POSTPONED-NCDHHS Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina

 

UPDATE: 

The NCDHHS Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina scheduled for Thursday, October 3, 2024, has been postponed due to impacts of Hurricane Helene across the state, especially the severe impacts in western North Carolina.

When this event has been rescheduled, we will communicate the new date.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services encourages those who can get their vaccines at this time to do so.

The 2024-2025 respiratory virus season is here and everyone ages 6 months and up is due for their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Seasonal vaccines are the best to way to prevent people from experiencing severe cases of flu and COVID-19, especially for those who are at a higher risk of complications from the viruses. This includes people who are under 5, 65 and older, pregnant and/or living with chronic medical conditions.

In addition to flu and COVID-19 vaccines, RSV vaccines are also now available for older adults and those who are pregnant. Some babies and children under two may also need to receive an immunization to help build protection against RSV. It’s important for individuals of all ages to be up to date on all recommended vaccines.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, October 3, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how seasonal vaccines, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV, help protect communities against severe illness, hospitalization and long-term health complications. The event will be moderated by Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, M.D., NCDHHS’ State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer.

The 2024-2025 respiratory virus season is here and everyone ages 6 months and up is due for their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Seasonal vaccines are the best to way to prevent people from experiencing severe cases of flu and COVID-19, especially for those who are at a higher risk of complications from the viruses. This includes people who are under 5, 65 and older, pregnant and/or living with chronic medical conditions. Last year, 95% of people in the United States hospitalized due to COVID-19 had not had the most recent COVID vaccine, and people who skipped their flu shot were twice as likely to need medical help for the flu.

Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss the following:

  • How to get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines
  • What to know about RSV protection, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines
  • Ways to find a health provider near you and access care
  • Steps to protect yourself and your household against seasonal illness
  • How to access free vaccines for children

During the 2023-2024 respiratory season, North Carolina experienced its highest number of pediatric flu deaths (16) since public health reporting began in 2004, with 81% of the flu deaths occurring in children who did not get a flu shot last year.

In addition to flu and COVID-19 vaccines, RSV vaccines are also now available for older adults and those who are pregnant. Some babies and children under two may also need to receive an immunization to help build protection against RSV. It’s important for individuals of all ages to be up to date on all recommended vaccines before enjoying seasonal activities, sporting events or celebrations with loved ones.

Everyone should test for COVID-19 right away if they feel sick or have symptoms to help prevent the virus from spreading to others around them. Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are  available at more than 300  local organizations statewide.  To find free tests near you visit MySpot.nc.gov/tests.

The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 111990#.

Visit MySpot.nc.gov for information, guidance and resources on seasonal vaccines and how they support respiratory health.

by NCMS

Happy Birthday to Our Members Celebrating This Month!

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

 

