Register Now! NCTracks May 2024 Provider Training Schedule
Registration is now open for the NCTracks May 2024 training courses.
The courses are virtual, via Zoom, and can be attended remotely from any location.
Courses offered this month include:
Dental Helpful Hints
Submitting a Prior Approval Medical
New Office Administrator
Create and Submit a PA for DME
Recipient Eligibility Information
ES User Role_Abbreviated…
Surprise Billing – Independent Dispute Resolution Update
On Dec. 27, 2020, the No Surprises Act (NSA) was signed into law to address unexpected gaps in insurance coverage that result in “surprise medical bills” when patients unknowingly obtain medical services from physicians and other providers outside their health insurance network. The NSA and its implementing regulations establish a Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process…
Is Buprenorphine Subject to the STOP Act’s Prescribing Limits?
Recently the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) has received inquiries about whether prescriptions for buprenorphine that are written for the treatment of opioid use disorder are subject to prescribing limits established for certain controlled substances by the NC STOP Act of 2017. The answer is, unequivocally, no.
The STOP Act places 5-7 day limits only on initial prescriptions for…
Cyberattack on UnitedHealth Firm Forces Doctors to Dig into Personal Savings
Health providers have been struggling with fallout from the Change Healthcare cyberattack
(CNBC, Ashley Capoot) -- On a Sunday in early March, Dr. Angeli Maun Akey noticed something peculiar while making payroll for her private practice in Gainesville, Florida: She was missing $19,000.
Akey owns and operates a primary care practice that serves around 3,500 patients in the area, many…
CPT Codes for Ambulatory Surgery Setting Updates
Effective with date of service of January 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has identified the following new CPT codes as separately reimbursable in the ambulatory surgery setting:
27278
33276
33278
33279
33280
33281
33287
33288
52284
58580
64596
64598
Providers are now able to resubmit NC Medicaid Direct claims for services…
Member Benefits
What do you get for your NCMS dues dollars?
From advocacy to practice solutions, your membership has its advantages. The NCMS employs a team of legislative, regulatory, and payer experts who closely monitor and respond to the latest developments that impact the profession of medicine and the care of patients. LEARN MORE... Take advantage of leadership development opportunities through…
New Guidance Lowers Breast Cancer Screening Age for Women at Average Risk
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a major task force consisting of expert physicians providing recommendations in the primary care setting for routine medical screenings, behavioral counseling, and preventive medications, is now recommending breast cancer screening with mammograms every other year for women with an average risk of developing breast cancer, starting at age 40.…
Keep Your Patients Cool this Summer with Help from Operation Fan Heat Relief!
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Aging is partnering with the N.C. area agencies on aging and local service providers to distribute fans to eligible recipients through Operation Fan Heat Relief from May 1–Oct. 31.
People 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, are eligible to sign up for assistance from May 1–Oct. 31 at local aging…
NC Medicaid Preferred Drug List Update
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals has formally announced that Relyvrio (sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol) is no longer available to new patients as of April 4, 2024. Amylyx has initiated a process with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to voluntarily discontinue the drug and remove it from the market.
According to a press release from the manufacturer, patients currently…
Confused on How to Properly Remove a Tick from Your Skin? Tick Bite Bot May Help.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Tick Bite Bot is an interactive tool that will assist individuals on removing attached ticks and determining when to seek health care, if appropriate, after a tick bite.
The online mobile-friendly tool asks a series of questions covering topics such as tick attachment time and symptoms. Based on the user’s responses, the tool then provides…
The Wait is Over! NCMS 2024 NCMS Photo Contest is Now Open!
Photo submissions are currently being accepted for 2024!
Now in its 16th year, the NCMS Photo Contest is an annual tradition that has gained national recognition, and we want you to be a part of it! Submissions are currently being accepted for the 2024 contest. Think you have the perfect picture to send in?
Check out the rules here.
Happy Birthday to Our Members Celebrating This Month!
Grab your party hats and noisemakers and let’s celebrate!
Ole S. Aassar, MD
William B. Abernethy, Jr., MD
Surafeal G. Abraha, MD
Peter K. Acheampong, MD
Maureen N. Achuko, MD
Douglas H. Adams, MD, MPH
Van L. Adams, MD
Henry T. Adkins, Jr., MD
Kerry E. Agnello, DO
Julian S. Albergotti, Jr., MD
Dustin B. Alderson, MD
Fuad Y. Aleskerov, MD
Chelley K. Alexander, MD
Erin B.…
NC Health System Unveils Innovative Procedure to Treat Irregular Heart Rates
Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) is now offering a unique new device to treat intermittent atrial fibrillation (AFib), known as an irregularly fast heart rate.
