State Senate Bill Filing Deadline Brings Flood of Health Care Legislation
Bill filing deadlines always bring a flood of legislation. Yesterday the North Carolina Senate's bill fling deadline was no exception; it brought a deluge of health care related legislation on almost every subject important to our profession. Over 300 bills were filed this week! Among others, the following bills of importance to physicians have been filed:
SB 118: Naturopathic Doctors Licensing…
SGR Update
The US Senate did not follow the House of Representatives and pass HB 2 last night leaving the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula in place, at least for the moment. According to U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, Congress will likely take up the issue when they return from their spring recess on April 13. The current "patch" to forestall the scheduled 21 percent reduction in physician Medicare…
Congress is 'Half Way' to Repealing the SGR
Earlier today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, the “Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act,” by a substantial bipartisan margin—392 to 37. This legislation would end the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, used to calculate physicians’ Medicare payments, and would institute changes in the Medicare reimbursement structure.
“This bill replaces arbitrary cuts with actual…
NCMS Library Dedicated in Honor of Medical School Supporters
Deans in attendance included (left to right):Dr. John M. Kauffman, Dean, Campbell University, Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine; Dr. Paul Cunningham, Dean, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine; Dr. Edward Abraham, Dean, Wake Forest School of Medicine; Dr. Nancy Andrews, Dean, Duke University School of Medicine.
A special ceremony was held on Friday, March 20,…
National Call to Action: Repeal the SGR
If you want the Medicare Sustainable Growth rate (SGR) to end, today is the day to make your voice heard.
The AMA has organized a National Call to Action Day today, Tuesday, March 24. Please join your colleagues in North Carolina and across the country by calling your US Representatives and Senators and urge them to eliminate the flawed SGR formula.
Last week, lawmakers in both the…
NCMS Foundation Seeks Rural Providers for ACO Opportunity
The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) Foundation seeks to identify rural providers interested in learning more about developing an Accountable Care Organization (ACO).
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced a new funding opportunity specifically for rural providers. CMS wants to encourage providers to form Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) ACOs in…
CMS Announces Next Generation ACO
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center introduced the “Next Generation Accountable Care Organization” model of payment and care delivery on March 10, 2015. This initiative is for ACOs experienced in coordinating care for populations of patients and will allow these provider groups to assume higher levels of financial risk and reward than are available under the…
Is Repeal of the SGR Finally Possible This Year?
With a flurry of editorials and intense lobbying efforts in Washington, DC, hope springs eternal for repeal of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) this year. The latest “patch,” enacted last year to forestall the deep reductions in Medicare reimbursements, will expire on March 30, giving Congress just a few more weeks to repeal the SGR once and for all this year.
Over 750 medical societies,…
Funding for National Health Service Corps Set to Expire
Founded in 1972, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) was designed to bring primary care health workers to the most underserved communities of the country. In exchange for their medical expertise, the Corps helps these professionals alleviate debt accumulated during the course of their education, much like the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) Foundation’s Community Practitioner Program,…
Cast Your Vote for NC Doctor of the Year
Ten finalists for the NC Doctor of the Year Award, were announced on Monday, March 16. Now is the time to cast your vote for the one doctor who you think should receive the NC Doctor of the Year Award from among this distinguished group of physicians who represent a variety of specialties and come from across the state. Read about each finalist and learn about NC Doctors Day at…
NC ACO Collaborative Draws Crowd to Raleigh
Attendees of the March 5 NC ACO Collaborative meeting
On Thursday, March 5, members of the NC ACO Collaborative packed the auditorium of the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) Center for Leadership in Medicine in Raleigh for the first of its twice- yearly meeting. The gathering brings together ACOs, aspiring ACOs, ACO participants and other interested parties like the representatives from…
Honor a Special Physician for NC Doctors’ Day 2015!
Join in the NC Doctors’ Day fun by sending the outstanding physician in your life a NC Doctors’ Day tribute card. For donations of $10 and $15, the NCMS Foundation will send an e-card or traditional mailed greeting card to a physician you think is “AHHSOME”! The cards have a great new look this year and can be ordered online through our simple, secure process. Check them out at…
NCMS Hosts Successful NC Medical Group Managers Advocacy Conference
NCMGMA White Coat Wednesday attendees
For its 2015 Advocacy Days Conference, the North Carolina Medical Group Managers Association convened this week at the NCMS Center for Leadership in Medicine. The conference was attended by a strong contingent of advocacy-oriented medical practice leaders from across North Carolina. Cam Cox of MSOC Health and NCMGMA’s Advocacy Liaison moderated the……
Don’t Miss Meaningful Use Attestation
March 20 is the last day to attest to meaningful use for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program’s 2014 reporting year. This extended deadline does not affect deadlines for the Medicaid EHR Incentive program. Attesting by the deadline will ensure you earn an incentive payment, if applicable, and avoid the Meaningful Use penalty which will be applied in 2016 (based on 2014 performance).
