What CME Sessions Do You Want at the 2015 NCMS Annual Meeting?

Take this brief survey and share your thoughts on what CME topics you would like to learn more about at the 2015 NCMS Annual Meeting: Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Sangvai Selected As Presidential Leadership Scholar

Devdutta G. Sangvai, MD, MBA, the immediate past president of the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS), a 2004 alumnus of the NCMS Foundation Leadership College and associate chief medical officer at Duke University Health Systems, has been selected to be a member of the inaugural class of Presidential Leadership Scholars. This unique leadership development initiative draws upon the resources of…

ICD-10 Preparedness: Are You Ready?

NCTracks Survey The survey of NCTracks users on whether they are ready for ICD-10 implementation this October shows that of the 1,500 who responded the majority have taken steps to prepare, although 35 percent have not yet started the process. The most common reasons giving for not beginning to get ready for this change are: other priorities/competing projects; not enough staff/resources; don’t…

CQ’U’ Deadline Extended Until Friday — Apply Now!

The deadline to apply to participate in the Clinical Quality track (CQU) of the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation’s Kanof Institute for Physician Leadership has been extended until this Friday, March 6. Act now to join this program in order to learn how quality is driving the changes in our health care system and acquire the necessary tools to lead and succeed in this new environment. As…

Problem Solved — More Info on the Controlled Substances Reporting System

If you need an answer or a problem solved regarding your practice, as a North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) member you have access to our Solution Center Coordinator, Belinda McKoy, who is standing by to help you solve the problem or answer your question. Call (919-833-3836 x142) or email Belinda the next time you need a problem solved. Here is a common question Belinda receives: Q: Where can I…

If You're Near the NCMS On March 26, Consider Donating Blood

In March, the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) community service team has invited the Rex Bloodmobile to our headquarters in downtown Raleigh, 222 N. Person Street, and we invite any NCMS members in the area to sign up to donate blood on Thursday, March 26, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sign up here or contact Erin Grover. All donors will receive “Donate For Life” points, snacks and…

UNC Needs You To Help Assess the NC Medicaid Lock-In Program

The University of North Carolina’s Injury Prevention Research Center (IPRC) is conducting an evaluation of the NC Medicaid Lock-In program (MLIP). An assessment of this program is critical to understanding whether this policy is having the desired effect of reducing costs and improving patient care. Findings will have important implications for building an evidence base for other states using…

Total Merchant Services Offer NCMS Members Special Benefits

Total Merchant Services (TMS) has been the NCMS’ preferred payment system provider for the last six years, offering North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) members state-of-the-art, PCI Compliant, Smart Card Ingenico terminals at no cost (a $795 value). Additionally, TMS offers NCMS members many levels of benefits. Here are just a few: Through NCMS preferred pricing, TMS will guarantee the…

Learning Opportunities

NCMS Plan Free Wellness Webinar: Using the Six Principles of Influence to Optimize Employee Health Tuesday, March 24, 2015 | 12:00-12:45pm Influencing others, even towards positive behavior change, is often a challenge, which is why it's valuable to understand the psychological principles behind human motivation and behavior. The NCMS Plan is pleased to welcome Patty Purpur de Vries, Director,…

Take Action

In 2013, the NC General Assembly included a 3% “withhold” for all Medicaid services with the intention of using that money as the foundation of a shared-savings program. After difficulty developing the program, the “withhold” was redrafted as a cut the following year with an effective date of January 1, 2014. That cut has not been implemented due to delays in NCTracks. Doctors treating…

NCMS Reports From the Legislature

NCMS’ Medicaid Reform Guiding Principles Medicaid reform is our top priority this session, and dialogue continues at the General Assembly on what would constitute the most sensible approach to reform. The NCMS steadfastly supports accountable care organizations (ACOs) as the foundation of any change. Some legislators still insist that importing managed care corporations is the best option for the…