John L. Abernethy, Jr., MD, PhD
Robert M. Adams, IV, MD
Feyisayo A. Adeyina, MD
Achankeng Afiadata, MD
Adil H. M. Ahmed, MD
Kamal S. Ajam, MD
Jamie H. R. Aldridge, PA
Uzma Ali, MD
Zulfiqar Ali, MD
Gilbert R. Alligood, Jr., MD
Peter D. Almirall, MD
Charles M. Almond, MD
George J. Alter, MD
Theresa C. Amerson, MD
J. Robert Anderson, MD
Pooja J. Apte, MD
Sasan S. Araghi, MD
Joshua L. Arnold, MD
Gerald M. Aronoff, MD
Philip Asenso, MD
Trevor C. Austin, MD
Michael J. Azrak, MD
Claxton A. Baer, MD, PhD
D. B. Baird, MD
Matthew G. Baker, PA-C
Scott W. Baker, MD
David O. B. Bala, MD
Marquiez D. Ballard, PA-C
Surekha Bantumilli, MD
David W. Barry, MD
Derrick A. Bass, PA-C
Michael P. Battaglino, MD
Carmen J. V. Beamon, MD, MPH
Stacey B. Bean, MD
Ann Y. Becker, MD
Ross J. Bellavia, MD
Charles P. Benfield, MD
W. Tyson Bennett, MD, FACC, FACP
Jill L. Benson, MD
Thomas W. Benton, MD
Jerry C. Bernstein, MD, FAAP
David R. Bierman, MD
Gary L. Biesecker, MD, FACS
Sukanto Biswas, MD
Billy G. Black, MD
Charles W. Blount, Jr., MD
James D. Bobbitt, MD
Casey E. Bohl, MD
Paul Bolin, Jr., MD
R. Randal Bollinger, MD, PhD
Jeremy J. Bonkowske, MD
Alexandra H. Boster, DO
Carol B. Bounajim, MD
Josie B. Bowen, MD, FACEP
W. Scott Bowie, MD
James F. Bowman, MD
Dale W. Boyd, Jr., MD
Michael Bradshaw, MD
James D. Branch, MD
Teresa S. Bratton, MD
Bradley C. Brenton, MD
Thomas D. Bresley, MD
Thomas E. Brewington, Jr., MD, JD
Don C. Bright, MD
Mary D. Broga, MD, FAAP
Jennifer A. Brooks, PA-C
Chamaine R. Brooks-Locklear, MD
Thomas M. Brosnan, MD
Delores E. Brown, MD
Elizabeth D. Brown, MD
J. Dale BRowne, MD
Charles W. Bryan, MD
John H. Buck, MD
Manuel E. Bulauitan, MD
Julia A. Bulkeley, MD
Eithne T. Burke, MD
Timothy A. Burke, MD
Walter Woodrow Burns, Jr., MD
Craig M. Burnworth, MD
Edwin R. Cadet, MD
Molly S. Calabria, PA
A. Barry Campbell, MD
Stephen J. Capps, MD
C. Bradley Carlson, MD
Richard K. Carmona, MD
Marc R. Carruth, MD
Lawrence S. Carter, Jr., MD
Thomas E. Castelloe, MD
Stephanie A. Cernuto, PA-C
J. Kenneth Chance, MD
Kerry E. Chandler, MD
Cynamon K. Chawla, MD
Firas Chazli, MD
C. Frank Chen, MD
Nirav Chiniwalla, MD
Autumn C. Chisenhall, DO
Nathan Christie, MD
Tara L. Chronister, MD
Jeffrey A. Clarke, PA
Olivia M. Clelland, PA-C
Kelly M. Clifford, MD
W. Gerald Cochran, MD
Max W. Cohen, MD
Devon J. Cole, MD
Patrick M. Connor, MD
Anna J. Conterato, MD
Scott L. Cornella, MD
Thomas P. Cornwall, MD
Daniel T. Cotter, MD
Benjamin L. Coulter, MD
Mary L. Courrege, MD
Christopher D. Covington, DO
Andrew J. Cowder, MD
Kathryn H. Cox, MD
John T. Crawford, MD
Harry D. Crews, MD
Laddie M. Crisp, Jr., MD
Julie A. Czech, MD
Kunal S. Dalal, MD
Christopher T. Daley, MD
Nicole M. D'Andrea, MD, MPH, FACOG
Robert D'Angelo, MD
Walter E. Daniel, MD
David M. Dare, MD
Leroy S. Darkes, MD
Deborah H. Davis, MD
Keith E. Davis, MD, FACC, FACP
Michael E. Davis, MD
Samuel P. Davis, III, MD
Thomas R. Davis, MD
Katyucia de Macedo Rodrigues, MD
Thomas W. deBeck, MD
LaShauna R. Deese, MD
R. Prasad DeGala, MD
Larry C. Dekle, MD
Megan A. DeMariano, MD
Erin N. Dennis, MD
Briana W. Denton, PA-C
Todd M. Derreberry, MD
Nilay V. Desai, MD, FACE
Ronald W. Digby, MD
John H. Dilworth, MD
Dobrinka V. Dimitrova Koutleva, MD
S. Shripad Dongre, MD
S. Trevor Downs, PA-C
Adam N. Drechsler, MD
John E. Drew, MD
Logan S. D'Souza, MD
Sara O. DuMond, MD
Todd H. Duncan, MD
Andrea M. DuPont, MD, FACEP
Suzanne E. Dvergsten, MD
Robert R. Earnest, MD, FAAP
John Stewart G. Edmunds, MD
Bradley S. Ellison, MD
Scott C. Elston, MD
Courtney N. Enos, PA-C
Carrie A. Enright, PA-C
Celia B. Entwistle, MD, FACEP
C. Allan Eure, MD
J. Holt Evans, MD
James C. Fahl, MD
Amanda L. Faulkner, MD
David E. K. Feldman, MD
Nathan P. Fergus, MD
Ashley M. Ferguson, MD
Michael O. Ferguson, MD
Lynne C. Fiscus, MD, MPH
Jessica M. Fisher, MD
T. Sledge Floyd, Jr., MD
Philip B. Fontenot, MD
Clayton J. Foret, MD
Robert M. Foster, MD
Tanaya P. Foster, PA-C
Barry I. Freedman, MD
Preston H. Gada, MD
Louis A. Gagliano, MD
Paul G. Galentine, III, MD
Jeffrey Michael B. Galvin, MD
W. Ray Gammon, MD
Lisa M. Gangarosa, MD
Ronald L. Garber, MD
Gilbert J. Garcia, Jr., MD
Brian P. Garvin, MD
Christopher P. Garwacki, MD
R. Glenn Gaston, MD
Paige L. Gausmann, MD
Laura C. Gay, MD
Robert M. Gay, MD
Alfred E. Geissele, MD
Richard W. Geldmeier, MD
Elizabeth J. Geller, MD
Ryan D. Gentry, MD
Ellen L. C. Ghodke, MD
Gregory R. Gibbons, MD
David E. Gibson, MD
Thomas V. Giguiere, MD
Mary G. F. Gilliland, MD
Keely B. Godwin, MD
Anya L. Golkowski Barron, MD
Paul A. N. Gordon, MD
Emily Gosser, MD
Manish Goyal, MD
Soledad C. Griffin, MD
James G. Groce, MD
Stephanie A. Grotzke, MD
Jessica M. Gruenberg, MD
Carmelo Gullotto, MD
Anna B. Gulyn, MD
Sandeepkumar J. Gupta, MD
Bhavna K. Gvalani, PA-C
William D. Hage, MD
Warner L. Hall, Jr., MD
Blake M. Hampton, MD
Frank T. Hannah, MD
Meredith M. Hardeman, PA
Kathleen W. Harknett, MD
David K. Harper, MD
Wayne L. Harper, MD
Charles W. Harris, MD
James M. Harris, MD
Jason R. Harris, MD
Anastasia Hastie, PA-C
Chester C. Haworth, Jr., MD
William C. Hayes, Jr., MD
Hubert B. Haywood, III, MD, FACP, FIDSA
Michael N. Heacock, MD
Paul J. Healy, MD
James R. Hedgepeth, MD, FAAP
Edward A. Hedrick, MPAS, PA-C
Jeanette H. Hemp, MD
Thomas F. Henley, MD
Georgia A. Hennessy, MD
W. D. Henrichs, MD
Melissa A. Hession, MD
Darrell E. Hester, MD
David A. Hester, MD
Frederick A. Hewett, II, MD, FAAP
Caitlin M. Higgins, MD
Michael D. Hightower, MD
Andrew U. Hines, MD
Byron J. Hoffman, Jr., MD, MACP
Colleen M. Holden, PA-C
Jennifer L. Holmes, MD
Jeffrey A. Huang, MD
Syed H. Hussaini, MD
Saba Ijaz
William F. Ingram, III, MD
Arin L. Isenstein, MD
Harold N. Jacklin, MD
Binil M. Jacob, MD
Shaundreal D. Jamison, MD
William A. Jarrett, MD, FACS
Kenneth L. Johnson, MD
Curtis B. Johnsrude, MD
Colin D. Jones, MD
Drew A. Jones, MD
Jeffrey D. Jones, MD
John R. Jones, MD
Venkata R. Jonnalagadda, MD, FAPA
Ryan M. Jordan, DO
Damilola O. Joseph, MD
Donald G. Joyce, MD
Carmin M. Kalorin, MD
Robert E. Kanich, MD
Zakiya S. Karim, MD
William S. Kaufman, MD
Catherine M. Kelly, MD
Todd L. Kelly, MD
Brian H. Keogh, Jr., MD
Valery M. Kepley, PA-C
Harold B. Kernodle, Jr., MD
Alex M. Kesler, MD
Saleen Khan, MD
Larry S. Kilby, MD
Mary J. Kirby, MD
Sidney E. Kirkley, MD
Joseph W. Kittinger, III, MD
Michelle E. Klawiter-Benton, MD
George Klein, MD
Aaron D. Kline, MD
Michael W. Klinkner, MD
L. A. Koman, MD
William L. Kozel, MD
Ernest N. Kraybill, MD
Ted R. Kunstling, MD, FCCP
Richard W. Kurzmann, MD
Jeffrey T. Kuwahara, MD
Anthony J. Kwon, MD
Kimberly Kylstra, MD
Khoa V. D. Lam, MD
Jeffrey A. Lamphere, PA-C
Charley W. Lane, PA-C
John G. Langhenry, IV, MD
Bruce B. Latham, MD, FACP, FACE
Michael R. Lawless, MD
John R. Leaton, DO
James M. Lee, MD
Rebecca C. Lee, MD
Tae J. Lee, MD
Baxter C. J. Leonard, MD, FAAFP
William F. Lestini, MD
Stuart J. Levin, MD
Peter M. Levitin, MD
Caroline M. Lewis, DO
Timothy E. Lietz, MD, FACEP
David M. Lingle, MD
Mark D. Lins, MD
James C. Little, Jr., MD
Gandhari Loomis, DO
John G. Looney, MD
Robert R. Lopez, MD
James M. Love, MD
Kent V. Lucas, MD
Stephen D. Lucey, MD
John B. Lykes, MD
Christine L. Macomber, MD
Joshua C. Macomber, MD, FACC
Robert P. Majors, Jr., MD
Heidi C. M. Mangelsdorf, MD
James T. Mann, III, MD
James R. Manning, III, MD
Tanying Mao, MD
Susan L. Marra, PA-C
Charles T. Marston, Jr., MD
Richard W. Martin, MD
John L. Masonis, MD
Clinton E. Massey, MD
Tushar Mathur, MD
David C. Matthews, MD
John Matzko, MD
Richard J. Max, MD
James A. McAlister, Jr., MD
Greig V. McAvoy, MD
Joseph G. McCabe, DO
Lauren E. McDowell-Jacobs, MD
Patrick S. McElgunn, MD, MBA
James S. McFadden, MD
Douglas S. McFarlane, MD
Jacquelyn A. McGill, MD
Murphy F. McGirt, Jr., MD
Patricia L. McHale, MD
John W. McKay, MD
Patrick J. McLane
Netasha S. McLawhorn, MD
Michele H. McMillan, MD, FAAP
David J. McMullen, DO
S. Dean McPhail, MD
Michael J. McWilliams, MD
Joseph W. Melamed, MD
Morton Meltzer, MD
Rukmini Menon, MD
Mindy L. N. Merritt, MD
Terry M. Messer, MD
Pradeep Mettu, MD
Alissa K. Meyerhoffer
Muna R. Mian, MD
Kai Miao, MD
Kenneth J. Michau, II, MD
Adam R. Militana, MD
Emily M. Miller, MD
Philip R. Miller, MD
Leanne F. Minnick, PA-C
Mohit Mody, MD
Kathleen F. R. Montanez, MD
Richard E. Moon, MD
Christopher B. Mooney, PA-C
Melissa K. Moore, MD
Robert B. Moore, MD
Leon M. Morrison, MD
Robert G. Moser, MD
Michael P. Moulton, MD
Patrick S. Mullen, MD
Kristen M. Mundy, PA-C
Martin J. Murphy, MD
Jason A. Mutch, MD
Jyothi C. Nannapaneni, MD
Francis A. Neelon, MD
Matthew A. Neill, MD
Christopher G. Nelson, MD
Marc H. Nesi, MD
Dale A. Newton, MD
Brooke P. Nguyen, MD
Gunjan Nigam, MD
James M. North, MD
Sean P. O'Brien, MD
Imelda N. Odibo, MD, FACOG
Kenneth G. Olsen, MD
Michael A. Olympio, MD
Brian M. Opalacz, DO
Toni C. Oxendine, MD
Michelle L. Page, MD
Jeffress G. Palmer, MD
Robert M. Palmer, MD
Laurie S. Panzer, PA-C
Rohan M. Parekh, PA-C
Amrita Parikh-DeSai, MD
Nuri Park
Bill J. Parker, MD
David W. Parker, II, DDS, MD
R. Lamar Parker, Jr., MD
Jerome P. Parnell, II, MD
Marshal R. Parsons, MD
Jacek J. Paszkowiak, MD
Ravenne A. Patel, MD
Sachin B. Patel, MD
Shital M. Patel, MD
Susanj S. Patel, MD
Jerry E. Patterson, MD
C. Charese Pelham, MD
Marcus A. Pelucio, MD
Prabhakar D. Pendse, MD
Philip S. Perdue, Jr., MD
Lenin J. Peters, MD
John L. Peterson, MD
Louis W. Pettygrove, PA-C
Jacob W. Phillips, DO
Edward M. Pickens, MD
Eduardo A. Piqueras, MD
Eric W. Pittman, MD
Matej Polomsky, MD
Henry A. Pool, MD
William L. Porfilio, MD
Charles R. Port, DO
Thomas L. Presson, Jr., MD
Ronald A. Preston, MD
Douglas C. Privette, MD
Ronald J. Prucha, Jr., MD
Richard W. Puschinsky, MD
Meghan K. Pyle, MD
Katharine A. Pyron, MD
Aamer A. Qureshi, MD
Abu-Ahmed Z. Rahman, MD, FACP
Michael G. Rallis, MD
E. Allison Ramsey, MD
Tom S. Rand, MD
Stewart F. Rasmussen, MD
Patrick M. Reames, MD
Michael A. Reardon, MD
Marshall S. Redding, MD
Monica B. Reddy, MD
Kara A. Regan, MD
Robert L. Reid, MD
David A. Rendleman, III, MD
James M. Rhyne, MD
Karol A. Richards, MD
John C. Rickabaugh, MD
Miriam E. Ridley, MD
Waldemar L. Riefkohl, MD
Craig A. Rineer, MD
Eric C. Ringwalt, MD
George E. Rinker, MD
Janet L. Rippel, PA-C
April M. Risinger, PA-C
Teresa Ro, MD
John G. Roach, III, MD
Karen Y. Robinson, MD, FAAP
Laurian S. Roediger, MD
Ryan C. Romano, DO
Brandon S. Rorie, PA-C
J. Carson Rounds, MD
J. Lawrence Rouse, III, MD
Brandon P. Roy, MD
Michael R. Ruffolo, MD
Jeffrey W. Runge, MD, FACEP
Tim E. Ryan, MD
Samy R. Saad, MD
Frank Sabiston, Jr., MD
Jeffrey C. Sabolovic, MD, FACOG
George H. Salama, MD
Richard Sanchez, MD
Susan C. Sanders, MD
Jos R. Santz, I, MD
Thomas R. Saullo, MD
Charles D. Scheil, MD
John L. Scheitler, MD
Irvin G. Scherer, MD
Neil E. Scheurich, MD
Jessica N. Schloesser, DO
Jeffrey S. Schmidt, MD
Andrew M. Schulman, MD
Lindsey K. Seaver, PA-C
Paul B. Segebarth, MD
Monica A. Selak, MD
Andrew T. Selfe, PA-C
Scott D. Sexton, MD
Charnette H. Shade, MD
Rickin A. Shah, MD
Nasfat Shehadeh, MD
John D. Shepherd, MD
James D. Shumate, DO
Sufia Siddique, MD
Adeel M. Siddiqui, MD
C. Van Sikes, III, MD
William J. Simons, MD
Ronald W. Singer, MD
Vishavpreet Singh, MD
Jay A. Singleton, DO
Anthony F. Skalak, MD
Anita M. Skariah, DO
Scott C. Sledge, MD
Anne B. Smith, MD
Ellison L. Smith, MD
Ernest T. Smith, PA-C
Karen L. Smith, MD, FAAFP
Whitman E. Smith, Jr., MD
William T. Smith, MD
Douglas J. Snyder, MD
Clinton R. Soriano, MD
Babatunde S. Sotunde, MD, MBA, FAAP
Mark O. Speight, MD
Joel F. Spragins, MD
Robert K. Stack, MD
John A. Stahl, MD
J. Andrea Staneata, MD
John H. Stanley, Jr., MD
Rodney J. Stanley, MD
Charles E. Stoddard, III, MD
Bradley J. Stoneking, MD
Christian J. Streck, MD
Leah R. Strickland, MD
Sanjeda Sultana, MD
Helena G. Summers, MD
Brian A. Sumner, MD
Sever C. Surdulescu, MD
Steven M. Sutherland, MD
Gregory M. Swank, MD, FACS
Brooks W. Taber, MD
Juman Takeddin, MD
David E. Tart, MD
David T. Tayloe, III, MD, FAAP
Blucher E. Taylor, MD
Richard L. Taylor, MD
Trevor M. Taylor, MD
Kimberly R. Telford, DO
S. Eldora Haworth Terrell, MD
T. Eugene Terrell, MD
Andrew M. Terzian, MD
Debra J. Tetreault, MD
Zsuzsanna P. Therien, MD
Dimitri M. Thomas, MD
Henry C. Thomason, Jr., MD
Allie Y. Thompson, PA-C
Lisa W. H. Thompson, MD
Lindsey N. Thornton, DO
Thomas G. Thurston, III, MD
George M. Tosky, MD
James L. Toussaint, MD
Charles E. Trado, MD
Henry W. Traylor, Jr., MD
James M. Tsahakis, MD
Alex Y. C. Tse, MD
Matthew K. Tsuei, MD, FACS
Mary Catherine Turner, MD, FACP, FAAP
Pamela A. Turpin, PA-C
Marili Uno Witt, MD
Michael J. Utecht, MD, FACEP
Henry W. Van Gils, PA-C
Fred H. Van Nynatten, MD
Mark D. Van Poppel, MD
John H. Vance, MD
Shona S. P. Varghese, MD
Bradley K. Vaughn, MD
Kinga M. Vereczkey, MD
John D. Vrnak, PA-C
Phuong-Mai J. T. Vu, MD
Scott D. Wait, MD
Phillip J. Walker, MD
Caron Warnsby, MD
Thomas L. Warren, MD
Ronald P. Waterer, MD
Jerry L. Watson, MD
Seth F. Weaver, II, MD
Dakota R. Webster, PA
Rebecca Y. Weinshilboum, DO
Alexandra Weir
Michael S. Weizman, MD
Brittany L. West, PA-C
Mark J. Whalen, MD
Anthony H. Wheeler, MD
James H. Whicker, MD
Thomas H. White, MD
Carey C. Williams, MD
Daniel M. Williams, MD
Emily C. Williamson, MD
Warren L. Williamson, MD
Larry F. Willis, MD
Paul A. Willman, DO
Brett L. Wilson, MD
Lisa K. Wilson, MD
Robert B. Wilson, II, MD
James V. Winkley, MD
Christopher A. Winter, MD
Benjamin M. Wooster, MD
Melissa R. Wooten, MD
Matthew Wrench, DO
David O. Wright, MD
Makram A. Yassa, MD
Pavan K. Yerramsetty, MD
Ming Yin, MD, PhD
Andrew S. T. Yoon, PA-C
Stuart B. Zeilender, MD
Stephanie V. Zeller, MD
Matthew L. Zettl, MD
Jason D. Zook, MD
David A. Zvara, MD

by NCMS

Duke Resources for Those Affected by Hurricane Helene

 

Duke Health has deployed its Duke State Medical Assistance Team to the mountains of North Carolina as a part of a coordinated state emergency services response. It is also supporting multiple Duke-affiliated hospitals in the North Carolina mountains, where many communities and some college campuses including the University of North Carolina Asheville lost power and are flooded.

