Support
Nearly 120 national physician specialty societies and state medical associations, including the North Carolina Medical Society, sent a letter commending the introduction of H.R. 2474, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act. This bipartisan legislation, which would tie annual Medicare physician fee schedule updates to the Medicare Economic Index, advances the ongoing need to provide financial stability to physician practices in order to preserve access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.
Providing an annual inflation update equal to the MEI for Medicare physician payments is essential to enabling physician practices to better absorb payment distributions triggered by budget neutrality rules, performance adjustments and periods of high inflation. It will also help physicians invest in their practices and implement new strategies to provide high-value care.
The annual “stop the Medicare payment cut” exercises are due, in no small part, to the fact that physician services do not receive the annual inflationary update that virtually all other Medicare providers can rely on to better weather periods of fiscal uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic further illustrated the challenges physicians endure due to the current broken Medicare payment system. While the temporary and partial patches that Congress has provided through 2024 were necessary under the current payment system, they are a distraction, exacerbate budgeting challenges for practices, and divert resources that both medicine and Congress could be spending on other meaningful health care policies and innovations. Therefore, organized medicine is united in support of a long-term payment solution that centers on annual inflationary updates.
Contact your members of Congress
Please take a moment to contact your legislators and urge them to help fix the flawed Medicare physician payment system by supporting H.R. 2474 today. In addition, use the following charts in conversation with members of Congress to let them know the Medicare physician payment system needs reform to become a more sustainable, value-based system that better meets the needs of patients and physicians:
- Medicare provider updates for 2023 (PDF)
- Medicare updates compared to inflation (with comparison) (PDF)
- Medicare updates compared to inflation (without comparison) (PDF)
- Key measures of practice expense in the Medicare Economic Index (PDF)
- Medicare spending per enrollee (PDF)
- Real (inflation-adjusted) Medicare physician spending per enrollee (PDF)
To read a copy of the letter sent to Reps. Raul Ruiz, MD (D-CA), Larry Bucshon, MD (R-IN), Ami Bera, MD (D-CA) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-IA) click here.
Political Pulse for April 21, 2023
Big news from NCMS on Prior Authorization! House Bill 649 was successfully introduced to reform the overused and burdensome prior authorization process! It was introduced in the NC House of Representatives. The bill’s sponsors are NCMS Member Representative Kristen Baker, MD, NCMS Member Representative Tim Reeder, MD, Representative Larry Potts, and Representative Wayne Sasser. In this week's Political Pulse Randy Aldridge, Thomas Kincheloe and Emma Kate Sowder break down how NCMS is working to fix Prior Auth.
https://youtu.be/PpWT9m5SkmQ
On The Lighter Side - April 21, 2023 - Earth Day, the African-American Festival, Stars, Oysters, and the Hurricanes!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
It is Hurricane Season (sort of, we're talking about the hockey team)!
After Jester Fast Scored an OT winner, the Canes have a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Next up the Canes head to Brooklyn to take on the New York Islanders again on Friday and Sunday. You can catch the Friday game at 7:00pm on TBS and the Sunday game at 1:00pm on TNT.
All you need to know about the Carolina Hurricanes is here.
Get Ready Charlotte! The African American Festival is this weekend
It is a celebration of the rich heritage and accomplishments of African-Americans. The festival will be held April 22nd and 23rd 2023 in the historic Brooklyn Village at 710 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina.
The festival will include exhibits, musical performances, art, literature, food, dancers, drummers, a pageant, speakers, vendors, and special awards and recognitions. Proceeds raised by the festival will support educational and cultural programs.
All you need to know to attend is here.
Saturday is Earth Day!
It will be a great day to visit Winston-Salem (and fun for the whole family) at the 18th Annual Earth Day Fair! It is the biggest Earth Day celebration and one-day environmental education event in the state. Learn about container gardening, raising chickens, get the buzz on bees, and learn if an electric car is right for you.
For a full list of activities and when to attend click here.
Look! Up in the sky!
OBX Statewide Star Party is Friday at Dowdy Park in Nags Head. The event organizers will set up telescopes and have lots of interactive lessons on all things night sky whether it is clear or cloudy.
How to check out the night sky is all here.
"It was a brave man who first ate an oyster!" - unknown (but definitely true)
Oyster Farm Tours and Tastings begin at Wrightsville Beach. Join Epic Excursions and Middle Sound Mariculture for a visit to a local oyster farm, and then sample freshly shucked oysters that were just harvested surrounded by the natural beauty of Masonboro Island.
How to learn a bit and toss back some salty goodness is here.
That is a sampling of things happening across the state. If you know of something wonderful happening and would like us to mention it contact [email protected] .
What is Arcturus and Should You Be Worried?
Arcturus is the newest strain of Omicron and it has some doctors worried. It could be as much as 1.2 times more infections than the last major sub-variant, Kracken. Researchers from the University of Tokyo excpect it to spread worldwide in the near future.
It has been reported in several states including New Jersey, Virginia, California, Texas, New York, Illinois, Minnesota, Washington, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, Indiana, North Carolina, Delaware, and Louisiana.
The main symptoms of the new variant resemble those of Omicron: Fever, cough, and a sore throat. But one symptom that might be unique to this particular Covid strain is conjunctivitis, or “sticky eyes,” which is basically pinkeye without the pus.
For more on what you need to know and how it may affect your patients click here.
On the Lighter Side - April 14, 2023 - Azaleas, Pirates, and Sondheim
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
Festival Season Has Begun!