Dr. Runge Presents NCMS Guiding Principles on Medicaid Reform to NC MCC

The NCMS was recently invited to present its views on Medicaid reform to the NC Medical Care Commission (MCC). The MCC develops regulations for health facilities and is a conduit for tax-exempt bond financing for non-profit health facilities in this state. NCMS Board member Jeffrey W. Runge, MD, made the presentation (PPT file) and answered questions from the MCC members on February 11, 2015. On…

PAI Advocates Reform of Medicare RAC Program

The Physicians Advocacy Institute (PAI) recently sent comments to the chair of the Health subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee, outlining critically needed reforms to the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) program. North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) CEO Robert W. Seligson serves as PAI's President and signed the letter to Rep. Kevin Brady. Since its inception eight years…

Is This Finally the Year To Repeal the SGR?

Once again it’s time to attempt to push Congress to repeal the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. Few legislative days remain before the current Medicare physician payment patch expires on March 31, 2015. If Congress does not pass Medicare physician payment reform by its self-imposed deadline, we will be confronting an 18th payment patch. Over the years, a lack of consensus was an obstacle…

Get Up to Speed on the Open Payments Program

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing opportunities for physicians to learn about the Open Payments program in order to understand what information is being reported about your financial relationships with pharmaceutical or health care manufacturing companies. These relationships can include money for research activities, gifts, speaking fees, meals, or travel. The…

ICD-10 Updates & Resources

GAO Reports CMS Is Prepared for ICD-10 The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report last week indicating that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is adequately preparing for ICD-10 implementation to go ahead on October 1, 2015. The report provides an overview of CMS activites related to the ICD-10 transition and indicates that both Medicare and Medicaid…

Problem Solved: Renewing Your Membership

It's Official: The NCMS Is the Oldest Professional Society in NC

You may have read or heard other professional associations claim they are the oldest in the state, but the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) recently confirmed we are indeed the oldest professional society in North Carolina. The North Carolina Secretary of State's office keeps records on all incorporated nonprofits back to the early 1800s. After researching the question, the Supervisor of…

NCMS Service Project for March — Donate Blood

The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) staff regularly participates in various community service projects throughout the year. For instance, last December the staff gathered one morning to package 10,000 meals for needy people around the world through Stop Hunger Now. In March, our community service team has invited the Rex Bloodmobile to our headquarters in downtown Raleigh, 222 N. Person…

In the News

The Black Market for Stolen Health Care Data, NPR, 2-13-15 Experts Warn 2015 Could Be the Year of the Health Care Hack, Reuters, 2-11-15 Lawmakers Oppose Delaying October Rollout for ICD-10, ModernHealthCare, 2-11-15 Buncombe Has NC's Highest Vaccine Exemption Rate, The Asheville Citizen-Times, 2--6-15 Face of Supreme Court Case Hates Obama, Obamacare, Politico, 2-6-15 Why Hackers Are Targeting…

Learning Opportunities

NCTracks Training for February include: Tuesday, Feb. 24 - 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Prior Approval - Medical (Professional) Tuesday, Feb. 24 - 1-4 p.m. - Submitting a Professional Claim These courses will be offered in-person at the CSC facility in Raleigh. They include hands-on training and will be limited to 45 participants in each course. You may register in SkillPort by logging on to the…

Move Toward 'Pay for Quality' Accelerates With HHS Announcement

In an announcement last week, the US Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia M. Burwell set the stage for more aggressive adoption of a Medicare reimbursement system centered on paying physicians based on the quality rather than the quantity of care they provide patients. The program she described will have measurable goals and a timeline. For instance, HHS has set a goal of tying 30…

NCMS Responds To Proposed ACO Program Changes

The North Carolina Medical Society’s (NCMS) ACO Task Force finalized their comments on proposed changes to the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) and submitted them to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) on Wednesday. Review the comments here. Generally, the Task Force found CMS’ proposals to be a positive step to encourage more practices to participate in, and continue to…