“We have students at Duke from communities across the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida affected by this massive storm, and we know they are suffering,” said Mary Pat McMahon, vice provost and vice president of student affairs. “We are contacting students through DukeReach to make sure we are giving them the support they need.”

Here are some of the cost-free support services the university provides to help Duke students, faculty and staff cope during natural disasters and other times of need:

For Students

  • DukeReach provides comprehensive outreach services to identify and support students in managing all aspects of well-being. DukeReach works closely with DISC around matters impacting international students and with academic deans and other campus resources to ensure a coordinated response to student concerns. If you are concerned about a student's health or behavior, and your concern is not considered an emergency, please submit a DukeReach report.
  • Blue Devils Care offers Duke students 24/7, no-cost mental health support as well as scheduled counseling for common issues and concerns. All services are provided virtually.
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a service for undergraduate, graduate and professional students that provides short-term individual and group counseling, couples counseling and more. It also offers a multitude of resources and referrals to help you cope during stressful or difficult times.
  • Duke’s identity and cultural centers, including DISC and the LIFE office, provide education, advocacy and support for Duke students, including students with extended families living outside the United States.
  • Duke Chapel and Religious Life at Duke offer a wide range of student supports, whether or not you are connected to a religious tradition. Visit their website to connect with leaders from any of Duke’s diverse faith groups, all of whom are experienced in offering emotional and spiritual care to college-age students.
  • DukeLine is an anonymous, text-message platform where undergraduate students can take concerns about anxiety, conflict, identity struggles, financial stress and other topics to a peer coach who is also a Duke undergraduate students. Students can text (984) 230-4888 on evenings and weekends to reach a peer coach. Coaches are volunteers who have been trained to listen to concerns and help students find additional support and research at Duke and beyond.

For Faculty and Staff

  • Personal Assistance Service is the faculty and employee assistance program that offers assessment, short-term counseling and referrals to help resolve a range of personal, work and family problems. PAS services are available free of charge to Duke faculty and staff, and their immediate family members.

For Faculty, Staff and Students

by NCMS

NC Medicaid Temporary Flexibilities Due to Hurricane Helene

 

NC Medicaid Direct and NC Medicaid Managed Care will reimburse providers for medically necessary drugs and services, and equipment and supplies, provided during the Hurricane Helene emergency without prior authorization (PA) starting September 26, 2024, through October 2, 2024, (unless otherwise communicated by DHHS).

Medical documentation must support medical necessity. In addition, beneficiaries who have been evacuated out-of-state (OOS), voluntarily or involuntarily, can receive medically necessary services and/or care if needed and NC Medicaid Direct and NC Medicaid Managed Care will reimburse the OOS provider without PA. OOS providers must enroll as NC Medicaid providers, and may use an abbreviated OOS Lite enrollment process on the NCTracks Provider Enrollment webpage if full enrollment is not desired.

Providers are encouraged to obtain a PA if it is possible to do so (and normally required for the service). All claims are subject to audit.

Medication PA overrides due to Hurricane Helene

NC Medicaid enrolled pharmacy providers have been approved to override PA requirements starting September 26, 2024, through October 2, 2024, (unless otherwise communicated by DHHS). This override of PA is being allowed to ensure that all Medicaid beneficiaries have access to necessary medications.

Read the full NC Medicaid provider bulletin detailing additional flexibilities here.

by NCMS

2024 Public Health Emergency for NC in Response to Hurricane Helene: Limited Waiver of HIPAA Sanctions and Penalties During a Declared Emergency

 

Severe disasters impose additional challenges on health care providers. Often questions arise about the ability of entities covered by the HIPAA regulations to share individuals’ health information, including with friends and family, public health officials, and emergency personnel. As summarized in more detail below, the HIPAA Privacy Rule allows patient information to be shared to assist in disaster relief efforts, and to assist patients in receiving the care they need. In addition, while the HIPAA Privacy Rule is not suspended during a public health or other emergency, the Secretary of HHS may waive certain provisions of the Privacy Rule under section 1135(b)(7) of the Social Security Act.

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has declared that an emergency exists in the state of North Carolina and Secretary Xavier Becerra has declared a public health emergency to address the health impacts caused by Hurricane Helene. Under these circumstances, the Secretary has also exercised the authority to waive sanctions and penalties against a covered hospital that does not comply with the following provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule:

  • the requirements to obtain a patient's agreement to speak with family members or friends involved in the patient’s care. See 45 CFR 164.510(b).
  • the requirement to honor a request to opt out of the facility directory. See 45 CFR 164.510(a).
  • the requirement to distribute a notice of privacy practices. See 45 CFR 164.520.
  • the patient's right to request privacy restrictions. See 45 CFR 164.522(a).
  • the patient's right to request confidential communications. See 45 CFR 164.522(b).

When the Secretary issues such a waiver, it only applies: (1) in the emergency area and for the emergency period identified in the public health emergency declaration; (2) to hospitals that have instituted a disaster protocol; and (3) for up to 72 hours from the time the hospital implements its disaster protocol. When the Presidential or Secretarial declaration terminates, a hospital must then comply with all the requirements of the Privacy Rule for any patient still under its care, even if 72 hours has not elapsed since implementation of its disaster protocol.

Continue to the full bulletin on HIPAA Privacy and Disclosures in Emergency Situations here.

Additional Resources:

* People using assistive technology may not be able to fully access the information in this file. For assistance, contact the HHS Office for Civil Rights at (800) 368-1019, TDD toll-free: (800) 537-7697, or by emailing [email protected].

DISCLAIMER: These guidance documents are not a final agency action, do not legally bind persons or entities outside the Federal government, and may be rescinded or modified in the Department’s discretion. Noncompliance with any voluntary standards (e.g., recommended practices) contained in these documents will not, in itself, result in any enforcement action.

by NCMS

North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health: Hurricane Helene and Newborn Screening

 

In response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) is working with its overnight courier, United Parcel Service (UPS), to identify disruptions in DBS specimen transport services and with the State’s Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) to identify DBS specimen transportation resources for those impacted facilities. If a healthcare facility has DBS specimen transport needs, please communicate that request to the SEOC through your local emergency management.

Newborn screening is a critical public health service that needs to continue during this emergency response. Babies born at storm-impacted healthcare facilities should still have newborn screening dried blood spot (DBS) specimens collected 24 to 48 hours after birth or prior to discharge, if before 24 hours of age. If a newborn screening specimen was not collected or newborn screening results are unable to be located due to the inclement weather, please collect a newborn screening specimen and send to NCSLPH as soon as possible.

Please ensure all delayed DBS specimens are stored in a secure, dry environment at ambient temperature until transportation resources are available. The NCSLPH Newborn Screening Laboratory can be reached at [email protected] or through NCSLPH Customer Service at 919-733-3937.

by NCMS

NCDHHS Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina

 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, October 3, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how seasonal vaccines, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV, help protect communities against severe illness, hospitalization and long-term health complications. The event will be moderated by Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, M.D., NCDHHS’ State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer.

The 2024-2025 respiratory virus season is here and everyone ages 6 months and up is due for their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Seasonal vaccines are the best to way to prevent people from experiencing severe cases of flu and COVID-19, especially for those who are at a higher risk of complications from the viruses. This includes people who are under 5, 65 and older, pregnant and/or living with chronic medical conditions. Last year, 95% of people in the United States hospitalized due to COVID-19 had not had the most recent COVID vaccine, and people who skipped their flu shot were twice as likely to need medical help for the flu.

Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss the following:

  • How to get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines
  • What to know about RSV protection, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines
  • Ways to find a health provider near you and access care
  • Steps to protect yourself and your household against seasonal illness
  • How to access free vaccines for children

During the 2023-2024 respiratory season, North Carolina experienced its highest number of pediatric flu deaths (16) since public health reporting began in 2004, with 81% of the flu deaths occurring in children who did not get a flu shot last year.

In addition to flu and COVID-19 vaccines, RSV vaccines are also now available for older adults and those who are pregnant. Some babies and children under two may also need to receive an immunization to help build protection against RSV. It’s important for individuals of all ages to be up to date on all recommended vaccines before enjoying seasonal activities, sporting events or celebrations with loved ones.

Everyone should test for COVID-19 right away if they feel sick or have symptoms to help prevent the virus from spreading to others around them. Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are  available at more than 300  local organizations statewide.  To find free tests near you visit MySpot.nc.gov/tests.

The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 111990#.

Visit MySpot.nc.gov for information, guidance and resources on seasonal vaccines and how they support respiratory health.

by NCMS

No-Cost COVID-19 Tests Now Available Through Mail Again

 

People in the US can now order more free Covid-19 tests from the federal government as the country heads into respiratory virus season with high levels of the coronavirus already circulating.

Each household is eligible to receive four at-home test kits, which can be requested from COVIDTests.gov. They’ll be shipped for free through the US Postal Service.

This is the program’s seventh round of distribution, which has delivered more than 900 million free tests directly to US residents since it started in the winter of 2021, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The rapid antigen tests take about 30 minutes to give results. This next set of tests will be able to detect currently circulating variants and can be used for testing in people who have Covid-19 symptoms and those who don’t, as well as in those who are up-to-date on their Covid-19 vaccination and those who aren’t.

“Reopening this popular program is the latest step by the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are available to all who want them this fall and winter,” HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell said in a statement. “Before you visit with your family and friends this holiday season, take a quick test and help keep them safe from COVID-19.”

The available tests also include an option with features that make it more accessible for people with disabilities affecting dexterity or vision to use. More information about ordering these tests is available at ACL.gov/AccessibleTests.

Continue to the full article here.

by NCMS

Wild Raccoons Rabies Vaccine Initiative Begins Soon in Western North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services to prevent and eliminate the spread of rabies. Beginning next week, Wildlife Services will be distributing the annual oral rabies vaccine for wild raccoons in Western North Carolina.

To ensure the public can safely enjoy the outdoors, NCDHHS and Wildlife Services are using the latest science and technology to vaccinate the raccoon population. Starting October 4, baits containing the oral rabies vaccine will be distributed by both aerial operations and by vehicles in Alleghany, Ashe, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, Macon, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Wilkes and Yancey counties.

