CaroMont Opens 54-Bed Hospital in Belmont

CaroMont Regional Medical Center - Belmont Opens Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The 54-bed hospital cost around $260M to build CaroMont opens ‘game changer’ Belmont hospital (Business North Carolina, Kevin Ellis) --  At 8 a.m. today, CaroMont Health opened its $260 million, 54-bed hospital in Belmont, about 10 miles west of Charlotte. A surgical procedure is already planned, and labor induction…

NC Medicaid: Delay in Division of Health Service Regulation License Renewal Updates

  NC Medicaid requires providers to keep credentials current on their NCTracks provider enrollment record. The expiring credential must be verified as renewed through the licensing entity prior to being updated on the NCTracks record. NC Medicaid is aware and collaborating with the Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) regarding the inventory of pending license renewal…

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program Helps North Carolinians Stay Warm

  Older adults and people with disabilities can now apply through county social services departments (DSS) for the state's Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The federally funded program helps low-income households with a one-time payment directly to their heating vendor to offset the high cost of warming their homes during the cold weather. Payments will be distributed…

States Cranking Up Oversight of Health Insurers, NCMS Focusing on Prior Authorization in 2025

Mounting public anger over health insurance is leading more state legislatures to eye tighter oversight of the industry, starting with its use of AI to screen claims and issue denials (See bottom for statement from NCMS) (Axios, Tina Reed) --  Mounting public anger over health insurance is leading more state legislatures to eye tighter oversight of the industry, starting with its use of AI to…

Norovirus Outbreaks on the Rise Nationwide

  According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Norovirus, a common stomach bug, is surging. Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is sometimes called the "stomach flu" or the "stomach bug." However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Norovirus causes acute…

Mark Your Calendar! Saving Time: Practice Innovation Boot Camp

This two-day, in-person AMA STEPS Forward® Innovation Academy boot camp is specifically designed for clinical and operational change agents looking to eliminate unnecessary work and free up more time to focus on what matters most–patient care. Gain proven tools to implement in the following areas: Getting rid of stupid stuff De-implementation (STOP this and START that) Debunking…

NC Medicaid Expansion Hits Goal Year Ahead of Projections

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper speaks at a campaign event for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)   RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — More than 600,000 people have enrolled in North Carolina’s new Medicaid coverage for low-income adults about a year after the program’s expansion, reaching the…

Mark Your Calendar! 11th Annual Heart to Heart Event

  Dosher Memorial Hospital Foundation will hold its 11th annual Heart to Heart event on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the St. James Community Center from 5 to 7 p.m. February is heart health awareness month, and the 2025 event will feature important heart health education, food, wine, raffles and a 50/50. Reservations are $30 per person. The Foundation is seeking event sponsors.…

Scientists Find the Secret Weapon of ‘Conan the Bacterium’

Deinococcus radiodurans, also called "Conan the Bacterium" by scientists, is seen under a microscope. Michael Daly/USU ‘Conan the Bacterium’ can withstand radiation that could kill a human. Scientists say they’ve found its secret weapon (CNN - Ashley Strickland) -- A type of bacteria called Deinococcus radiodurans, nicknamed “Conan the Bacterium” for its ability to survive the harshest of…

Encourage Your Patients to Explore Family Health History

KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE   As families come together during the holidays, encourage your patients to explore their family health history. Cone Health's Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, explains how your relatives' medical background can be a powerful tool for improving your own health.     When delving into your family's health history, it's essential to consider the…

Federal Provider Enrollment Application Fee Increase for 2025

  The federal fee for Medicaid enrollment has increased to $730 for calendar year 2025   The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Federal Register 89 FR 95215 (see Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Programs; Provider Enrollment Application Fee Amount for Calendar Year 2025) finalized provisions related to the imposition of application fees as part…

Mark Your Calendar! Saving Time: Practice Innovation Boot Camp

This two-day, in-person AMA STEPS Forward® Innovation Academy boot camp is specifically designed for clinical and operational change agents looking to eliminate unnecessary work and free up more time to focus on what matters most–patient care. Gain proven tools to implement in the following areas: Getting rid of stupid stuff De-implementation (STOP this and START that) Debunking…

NCDHHS Introduces Toolkit for States to Take Action on Medical Debt

  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today released a toolkit aimed at assisting other states seeking to tackle the burden of medical debt. The Medical Debt Toolkit is based on an innovative program recently launched by NCDHHS to address the issue of medical debt among North Carolinians. It builds on record enrollment as North Carolina marks one year of Medicaid…

USDA Orders Testing of Milk for Bird Flu

The mandate targeting bulk milk transporters and dairy processors is meant to help identify herds that have caught the virus, which has spread among livestock (NBC News, Aria Bendix and Evan Bush) --  The national milk supply must be tested for bird flu under a federal order announced Friday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Entities handling raw milk, such as bulk milk transporters or…