NC Azalea Festival - Wilmington
The North Carolina Azalea Festival celebration features concerts, a street fair, big-name entertainment, a parade and more. The festivities kick off Thursday, April 13 with Carly Pearce performing waterfront at Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park. The DGX Street Fair provides an array of shopping and food experiences with more than 250 vendors, as well as a Children's Area with hands-on activities for the little ones to enjoy. On Saturday, the North Carolina Azalea Festival Parade takes place downtown followed by the free Tunes & Blooms Music Festival at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. The evening finale is a fireworks display over the Cape Fear River. As the festival gets closer, look for more exciting entertainment announcements! Attend the North Carolina Azalea Festival and make it a coastal getaway to Wilmington and Island Beaches.
Piratefest - Greenville
Swashbucklers of all ages will converge on the banks of the T-ARRRGH River, a pirate's paradise located in Uptown Greenville! Returning for its 16th year to the Greenville Town Common and river district, festivities will include fine arts and crafts for sale, live music stages, BMX shows, beer and wine gardens, sword fighting, pirate encampments, roving pirate bands, mermaids, and more! This festival culminates in a headlining concert featuring country music duo Maddie & Tae!
There will be plenty of piratical happenings for the whole family!
Greenville as the home of the East Carolina University Pirates and heart of Pirate Nation, really embodies and embraces the pirate history and culture of our region. Many current and former ECU students, families, and pirate lovers from all over the country make their way to this all day festival to enjoy live music stages during the day, and the headlining concert at sunset on the river.
Riverrun International Film Festival - Winston-Salem
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, RiverRun is one of the fastest-growing regional film festivals in the U.S., and a premier film festival in the Southeast. This Academy Award-qualifying film festival showcases a variety of narrative, documentary, student, animated, and short films from all genres. In 2019, USA Today's 10Best digital platform highlighted the RiverRun International Film Festival as one of, "10 Amazing Film Festivals Worth Traveling For."
Ready for some Sondheim?
Into The Woods - Charlotte
Direct from Broadway, the critically acclaimed and much beloved production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony®-winning triumph is coming to Charlotte with its Broadway stars to boot. Into the Woods features Montego Gloveras The Witch, Stephanie J. Block as The Baker’s Wife, Sebastian Arcelus as The Baker, and Gavin Creel as Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf – all reprising their Broadway roles – in a production called “radiant” (Variety), “enchanting” (The Wall Street Journal), and “a priceless revival with a perfect cast” (The Washington Post). Directed by Lear deBessonet (Hercules), this theatrical event honors Sondheim’s legendary memory and his Broadway masterpiece like never before.
“Should you go? Of course you should!” (The New York Times).
Political Pulse for April 14, 2023
This week on Political Pulse we talk about advocacy efforts by the North Carolina Medical Society. The General Assembly is on recess this week, so Thomas Kincheloe and Emma Kate Sowder outline upcoming advocacy events including an Advocacy Summit and a White Coat Day later this month. They also talk about a newly filed bill that NCMS is watching closely. Enjoy.
https://youtu.be/wOswbiDYaoM
CMS Releases Final Rule on Medicare Parts C and D
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule on Medicare Parts C and D earlier this week that addresses a number of changes to the programs, including changes to the authorization process under Medicare Advantage (MA).
NCMS staff are still reviewing the rule, but it appears that many of the provisions NCMS, the AMA, and other health care stakeholders advocated for in correspondence sent to CMS in February, including improved clinical validity of coverage criteria, increased transparency regarding prior authorization processes, have been finalized. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2024.
To read the rule in full click here.
To read the February letter that NCMS joined click here.
Europe Anyone?
You could be heading to Geneva and Milan soon!
The North Carolina Medical Group Manager Association is offering an opportunity to NCMGMA and NCMS members to learn, explore, and network with other health organizations while enjoying the beauty of Geneva and Milan. All package details and trip information can be found HERE .
The trip dates are October 1-7, 2023 and space is limited.
Nominate a NC physician for the 2023 Harris Award!
Do you know an outstanding North Carolina physician leader? Nominate them to win $2,500 for a charity of their choice!
The Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence (CCME) is accepting nominations for the 2023 T. Reginald Harris, MD, Memorial Award. The Harris Memorial Award honors the life and memory of founding member T. Reginald Harris, MD, for his decades of service to the North Carolina medical community and through the North Carolina Medical Society, the American Medical Association, and many other professional, civic, and community activities.
What does the recipient win?
A plaque and $2,500 donation to the award recipient’s charity of choice will be awarded to a North Carolina physician in recognition of significant contributions to the practice of medicine and outstanding patient care. The award is presented annually in conjunction with the North Carolina Medical Society’s annual conference.
Who is eligible?
Any physician residing and practicing in North Carolina who exemplifies excellence in medicine and delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care is eligible for nomination.
How are winners selected?
A selection panel of the CCME Board of Directors reviews the nominations and selects a winner to be announced in August.
How do I nominate someone? Deadline?
To nominate a deserving physician, please complete and submit the nomination form by Saturday, July 15, 2023.
For questions, contact Dori DeJong at [email protected].
Political Pulse for March 31, 2023
In this week's Political Pulse, Medicaid expansion was finally signed by Governor Roy Cooper, but there are still steps to be taken to get it finalized. Some parts will go into effect immediately and some are tied to the budget. The 600 page budget was released late Wednesday and legislators and NCMS are still combing through it. Thomas Kincheloe and Randy Aldridge break down what you need to know so far.
https://youtu.be/x_5WhP12l_o
Governor Roy Cooper Signs HB 76 Into Law
RALEIGH -- After years of work, the North Carolina Medical Society was on hand today as Governor Roy Cooper signed HB 76: Access to Healthcare Options into law.
NCMS has longed worked with our members, legislators, and many partner organizations to get HB 76 passed. Today's signing means that hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians will live healthier and happier lives. The $1.8 billion in federal dollars to the state will also create a Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP) to reimburse hospitals who have experienced financial losses, expand postpartum coverage for mothers, and create a statewide workforce development program.