Understanding…
Gain a Better Understanding of the MOST Form With These Online Courses
The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) Foundation in conjunction with the North Carolina Partnership for Compassionate Care are sponsoring a two-part E-learn course to help you get a better understanding of the MOST form and how it ties into advance care planning. To learn more about the Partnership and these courses, click here.
Register for “Understanding MOST: Part 1“ (Why MOST is an…
Problem Solved: CMV Certification
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: Are…
Wanted: Nominations for NCMS & AMA Leadership Positions
The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee is seeking nominations from physician members for NCMS leadership positions that will become vacant in 2015. The deadline for receiving all nominations is July 1. If you are interested in serving in the following positions, please submit your nomination form to Devdutta G. Sangvai, MD, Chair of the Nominating and Leadership Development…
NC Ob/Gyn Society To Honor Dr. Harold C. Pollard, III
Dr. Pollard
Harold C. Pollard, III with its 2015 Distinguished Service Award for his remarkable contributions to women’s health care on Saturday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The banquet honoring Dr. Pollard is in conjunction with the society’s annual meeting. Learn more about the meeting and register here.
Dr. Pollard was born and raised in Burlington, NC. He…
"Operation Medicine Drop" This Saturday in Cary
The Town of Cary Police Department joins the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and SafeKids North Carolina twice a year to sponsor local pill take-back events called Operation Medicine Drop. These events provide sites to safely and legally dispose of unused and outdated prescription medication.
There will be four Operation Medicine Drop sites…
In the News
Supreme Court Ruling On Affordable Care Act Could Leave Thousands In North Carolina Without Insurance, The Fayetteville Observer, 3-15-15
Funding, Focus Lacking for Health Care That Gets Results, USA Today, 3-15-15
Wake County EMS Has One Solution to Overcrowded Emergency Rooms, The Raleigh News & Observer, 3-14-15
Progress Is Slow At VA Hospitals In Wake of Crisis, The New York Times,…
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,…
NCMS Works To Repeal 3 Percent Retroactive Medicaid Reimbursement Cut
The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) Government Affairs staff is working with key legislators to repeal the 3 percent retroactive cut to Medicaid reimbursements. In August 2014, the General Assembly mandated a 3 percent cut to physician payments to be effective retroactively to Jan. 1, 2014. The 3 percent reduction in physician payments going forward started on Monday, March 2. The recoup of…
Huge Win On Workers’ Comp Medical Fee Schedule
After years of work by the North Carolina Medical Society’s (NCMS) staff and Workers’ Comp Task Force and negotiations with a wide variety of stakeholders, a new workers’ comp medical fee schedule was unanimously approved by the Rules Review Commission on February 19, 2015. The new schedule will take effect July 1, 2015, and bring North Carolina back on par with our neighboring states and the…
Medicaid Recredentialing Period Extended
The NC Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) has changed the length of time required before a provider must recredential in NCTracks, the Medicaid claims processing system, from three years to five years. The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) applauded the move, which became effective on February 18, 2015. For several years, the NCMS had been calling for such a change to help ease the…
NCMS President Meets with White House Staff
Robert E. Schaaf, MD, FACR
North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) President Robert E. Schaaf, MD, FACR and NCMS CEO Robert W. Seligson were in Washington, D.C. last week to discuss policy issues like reforms to the Medicare Recovery Audit Program (RAC), repeal of the Sustainable Growth Rate, meaningful use, implementation of ICD-10 and ensuring that any increases in compliance or reporting…
Supreme Court’s Ruling Will Have Repercussions
The US Supreme Court ruled on Feb. 25 that the North Carolina Dental Board illegally suppressed competition when it told non-dentists to stop offering teeth-whitening services at mall kiosks.
The 6-3 decision came in the case of North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners v. Federal Trade Commission. The FTC had deemed the dental board's actions an illegal suppression of competition. It's common for…
CMS Extends Deadline for Meaningful Use and Some PQRS Measures
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is giving physicians an extra three weeks to attest they have made "Meaningful Use" of electronic health records, the agency announced Wednesday.
"Eligible professionals now have until 11:59 p.m. ET on March 20, 2015, to attest to meaningful use for the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program 2014 reporting year," CMS said in…
Tanning Bed Legislation Introduced In Honor of Rep. Jim Fulghum
Rep. Jim Fulgham
Legislation introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly to prohibit children from using indoor tanning beds has been named after a doctor and legislator who supported the bill before passing away from cancer last year.
The Jim Fulghum Teen Skin Cancer Prevention Act memorializes the former Republican state representative and neurosurgeon from Wake County who was an early…
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…
In the News
Injured Workers Suffer As 'Reforms' Limit Workers' Compensation Benefits, NPR, 3-4-15
US Faces 90,000 Doctor Shortage by 2025, Medical School Association Warns, The Washington Post, 3-3-15
Poll Explores Our Perception of How Factors Large And Small Shape People's Health, NPR, 3-2-15
If Supreme Court Rules Against Obamacare, States Have Few Options, The Los Angeles Times, 3-2-15
Veterans Propose…
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
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: How do I…
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…