2015 Legislative Session Begins in Earnest

North Carolina’s 170-member General Assembly kicked off its 2015 legislative session at noon last Wednesday, and soon the first two dozen substantive bills of the year had been filed. The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) Government Affairs team will be monitoring and tracking hundreds of bills over the course of the session. Watch the Bulletin and the NCMS website for information on bills of…

CMS Considers EHR Incentive Program Changes for 2015

From CMS Reports: Responding to input from health care providers and other stakeholders, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last week that it intends to engage in rulemaking to update the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs beginning in 2015. These intended changes would help to reduce the reporting burden on providers, while…

Leadership College Class of 2015 Underway

The 15 members of the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) Foundation Leadership College Class of 2015 are well into their studies for the year long program. This year’s class represents a cross section of specialties and participants are from across the state. See who is in this year’s class. The Leadership College enhances and develops physician and PA leadership abilities and effectiveness.…

Is CQ'U' Right for You?

Are you prepared to be paid based on the ‘quality’ of services you provide your patients? Do you even know what that means? If you’re unsure, and perhaps perplexed, anxious, frustrated or even a little angry about the changes taking place in our health care system, you’re not alone. That is why the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) Foundation in conjunction with the North Carolina Quality…

Problem Solved! CME FAQ

Have An Opinion on Virtual Credit Card Payments? Take This Short Survey

Over the last couple years, the issue of virtual card payments continues to come up due to the tactics some payers have used to pressure practices into accepting virtual credit cards for payment and the additional fees that result. The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) has worked to raise awareness among medical practice staff, and advocate within the health IT industry for better regulation…

CCME Elects New Chairman

The Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence (CCME) Board of Directors elected John B. Smith, MD, as its new chairman at their most recent board meeting. Dr. Smith is a family practitioner and North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) member active in pediatrics, adult medicine and geriatrics. Educated at NC State University, UNC, and Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Dr. Smith joined Clinton Medical…

In the News

Obama's 2016 Budget Cuts Medicare But Eliminates Sequestration, ModernHealthCare, 2-2-15 Culturally Sensitive Palliative Care Represents New Approach, The Associated Press, 2-1-15 How Doctors Can Win the Vaccine Debate With Patients, MedPageToday, 2-1-15 Amid Measles Outbreak, Anti-Vaccine Doctor Revels in His Notoriety, The Washington Post, 1-30-15 Paying Docs to Manage Care Shows Promise -- But…

Learning Opportunities

Electronic Health Record Certification, Feb. 9-May31. Offered online through Richmond Community College in Hamlet, NC. This course will prepare students to sit for the Electronic Health Records Certification Exam and earn the credential offered through the National Healthcareer Association. For more information contact Lauren Holland, or call (910)410-1848. Feb. 18, noon-1 p.m., Webinar on…

Want to learn more about improving quality in your practice?

Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) set new timelines and goals to move more aggressively toward a physician payment system based on the quality of services provided to patients, not the quantity. This announcement provides even more evidence of the historic changes already underway and gaining momentum in our country. The NCMS Foundation has partnered with the NC…

NCTracks Ready to Reprocess Claims for Enhanced Payments under the ACA

From NCTracks: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires the state’s Medicaid program pay at the Medicare rate for certain primary care services and to reimburse 100 percent Medicare Cost Share for services paid in calendar years 2013 and 2014 to attested providers. In September 2013, NCTracks began making the ACA enhanced rate payments to providers who attested and were verified by the state for…

Still Time to Voice Your Opinion on NCMS Governance

At the 2014 North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) House of Delegates, proposed amendments to the NCMS Constitution and Bylaws were passed to re-engineer the NCMS governance structure. The goal of the proposed amendments is to establish a policymaking process within the NCMS that is more accessible and efficient. One option to be considered is to develop a mechanism for NCMS members to bring…

Prevention Partners Issues On-Line Report Card On NC's Health

A new, comprehensive look at North Carolina’s health as measured by tobacco use, nutrition, physical activity and obesity gives the state mediocre to dismal grades. The Prevention Partners “2015 NC Prevention Report Card,” however, shows “encouraging momentum around understanding the impact of poor health as an economic issue and the role that employers can play,” writes Meg Molloy, Prevention…

February 15 Deadline Looms for Insurance Marketplace Enrollment

The deadline to sign up for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s Insurance Marketplace is Feb. 15. As of Jan. 9, more than 434,000 people in North Carolina have signed up for health insurance coverage, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) reports. That total reflects those who enrolled in 2014 and reenrolled this year as well as new enrollees who were…

Pulse Check — Have You Seen Your QRUR?