"We encourage people to maintain safe distances from wild animals and ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies," said NCDHHS State Public Health Veterinarian Emily Herring, DVM. "Through both the oral rabies vaccination program and the vigilance of pet owners, we can work to prevent the spread of this deadly infection."

The baits — consisting of a sachet or plastic packet — contain an oral vaccine that vaccinates animals against the rabies virus when consumed. To attract raccoons, the packets are sprinkled with a fishmeal coating or encased inside hard fishmeal–polymer blocks about the size of a matchbox. When the raccoon bites into a bait, the vaccine packet is punctured, allowing the vaccine to enter the animal’s mouth, stimulating the raccoon’s immune system to produce antibodies to fight the disease. This protects the animal from becoming infected with rabies.

Intact baits will not harm people, pets or wildlife. The following precautions have been issued by USDA Wildlife Services if you or your pets encounter a bait:

  • 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 in which case 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Instruct children to leave baits alone. If a bait is ingested by a child or adult, call 1-866-4-USDA-WS (1-866-487-3297). 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.
  • Broken or ruptured baits are ineffective and should be disposed of by using gloves to place the bait in a bag and then into a regular trash bin. Anyone who comes in contact with the bait’s liquid vaccine should thoroughly wash their hands using soap and water and call the phone number listed on the bait or their local health department for further instructions and referral.

September 28 was World Rabies Day, which aims to raise awareness about this viral disease. In North Carolina rabies is most commonly found in wild animals, which poses a threat to both people and their domestic animals that may encounter wildlife. This disease is almost always fatal in mammals, including people, once symptoms develop. Increasing the number of vaccinated animals in the population helps establish a buffer to stop the spread of the disease to other wildlife, pets and people.

While the oral rabies vaccine is safe for domestic dogs and cats, it is only approved for use in vaccinating wildlife. Annual rabies vaccinations for your pets should be administered by a veterinarian. In North Carolina, domestic pets must be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and routinely thereafter in accordance with state law.

Wildlife Services appreciates the assistance of the public by reporting strange acting animals to local animal control offices or to Wildlife Services toll-free at 1-866-4-USDA-WS (1-866-487-3297).

The distribution of these vaccines is expected to be completed by late October, depending on weather and other extenuating factors. Once the vaccines have been distributed, Wildlife Services will continue to monitor the status of raccoons and locations of rabies-positive animals. The most current positive raccoon rabies cases have been located along the eastern edge of the vaccination zone.

Information about the National Rabies Management Program can be found on the USDA website.

For additional general information on rabies, visit the CDC rabies webpage.

by NCMS

Capitol Chronicle: Mark Your Calendar! Join the NCMS on Capitol Hill for the 2025 National Advocacy Conference

 

Join the NCMS on Capitol Hill!

2025 National Advocacy Conference

The AMA’s National Advocacy Conference is scheduled for February 10-12, 2025. This yearly event offers an opportunity for personal involvement in the health policy debate on Capitol Hill. We need increased NCMS member engagement with our members of Congress, so mark your calendar and stay tuned for forthcoming details.

2025 National Advocacy Conference

Save the date and plan join us for our return to Capitol Hill.

February 10-12, 2025 / Washington, DC

 Join us as we advocate for your patients and your profession on . . .

Prior Authorization Relief

Medicare Payment Reform

Workforce Shortage Solutions

Physician Wellness

 Mark your calendar! Registration details and additional information coming soon.

Your engagement matters!

Do you know your state and federal legislators? More importantly, do your legislators know you?
The NCMS can help you connect with policy makers as a constituent and advocate!

by NCMS

Register Now! Bridging the Gap Between Hypertension and Obesity Treatment: A Clinical Practice Statement

Bridging the Gap Between Hypertension and Obesity Treatment: A Clinical Practice Statement

Thursday, October 17th

11:00 – 12:00pm CT/12:00 – 1:00pm ET

Join this discussion on the intersection of hypertension and obesity treatment, two chronic health challenges that frequently coexist and complicate patient care. Over 70% of individuals with hypertension also have an elevated BMI or obesity.  Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality among patients with both hypertension and obesity. Understanding the interplay between these conditions is crucial to providing appropriate treatment.

Dr. Harold Bays

Dr. Kate Kirley, Director of Chronic Disease Prevention, AMA, talks with Dr. Harold Bays, the Chief Science Officer at Obesity Medicine Association, who will share key insights into the intersection of hypertension and obesity, standards of care, and what providers and care teams can do to address this issue. 

Learning objectives:

  • Recognize standards of care for patients with hypertension and obesity including proper diagnoses of hypertension and obesity
  • Describe the intersections of clinical treatment and management of hypertension and obesity, including:
    • Nutritional intervention
    • Physical activity
    • Behavior modification
    • Medical therapy (medications, bariatric surgery)
  • Apply recommended treatment strategies for patients with hypertension and obesity

Click here for CME and Accreditation Information

by NCMS

NC Medicaid: Policy Flexibilities for Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Tailored Plans Extended

 

NC Medicaid implemented several policy flexibilities at the launch of Tailored Plans to ease the administrative burden on providers and to ensure members receive uninterrupted care during the transition to Tailored Plans. This included relaxing medical and pharmacy prior authorization (PA) requirements and implementing flexibilities for out-of-network provider rates and PA rules.

To ensure continuous care for members during the transition to Tailored Plans and to reduce provider burden, the Department is extending certain policy flexibilities originally scheduled to expire September 30, 2024. The transition period for these flexibilities will continue until January 31, 2025. The extension impacts the following flexibilities:

Medical PAs

Between July 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025, Tailored Plans are expected to cover services if a PA request meets medical necessity criteria in the following situations:

  1. A provider fails to submit PA prior to the service being provided and submits PA after the date of service; or
  2. A provider submits for retroactive PA.

*This exception does not apply to concurrent reviews for inpatient hospitalizations, which should still occur during this time.

Pharmacy PAs

For pharmacy PAs between July 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025, Tailored Plans are expected to honor existing pharmacy PAs (from NC Medicaid Direct and other health plans) for the life of the PA and to consider previous PA and current drug therapy as necessary, when making coverage determinations. This flexibility applies to both in-network and out-of-network providers.

Out-of-Network Provider Rates

In addition to out-of-network requirements found in the Department’s Transition of Care policy, Tailored Plans are expected to cover and reimburse for services for Medicaid-eligible nonparticipating/out-of-network providers equal to those of in-network providers for a period of 214 days after Tailored Plan launch (through January 31, 2025). Medically necessary services for physical and behavioral health will be reimbursed at 100% of the NC Medicaid fee-for-service rate for both in and out-of-network providers during this period.

Note: Out-of-network providers must be enrolled in NC Medicaid to be reimbursed by the Tailored Plan.

Out-of-Network Providers Follow In-Network PA Rules

Between July 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025, Tailored Plans are expected to honor prior authorizations submitted by out-of-network providers enrolled in NC Medicaid that meet in-network provider prior authorization rules. Starting June 1, 2025, out-of-network providers must seek authorizations for all services and be approved to provide services to be reimbursed for those services.

Additional details about each Tailored Plan’s PA requirements are available at:

Members can still change their PCP for any reason an unlimited number of times through January 31, 2025.

The Department expects Tailored Plans and providers to continue to work in good faith to finalize contracts so Tailored Plans have adequate networks to care for their members.

NC Medicaid is committed to working with providers and health plans to verify services are reimbursed without undue burden to members or providers during the transition.

Contact

For questions related to NC Medicaid Managed Care, contact the health plans for more information. Contact information is available on the Health Plan Contacts and Resources webpage.

Providers can also reach out to the Provider Ombudsman at [email protected] or 866-304-7062.

by NCMS

Record Number of Licensure Boards and Hospitals Take Action to Prevent Suicide for the Healthcare Workforce

 

 

 

RECORD NUMBER OF LICENSURE BOARDS AND HOSPITALS TAKE ACTION TO PREVENT SUICIDE FOR THE HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE

 

This week, the ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare coalition, led by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, announced significant progress made in effort to prevent suicide and better support the mental health of healthcare workers.  A record number of licensure boards and hospitals have removed invasive mental health questions from licensing and credentialing applications that prevent health workers from seeking mental health support and increase the risk of suicide.  This collective effort is positively benefiting more than 1.1 million licensed and 115,000 credentialed health workers nationwide.  Read the full press release.

Wellbeing First Champions for Licensing

As of September 1, 2024, 1 dental licensure board, 29 medical licensure boards, and 4 nursing licensure boards verified their licensing applications do not include intrusive mental health questions—benefiting more than 1.1 million licensed health workers.

Wellbeing First Champions for Credentialing

As of September 1, 2024, 375 hospitals (up from 75 last year) verified their credentialing applications do not include intrusive mental health questions—benefiting more than 115,000 credentialed health workers. Also, 1 insurance company (PacificSource Health Plans) verified their credentialing applications. Additionally, Jackson and Coker Locums Tenens and Envision Healthcare verified their internal applications and forms—benefiting 17,300 health workers.

 Click here to view the State-of-the-States interactive map.

 

North Carolina is contributing to this progress through ALL IN: Caring for North Carolina’s Caregivers, a statewide initiative with the North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being (NCCPRW) Consortium and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation (DLBHF).  Most recently, the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) revised its Uniform Credentialing Application, ensuring it no longer includes intrusive mental health questions or stigmatizing language.  This update enables hospitals and healthcare organizations across the state that use the NCDOI application to move forward with auditing and changing their applications, fostering a more supportive environment for those who care for us all.

by NCMS

NCMS Member Dr. Jeffrey Beecher Comments on New Leading-edge Brain Cancer Technology

 

Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center has announced a significant advancement in cancer treatment with the successful implantation of a GammaTile, a targeted radiation therapy for brain tumors.

GammaTile is surgically implanted inside the brain, revolutionizing the way tumors are targeted and treated. Each GammaTile, which is approximately the size of a postage stamp, delivers a precise, focused dose of radiation, limiting impact to nearby healthy brain tissue.

“To be able to offer this technology to our patients is a big milestone for New Hanover Regional Medical Center,” said NCMS member Dr. Jeffrey Beecher, a neurosurgeon at Novant Health Neurosciences Institute in Wilmington. “This is yet another way we are ensuring patients have access to leading-edge technology right in their backyard. The collaboration between our neurosurgery and radiation oncology teams helps us to provide southeastern North Carolina with quality, advanced care.”

For many patients, GammaTile’s focused delivery minimizes side effects, including hair loss. The radioactivity decays over time, and its collagen tiles ultimately dissolve.

“For patients who have received prior external beam radiation, additional courses of radiation are not always an option,” said Dr. Tiffany Morgan, a radiation oncologist at the Novant Health Zimmer Cancer Institute. “To be able to offer our patients a more focused, safe and effective approach to treating their brain cancer is incredible. There is hope for patients with recurrent tumors, and we are proud to be able to help them with this technology.”

Brain cancer patients will be assessed and must meet criteria for its use by their provider. Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center is excited to see how GammaTile will help treat their future brain cancer patients. [source]

by NCMS

TOMORROW is the Last Day to Submit Your Application for the Addiction Medicine Scholarship

The Governor’s Institute offers a limited number of scholarships to attend the Addiction Medicine Conference (Spring) or Addiction Medicine Essentials (Fall).

 

By attending these events, physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant students or residents, who are training in North Carolina with an interest in Addiction Medicine will have the opportunity to receive up-to-date substance use related education, applicable across general medical as well as addiction specialty practices and learn from the experts during didactic lectures on a wide range of addiction medicine related topics.