Here is a look at the final details of HB76:
- Expands Medicaid to over 600,000 North Carolinians and would dole out $1.8 billion in federal dollars to the state.
- Creates a Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP), which would reimburse hospitals who have experienced financial losses.
- Expands postpartum coverage.
- Creates a statewide workforce development program.
- Creates a program that would help residents on Medicaid transfer to marketplace place healthcare when available.
- Adds Certificate of Need (CON) Reform which would remove requirements for chemical dependency beds and psychiatric beds, raises dollar threshold for replacement equipment, raises the dollar threshold for diagnostic centers.
- Also adds CON Reform for counties with over 125,000 residents for Ambulatory Surgery Centers (will take effect 2 years after the first HASP payment) and MRI machines (will take effect 3 years after the first HASP payment).
- The changes will be implemented only if the 2023-2024 budget is passed into law by the end of 2023.
For more information and a message from NCMS CEO Chip Baggett, click here.
Some images from today's ceremony:
NCMS Celebrates Passage of Medicaid Expansion in NC, Thanks Members, Legislators, Partners
RALEIGH -- The North Carolina Medical Society is thrilled to share the news that Medicaid expansion has passed in North Carolina and is now on the desk of Governor Roy Cooper awaiting his signature before it becomes law.
NCMS has worked with our members, legislators, and many partner organizations to get this important legislation passed and to help the people of North Carolina live healthier and happier lives. With passage of House Bill 76, more than 600,000 North Carolinians will now have access to healthcare. The $1.8 billion in federal dollars to the state will also create a Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP) to reimburse hospitals who have experienced financial losses, expand postpartum coverage for mothers, and create a statewide workforce development program.
NCMS CEO Chip Baggett says "This is the kind of day we work for! Our team, our members, our partners, and people from across the state have long hoped for this bill to be signed. The bi-partisan support it received is a clear sign that lawmakers in North Carolina see access to healthcare as part of a strong citizenry. We thank the many legislators who joined us as we moved toward this day. We also thank the NCMS members who have been helping and our partner organizations. It is because all these groups came together to champion this bill that the future of North Carolina is a bit brighter today."
Here is a look at the final details of HB76:
- Expands Medicaid to over 600,000 North Carolinians and would dole out $1.8 billion in federal dollars to the state.
- Creates a Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP), which would reimburse hospitals who have experienced financial losses.
- Expands postpartum coverage.
- Creates a statewide workforce development program.
- Creates a program that would help residents on Medicaid transfer to marketplace place healthcare when available.
- Adds Certificate of Need (CON) Reform which would remove requirements for chemical dependency beds and psychiatric beds, raises dollar threshold for replacement equipment, raises the dollar threshold for diagnostic centers.
- Also adds CON Reform for counties with over 125,000 residents for Ambulatory Surgery Centers (will take effect 2 years after the first HASP payment) and MRI machines (will take effect 3 years after the first HASP payment).
- The changes will be implemented only if the 2023-2024 budget is passed into law by the end of 2023.
Here is a personal message from NCMS CEO Chip Baggett:
Political Pulse for March 17, 2023
Medicaid expansion continues to be the big story this week. Thomas Kincheloe explains where it stands now and the big next step coming on Wednesday. Also a big talker this week is the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Emma Kate Sowder has a recap of what it is and how it will impact physicians across North Carolina.
https://youtu.be/P4km8hn_9Ys
On The Lighter Side – March 17, 2023 - Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
March Madness kicks into high gear this week. The NCAA Men's Tournament kicked off Thursday with Duke and UNC-Asheville both playing in the first round. NC State is the only North Carolina team playing on Friday. As for the NCAA Women's Tournament, NC State plays today and UNC, East Carolina and Duke play Saturday.
It is a big weekend for comedians!
Tonight, fresh off his Netflix special, Jo Koy performs at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte. Tomorrow, Emmy Award-winning comedian Sarah Silverman brings her Grow Some Lips Tour to Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte.
Today is St. Patrick's Day! You can celebrate all weekend in Lake Norman. There will be food, drinks, outdoor games and a vendor village. It is in the Lake Norman Social District. More info is here.
On Sunday, Il Divo brings their mix of pop music and opera to the Belk Theater in Charlotte. Tickets are still available. Get yours by clicking here.
On The Lighter Side - March 10, 2023 - March Madness, St. Patrick's, New Edition and Oscar!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
March Madness continues!
The 2023 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament is underway. Already Wake Forest, Duke, UNC and NC State have advanced to the quarterfinals. The Semifinals are Friday night! Number 1 Miami has been tough to beat, but you can never count out North Carolina teams. The Championship is Saturday at 8:30 on ESPN. Get your favorite team shirts on and get ready!
The full schedule and more on the teams and brackets is here.
St. Patrick's Day isn't until March 17, but across North Carolina things are starting early! Check out the Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Day Festival all day Saturday. More information on the day is available here. A bit up the coast, and also on Saturday, Wilmington invites you downtown for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. The parade steps off at 11am, so get there early. More on what is happening in the Port City is here. Make sure you check out the annual Hooley Under the Bridge after the parade for Irish music and dancing!
The Legacy Continues! New Edition is making it's way to Charlotte Friday night. Guests include Keith Sweat, Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall and Damion Hall. Tickets are available by clicking here.
And the Oscars are Sunday night at 8. Will it be "Everything Everywhere All at Once" or "Top Gun" or any of your favorites?
There will be both a pre-show and an official lead-in broadcast ahead of the ceremony. First, ABC News will host On the Red Carpet Live: Countdown to Oscars 95, a pre-show event that airs from 1-4 p.m.. e
Then, Ashley Graham, Vanessa Hudgens, and Lilly Singh will join together to host the Countdown to the Oscars lead-in show, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m.