FDA Approves New Targeted Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted accelerated approval for a new drug targeting a tumor alteration called NRG1 gene fusion found in roughly 3% of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer. This approval underscores the promise of precision medicine – treatment based on the biology of a patient’s tumor – and reinforces…

Asheville Lead Exposure Could Be More Widespread, Experts Recommend More Testing

  Two independent chemistry experts say lead could be more widespread in Asheville’s drinking water following Tropical Storm Helene than the city has suggested, and both call for more public education and testing. Sally Wasileski, chair of the UNC Asheville chemistry department, and Abigail Cantor, a chemical engineer and president of Process Research Solutions, LLC, which consults on…

Whooping Cough Cases Spike in NC

(Photo: NCHealthNews) The highly contagious illness is increasing nationwide too. Whooping cough tends to peak during the fall and winter, so cases are expected to keep rising (NC HealthNews, Jennifer Fernandez) -- Whooping cough cases in North Carolina have risen sharply in 2024. There have been close to 600 reported cases — 6.4 times more than last year at this time. Nationally, cases…

Holiday Parties Could Mean Fewer Cocktails for Those on Obesity Drugs

Moderate drinkers who also take weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro, report drinking less alcohol, a new study finds. AzmanJaka/Getty Images   Dizzy after one drink? Social drinkers on obesity drugs lose the taste for alcohol (NPR - Allison Aubrey ) -- Many social drinkers who take obesity medications, such as Wegovy or Mounjaro, say they don't enjoy alcohol as much. A new study of…

Happy Birthday to Our Members Celebrating This Month!

Grab your party hats and noisemakers and let’s celebrate!   Randy S. Adams, MD Swati S. Adawadkar, MD Briggs M. Ahearn, MD Collette Ah-Tye, MD Edward S. Alessandrini, DMD, MD Richard J. Alioto, MD E. Jackson Allison, Jr., MD, MPH Simon J. Allport, MD Jesse R. Amezaga, MD Barry D. Amos, MD Sarah M. Anderson, MD Wallace F. Andrew, Jr., MD Brad L. Anglemyer, MD William E.…

NCDHHS Low Income Energy Assistance Program is Taking Applications. What Your Patients Need to Know as Temps Drop

  Last Year More Than 130,000 Households in NC Received Help to Pay for Heating Bills The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Energy Assistance Program will begin accepting applictions from older adults 60 and older or people with disabilities receiving services through the NCDHHS Division of Aging on Dec. 2, 2024. The federally funded program helps…

NCMS Responds to Payment Issues with BCBSNC

A message from NCMS Manager of Payer and Practice Engagement, Jenni Hines: The NCMS is fully committed to understanding and addressing the needs of practices facing urgent payment issues with BCBSNC. We are currently working on items related to unilateral denials of labs and procedures with Avalon, claim denials specifically related to modifier -25 and unexplained provider removal from the SHP…

Atlas of Cells Offers Milestone Leap in Understanding of Human Body

Scientists have mapped the gastrointestinal tract using from data from 1.6 million cells, including gut tissue pictured here. A. Oliver/N. Huang, R. Li, et al. (2024) Could discovery lead to new treatments? (CNN, Katie Hunt) --  Each human is a finely tuned orchestra of more than 37 trillion cells. Mapping this little-known world is one of biology’s greatest challenges — and one in which…

Preparing for Your Thanksgiving Feast? Put Food Safety at the Top of Your List!

The Holidays are a Time for the Three F's: Family, Feasts, and Fun!   Whether you’re cooking up a classic turkey dinner, baking mouthwatering desserts, or preparing that famous side dish, food safety should be a priority! As you start to gather your ingredients, be sure to check the FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts list. Around Thanksgiving and Christmas, rates…

FDA Approves Revuforj to Treat a Genetic Form of Leukemia

image credit: pharmaphorum     Just three days after Syndax Pharmaceuticals revealed data from a trial of revumenib in one indication of acute leukemia which chilled investors, the FDA has approved the small molecule in another indication of the disease. On Friday, the U.S. regulator signed off on Revuforj as the first menin inhibitor to treat a genetic type of leukemia called…

Reminder: Disaster Relief Applications for Health Care Professionals Not Currently Enrolled as an NC Medicaid Provider

  The NC Department of Health and Human Services is committed to ensuring continued access to care for NC Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as reimbursement to qualified providers for services rendered, in good faith, throughout the period of impacts from Hurricane Helene, retroactively from Sept. 25, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024, (unless otherwise communicated by DHHS). The Centers for…

URGENT: Impending Medicare Physician Payment Cut Is Looming

U R G E N T Impending Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Impact Survey     For four consecutive years, Medicare providers have experienced annual payment cuts, while the costs of maintaining a practice and healthcare facilities have increased annually. Another 2.8% payment cut is scheduled for 2025, and practice costs are projected to increase by 3.56% over the next year.…

Shine-A-Light on Lung Cancer Event is Tuesday. Make Plans to Attend Today!

