How to Embrace Indigenous Wisdom in Evidence Based Cancer Prevention

  The UNC Lineberger Cancer Network invites you to join the Southeastern American Indian Cancer Health Equity Partnership for their next webinar Series: Embracing Indigenous Wisdom in Evidence Based Cancer Prevention: A Path of Collaboration, Respect, and Insight on Duke's Voyage. "Embracing Indigenous Wisdom in Evidence Based Cancer Prevention: A Path of Collaboration, Respect, and…

2024 NCMS Candidate Series – Grant Campbell, MD

2024 NCMS Candidate Series Featuring Dr. Grant Campbell The 2024 North Carolina Medical Society Candidate Series has an exclusive interview featuring Dr. Grant Campbell who is running for North Carolina House District 83. In this episode, Dr. Campbell discusses his thoughts on legislative strategies to address changes needed to eliminate healthcare disparities in North Carolina's rural areas,…

Health Officials Warn of Continuing Surge in Congenital Syphilis Cases

According to state health officials, Congenital syphilis infections continue to rise in North Carolina. Congenital syphilis infections are PREVENTABLE by early detection and rapid treatment of the mother’s infection. North Carolina healthcare providers are required to screen ALL pregnant persons for syphilis. Findings from a review of congenital syphilis cases in North Carolina from 2016 to…

Research May Explain Why Women are More Likely Than Men to Get Autoimmune Diseases

  WASHINGTON (AP) — Women are far more likely than men to get autoimmune diseases, when an out-of-whack immune system attacks their own bodies — and new research may finally explain why. It’s all about how the body handles females’ extra X chromosome, Stanford University researchers reported— a finding that could lead to better ways to detect a long list of diseases that are hard to…

Register Now for the 2nd Annual Smoky Mountain Primary Care Conference

2nd Annual Smoky Mountain Primary Care Conference Kern Auditorium, Lake Junaluska Conference Center Lake Junaluska, NC April 27, 2024 The Smoky Mountain Medical Society is sponsoring a CME program on Saturday, April 27 at the Lake Junaluska Conference Center. This program is geared toward primary care providers and nurses in Western North Carolina, covering the topics of Diabetes & Weight…

Mark Your Calendar! In-Person Early Voting for 2024 Primary Election Begins February 15th

  The 2024 Primary Election is scheduled for March 5, 2024.  The General Election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. Are you registered to vote?  If not, instructions are available from the NC State Board of Elections. Important Primary Election dates to note: Jan. 19, 2024:       County boards of elections begin mailing absentee ballots to eligible voters who submitted an…

Controversial Alzheimer’s Drug Shelved Over Questions of Effectiveness and High Cost

  Biogen is pulling the plug on the controversial drug Aduhelm, the first drug cleared by government health officials for treating Alzheimer's in nearly two decades. The pharmaceutical giant is returning the rights to the drug to Neurimmune, the private firm that invented it, and incurring a $60 million one-time charge to close out the Aduhelm program, Biogen said Wednesday in a…

CDC: Preterm Births in US is Rising

US Has Worse Maternal Mortality Rate of Any Undeveloped Nation   The CDC released new data showing the percentage of babies delivered preterm (before 37 weeks) jumped to nearly 8.7% in 2022. The 12% increase from 2014 represents hundreds of thousands of babies each year and poses a threat: Preterm birth is the leading cause of death and health conditions for infants and children. The…

Price Negotiations are Underway for Several Medicare Drugs

After years of debate, the federal government, for the first time, will negotiate directly with drug companies to determine the prices that Medicare will pay for certain high expenditure drugs covered under Medicare Part D and Part B. This comes under the Inflation Reduction Act. The first ten Part D drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation include treatments for diabetes, blood clots,…

Happy Birthday to NCMS Members Celebrating This Month!