On April 25th, CVMC and Catawba Valley Cardiology performed the first procedure with the FARAPULSE™ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System. Approved by the FDA in January, the innovative technology is described as a catheter…
Mark Your Calendar! 2024 NC Medicaid Quality Symposium: Partnering for Performance
The NC Medicaid 2024 Quality Symposium will highlight three topics that coincide with NC Medicaid quality improvement priorities. Presenters will share the quality improvement initiatives they have implemented to improve outcomes for Medicaid members. Click on each link below to learn more and register:
Balancing the Scales to Weight Inclusive, Whole Child Approaches…
In Memoriam: NCMS Life Member Arthur J. Prange, Jr., MD
NCMS Life member Arthur J. Prange, Jr., died Saturday, April 6.
He was 97 years old.
After graduating from high school, Arthur J. Prange served briefly in the U.S. Navy toward the end of World War 2. He attended college and later medical school at the University of Michigan. He graduated in medicine in 1950.
After graduate training in general medicine and anesthesiology, Prange was called to…
New HHS Rule Strengthens Nondiscrimination Protections and Advance Civil Rights in Health Care
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) advancing protections against discrimination in health care. By taking bold action to strengthen protections against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national…
New to North Carolina?
New to NC? Or just new to the profession of medicine?
Have a cup of coffee on us!
Share your name and email address below, and we'll send along a $10 Starbucks gift card* as our way of saying thanks and welcome to the neighborhood!
*Limit one gift card per person. Individual must be a newly licensed physician or PA in the state of North Carolina.
Fill out my Wufoo form!
NCIOM Names New President & CEO
Michelle Ries, MPH; Photo by Matthew Ramey
Chapel Hill, NC (April 29, 2024) -- After a leadership search led by the Board of Directors, former Associate Director Michelle Ries, MPH, has been named President and CEO of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine.
“Michelle is the perfect fit to lead the North Carolina Institute of Medicine,” said Adam Sholar, NCIOM Board Chair and…
Share Your Thoughts on New Environmental Health Draft Policy
The North Carolina Medical Society's (NCMS) Policy Committee is charged with developing policies that align with the NCMS Mission and the NCMS Guiding Principles.
The Policy Committee recently came together to create a policy addressing environmental health. This policy will serve as an effective tool to guide and support NCMS advocacy efforts addressing environmental health in North…
Register Now! Side-by-Side Webinar with NCDHHS’ Mental Health Division
Join the NCDHHS' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services on May 6 at 2 p.m. to learn more about policies and programs that affect the Mental Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Substance Use Services and Traumatic Brain Injury community.
The goal of these monthly webinars is to bring everyone together in one (virtual) place to…
Capitol Chronicle: North Carolina Ophthalmologists Take Priorities to Capitol Hill
North Carolina Ophthalmologists Take Priorities to Capitol Hill
On April 18, 2024, a contingent of North Carolina ophthalmologists traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with North Carolina’s members of US Senate, US House and their staff. The occasion was the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s 2024 Congressional Advocacy Day and participants included:
The day included visits to all 14…
WCMS Meet-up at the Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Reserve Park, May 4
Saturday, May 4 from 10am-1pm: WCMS Meet-up at the Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Reserve Park
WCMS Members are invited to a Saturday morning of fun, fellowship, learning, and restoration as we meet at the Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park in North Raleigh on Saturday, May 4 from 10am-1pm. Dr. Wilkerson was an OB/Gyn surgeon and practiced medicine for 53 years in Wake County.…
FTC Finalizes Changes to Data Privacy Rule, Bringing More Scrutiny of Digital Health Apps
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finalized a rule Friday that aims to tighten the reins on digital health apps sharing consumers' sensitive medical data with tech companies.
The agency issued a final version of its revised Health Breach Notification Rule (HBNR) to underscore the rule’s applicability to health apps in a bid to protect consumers' data privacy and provide more transparency…
New NCMS Policy Suggestion
Fill out my Wufoo form!
NCOGS White Coat Day Scheduled for May 22
Join your colleagues for a day of legislative advocacy on May 22, 2024.
Attendees will start the day at the North Carolina Medical Society headquarters at 222 N. Person Street, Raleigh, NC, and receive an overview of the latest priority issues at the General Assembly and tips on how best to build relationships with legislators. Then we’ll head down to the Legislative Building to meet with your…
NCDA White Coat Day Scheduled for May 29
Join your colleagues for a day of legislative advocacy on May 29, 2024.