  Lung cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers in America, and it is the leading cause of cancer deaths annually. The American Cancer Society estimates about 234,580 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, while about 125,000 will die from the disease. These numbers are more than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. In partnership with GO2…

CDC: Black Infant Mortality Rate More Than Double Rate Among White Infants

Black infants died at a rate of 10.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, the CDC said. (ABC News, Mary Kekatos and Dr. Harika Rayala) --  Infant mortality rates remained relatively unchanged from 2022 to 2023, but racial and ethnic disparities still persist, new provisional federal data released early Thursday finds. The U.S. provisional infant mortality rate in 2023 was 5.61 infant deaths per 1,000…

UNC Hospitals See Spike in Walking Pneumonia Cases in Children. What You Should be Worried About.

A boy lies in bed while his temperature is checked. (photo: Cottonbro Studio/Pexels)   A national spike in walking pneumonia cases is being reflected in the Triangle. (WUNC, Abigail Celoria) -- UNC Hospitals reported 40 walking pneumonia cases in the last week of October, which includes patients tested in clinics, emergency departments, and other locations. That's compared to almost…

Will Hurricane Helene Impact Drop in NC Drug Overdose Deaths?

Naloxone, an overdose reversal drug. Photo credit: Liora Engel-Smith.   As drug experts parse the data trying to understand the factors that could contribute to a sudden drop in overdose deaths, harm reductionists in western N.C. work to stave off a possible spike in overdoses after the destruction brought by Hurricane Helene. (NC Health News, Taylor Knopf) -- Just as substance use…

Hurricane Helene Disaster Response: Help for Helpers. Because You are NOT Alone!

  In a disaster, it's essential that first responders and volunteers have the resources they need—when and where they need them. If you are a first responder or volunteer experiencing stress, emotional fatigue, a mental health crisis or just need someone to talk to, you can call the Hope4NC Helpline, 1-855-587-3463. Hope4NC is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Hope4NC is a…

HHS Releases Sexually Transmitted Infections Progress Report and Herpes Simplex Virus Addendum

  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the 2021–2023 Progress Report - PDF for the Sexually Transmitted Infections National Strategic Plan for the United States: 2021–2025. The progress report provides a high-level overview of progress on select federal agency programs, policies, research, and other activities during fiscal years 2021–2023. The progress…

NCDHHS: Notification Required for Change of Ownership

Enrolled providers must notify the Department at least 30 days prior to the effective date of a change of ownership.   Consistent with state and federal law, NCDHHS requires notification of any change of ownership (CHOW) for providers enrolled as a NC Medicaid provider. The enrolled provider must notify the Department at least 30 days prior to the effective date of any CHOW. Providers…

Two NC HBCUs Partner with Duke to Increase Black Student Representation in Medicine

A student and professor at Saint Augustine's University. The private HBCU, and Bennett College are partnering with Duke University to improve Black student representation in otolaryngology and communication sciences. (Photo: Saint Augustine's University) (WUNC, Brianna Atkinson) -- Two of the state's private Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are partnering with…

Enhanced Breast Cancer Screening for Women with Dense Breast Tissue

  AdventHealth Hendersonville is excited to announce the availability of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) for patients in Western North Carolina, particularly benefiting women with dense breast tissue. The CEM is available through AdventHealth Imaging Hendersonville’s Hologic 3Dimensions® mammography system. Recent research has shown that standard mammography can be 30% to 40% less…

NC Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being Consortium LEAD Highlights!

    At the recent LEAD Conference, the North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being (NCCPRW) Consortium reaffirmed its dedication to improving the professional well-being of healthcare workers across the state. Earlier this year, NCCPRW joined forces with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation (DLBHF) to launch the ALL IN: Caring for North Carolina’s Caregivers…

Baxter International Restarts IV Fluid Solutions Manufacturing at Largest Plant

  Baxter International restarted its highest-throughput intravenous solutions manufacturing line at its hurricane-hit North Cove facility in North Carolina, the company announced Thursday. At its peak operation, prior to Hurricane Helene, manufacturing line represented approximately 25% of the site’s total production and approximately 50% of the site’s production of one-liter IV…