 

ADDITIONAL LINKS OF INTEREST

Register Now! 2024 Addiction Medicine Essentials Virtual Conference

by NCMS

Join Us for a Well-being Virtual Event! Before Burnout: Thriving as a Clinician Without Losing Yourself.

Before Burnout: Thriving as a Clinician Without Losing Yourself

October 22, 2024 | 12-1 PM EST

 

Presenter


Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC

 

Burnout is an overused word and a very real phenomenon. Please join us for a talk validating your struggles and offering potential tangible strategies to help prevent and mitigate burnout.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Amna Shabbir is a National Board-Certified Wellness and Master Certified Life Coach, and a Geriatrician - Internist. She passionately supports clinicians in navigating the challenges of life after medical training so they can excel professionally and personally. She fiercely advocates for Mental Health access for healthcare workers and is a proud Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation Ambassador and Member of the NC Clinician & Physician Retention & Well-being Consortium (NCCPRW). Dr. Shabbir is the Founder of the Early Career Physicians Institute and Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching. She is also a proud Super Mom to two young girls.

by NCMS

NCTracks: Names on Re-verification Applications MUST Match NPPES, License, Accreditation, and/or Certification

 

The provider name listed on applications for re-verification must match their legal name, name on the NPPES Registry, and their name on any license, certification, and/or accreditation. This includes middle names. If the middle name is listed on NPPES and/or license, certification, and/or accreditation, then it must be included in the application.

Providers can check their listed NPPES name at: https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/search

For providers re-enrolling or submitting re-verification applications:

If the name does not match, do NOT submit the application. Instead send an email to [email protected] with required documentation attached. See chart on this page for more information about required documentation.

by NCMS

Register Now! The State of the U.S. Biomedical Research

 

The State of the U.S. Biomedical and Health
Research Enterprise:
Strategies for Achieving a Healthier America

REPORT RELEASE EVENT

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
1 - 2:45 PM
Webinar

 

The U.S. biomedical research enterprise contributes significantly to the nation’s health and economy. An NAM committee conducted a thorough review to determine whether the enterprise can continue to lead globally and address our population’s health needs in the face of complex challenges. This report presents the results of that review and lays out strategies to reimagine and reinvigorate the biomedical research enterprise before a moment of crisis.

In this webinar hosted by NAM President Victor J. Dzau, a panel of committee members will present an overview of the report followed by a discussion with national leaders in biomedical research.

Learn more and register to attend here.

by NCMS

Whooping Cough Cases on the Rise in Western North Carolina

 

Just like in the spring, pertussis – more commonly known as whooping cough – cases are on the rise in Buncombe County and all across the state, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control.

On September 24, Buncombe County Health and Human Services issued a public health alert in response to a multi-school outbreak of whooping cough spreading across the county. Currently, 18 cases have been confirmed since August 12, Buncombe County Health and Human Services reported, and many cases are still under investigation.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads through coughs and sneezes. Often, early symptoms are mild, like a common cold, and can include the following:

  • Runny nose
  • Low fever
  • Sneezing
  • Mild cough

According to the CDC, symptoms after one to two weeks can quickly worsen and last for months. They include bad coughing attacks that may lead to the following:

  • A "whoop" sound
  • Vomiting
  • Problems breathing
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Extreme tiredness

Continue to the full article here.

 

ADDITIONAL LINKS OF INTEREST

Cases of Whooping Cough Spiking in US, Especially Among Unvaccinated Teens

by NCMS

Capitol Chronicle: Fix Medicare Payment! North Carolina Dermatologists Take Message to Congress.

 

Capitol Chronicle: Fix Medicare Payment! North Carolina Dermatologists Take Message to Congress.

 

The American Academy of Dermatology Association held its 2024 Legislative Conference over the dates of September 8-10. The event drew attendees from across the country to add emphasis to the medical profession’s advocacy priorities.  The top-of-list issue taken to Capitol Hill was Medicare physician payment reform.  Specific messages included:

  • Avert the 2.8% cut in Medicare physician payment scheduled for January 1, 2025.
  • Enact legislation to update the Medicare physician payment structure that includes annual inflationary adjustment.
  • Enact legislation to alleviate the obstacle presented by “budget neutrality” in setting Medicare physician reimbursement.
  • Pass the Safe Step Act to relieve the inappropriate barriers to patients receiving the care they deserve.

Attendees included:

Shelley Cathcart, MD

Blue Ridge Dermatology Associates

Raleigh, NC

Kim Edhegard, II, MD

President-Elect / NC Dermatology Association

Foothills Family Dermatology

Morganton, NC

Dhwani Mehta, MD

Secretary-Treasurer / NC Dermatology Association

Dermatology Group of the Carolinas

Concord, NC

Alan Skipper, CAE

Vice President, External Affairs

NC Medical Society / Raleigh, NC

The group visited the offices of all 16 of North Carolina’s members of the US House and US Senate.

The day on Capitol Hill included a meeting with Rep./Dr. Greg Murphy

 

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 NCMS

NCMS Member Dr. Phillip Stetler Appointed to UNC Health Rockingham Hospital Board of Directors

Dr. Phillip Stetler (image credit: UNC)

The UNC Health Rockingham Board of Directors recently welcomed Phillip Stetler, DO, as a new member. Dr. Stetler is an orthopedic surgeon at UNC Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Eden. He has a special interest in total joint replacement, sports medicine, trauma and fracture care.

“The Board has been impressed with Dr. Stetler since he joined our team at UNC Health Rockingham,” said Board of Directors Chair Jeffrey Parris. “His approach to treating the whole patient and understanding of our rural health system makes him a great addition to the board.”

Dr. Stetler brings not only his passion for healing the entire person, but also a strong desire to provide care for patients in rural areas. He hopes to bring this same perspective to the hospital board when considering how to best provide care and services to those whose needs bring them to UNC Health Rockingham for treatment.

“I am passionate about overall community health efforts, especially now that I’m back close to home,” said Stetler. “By serving on the UNC Health Rockingham Board of Directors, I hope to extend my ability to help beyond the practice and into the hospital and community to advocate for all patients at UNC Health Rockingham. I look forward to sharing perspectives gained from growing up with rural medicine in my home in tandem with my medical experiences.”

Dr. Stetler attended medical school at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Ohio. Following his residency, Dr. Stetler completed a fellowship with Johns Hopkins Hospital focusing on shoulder and elbow orthopedics. He joined the UNC Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Eden practice in February 2022. [source]

by NCMS

Mammography Reporting Now Requires Breast Density Assessment

 

A new FDA requirement went into effect on Tuesday, September 10, requiring all mammography reports and result letters sent to patients in the United States to include an assessment of breast density.

The FDA issued a final rule on March 10, 2023, to amend the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations (“2023 MQSA Final Rule”). Enforcement of the MQSA regulations as amended by the 2023 MQSA Final Rule began on September 10, 2024. Facilities subject to the MQSA, must now comply with all applicable requirements, including the breast density notification.

Access the 2023 MQSA Final Rule in its entirety at Federal Register: Mammography Quality Standards Act.

During a facility’s annual MQSA inspection, inspectors will review documentation that relates to whether the facility is meeting the requirements of the MQSA. As of September 10, 2024, the MQSA regulations have certain additional requirements, including:

Mammography Reports

  • Name and location of the facility performing the exam, (at a minimum the city, State, ZIP code, and telephone number).
  • An overall final assessment of findings, classified into one of the following categories:
    • Negative
    • Benign
    • Probably Benign
    • Suspicious
    • Highly Suggestive of Malignancy
    • Known-Biopsy-Proven Malignancy
    • Post-Procedure Mammogram for Marker Placement.
    • In cases where no final assessment category can be assigned due to incomplete work-up, the report should indicate:
      • Incomplete: Need additional imaging evaluation
      • Incomplete: Need prior mammograms for comparison.
  • An overall assessment of breast density, classified in one of the following categories:
    • "The breasts are almost entirely fatty."
    • "There are scattered areas of fibroglandular density."
    • "The breasts are heterogeneously dense, which may obscure small masses."
    • "The breasts are extremely dense, which lowers the sensitivity of mammography."

For more information and the list of additional requirements, click here.

by NCMS

Join NCMGMA and NCMSF for the Next Lunch & Learn Webinar

 

NCMGMA – NCMSF Lunch & Learn Webinar

2024 Legislative Landscape

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST | Zoom

Join us on October 8th for this Lunch & Learn Webinar in which the NC Medical Society’s Director of Legislative Affairs will be discussing the current political landscape in North Carolina in regard to the profession of medicine.

 

Webinar Speaker

 

Hannah Rice
NCMS - Director, Legislative Affairs

Hannah was born in Wilmington, North Carolina and earned her BA in History and minors in Political Science and Criminal Justice from UNC Charlotte. During her undergraduate career, Hannah worked on a Governor’s campaign, interned for a United States Congressman, and interned for a public health initiative in Cabarrus County, Smart Girls Know. Since graduating, she has worked in various fundraising roles as the Political Fundraising Manager for the North Carolina REALTORS® and Distinguished Events Coordinator for the American Cancer Society. In her free time, Hannah enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, watching baseball or football, and traveling with her husband and dog.

 

This webinar is free, but you must be registered to attend.

Space is limited so register early! After you register, you will receive an emailed confirmation with webinar and phone-in instructions. Please check your spam/junk folder if you do not see the confirmation email after you register.

Questions

Please contact [email protected]

by NCMS

Addiction Medicine CME Series Helps You Meet Updated DEA Requirements

 

The North Carolina Medical Board and Wake AHEC, in collaboration with the North Carolina Medical Society and the Addiction Medicine Fellowship program at UNC School of Medicine, have developed an eight-hour CME series that meets the training requirement established by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

This Addiction Medicine Series offers education on a variety of key topics in addiction medicine, including the impacts of stigma, integrating addiction treatment in the primary care setting, and treatment of substance use in special populations.

Here is the full list of classes available in the series:

1. The End of a Bygone Era: Removal of the X-waiver Next Steps in Buprenorphine Prescribing
2. Addiction In Primary Care
3. Responding to Pediatric Substance Use
4. Treating Chronic Pain and Addictions
5. Understanding the Impacts of Stigma: Substance Use Disorder
6. Addiction and Mental Illness
7. The Impact of Stigma and Bias on Substance Use Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment
8. Current State of MOUD Access

Learn more, including how to register, here.

by NCMS

Your Feedback Needed: Help Improve the Medicaid Clinician Experience

 

NCMS's partners, Carolina Complete Health (CCH) and Carolina Complete Health Network (CCHN) will host their 2nd Annual Medicaid Managed Care Town Hall at the 2024 CPP Annual Meeting during NCMS LEAD Conference in November. In preparation for that session, we want to hear from clinicians across North Carolina who provide care to Medicaid enrollees.

Please share your experiences, challenges and successes, suggestions, and questions to help inform future programs, resources, opportunities, and collaborations that will improve health outcomes and enhance the overall care experience for Medicaid clinicians and enrollees.

All Medicaid clinicians are invited to complete this form, regardless of contract status with any of the PHPs.

Provide your feedback here.

by NCMS

NCMGMA Fall Conference Starts Wednesday! There's Still Time to Register.

 

The NCMGMA Fall Conference begins Wednesday, 9/25 thru Friday, 9/27.

Get Inspired!