Time to Spring Forward!
Daylight Saving Time starts Sunday morning at 2 a.m.. It is time to spring forward!
This is a reminder to set your clocks one hour forward before you go to bed Saturday!
Here is a guide to how to change your clocks:
3-Year Study: Nurse Practitioners Delivering Emergency Care Results in Worse Outcomes and Higher Costs
The American Medical Association's Kevin B. O'Reilly has analyzed a three year study on nurse practitioners (NPs) who deliver emergency care with out physician supervision or collaboration at the Veterans Health Administration. The study finds that lengths of stay increased by 11 percent and 30-day preventable hospitalizations went up by 20 percent when compared to emergency physicians.
The study also shows that NPs increase the cost of ED care by 7 percent, or about $66 per patient. Increasing the number of NPs on duty to decrease wait times raised total health care spending by 15 percent, or $238 per case. That does not include the additional NP salaries. In all, assigning 25 percent of emergency cases to NPs results in net costs of $74 million annually to the VHA.
More on what sets this study apart and a deeper analysis is available here.
Legislative Weekly Review - March 3, 2023
Another jam-packed week for healthcare in the legislature! Most notably, House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate Leader Phil Berger announced the two chambers have reached a compromise on Medicaid Expansion. There is no bill language on the proposed agreement yet, however we know it will include some changes to Certificate of Need and include the HASP program.
The SAVE Act was filed again this week, which would allow advanced practice nurses to practice without physician supervision. NCMS continues to work in opposition to this bill.
Lastly, the Compassionate Care Act, which would allow the use of medical cannabis, passed the Senate and will head to the House.
Here are some other bills filed this week we are tracking:
HB 222, No CV19 Vaccine Mandates for NC Students: Would prohibit the commission public health, state and health agencies from requiring North Carolina students to be immunized against COVID-19.
HB 254, Firearm Storage: Would require anyone who owns a firearm that resides in the same premises of a minor to keep their firearm in a locked container.
HB 258, Novel Opioid Control Act of 2023: Makes technical changes to the list of compounds that are classified as opioids.
Read full summaries of these bills here.
On The Lighter Side - March 3, 2023 - Madness, Alanis, Roxy, Velma, and Peter Pan!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
March Madness is officially underway!
The 2023 ACC Women's Basketball Tournament is officially underway in Greensboro. The Champion ship game is Sunday at 1pm. Top ranked Notre Dame, number two Duke and third ranked Virginia Tech are all vying to take the championship!
The full schedule and more about the teams is available here.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MARCH:
- It is considered the least productive month of the year because the American workforce is so focused on March Madness and betting on the games. In 2019 it was estimated that unproductive workers cost employers $4 billion.
- It is the best month for vasectomies as men choose to recover as they watch basketball
- Daylight Saving Time begins March 12
- Get green on St. Patrick's Day March 17
Nothing ironic here! "Jagged Little Pill" hits the stage at DPAC
Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE—everything we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show— is here in the exhilarating, fearless new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music.
Show times and tickets are here.
All that jazz is steaming up Wilmington. "Chicago" premieres Sunday
Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly, Billy Flynn and Mary Sunshine hit the stage at the Wilson Center. Set in Chicago in the jazz age, the musical is based on a 1926 play of the same title, about actual criminals and the crimes.
More information and tickets are available here.
Peter Pan & Wendy are ready to fly into your home again!
If you don't want to grow up, good news! Peter Pan is coming back! The new, live action movie Peter Pan & Wendy debuts on Disney+ on April 28. It features the classic tale with all the main characters including Tinker Bell played by "Blackish" star Yara Shahidi, the first black woman to portray the fairy on screen. Academy Award nominee Jude Law plays Captain Hook and a cast of up and coming young actors fills out the cast.
See the trailer here.
NCMS Political Pulse March 3, 2023
Some hot button issues are taking over Raleigh this week as legislators continue the long session. In this week’s Political Pulse we break down three important topics.
Medical cannabis has cleared some major hurdles and is heading to the Senate. NCMS is on record as supporting the development of research regarding medical cannabis. It is legislation NCMS is watching closely.
Also important to NCMS members is the return of an effort to give some nurses more authority. NCMS has long been against this legislation. Thomas Kincheloe details what happened and what may be coming next.
It looks like a bill to further limit abortion access will be filed at any time. NCMS recently approved a policy on reproductive healthcare that supports abortion as part of comprehensive healthcare. What to expect is in the edition of Political Pulse.
https://youtu.be/z0XIm_Q2hEs
NCMS Staff at Work: Lunch & Learn Webinar: LEGISLATION, EXPECTATIONS & ADVOCACY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j72px9BMNJI
This lunch and learn featured Thomas Kincheloe, NCMS Director of Legislative Affairs, and Alan Skipper, NCMS VP of External Affairs, presenting an overview of the first few weeks of the 2023 legislative long session in NC and a summation of what is happening at the federal level thus far in 2023.
Additional Resources:
On The Lighter Side - February 24, 2023 - Basketball, Charleston, and a Couple of Reasons to Stay Home This Weekend
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
ACC Basketball Still Dominates Sports This Weekend
The 2023 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament is March 7-11
This weekend is stuffed with big ACC Men's basketball. This weekend look for:
Saturday
NC State vs. Clemson
Georgia Tech vs. Louisville
UNC vs. Virginia
Wake Forest vs. Notre Dame
Sunday
Maryland vs. Northwestern
Georgetown vs. Providence
Feeling Hungry? Charleston Food, Culture & History Tour!
Tours happen February 26 - March 4, 2023
It is a chance to visit what Vanity Fair Magazine calls an "exquisitely preserved historical wonder." Charleston, SC is ready to open it's doors and feed you. The tours are a blend of food, history and music that are sure to feed all your senses.