Attendees will start the day at the North Carolina Medical Society headquarters at 222 N. Person Street, Raleigh, NC, and receive an overview of the latest priority issues at the General Assembly and tips on how best to build relationships with legislators. Then we'll head down to the Legislative Building to meet with your…
Big Turnout at NCMS Social in Asheville
Fifty physicians and PAs enjoyed fellowship at Hi-Wire Brewing in Asheville on Tuesday, April 23. NCMS board member Martin Palmeri, MD, welcomed the group and said, “if you really want to have your voice heard and have a say in things challenging the practice of medicine, get involved in the North Carolina Medical Society.” Thanks to NCMS membership committee member, Sarah Cash, MD, new…
Measles Cases Now Highest in US Since 2019
Several outbreaks, including one in Chicago, led to an early spike in measles cases this year. A chart shows how the case count compares to past years
(NBCNews, Aria Bendix and Joe Murphy) -- This year's measles case total is now the highest of the last five years. The United States has seen 125 cases across 17 states as — its largest annual tally since 2019, according to the Centers for…
Want to Slow Down Aging? There May Be A Cheap Way To Do It.
A drug taken by millions of people to control diabetes may do more than lower blood sugar
(NPR, Allison Aubrey) -- Research suggests metformin has anti-inflammatory effects that could help protect against common age-related diseases including heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline.
Scientists who study the biology of aging have designed a clinical study, known as The TAME…
New WFU School of Medicine Study: Racial Discrimination Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease
Study Suggests Racial Discrimination During Midlife Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Later in Life
(WakeHealth) -- Racial discrimination experienced during midlife is associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology, according to a new study from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the University of Georgia.
The findings appear online today in Alzheimer’s…
NCMS Proudly Graduates the 2024 Health Care Leadership and Management Class
Participants from across North Carolina Gather in Raleigh to celebrate!
On Sunday, April 21, 2024, NCMS proudly graduated it’s 2024 Health Care Leadership and Management (HCLM) class of clinicians and health care administrators. HCLM is led by NCMS members, Drs. Genie Komives, CMO, WellCare of NC, and Bryant Murphy, Vice Chairman for Clinical Operations at UNC HealthCare.
The scholars…
Foundation Friday! Doctors’ Day Special Edition
Doctors’ Day Special Recognition
On Doctors’ Day, the NCMS Foundation offered a chance to extend special recognition to individual physicians by donating $10 to the Foundation in their honor. Thank you to generous donors who felt moved to pay public tribute to the following individuals.
Joseph Bell, MD
Chamaine Brooks-Locklear, MD
Cheryl Davis-Lowry, MD
Christina Hardin-Dial, MD…
“I would be dead.” Ali Ingersoll is proof that the time is NOW for Prior Auth Reform
Ali Ingersoll, the Quirky Quad, has a powerful message about the broken healthcare system in North Carolina (photo: Ali Ingersoll)
RALEIGH -- Ali Ingersoll has turned a tragic accident into a siren call for change in the American healthcare system. She was left paralyzed at 27 and spend seven years facing life altering diagnoses, surgeries, and mountain-after-mountains to climb as she…
UnitedHealth Cyber Attack- How You Can Secure Your Practice
An Update on How to Secure Your Practice after UnitedHealth Cyber Attack
On February 21, Blackcat, a ransomware group, accessed Change Healthcare’s systems and 6 TB of data. This included medical and dental records, payment information, and patient information from a variety of Change Healthcare partners.
Sentinel, a risk management and benefit solutions company, has offered the following…
Questions About Telehealth? New Guidance for NC Care
Need help telling your patients where to seek telehealth? Here is some simple guidance.
CAN I PROVIDE TELEMEDICINE TO PATIENTS OUT OF STATE?
The policy guidance of the North Carolina Medical Board to licensees practicing telemedicine is that the practice of medicine occurs in the state where the patient is located.¹ If providing medicine to patients in North Carolina, the provider…
Doctors Call to Expand Syphilis Testing during Pregnancy Amid Recent Surge
A coalition of doctors are sounding the alarm on the need for increased syphilis testing for pregnant individuals, amid a recent surge of the sexually transmitted infection in U.S. newborns.
(The Hill, Miranda Nazzaro) -- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published new guidance April 18, recommending doctors screen pregnant individuals for syphilis three times…
Former NCMS President Named President of Duke Regional Hospital
Devdutta Sangvai Takes on His Next Leadership Challenge at Duke Regional
(Duke University School of Medicine, Synclaire Cruel) -- Having a love of science, an eagerness to help people, and a propensity for leadership has propelled Devdutta Sangvai, MD, MBA, into the role of President of Duke Regional Hospital. It’s the latest achievement in his 22-year career at…
Plan Now! NCDHHS Livestream Town Hall: HPV and Cancer Prevention
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Tuesday, April 23, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention as well as HPV-related cancer guidance, resources and care.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on…
Mark Your Calendar for the Next DOCMS Meeting!