Join NCMGMA in Winston-Salem! This year's event offers mentoring takeaways from Laurie Baedke, NC's financial health from Treasurer Dale Folwell, leadership inspiration from Tim Hebert, agile leadership training from Shane McKenzie, regulatory updates from Jason Newton, CMPE motivation from Todd Pittman, relationship best practices with Nelson Santiago, HR optimization from Kristine Sims, and cybersecurity insights from Javier Young.

Make plans to attend!

Learn more here to see all that this year's conference has to offer.

by NCMS

Learning Opportunity: HIPAA Privacy and Security Training

 

This online, self-paced HIPAA Privacy and Security Training course will provide information on understanding the law and developing best practices within your office to ensure compliance. The course is not a complete summary covering every aspect of HIPAA, which is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney if legal advice is needed. After completing this training course, the knowledge surrounding HIPAA and protecting patient information will provide confidence.

The objectives for this course include:

  • Understand HIPAA’s privacy and security rules and how they relate to your job and patients.
  • Understand the types of health information
  • How to protect patient's health information
  • Prevent intentional and unintentional disclosures of patient information and what to do in case of a breach.
  • Understand what rights the patient has under the law.
  • Helpful cybersecurity practical tips to use at work and home

For more information, including how to register, click here.

by NCMS

Cases of Whooping Cough Spiking in US, Especially Among Unvaccinated Teens

 

The U.S. is experiencing more than four times as many whooping cough cases compared with last year — a spike that some experts attribute to post-pandemic vaccine fatigue.

“With the increase in vaccine hesitancy that has been going on since the Covid-19 pandemic, we’re seeing outbreaks occurring in kids who are not vaccinated,” said Dr. Tina Tan, president-elect of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that 14,569 cases of whooping cough had been reported so far in 2024. That’s a significant increase over last year’s total of 3,475 cases.

According to a CDC spokesperson, preliminary cases reported so far this year are the highest since 2014.

The bacterial illness is officially called pertussis but is often referred to as “whooping cough” because of the sound people — especially babies — make when trying to get enough oxygen despite ongoing coughing fits.

Doctors said the newly reported numbers are likely a vast underestimate of the true spread of the highly contagious respiratory infection.

“For every case of whooping cough we find, there’s probably 10 of them out there that didn’t come to medical attention,” said Dr. Jim Conway, a pediatrician and infectious disease expert at UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin.

Doctors at Duke University School of Medicine in North Carolina and Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., told NBC News that they hadn’t seen any recent cases of whooping cough. Georgia saw an uptick in whooping cough cases over the summer, said Dr. Andi Shane, division chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, but that’s since declined.

Continue to the full article here.

For more on whooping cough (pertussis), visit cdc.gov/pertussis.

by NCMS

7 Proven Strategies to Conquer Board Exam Anxiety for Physicians

 

NCMS and North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Wellbeing (NCCPRW) Consortium member Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC, Founder and CEO of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching LLC and the Early Career Physicians Institute, shares valuable tips for physicians preparing for board exams. Read her insightful article here.

by NCMS

Now Available! 2024 Survey of America’s Current and Future Physicians. A Crucial Guide for Understanding, Addressing, and Supporting Physicians, Residents, and Medical Students.

2024 Survey of America’s Current and Future Physicians serves as a crucial guide for understanding, addressing, and supporting physicians, residents, and medical students nationwide.

 

The Physicians Foundation’s 2024 Survey of America’s Current and Future Physicians focuses on the state of physicians, residents, and medical students’ wellbeing, as well as the conditions in physician practice environments—offering essential solutions to improve both.

Key Findings from the Report:

The overall state of wellbeing for current physicians remains low.

  • Six in 10 physicians and residents, and seven in 10 medical students reported often experiencing burnout
  • More than half of physicians know of a physician who has ever considered, attempted, or died by suicide

With private equity and healthcare consolidation exacerbating the issue.

  • Seven in 10 physicians and medical students, and at least six in 10 residents agree that consolidation is having a negative impact on patient access to high-quality, cost-efficient care
  • According to physicians, negative impacts of mergers/acquisitions include job satisfaction (50%), quality of patient care (36%), independent medical judgment (35%) and patient healthcare costs (30%)

Current and future physicians need solutions that prioritize physician wellbeing and perspectives.

  • Safeguards for consolidation identified by physicians, residents and medical students include preserving physician autonomy (90%), maintaining patient standards (87%), increasing transparency and disclosure (86%) and assessing long-term impact (84%)
  • Additionally, 79% of physicians and 87% of residents found the reduction of administrative burdens to be helpful
  • Furthermore, 71% of residents and 59% of students found change or removal of medical licensure questions that stigmatize accessing behavioral health care to be helpful

Click here to visit the survey homepage and download the full report.

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.

 About the Physicians Foundation's 2024 Survey of America's Current and Future Physicians
Each year, the Physicians Foundation assesses physician sentiment surrounding the practice environment and patient care, so we can understand where things stand and drive change to enhance physician practice and improve patient health outcomes. In 2024, the survey was conducted online among U.S. physicians, medical residents and clerkship/clinical rotation medical students, who were derived from Medscape's proprietary database. The survey was fielded from June 17 through July 16, 2024.

by NCMS

Join DOCMS for Cultivating Care for Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers in North Carolina

 

Join DOCMS at the University Club!

"Cultivating Care for Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers in North Carolina"

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
University Club
3100 Tower Boulevard, Suite 1700
Durham, NC 27707

AGENDA:

• 6:00pm- 6:30pm – Socializing & Housekeeping
• 6:30pm- 7:30pm – Dinner & Guest Speaker
• 7:30pm- 7:45pm – Q&A
• 7:45pm- 8:00pm – DOCMS 2024 Business

Speaker:

Modjulie Moore, MD| Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at UNC School of Medicine. Current Medical Director for the NCDHHS Farmworker Health Program.

 

Modjulie Moore, MD is a family medicine physician with University of North Carolina’s Family Medicine Residency program.  She completed her residency training at Greater Lawrence Family Medicine Residency in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Her medical training was focused on providing care for the Latine community. Following her residency training, she worked as a family physician ensuring comprehensive care to all patients within a federally qualified health center in rural eastern North Carolina. She was able to work collaboratively with community outreach workers in helping to provide needed care to the farmworker community.

Dr. Moore’s medical Spanish knowledge and her cultural awareness provided an invaluable resource to the counties served by the community health center network. Following her experience in rural medicine, Dr. Moore transitioned to her current role at UNC Family Medicine Residency program.  She currently serves as a teacher and mentor to the residents and medical students. She brings to her patients and learners a perspective that highlights the importance of understanding community needs and providing a culturally engaging response.

Within her role on faculty at UNC, she provides care at the Orange County Health Department and the UNC Family Medicine Center. She also serves as the medical director of the NC DHHS Office of Rural Health’s Farmworker Health Program. Her career continues to build upon her passion for caring for our most vulnerable populations. Her role as medical director of NC FHP allows her to incorporate valuable lessons learned from work in rural health, community engagement, and the Latine community.

1 CME Credit is available! Click here for how to claim your credit.

DOCMS Members & Prospective Members - FREE to attend

Guests - $25 to attend (will be collected at meeting site)

by NCMS

Physicians on the Brink: Suicidal Ideation in NC

 

Physician suicide is a longstanding issue, with doctors contemplating ending their own lives as frequently as non-physicians. However, a recent survey of North Carolina doctors indicates the problem may be more severe than previously understood. Join Jean Fisher Brinkley and Dr. Joe Jordan, CEO of the North Carolina Professionals Health Program, as they discuss the alarming findings from NCPHP's recent Suicidal Ideation Survey and explore solutions to address this critical issue.

 

 

Hosts and Guests

 

Jean Fisher Brinkley

Jean Fisher Brinkley
Communications Director, North Carolina Medical Board

Jean Fisher Brinkley is NCMB’s Communications Director, a role that involves developing and overseeing production of communications materials and strategies needed to enhance public and professional awareness and understanding of the Board and its mission. She joined NCMB in 2008, after an 11-year career in newspaper journalism, most of it dedicated to reporting on medicine, health policy and the business aspects of health care.

Brinkley earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Mills College in Oakland, CA, and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. She lives in Raleigh with her husband and two daughters.

You can reach Jean at [email protected]

Joseph P. Jordan, PhD

Joe Jordan, CEO for the NC PHP
Chief Executive Officer, North Carolina Professionals Health Program

Dr. Jordan brings more than 25 years of experience in the areas of substance abuse and mental health disorders to his role as NCPHP’s Chief Executive Officer. Prior to assuming this role in 2016, he worked at NCPHP for nine years, first as the Clinical Director before taking on the position of Executive Director.

Before joining NCPHP, Dr. Jordan was the Ethics Officer and Director of Special Projects for The National Board for Certified Counselors, served as clinical director for a long-term residential program, and provided emergency psychiatric evaluation services while completing his graduate degrees. Dr. Jordan has previously served on state and national committees and boards devoted to the study, development, and refinement of the field of substance abuse counseling. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology and graduate degrees in Counseling and Counseling Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

You can reach Dr. Jordan at: [email protected]

References

NCPHP Presentation: A Survey of Suicidal Behavior Among North Carolina Physicians: Using Data to Inform Interventions

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Find a variety of online training modules available at the QPR Institute.

Resources

Need Help Immediately?
Dial 911 or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255 or visit them online.

Help in North Carolina
NCPHP | North Carolina Physicians Health Program (NCPHP)
220 Horizon Drive
Suite 201
Raleigh, NC 27615-4928
Email [email protected]
Call (919) 870-4480

National Resources

  • Physician Support Line (Free, Confidential & Anonymous) Psychiatrists helping physician and medical student colleagues navigate the many intersections of their personal and professional lives. Call 1-888-409-0141.

by NCMS

New Episode! NCMS Member Dr. Shannon Dowler Talks STI's and more - Part 2

Season 4 of the Addiction Medicine Podcast continues with Part 2 of the series on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).

Part 1 dove into how the term ‘infection’ can reduce stigma, encourage testing, and emphasize the importance of regular screenings. Also discussed were current trends, cultural trends, health inequities, and the role of healthcare providers in STI care.

Part 2 is packed with expert tips that will make you rethink how you approach sexual health and harm reduction.

Explore:

  • The must-know screening guidelines for ALL patients?
  • How new meds like PrEP and Doxy PEP are changing prevention?
  • Why partner treatment is a game-changer in fighting reinfection?

Returning for this important conversation are Dr. Shannon Dowler, a board-certified family physician with a national reputation in health policy, public health, and sexual health, and Dr. Amy Marietta, board-certified in family medicine and addiction medicine.

Dr. Dowler is currently Deputy Director in the Mecklenburg County STI Clinic while Dr. Marietta serves as the Medical Director of MAHEC’s Project CARA, a comprehensive perinatal substance use treatment program in Asheville, North Carolina.

 

ADDITIONAL LINKS OF INTEREST:

Listen Now! NCMS Member Dr. Shannon Dowler Talks STI's and more. (Part 1)

by NCMS

NCDHHS Releases New Health Disparities Analysis Report, Highlights Opportunities for Improvement

 

 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today published the 2024 Health Disparities Analysis Report. The report offers a comprehensive view of the effects of health disparities on health outcomes across North Carolina and highlights opportunities for improvement and action.

"Every North Carolinian should have the opportunity to live a healthy life, but a health system that fails some, fails us all," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. "While Medicaid expansion and recent investments in behavioral health are critical pieces of this work, we must be intentional in uncovering and addressing the health gaps that exist for different communities."