For more information and tickets click here.
It May Be A Good Weekend to Stay Indoors!
"Knock at the Cabin" Now Available PVOD
Looking for a good scary movie? "Knock at the Cabin" is now officially available via Premium Video On Demand (PVOD) through several online retailers, including Amazon Prime Video and Vudu. At the time of writing, the movie costs $19.99 to rent and $24.99 to buy
The March to Oscar Glory Continues With the SAG Awards
29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards are Sunday
Will it be "Babylon" or "Everything Everywhere All at Once" on Sunday night at 8? The Screen Actors Guild Awards will air on Netflix's YouTube channel this year. Who do you think will take home the actor?
NCMS Political Pulse February 24, 2023
In this week's Political Pulse, Thomas Kincheloe and Emma Kate Sowder discuss the North Carolina Medical Society Legislative priorities. Included is how NCMS decides its top priorities each session as well as more information on the top three things we are focusing on now. Find out about how we are focusing on building a sustainable healthcare workforce, maintaining a patient-centered healthcare system, and the sanctity of clinician-patient relationships. Make sure to follow us on all social media platforms for more information.
https://youtu.be/v8BGFma5S9A
ECU Health Sets Focus on Sickle Cell Research
East Carolina University Health is hoping to improve the lives of people living with sickle cell disease. People with sickle cell can experience extreme pain, breathing problems, and a higher risk of infection, but through ground-breaking research, ECU researchers hope to improve individuals suffering from the disease quality of life.
“Right here at this hospital, we have currently at least ten clinical trials looking at these new drugs for sickle cell disease. The drug called Crizanlizumab, which was approved in 2019, we were the highest enrolling site, studying that drug here, if you look at all sites in the country and the world,” says Dr. Beng Fuh, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Specialist at ECU Health. [source]
Read the full article and learn more about this life-saving research here.
Want to get involved in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease? The Neuse Pamlico Sound Women's Coalition will host its annual 5K Walk/Run to help raise awareness and funding, March 11 in New Bern.
NCMS Legislative Review: February 17, 2023
Another big week for health in the legislature. The House passed its version of the Medicaid Expansion Bill, HB 76. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it may face changes before finalization.
The Department of Insurance also filed an Omnibus Bill, HB 127, this week that would move the required coverage age for colon cancer screen from 50 to 45 among other changes.
Here are some other bills that were filed this week of note:
HB 98 & SB 121, Medical Freedom Act: Would prohibit state agencies, local governments, schools, and health agencies from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
HB 107, Repeal Certificate of Need: Would repeal all of North Carolina's Certificate of Need Laws.
HB 108, Local Disease Programs/Funds: Gives money to DHHS and DPH to continue addressing COVID-19 and future health emergencies, as well as maintain staff. Money divided between local health departments.
HB 134, State Health Plan Administrative Changes: Would allow the State Health Plan (SHP) to access and utilize health insurance claims payment data while still protecting consumer data.
SB 116, 2023 Youth END Act: Would implement funds for local health departments, campaigns, military, etc. from the Tobacco Use Prevention Fund to decrease youth usage of electronic cigarettes and nicotine.
Read full summaries of these bills here.
NCMS Goes to Capitol Hill
Over the dates of February 13-15, the American Medical Association convened for its 2023 National Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC. The agenda included updates from members of Congress, DHHS and CMS leaders, political columnists and political consultants that keep their finger on the congressional pulse. Topics ranged from the political landscape inside the beltway, to fighting the opioid epidemic, to equity in the healthcare system.
Leading our North Carolina delegation at this year’s NAC was NCMS President, Dr. Art Apolinario, along with Dr. Mary Ann Contogiannis who serves on the NC delegation to the AMA House of Delegates and is a member of the AMA’s Council on Constitution and Bylaws.
Over the three-day event, meetings were held on Capitol Hill with our House and Senate members’ staff. The primary issues that the group took to the Hill were
Medicare Payment System Reform – averting future fights over reimbursement cuts and providing for inflationary adjustments
Workforce Challenges – expansion of GME slots and expansion of international medical graduate waivers
Patient Safety – promoting team-based care while recognizing appropriate boundaries
To “bring the message home,” the focus of meetings on the Hill was how each of these priority issues is impacting patient care and physicians in North Carolina. The NC Medical Society approaches its legislative advocacy at both the state and federal level with that objective in mind.
On The Lighter Side - February 17, 2023. Basketball, Barney, The Book of Mormon, The Daytona 500, the Canes Fan Fest, and Cookies!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
ACC Basketball Heats Up As Tourney Gets Closer
The 2023 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament is March 7-11
The ACC Tourney is less than a month away. Big games this weekend include:
Saturday
Notre Dame vs. #7 Virginia
#10 Tennessee vs. Kentucky
#5 Kansas vs. #9 Baylor
#1 Alabama vs. Georgia
Sunday
UNC vs. #23 NC State
#3 Purdue vs. Ohio State
#2 Houston vs. Memphis
Carolina Hurricanes Fan Fest!
Carolina Hurricanes Fan Fest presented by UNC Health
- Dates: February 17, 2023
- Venue: Fayetteville Street
- Location: Downtown Raleigh
- Address: Fayetteville St., Raleigh, NC 27601
- Times: 11am-9pm
- Admission: Free
Barney is Back!
Millennials Rejoice! Barney is making a return to TV screens!
Mattel says this time around look for Barney on TV, a film, YouTube, music, toys, books, and of course plenty of merchandise!
More on I love you, you love me is here.
The Book of Mormon Lands at DPAC
The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it "Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal." It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award® winning Best Musical.
How to get tickets is here.
The 2023 Daytona 500 is Sunday!