Join DOCMS at the University Club!
Wednesday, June 5, 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
“The Criminal Legal System, Incarceration and Health…
Medicare’s Push to Improve Chronic Care Attracts Businesses, but Not Many Doctors
Medicare enrollees with two or more chronic conditions are eligible for Chronic Care Management, which pays doctors to check in with those patients monthly. The service hasn't caught on.
(NPR, Phil Galewitz, Holly K. Hacker) -- Carrie Lester looks forward to the phone call every Thursday from her doctors' medical assistant, who asks how she's doing and if she needs prescription refills. The…
NC Commission for the Blind Call for Nominees
The NCMS has an opportunity to appoint a new member to the NC Commission for the Blind. This appointment will fill an unexpired term until 6/30/25. Learn more about responsibilities of the NC Commission for the Blind here.
The commission serves in an advisory capacity on issues relating to services for persons with disabilities, especially independent living programs and services.…
Calling All NCMS Physician and PA Members! Nominations Open for Leadership Positions
Want to be an NCMS leader?
Here's your opportunity to be part of our 175-year legacy!
The NCMS Nominating and Leadership Development Committee submits the following:
Call for Nominations:
NCMS Board of Directors
NC American Medical Association Delegation
Nominating and Leadership Development Committee
Overview
The call for nominations for individuals to serve on the…
New Report: Evidence of Racial Disparities in Healthcare Now Reported in Every US State
Researchers found health system performance is worse for many people of color.
(ABC News) -- Racial and ethnic disparities in health care are evident in every state, even those with robust health systems, according to a new analysis from the Commonwealth Fund.
In the analysis from the organization, which is aimed at promoting equitable health care, researchers found health system performance…
NC Medicaid: Changes to the 1E-5 Obstetrical Services Policy
Coverage Policy 1E-5, Obstetrical Services has been revised with an effective date of April 1, 2024. Revisions are applicable to both NC Medicaid Managed Care and NC Medicaid Direct.
Updates include the following:
LMP is to be recorded in Field 14 on the CMS-1500 (Professional Claim)
CPT code 0500F (Initial Prenatal Care visit) is to be documented for the date of service when…
Free Prostate Cancer Screening Event in Greensboro
According to Zero Prostate Cancer, North Carolina ranks 13th in the nation in incidence of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer that may not show symptoms in its early stages. Regular screening is important to detect the disease before it spreads.
Cone Health Cancer Center is hosting a free prostate cancer screening event on Monday, April 29th from 9 am-1 pm…
8th Annual Pirates vs. Cancer Event Raises $15k at ECU
Volunteers have their hair cut and donated at this year's ECU's Pirates vs. Cancer fundraiser (photo: ECU Photography)
ECU medical students lead Pirates vs. Cancer fundraiser for pediatric cancer patients
(Published Apr 16 by Kelly Rogers Dilda, Spaine Stephens, ECU University Communications)
Over the years, students in the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina…
ECU Names Deans for College of Health and Human Performance, Graduate School
The East Carolina University Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Nicole Bromfield as dean of the College of Health and Human Performance and Dr. Debra L. Jackson as dean of the Graduate School during its meeting April 12.
Dr. Nicole Bromfield
Bromfield has been appointed dean of the ECU College of Health and Human Performance, effective July 1.
In addition to extensive…
Hit the Trail! It’s a Great Time to See National Parks in North Carolina
It is National Park Week!
National Park Week is an annual celebration of America’s national parks – from iconic vistas to significant historical sites. This year, NPF invites you to celebrate our parks while learning more about the ways we all can help preserve these wonderful places.
Here are some spots in North Carolina
NATIONAL SCENIC…
ALL IN: Caring For North Carolina’s Caregivers Initiative Launches to Improve Health Worker Well-being
Raleigh, N.C. (April 18, 2024) – The North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being (NCCPRW) Consortium today announced a new statewide initiative with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, the only non-profit organization exclusively focused on health worker mental health and well-being. ALL IN: Caring for North Carolina’s Caregivers seeks to support the state’s…
Share Your Thoughts on New Environmental Health Draft Policy
The North Carolina Medical Society's (NCMS) Policy Committee is charged with developing policies that align with the NCMS Mission and the NCMS Guiding Principles.
The Policy Committee recently came together to create a policy addressing environmental health. This policy will serve as an effective tool to guide and support NCMS advocacy efforts addressing environmental health in North…