The Health Disparities Analysis Report focuses on six key topic areas: health care access; chronic disease mental health, substance use, suicide and violence prevention; communicable disease; social drivers of health; and health across the lifespan. The report uses in-depth data to identify and analyze disparities across multiple population groups such as race and ethnicity, disability status and age. It also highlights corresponding strategies that can be used to address identified discrepancies between these groups.

"Reducing health disparities experienced by populations which have been historically marginalized is a huge task that requires partners from every single sector coming together to act," said NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Health Equity and Chief Health Equity Officer Debra Farrington. "Health disparities are shaped by historical, social, political and other underlying factors, and the first step toward reducing these gaps is to understand their root causes. This report is a critical document that allows our department and our partners to focus on the most severe disparities and strategically plan actions to reduce or eliminate them going forward."

The release of this report builds upon other key accomplishments and NCDHHS initiatives related to advance fair opportunities for health ensuring every North Carolinian has access to the care they need, when and where they need it. In 2023 North Carolina began Medicaid Expansion, which will provide life-changing health care access to more than 600,000 uninsured and under-insured North Carolinians over the next two years. The department also celebrated a historic $835 million investment in behavioral health, focusing on crisis care, children and families and people involved in the justice system. Most recently, NCDHHS launched a Community and Partner Engagement Initiative, which amplifies the impact of engaging community members and partner organizations within NCDHHS systems, services, programs and policies.

To read the full report, visit the Office of Health Equity’s data webpage. If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with NCDHHS’ work to address health disparities, visit ncdhhs.gov/GetInvolved.

by NCMS

NCDHHS Encourages North Carolinians to Get Vaccinated Against Flu, COVID-19

 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is encouraging everyone 6-months and older to get their seasonal flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness, hospitalization and long-term health complications from viruses. Both vaccines have been updated for the new flu and COVID-19 virus strains that will continue to spread this fall and winter.

Flu shots are now available; and different types of COVID-19 vaccines are available this fall to protect against the new strains of the virus during the 2024-2025 respiratory season, including the Novavax protein-based COVID-19 vaccine, which was authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for individuals 12 and older. This authorization follows recent authorizations of updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for individuals 6-months and older produced by Moderna and Pfizer.

"It’s important to make a plan now, at the start of the respiratory season, to protect yourself and your loved ones," said Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer. "We encourage everyone to talk with a health care provider about all recommended vaccines. Get vaccinated to avoid missing work and enjoy fall activities, sports and gatherings with friends and family. Getting vaccinated also provides increased protection against long term health implications of getting really sick."

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also spreads in the fall and winter and can lead to severe illness in older adults, young children and those with underlying medical conditions. Nearly a third of North Carolinians are at risk for RSV. People should talk to their doctors about whether RSV protection may also be needed for them or their child.

"Routine, seasonal vaccines for flu and COVID-19 ensure individuals and families are protected each year," said Dr. Zack Moore, State Epidemiologist. "These vaccines are safe, effective and make a big difference, especially for those at a higher risk of complications — adults 65 and older, children under 5, people who are pregnant or those living with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease."

Providers and pharmacies are encouraged to order flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines to ensure they are available for their patients and community.

Children who are insured by Medicaid or are uninsured or underinsured can get vaccines at no cost through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, will cover flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines for children and eligible adults. Free COVID-19 vaccines will also be available for those who need them at local health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and rural health centers. Resources are available to help provide free vaccines to uninsured or underinsured adults. Individuals can:

Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines can be given at the same time, usually without an appointment, to help people get vaccinated quickly and easily.

Early treatment with an antiviral drug can also help prevent flu and COVID-19 infections from becoming more serious. Antiviral treatment works best if started soon after symptoms begin.

Other precautions you can take to protect against the spread of flu, COVID-19 and other viruses include:

  • Staying home when you are sick, until you have been fever free for at least 24 hours
  • Washing your hands frequently, preferably with soap and water
  • Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discarding the tissue promptly

Visit MySpot.nc.gov or Vaccines.gov for guidance, information and resources about flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines.

by NCMS

Learning Opportunity - Private Practice Simple Solutions: Virtual Assistants (Part one)

Private Practice Simple Solutions: Virtual Assistants (Part one)

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

10:00 AM CT/11:00 AM ET

 

Each eight-week Private Practice Simple Solutions learning collaborative addresses one topic area important to private practices and begins with a webinar of pre-recorded content presented by subject matter experts.

Following the kick-off webinar, an asynchronous discussion board offers weekly prompts for participants that encourage interaction with peers and questions for the experts to address. Midway through the learning collaborative, participants attend a live Q&A on the topic that will inform the direction of the discussion prompts for the remainder of the session.

Part 1 kicks off with a webinar followed by weekly asynchronous discussion prompts leading up to part 2. Topics addressed include patient engagement platforms, digital workflows for communication, and how to involve your patient community when making practice changes such as moving to value-based care or improving the revenue cycle.

Speaker

Carolynn Francavilla, MD, FOMA, DABOM
Carolynn Francavilla, MD, FOMA, DABOM, CEO, Green Mountain Partners for Health

 

Carolynn Francavilla, MD is Board Certified in Family Medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She owns and operates Green Mountain Partners for Health and Colorado Weight Care in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Francavilla is the Chair of the AMA's Private Practice Physician Section.

Dr. Francavilla is a nationally recognized obesity expert, lecturing to clinicians on the topic obesity as well as teaching through her own platform HelpYourPatientsLoseWeight.com. She also hosts The Doctor Francavilla Show a podcast about weight and health and the founder of GLP Strong. She serves on the Obesity Medicine Association Board of Trustees and was awarded the Dr. Vernon B. Astler Award for dedicated service and support of OMA in 2017. Dr. Francavilla is an Assistant Professor at Rocky Vista University.

by NCMS

Reminder: NCTracks Multi-Factor Authentication Updates

 

In accordance with the North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) Citizen Identity Project, NCTracks is changing the User Login process and implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) updates. Please complete the following steps to update NCID profile:

These instructions are for Individual and Business users only, not Local and State Government users.

  1. Login to the MyNCID portal at https://myncid.nc.gov/ with your NCID Username and Password.
  2. You will see the Profile Information page upon successful login.
  3. Click on the MFA tab on your profile page.
  4. Click on the ADD ENROLLMENT button on the bottom right.
  5. A pop-up window will appear prompting you to choose an MFA method. Please note that office phone extensions are not supported.
  6. Follow the onscreen prompts to add your chosen MFA method.

For detailed instructions, including images of each step, refer to the NCID User Guide for MFA.

Important Note: Providers who do not currently use MFA will not be impacted at this time. MFA updates will be implemented through a phased approach. Until that time, your current login method will continue to work. However, you are being asked to update your profile to ensure a seamless transition to the new MFA method. You will receive further communication when your MFA is to be updated.

If you are an Individual or Business User who currently uses MFA, these updates will impact you on Sept. 15, 2024. Once these updates are implemented you are no longer required to access and maintain MFA using https://mfaportal.nc.gov/nctracksmfa/login.aspx. All profiles, including MFA, will be managed through https://myncid.nc.gov/ after implementation.

If you encounter issues during login or authentication, please contact the Department of Information Technology (DIT) helpdesk at 919-754-6000 or 800-722-3946 then select Option 1.

For more information and training videos, visit the NCID Citizen Identity Project | NCDIT training page.

by NCMS

Dr. Irons HealthAssist Clinic opens at JOY Community Center, Honoring NCMS Life Member Thomas Irons, MD

 

The Dr. Irons HealthAssist Clinic at JOY Community Center officially opened its doors on Tuesday, September 10, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by NCMS Life Member Dr. Thomas Irons.

The clinic will provide free non-emergent health care and disease management services to uninsured individuals in the community.

Dr. Irons, a lifelong advocate for community health, served as the chief medical officer for Access East, a nonprofit ECU Health affiliate. He recently retired from his distinguished career as a professor at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, where he was also a pediatric physician. In recognition of his decades of service, Dr. Irons was awarded the Order of the Longleaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

The clinic, also known as the Pitt County Care Clinic at JOY, is housed within the same building as the JOY Soup Kitchen and has been serving patients in various capacities for over a year. It provides comprehensive wraparound health services, including medication assistance, patient education and connections to local resources. The clinic also hosts regular outreach events with community partners such as PiCASO (Pitt County AIDS Service Organization) and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

Equipped with two standard exam rooms, the clinic will offer free care for non-emergency conditions like colds, bug bites and rashes, as well as manage chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In-house lab testing for A1C blood-sugar levels and cholesterol will be available, along with COVID-19 testing kits.

Uninsured patients from Pitt and surrounding counties, including Beaufort, Greene, Edgecombe, Hertford, and Martin, will also have the opportunity to join the Access East HealthAssist program, which helps coordinate more comprehensive health care at no cost.

The clinic is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a nurse practitioner available on Wednesdays. Dr. Irons will mentor the clinic’s new nurse practitioner, a recent Duke University graduate. The JOY Community Center & Soup Kitchen is located at 700 Albemarle Ave. in Greenville. [source]

by NCMS

NCDOI Revises Uniform Credentialing Application, Removing Barrier to Mental Health Treatment for Healthcare Workers

The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) has revised its Uniform Credentialing Application, removing one of the most substantial barriers to mental health treatment for healthcare workers.

NCCPRW was founded in 2016 in response to concerns raised by the North Carolina Medical Society regarding invasive language in licensing renewal materials.

Raleigh, NC (September 17, 2024) – Earlier this year, the North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being (NCCPRW) Consortium and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation (DLBHF) launched a statewide initiative, ALL IN: Caring for North Carolina’s Caregivers (ALL IN: C4NCC), to support the state’s hospitals and health systems in improving workplace policies and practices that reduce burnout, normalize help-seeking, and strengthen professional wellbeing.

In just five short months, we have accelerated our impact on improving the well-being and mental health of North Carolina’s health workers through collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) to ensure their Uniform Credentialing Application is free from intrusive mental health questions and stigmatizing language. The NCDOI’s application is used by many of the state’s hospitals to credential their medical staff.

Like everyone, healthcare workers deserve the right to seek the mental health care they need—without the fear of losing their job. Yet, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, and other clinicians fear losing their credentials because of overly broad and invasive mental health questions that are stigmatizing and discriminatory. According to The Physicians Foundation’s 2024 Survey of America’s Physicians, four in 10 physicians, more than four in 10 (44%) residents and half (50%) of medical students were either afraid or knew another colleague fearful of seeking mental health care given questions asked in medical licensure/credentialing/insurance applications.

We’re grateful for the NCDOI and the North Carolina Association of Health Plans (NCAHP) for their partnership in removing one of the most substantial barriers to mental health care for health workers. Their efforts enable organizations across the state that use their uniform credentialing application to move forward with this crucial update, fostering a more supportive environment for those who care for us all.

As a next step in the ALL IN: C4NCC program, hospitals and health systems, who verify their credentialing applications and peer reference forms are free of intrusive mental health questions, will be recognized as Wellbeing First Champions at the 2024 North Carolina Medical Society LEAD Conference.

If your hospital or health system is interested in becoming a Wellbeing First Champion, access the free toolkit and verification submission form at www.drlornabreen.org/removebarriers.

About North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being (NCCPRW) Consortium

The North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being Consortium (NCCPRW) is a collaborative initiative aimed at identifying and developing strategies to reduce stress and improve well-being among the healthcare workforce at the individual, organizational, and state level. Founded in 2016 in response to concerns raised by the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) regarding invasive language in licensing renewal materials, the Consortium has evolved into a proactive force advocating for the mental health and wellness of healthcare professionals. In 2024, the Consortium transitioned into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to further its mission. For more information, contact Monecia Thomas, PhD, [email protected].

About Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation

The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation’s vision is a world where seeking mental health care is universally viewed as a sign of strength for health workers. We believe every health worker should have access to the mental health care and professional well-being support that they may need, at every moment in their career. We carry out this mission by accelerating solutions, advancing policies, and making connections that put our healthcare workforce’s well-being first. For more information, visit drlornabreen.org.

by NCMS

NC Statewide Peer Warmline. A Resource for Individuals in Crisis.

 

The statewide Peer Warmline is a phone line staffed by Peer Support Specialists who offer non-clinical support and resources to those in crisis. Peer Support Specialists (or “peers”) are people living in recovery with mental illness and/or substance use disorder who provide support to others who can benefit from their lived experience. Their unique expertise helps reduce stigma while strengthening overall engagement in care. Like 988, North Carolina's Peer Warmline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Call 1-855-PEERS NC (855-733-7762) 24/7
  • Available to all North Carolinians

People in need of assistance and wanting to speak with a peer can call the Peer Warmline at 1-855-PEERS NC (1-855-733-7762), and people who call 988 will have the option to connect with the Peer Warmline if they prefer to speak with a peer.

Both the NCDHHS Peer Warmline and 988 are available to anyone, anytime. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.

by NCMS

Research to Practice: Update in Bladder Cancer

 

Research to Practice: Update in Bladder Cancer

Wednesday, September 25

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Live Webinar

 

Matthew I. Milowsky, MD, FASCO, will discuss aspects of bladder cancer including the role of biomarkers in the management of bladder cancer, the role of perioperative therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and treatment strategies for advanced/metastatic bladder cancer.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss the role of biomarkers in the management of bladder cancer
  • Describe the role of perioperative therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer
  • Identify treatment strategies for advanced/metastatic bladder cancer

Learn more and register here.

Download a printable/sharable flyer:

 

by NCMS

Wastewater Data Shows Virus That Causes Paralyzing Illness is Spiking in U.S.

 

A respiratory virus that sometimes paralyzes children is spreading across the U.S., raising concerns about another possible rise in polio-like illnesses.

Wastewater samples have detected a significant escalation in an enterovirus called D68, which, in rare cases, has been linked to acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM. The illness affects the nervous system and causes severe weakness in the arms and legs. This most often occurs in young children.

“We are detecting EV-D68 nucleic acids in wastewater across the country now, and the levels are increasing,” said Alexandria Boehm, program director of WastewaterSCAN, a nonprofit monitoring network and a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University.

The D68 enterovirus strain started causing more serious problems in 2014, when the U.S. saw, for the first time, a spike in pediatric AFM. That year, 120 kids were diagnosed.

There's no cure or specific treatment for the paralysis. Even with years of intensive physical therapy, many are left with life-altering disabilities.

Continue to the full article here.

by NCMS

Overwork, Stress, Depression: Where Do the Healers Go for Help?

Mark your calendar for an important program on mental health and support resources for healthcare providers.

Overwork, Stress, Depression: Where Do the Healers Go for Help?

Thursday, October 10 at 6:15pm

RSVP by October 1 to [email protected] or 919-810-4081

 

 

by NCMS

Today is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. Let's Shed Light on This Critical Issue!

 

National Physician Suicide Awareness Day sheds light on the critical issue of physician suicide and the urgent need for increased support across the health care industry. It is a call to action for everyone in the medical community to prioritize physician well-being and advocate for resources and support that help prevent physician burnout and suicide. Physicians often endure intense mental health challenges due to the rigorous demands of their profession, yet stigma often prevents them from seeking help. This day encourages open conversations about these challenges and promotes awareness to reduce stigma and improve mental health support systems for physicians.  Addressing the elevated risk of suicide among physicians is vital, as their well-being directly impacts the quality of patient care.

Healthcare organizations across North Carolina are recognizing this and taking steps to implement comprehensive mental health programs, fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for their medical staff. The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS), along with key stakeholders across the state, dedicate their efforts and resources to address clinician and physician stress and burnout through the North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being (NCCPRW) Consortium. This year the Consortium transitioned into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to further its mission and began a partnership with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation to launch the ALL IN: Caring for North Carolina’s Caregivers this April. “The partnership between the North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being (NCCPRW) Consortium and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation (DLBHF) is a significant step towards prioritizing the well-being of healthcare workers.  Focusing on suicide prevention during September is crucial, and it’s heartening to see such initiatives being aligned with the quintuple aim, which emphasizes healthcare worker well-being.” shared Christina Bowen, MD, NCCPRW President, ECU Chief Well-being Officer, and dedicated NCMS member.

ALL IN: Caring for North Carolina’s Caregivers seeks to support the state’s hospitals and health systems in improving workplace policies and practices that reduce burnout, normalize help-seeking, and strengthen professional well-being—accelerating impact to improve North Carolinian health workers’ well-being and mental health. This work began through the establishment of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation in memory of Lorna Breen, a sister, a daughter, a friend, and a physician who died by suicide shortly after the COVID pandemic began.  Dr. Lorna Breen had no prior mental health issues (known or suspected) and no history of depression or anxiety, but after contracting COVID herself, and returning to work in the NYC emergency department to an overwhelming number of severely sick patients and a lack of resources and help, she became so overworked and despondent that she was unable to move. Despite giving everything she had to care for her patients, she worried about the stigma associated with physician burnout and mental health struggles. She feared that seeking help could lead to professional consequences, a loss of respect, and jeopardize her career.  This fear, experienced by many healthcare professionals, underscores the critical need for a culture shift in medicine where physician well-being is prioritized, and mental health support is readily available without fear of retribution. Lorna’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for systemic changes to support healthcare professionals, ensuring they have the resources, support, and understanding they need to sustain both their mental and physical health.

The NCCPRW & DLBHF invite hospitals and health systems across the state to join us in prioritizing the mental health and well-being of North Carolina’s healthcare workforce.  Click here to find more information about the ALL IN: C4NCC initiative.

Please contact Monecia Thomas to learn more.

 

by NCMS

Register Now for Sustainability of the HIV/AIDS Response – Getting to 2030 & Beyond

 

The state of the HIV/AIDs endemic is reaching a critical point requiring evaluation of the current state of the global response, progress made thus far, and planning for post-2030 goals. The National Academy of Medicine is hosting a timely international meeting to facilitate discussion on these issues.

This one-day workshop is being held on September 18, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM US Eastern. Ambassador John N. Nkengasong, the Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy at the U.S. State Department, will deliver the opening remarks. His address will set the stage for discussions across three subsequent panels.

Broadly, the goals of this workshop are to:

  • Explore how we can re-energize the global HIV response to reach the 2030 goals but also to look beyond.
  • Craft strategies to increase and sustain political commitment.
  • Highlight global accountability and domestic-donor financing.

by NCMS

Join the Discussion. Patients With Pain Need Individualized Care: How Policy is Shifting

 

Tuesday, September 17th

12 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. ET

 

The Federation of State Medical Boards recently adopted revisions to its recommendations relating to opioids and pain care that focus on individualized, patient-centered care.

Hear about:

  • The new guidelines and how they were updated
  • Recommendations and expectations for medical boards
  • How medical boards are addressing access to treatment for patients with pain

Register now for this webinar.

Moderator:

  • Michael Suk, MD, JD, MPH, MBA, chair, AMA Board of Trustees

Speakers:

  • Humayun Chaudhry, DO, president and CEO, Federation of State Medical Boards
  • Sarvam TerKonda, MD, past chair, Federation of State Medical Boards
  • Sherif Zaafran, MD, board member, Federation of State Medical Boards

If you are unable to attend live, a recording of the presentation will be emailed out to all registrants. 

by NCMS

Learning Opportunity: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Webinar

 

September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month and an opportunity to raise awareness of individuals with FASD. Alcohol exposure is the leading cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the US and results in a variety of diagnoses, collectively referred to as FASD. In North Carolina, approximately 6,000 children, or 1 in 20, are born every year with FASD.

NCDHHS' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services will host a webinar to raise awareness for FASD on September 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

by NCMS

NCDHHS Releases New Report on Transforming Behavioral Health System

 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the release of a new report, Transforming North Carolina’s Behavioral Health System: Investing in a System That Delivers Whole-Person Care When and Where People Need It. The report outlines the state’s expansive and strategic efforts to transform the public behavioral health system to deliver high-quality, equitable, accessible care that meets people where they are in their communities.

The North Carolina General Assembly last year invested $835 million to strengthen the state’s behavioral health system — a historic commitment to improving the health, well-being and day-to-day lives of North Carolinians and their families. The new report details the sweeping changes NCDHHS has made over the past seven years and continues to make using these investments, including strengthening the state’s system of care for people experiencing a crisis, expanding treatment options for children and youth with complex needs, improving outcomes for people involved in or at risk to enter the justice system, and supporting the behavioral health workforce.

"Too often, an underfunded behavioral health system leaves people behind in their most vulnerable moments, particularly children facing mental health challenges and other crises," said Governor Roy Cooper. "That must change and we have an opportunity to make a transformational investment in North Carolina that addresses people's critical needs and strengthens families and communities. I appreciate the collaborative work of state health leaders to ensure we have a comprehensive plan to transform behavioral health services across our state to help more people."

"By investing in behavioral health, we are expanding access to care and saving lives," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. "This is what real change looks like – our workforce, our communities and our state leaders coming together to transform our system to provide care when and where it’s needed most. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that every North Carolinian can access mental health and substance use services."

The report also outlines the department’s work over the last several years to lay the foundation for a reformed behavioral health system, including expanding Medicaid to 600,000 people without health care coverage, transitioning to Medicaid managed care to better integrate physical and behavioral health, and launching the specialty Tailored Plans for people with behavioral health needs, intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. The report demonstrates how these initiatives enabled NCDHHS to more readily allocate and distribute funding directly into communities to ensure investments began serving North Carolinians as quickly as possible.

Read the full release here.

by NCMS

Questions Loom Around Need for Mpox Vaccine Boosters in the US

 

As a deadly mpox outbreak continues to spread in Africa and other parts of the world, questions are emerging about whether some vulnerable people in the United States may need booster doses of the mpox vaccine.

Last month, the World Health Organization declared an mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be a public health emergency of international concern, and the outbreak has spread to a growing number of countries in Africa.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is characterized by two genetic clades, I and II. This outbreak involves a subtype called clade Ib, a relatively new strain that causes more severe disease.

A global outbreak in 2022 was caused by clade IIb mpox, spread primarily through sexual contact. More than 30,000 people in the United States were infected in that outbreak, which was also declared a public health emergency of international concern. But vaccination with the Jynneos mpox vaccine helped slow transmission to the point where the virus was almost gone in the US.

Continue to full article here.

by NCMS

Registration Now Open for the 2024 NCCHCA Annual Clinical Conference

 

NCCHCA Annual Clinical Conference

November 7-8, 2024

UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

Charlotte, NC

 

Join NCCHCA November 7-8, in Charlotte, for the 2024 Clinical Conference on Quality & Chronic Diseases, a professional training event providing continuing education and networking opportunities with clinical and administrative leaders. Nationally recognized health care experts will share knowledge with safety-net health care providers on cutting-edge trends and quality improvement methods.

Learn more and register here.

by NCMS