$200 Million in FEMA Grants Approved in North Carolina

Image credit: Santiago Ochoa/WFDD   A month after Helene ravaged much of western North Carolina, teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are still going door to door and connecting impacted residents to emergency financial aid. In Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties, FEMA has approved just over $19 million worth of disaster grants for a total of 12,480 households.…

Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommended for People 50 and Older

  U.S. health officials recommended that people 50 and older get a shot against bacteria that can cause pneumonia and other dangerous illnesses. The recommendation was made by a scientific advisory panel and then accepted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The decision lowered — from 65 — the minimum recommended age for older adults to get the shot. “Now is a great…

Reminder: Disaster Relief Applications for Health Care Professionals Not Currently Enrolled as an NC Medicaid Provider

  The NC Department of Health and Human Services is committed to ensuring continued access to care for NC Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as reimbursement to qualified providers for services rendered, in good faith, throughout the period of impacts from Hurricane Helene, retroactively from Sept. 25, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024, (unless otherwise communicated by DHHS). The Centers for…

In-Person Early Voting Ends Saturday!

  In-Person Early Voting Ends Saturday, November 2nd! During the early voting period, voters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county. This is different than Election Day, when registered voters must vote at their assigned polling place. During the early voting period, eligible individuals may also register to vote and vote at the same time (see Same-Day Registration…

New Shingles Treatment May Reduce Eye Pain and Vision Loss

Long-Term, Low-Dose Antiviral Treatment Benefits Patients with Eye Disease & Pain from Shingles   Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, and it can lead to debilitating and long-lasting vision loss for the 8% of sufferers whose virus affects a particular nerve that supplies the eyes. Now for what you came here for — the good news: Such symptoms may soon be alleviated thanks…

🎉It’s New Member Monday!🎉

Join us in welcoming these new members to the North Carolina Medical Society!   Tanya E. Anim, MD Ilya Boykov Taylor S. Corum, PA-C Callie R. Faust, PA Robyn Guo Hunter A. Hardaway, PA-C Rama K. Kethineni, MD Kenyn L. Koop, MD Crystal M. Mackie, MD Chad J. Michel, PA-C John S. Muus, MD Stephen A. Naymick, II, DO Emily E. Propst, PA-C Zachary…

NC House and Senate Pass Second Round of Hurricane Relief Funding

SB 743 Transfers $604 million from Rainy Day Fund to assist part of state in long-term recovery efforts The North Carolina General Assembly returned on Thursday to quickly pass another round of funding needed for Western North Carolina as the region continues to recover from the devastating hurricane that hit last month.  SB 743: The Disaster Recovery Act of 2024—Part II transfers $604 million…

Health Officials Recommend People 50 and Older Get Pneumococcal Vaccine

  U.S. health officials recommended that people 50 and older get a shot against bacteria that can cause pneumonia and other dangerous illnesses. The recommendation was made by a scientific advisory panel and then accepted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The decision lowered — from 65 — the minimum recommended age for older adults to get the shot. “Now is a great…

NCMS in Action! Board Member Dr. Karen Smith Addresses State Health Plan Trustees on Prior Auth

  "Reforming prior authorization practices of insurers is a top priority for the North Carolina Medical Society." - Dr. Karen Smith   RALEIGH -- The State Health Plan Board of Trustees met Thursday in Raleigh.  At the meeting, North Carolina Medical Society Board of Directors member Dr. Karen Smith presented on behalf of NCMS on prior authorization reform. "Two decades ago, we…

The 2024 NCMS Golden Stethoscope Award Winners Are…

Meet the Winners at the NCMS Golden Stethoscope Awards Dinner November 2   Region 1 - Charin L. Hanlon, MD, FACP, Dr. Charin Hanlon was nominated by Ryan Barclay, the Director of Graduate Medical Education Novant/New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. Here is Dr. Hanlon's nomination essay: Dr. Charin Hanlon has dedicated her life to the pursuit of excellence in medicine.…

Gov. Roy Cooper Proposes $3.9 Billion to Spur Hurricane Helene Relief and Recovery

Gov. Roy Cooper at a press conference on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. (Clifton Dowell | State Affairs Pro) Initial Damage Assessments from Hurricane Helene Total $53 Billion, More Than Three Times Greater Than Hurricane Florence RALEIGH -- Less than a month after Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper today shared a state budget recommendation to help rebuild stronger…

Grandover Resort is FULLY BOOKED! But Don’t Fret Because We’ve Got You Covered!

  Space at the Grandover is FULLY BOOKED!   But don't worry, we have acquired overflow rooms at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons. Reserve your room online: NC Medical Society Grandover Overflow - Start your reservation (passkey.com) or call the Sheraton directly at 888-236-2427. Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons 3121 West Gate City Boulevard Greensboro, NC 27407