The 2023 Daytona 500 is an upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race and the 65th running of the event. It will be held on February 19, 2023, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It will be the first race of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series. Jimmie Johnson is scheduled to return to the Cup Series for Legacy Motor Club in this race.
Will Moravian Cookies Be Official State Cookie?
A bill filed Monday would make Moravian cookies the official cookie of NC> Reps. Jon Hardister, Donny Lambeth, and Jeff Zenger are the primary sponsors of the bill. This is the second time they have tried to make the famous cookies made in Winston-Salem the official state cookie.
What do you think? Comment below and read more here.
NCMS Political Pulse February 16, 2023
The legislative long session is very busy this week. HB76, which would expand Medicaid access to more than 600 thousand North Carolinians, is moving quickly through the House. It still has several steps in front of it before it is passed, but NCMS is working hard with it’s members and staff to make it happen. See NCMS Director of Legislative Affairs, Thomas Kincheloe and VP of Communications Randy Aldridge talk about the very latest.
https://youtu.be/upk82YHaM50
Is It Finally Time? Medicaid Expansion Back In the Spotlight In Raleigh.
RALEIGH -- This week, North Carolina House Republicans filed a Medicaid expansion bill in the state House.
On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, the talk in the Legislature, and with medical professionals around the state, returned to the possibility that North Carolina would join almost every other state in the country by expanding Medicaid benefits. It is a cause state Democrats have pushed for years, but it remained stalled when legislators went home last year.
Now, the NC House will hear and likely vote on Medicaid expansion next week. The bill's scheduled for debate in the chambers health committee on Tuesday and would direct the state to start covering several hundred thousand people next year. Floor votes could come later Tuesday and Wednesday.
North Carolina is one of a very few states that have not expanded Medicaid. Many of the people who would be affected work in jobs that do not offer health care benefits. They make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, yet cannot afford to purchase it. If it is successful it would extend healthcare to hundreds of thousands of people in the state considered the working poor.
If that state expands healthcare, the federal government will pay North Carolina $1.8 billion.
Per Gary Robertson of the Associated Press, the House bill would also direct the state to participate in a program that would result in higher reimbursements for hospital systems when they treat Medicaid patients. It lays out efforts to help Medicaid recipients access workforce development initiatives as they seek to return to employment of establish new careers.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has broken down exactly how expansion would elevate the state. Read the full report here.
The North Carolina Medical Society is following this legislation closely and we will talk about it in-depth in our next Political Pulse.
On The Lighter Side - February 10, 2023. Football, Brady's Ladies, Sweethearts, A Film Festival, and Ryan Reynolds!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week!
Super Bowl LVII is Sunday!
The championship game of the National Football League for the 2022 season is Sunday. The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Philadelphia Eagles at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. The Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is looking to be the first player to win the league MVP and the Super Bowl in the same year since 1999. On the Eagles side, Jalen Hurts will be just the 8th QB to start a Super Bowl before turning 25!
Superstar Rihanna is this year's halftime headliner.
If that Super Bowl isn't your speed, maybe this one is!
Tom Brady has retired (again!) and the four leads are all over 75 years old! The combination is burning up theaters! "80 for Brady" is a surprise hit and a perfect option for those who are not sitting down to the Chiefs and Eagles on Sunday night. The movie almost won the box office last weekend and has a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes!
Join Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno, Sally Field, and Tom Brady for the hottest road trip movie of the winter!
Valentine's Day is Tuesday
Are you looking for something special for the medical professional in your life? Here is a list of gifts that are sure to please!
24 Amazing Gifts That'll Put A Big Smile On Their Face
Black History Month Celebrations Continue
The Chapel Hill Black Film Festival is this weekend. Events are Friday and Saturday at the Varsity Theatre on East Franklin Street.
Click here for more information.
Ryan Reynolds' Soccer Team is Coming to Cary!
Wrexham AFC is playing its first US game in Cary this summer! The lower-division Welsh soccer team is co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The competition features 32 teams playing 7-on-7 soccer in a winner-take-all format. The top prize is $1 million. The Tournament (Yes, that is the real name!) mirrors the World Cup with a knockout round followed by quarter- and semi-finals. The championship game is June 4.
Medicaid Expansion Bill Filed. Will It Make It This Year?
RALEIGH -- North Carolina House Republicans filed a Medicaid expansion bill in the state House Wednesday, February 8, 2023. If it is successful it would extend healthcare to hundreds of thousands of people in the state considered the working poor. It is a cause state Democrats have pushed for years and remained stalled when legislators went home last year.
North Carolina is one of a very few states that have not expanded Medicaid. Many of the people who would be affected work in jobs that do not offer health care benefits. They make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, yet cannot afford to purchase it.
If that state expands healthcare, the federal government will pay North Carolina $1.8 billion.
The North Carolina Medical Society is following this legislation closely and we will talk about it in-depth in our next Political Pulse.
RESOLVED: NC Medicaid Direct Eligibility Issues
North Carolina Medicaid issued a notification stating system issues affecting NC Medicaid Direct member eligibility status has been fully resolved as of Tuesday, February 7, 2023. It encourages providers who have received claim denials due to Medicaid eligibility for dates of Service between February 3 and February 6, 2023, to confirm member eligibility and refile the claim.
For more information click here.
NCMS Board Member Dr. Karen Smith Speaks Out on Healthcare Disparities
Dr. Karen Smith knows much about caring for patients from different socioeconomic, racial, and geographic backgrounds. She has treated people who are Caucasian, African American, Native American Indian, and Hispanic, male, female, newborn, geriatric, poor, wealthy, insured and uninsured, employed and unemployed. Healthcare disparities are something she is keenly aware of. "The impact of disparities in care crosses multiple socioeconomic levels," she says, "the burden of less than optimal disease management affects not only the individual, but the entire community."