Please take this quick two-question survey to help us tailor our communications and educational resources accordingly. Thank you! Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Flu Virus Continues to Spread

Flu season in North Carolina has resulted in 90 reported deaths by early January, and more are anticipated as the virus continues its spread. The following message is from Interim State Health Director Robin Cummings, M.D.: Influenza activity has been widespread in North Carolina since late November. So far, the predominant virus circulating in North Carolina has been the influenza A (H3N2)…

Problem Solved!

If you need an answer or a problem solved regarding your practice, as a North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) member you have access to our Solution Center Coordinator, Belinda Battle McKoy, who is standing by to help you solve the problem or answer your question. Call (919-833-3836 x142) or email Belinda the next time you need a problem solved. Here is a common question Belinda receives: Q:…

NC Health Department Alert on Simulated Saline

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently are investigating multiple instances of simulated intravenous (IV) saline products being administered to patients. These products are not sterile and should not be injected in humans or animals. Wallcur’s simulated IV saline solution, Practi-0.9 percent sodium chloride solution,…

In the News

Sure You Can Track Your Health Data, But Can Your Doctor Use It?, NPR, 1-19-15 When the Fever Breaks, The New Yorker, 1-19-15 Even Advanced ACOs Struggle To Expand Model Beyond Medicare, ModernHealthCare, 1-16-15 Booking a Trip to the ER on Your Smartphone? It's a Breeze, The Associated Press, 1-15-15 NCSU Partners With CCNC to Reduce Medicaid Spending, Triangle Business Journal, 1-13-15 Supreme…

Learning Opportunities

"A Gift to Your Family: Advance Health Care Planning" presented by the NC Bar Association Health Law Section, Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Community Family Life & Recreation Center @ Lyon Park (1309 Halley Street, Durham, NC, 27707). Read more. CCNC Project Lazarus Training, A Guide to Rational Opioid Prescribing for Chronic Pain will assist prescribers of pain medications to…

Flu Numbers Reach Epidemic Proportions

Latest Flu Information From NCDHHS: Flu season in North Carolina has resulted in 90 reported deaths by early this month, and more are anticipated as the virus continues its spread. The following message is from Interim State Health Director Robin Cummings, M.D.: Influenza activity has been widespread in North Carolina since late November. So far, the predominant virus circulating in North…

CMS Announces Deadlines to Report 2014 PQRS Data

Time is running out to avoid penalties in the Medicare PQRS program. What you report will determine your 2016 penalty status. To avoid the 2016 penalty, an eligible provider (EP) must report 3 PQRS measures in calendar year 2014. There may still be time to avoid this penalty by reporting quality data through a CMS qualified registry or EHR. More information on the PQRS requirements and reporting…

CMS Accepting Suggestions for PQRS Measures

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) currently is accepting quality measure suggestions for potential inclusion in the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) for future rule-making years. These measures are used not only for the purposes of the PQRS program, but additional value-based initiatives such as the Medicare Shared Savings Program and Value-Based Payment Modifier…

Former NCMS Executive Director, William N. Hilliard, Passes Away

William N. Hilliard, who spent 33 years at the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS), retiring as Executive Director in 1984, passed away on Dec. 26, 2014 in Raleigh. Mr. Hilliard began his lengthy career at the NCMS after spending six years as a news editor at radio station WPTF in Raleigh. He was the first recipient of the NCMS’ John Huske Anderson Award, presented to a layman whose…

Watch Your Email for Member Survey on Governance As HOD Recommendation Work Continues

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