As a longtime member of the North Carolina Medical Society, she has seen and participated in many ways to confront healthcare disparities.
In a recent article in NCFP she recounted some of her patients and how they handled similar healthcare issues differently. She notes that how individuals respond to care is influenced by how people are treated by physicians and clinical staff, EMS personnel, language differences, physical barriers to care, and economic realities of families. She says that "despite advances in technology and enhancements in clinical education, the mortality rate for minorities in the United States remains substantially higher than the Caucasian population."
Smith says that it is "imperative to correct this difference in case management. The health of the individual is key to maintaining a strong workforce with less dependence on public assistance for support of the family unit." She aims for lifelong relationships with patients and the development of a sense of trust. "The recognition of the family physician as an advocate for the individual patient must be communicated to the public."
As part of her commitment to her patients, Smith recently opened a new practice facility in Raeford. It was designed to embrace new technology that gets patients involved and comfortable with a new way of seeing their physician. Her waiting room features a working fireplace that promotes the concept of family and relaxation. It is a first of its kind for a family medicine practice in North Carolina.
Today is National Women Physicians Day!
This is just the fourth National Women Physicians Day, on February 3. The event celebrates Elizabeth Blackwell’s birthday; she was the first female medical doctor in the U.S. It’s a time to honor women doctors across the country, and the progress they’ve made since Blackwell’s time. Nationally, there are still fewer female doctors than male doctors, but the progress is steady. In 2017, for the first time in history, women made up more than half of all those in medical schools.
Here is a fun timeline of Women physicians throughout history:
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL WOMEN PHYSICIANS DAY
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Thank your physician!
If you see a female doctor, thank her for her work. Make sure she knows you appreciate the time and care she provides.
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Post to social media
Get on Twitter or Facebook and share stories and/or history of women doctors. Use #NationalWomenPhysiciansDay or #WomenPhysiciansDay.
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Binge-watch your favorite women doctors
From Dr. Quinn to Dr. Meredith Grey, TV has given us well-rounded, strong, smart women we can look up to in the medical profession. Grab a bowl of popcorn and take the journey with them.
On The Lighter Side - February 3, 2023. Black History Month, Beyonce, Jazz and Cats!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week that we found interesting.
The BeyHive is in overdrive this week! Beyonce is hitting the road!
The 28 time Grammy winner announced a world tour beginning in Sweden in May with stops throughout Europe and the United States.
Her 2022 album "Renaissance" is a celebration of dance music. The tour will make stops in London, Paris, Barcelona, and Toronto before ending September 27 in New Orleans.
She will be in Charlotte August 9. Ticketmaster says sales begin February 6. Fans will need to register through their Verified Fan system.
AND Beyonce could make Recording Academy history Sunday night. She is the most nominated artist this year and if she wins four awards she will break the record of the late Hungarian-British conductor Gerog Solti. You can watch the Grammys, hosted by Trevor Noah, Sunday at 8pm on CBS.
Black History Month is in full swing across the state. Here are a few options starting this weekend:
2023 Black Heritage Festival in Cabarrus County
Black History Month Celebration in Charlotte
Black History Celebration in Greensboro
GDBCC 2023 Black Business Gala in Durham
Many other celebrations are being held throughout the month. Check out this list of all events coming soon for other options.
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For jazz lovers it is time to head to the coast for the North Carolina Jazz Festival in Wilmington. The music plays through the weekend.
Other highlights this weekend include:
- Fantasia at Bojangles Stadium in Charlotte
- Scotty McCreery at Coyote Joe's in Charlotte
- The Squirrel Nut Zippers at The Orange Peel in Asheville
- Le Miserables at the Belk Theater in Charlotte
- REO Speedwagon at Harrah's Cherokee Casino
- John Waters at the Carolina Theater in Durham
- Cats at DPAC in Durham
You Can Now Access Your NCMS Membership Card Anytime, Anywhere!
Need a New or Replacement NCMS Membership Card? You can now access it online!
Here's how (You must log in to access your card):
1. Click here to access the NCMS website
2. Hover over the "Membership" tab at the top of the page
3. Click on "My NCMS Membership Card" from the dropdown list
4. If you're not already logged in, you will be prompted to do so.
5. Screenshot or Print Page
That's it! You're done.
On The Lighter Side - January 27, 2023. Oscars, Astronauts, Biltmore, Hornets, and Ice!
Here are some things NCMS employees, members, and the general public are talking about this week that we found interesting.
Christmas in January! North Carolina's famed Biltmore Estate will star in a a 2023 Hallmark Christmas movie! The movie features actress Bethany Joy Lenz who was a star of 'One Tree Hill,' which was filmed in Wilmington. No word yet on when 'A Biltmore Christmas' will air. More on the filming is here.
2023 Oscar nominations come with surprises, career comebacks, and Everything Everywhere All at Once!
From blockbusters, hello "Top Gun: Maverick" to huge surprises, we see you Andrea Riseborough, the 2023 Oscar nominations were all over the map. Will 90s heartthrob Brendan Fraser take his first Oscar and send Austin Butler to the "Heartbreak Hotel" and will Michelle Yeoh finally fight her way to the top? Plus, Hollywood legend Jamie Lee Curtis is finally getting her first chance at Oscar gold. The Oscars are never without controversy and this year there are, again, no female directors in the mix.
It's all about seeing what the stars wear anyway! The2023 Oscars air Sunday, March 12, at 8pm on ABC.
An astronaut from North Carolina is going to be at the NC Museum of Natural History this weekend!
“Humans in Space: Past, Present and Future,” is Saturday and Sunday at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Astronomy Days is 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 28–29. NASA astronaut and North Carolina native Christina Koch is this year’s featured presenter. Koch made the most of her first trip to the International Space Station by breaking the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman (328 days from March 2019 – Feb. 2020) and conducting the first all-female spacewalk with fellow NASA astronaut Jessica Meir. Astronomy Days is free, fun for all ages, and in-person for the first time since 2020.
The Hornets take on the Heat!
On Sunday, the Charlotte Hornets take on the Miami Heat. Tip off is 1pm at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
The inaugural Maggie Valley Ice Festival is Saturday! There will be ice sculptures, ice carving, an ice slide, and s'mores! The fun starts at 3pm and it is Free! Details here.
On the Lighter Side - January 13
2023 is kicking off with a bang across the state and across the country. Here are some things we are excited about this week!
It is time for Carnival! January 6 marks the official start to the Mardi Gras season.
January 14 - Girl Scout cookies go on sale. This year Raspberry Rally is going head-to-head with Thin Mints to capture your heart!
January 14 - Carolina Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 7pm, PNC Arena
January 16 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Events and parades happening across the state and country.
In other good news:
Buffalo Bills Damar Hamlin goes home after his shocking cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Golden Globe Awards remind us all that being over 60 is fabulous! Angela Bassett, Jennifer Coolidge, and Michelle Yeoh won awards after decades in show business.
Can you spare a moment for Prince Harry? Britain's famed second son releases his first book!
NCMS Medical Education Committee Ensures State Programs Remain Accredited
Do you work in medical education or have an interest in educational activities for you and your colleagues? If so, please consider joining the NCMS Medical Education Committee.
NCMS Members are keenly aware of the importance of continuing professional development for Physicians and PAs. Many NCMS members rely on educational opportunities offered by employers or Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) to obtain continuing medical education (CME) credits. Eleven (11) of our state’s CME providers rely on their own program accreditation via the NCMS. These providers offered nearly 600 activities in the reporting year 2021.
The NCMS Accreditation Program is staffed by Russet Rogers, EdD, and monitored by the Medical Education Committee. The Committee meets at least quarterly and is charged with reviewing recommendations for accreditation and reaccreditation of providers, according to Accreditation Council of Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) criteria.
Committee members must be current NCMS members. For more information or to be considered for nomination to the Committee, please contact Russet Rogers at [email protected].
NCMS Finance Committee Seeks Volunteers
Do you have experience running your practice or another organization? Consider volunteering for the NCMS Finance Committee!
The NCMS Finance Committee, charged with providing financial oversight for the organization, meets virtually once per quarter. Typical agenda items include reviewing financial reporting, ensuring the operating budget meets the Society’s goals, and setting long-range financial goals along with funding strategies to achieve them.
NCMS Secretary-Treasurer John J. Meier, Jr. chairs the Finance Committee. “The NCMS does a lot of really amazing work on very limited resources,” says Dr. Meier. “Our members may be very surprised to learn more about how far dues dollars and other revenue sources are stretched to meet our needs. I encourage members with an interest in seeing our organization grow to reach out and participate.”
Committee members must be NCMS members. If you are interested in learning more or being appointed to the Finance Committee, contact Shawn Scott at [email protected].
$1.7 trillion federal spending bill, Millions at risk of losing Medicaid
Enrollment in Medicaid surged 30% to more than 83 million people during the pandemic, after Congress basically barred states from kicking people out of the program for the duration of the federal public health emergency declared in response to Covid.
As 2022 comes to an end, millions of people who enrolled in the Medicaid public health insurance program during the Covid pandemic could lose their coverage early next year. That is if their state determines they no longer meet the program’s eligibility requirements and North Carolina is on that list.
Tucked inside a more than 4,000-page, $1.7 trillion bill that funds the federal government through September is a provision that would eliminate the Medicaid coverage protections from the public health emergency. Instead, states could start terminating recipients’ coverage in April 2023 if they no longer meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
Here is a map showing states and their current action on Medicaid expansion.
Do You Hear What I Hear?! It's Christmas Music!
Want to know what the NCMS is listening to while continuing to work hard for our members this week?
Check out this Spotify playlist of some of the staff's favorite Christmas songs. What are some of yours?
DOCMS December Meeting Highlights - “Prevention of Firearm Injury”
The Durham Orange County Medical Society met December 14, 2022 at the University Club of Durham to talk about the prevention of firearm injury.
DOCMS invited the medical community of Durham Orange County to learn about firearm policy in NC and to discuss opportunities to intervene and prevent firearm injury in our communities. This discussion was moderated by Nancy Henley, MD.
Guest speakers included:
Becky Ceartas is the Executive Director of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence (NCGV) and has been leading the organization since 2014. She has 22 years of experience with non-profit organizations. Becky became involved in gun violence prevention work after the Sandy Hook tragedy. As a new mom, she was compelled to take action. She now works with volunteers and supporters to fulfill NCGV’s mission, which is to make North Carolina safe from gun violence through educating the public about preventing gun violence, enforcing current laws, and enacting needed new laws.
To download the Ceartas Presentation click here
Dr. Brian Eichner is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Duke in the Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health and has been at Duke since 2006. Since starting at Duke, he has been interested in the pediatrician's role in preventing gun injury and death and has spoken on this topic in various venues and works with his colleagues on how to discuss firearm injury prevention with families and has worked to improve the provision of gun locks at well child visits across the Duke network. His clinical interests are in the primary care of children with medical complexity and his current research interests are in the early diagnosis of developmental delay and autism.
To download the Eichner presentation click here.
An Unexpected Snowstorm Could Bring an Unwanted Silent Night. Be Prepared!
Don't fret, Santa is still coming to town! Even during inclement weather.
No matter how frightful it may be, it is wise for you, your patients and staff to be prepared.
While you're waiting for Jolly Old Saint Nick, here are a few things you might want to have on hand in case of a snowstorm over the holidays.