Grab your party hats and noisemakers and let’s celebrate!   Mustafa M. Abugideiri, MD Elizabeth Acquista, MD Amer Adam, MD J. Wellington Adams, MD Andrew J. Adamson, MD Satish P. Adawadkar, MD Ira N. Adler, MD Deborah G. Agisim, MD Sukaina Ahmad, MD Farhan Ahmed, MD Richard E. Akers, Jr., MD Shereen A. Alavian, MD Eslam G. K. Ali, MD David R. Allen, Jr., MD John G.…

NC Medicaid-Funded Providers: Don’t Forget Electronic Visit Verification for Services

  NC Medicaid Providers are being reminder to always use Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) to capture Personal Care Services (PCS) and Home Health Care visits. The purpose of EVV is to track and monitor timely service delivery and help ensure access to care for NC Medicaid Direct beneficiaries. The use of manual entry into the Sandata Aggregator is allowed, but only on rare occasions…

Are You Painting the Town Red Tomorrow for Women’s Heart Health? We Want to See!

Tomorrow is National Wear Red Day® National Wear Red Day® is observed annually and raises awareness about heart disease, particularly in women. On this day, individuals are encouraged to wear red to show their support for women's heart health. We want to see your pics! Dressing in red for National Wear Red Day? Be sure to tag us on your social media posts. In fact, we love celebrating with our…

ICYMI: Brain Chip Implanted in First Human Patient

Could this be the answer for people with quadriplegia?   Neuralink founder Elon Musk recently announced on X, a social media company also owned by Musk, that the first patient to receive the company's implanted brain chip “is recovering well.” The company received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for trials last May. The clinical trial known as PRIME — Precise Robotically…

WHO Draws Attention to 21 Neglected Tropical Diseases and Their Causes

(image credit: WHO)   The World Health Organization (WHO) is highlighting 21 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and their causes. According to WHO, neglected tropical diseases are a diverse group of conditions caused by a variety of pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins) and associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. While…

FDA Issues Revisions of Emergency Use Authorization for Paxlovid

The FDA recently announced a revision to the Paxlovid emergency use authorization (EUA). EUA-labeled Paxlovid will no longer be authorized for emergency use after March 8, 2024, regardless of the labeled or extended expiration date.     Paxlovid EUA will continue to authorize emergency use of Paxlovid manufactured and labeled in accordance with the NDA (NDA-labeled…

North Carolina Among States Rethinking Reading

States, including NC, rethink reading (Axios, Erica Pandey) -- Dozens of cities and states across America are overhauling the way their schools teach reading — attempting to close gaps exacerbated by the pandemic. Why it matters: Nearly 40% of U.S. fourth graders are below the basic proficiency level for reading, according to a standard national exam. By the numbers: 37 states and D.C.…

AMA ‘Fix Medicare Now’ Website Is Now Even Better

  The American Medical Association (AMA) has updated its Fix Medicare Now website with new content. This site is a one-stop-shop for all the information, resources, and ways you can make your voice heard to ensure that Congress works to address the critical issues physicians, and their patients, face due to the flawed Medicare physician payment system. Just a few of the things the…

Five Children With Hereditary Deafness Can Hear for the First Time After Gene Therapy

Gene therapy shows promise for an inherited form of deafness   Researchers "Really Excited" to Test Gene Therapy on Other Types of Genetic Deafness (NPR, Rod Stein) -- For the first time, gene therapy is showing promise for treating inherited deafness, researchers reported Wednesday. A study involving six children born with a genetic defect that left them profoundly deaf found…

Wait a Doggone Minute! They Contain What? Am I Safe?

(image credit: Women's Health Magazine) They’re cute. Extremely popular. And contain lead! We’re talking about Stanley cups. The pricey drinkware that is all the rave right now. However, recent web chatter raises questions about their safety. One question in particular has caused a firestorm online: Do these viral sensations contain lead. The short answer: yes, they do. A spokesperson for…

Help Improve Child Welfare System with NCMS, Carolina Complete Health

A special message from NCMS CEO Chip Baggett The North Carolina Medical Society is proudly part of the partnership that established Carolina Complete Health (CCH), the only Provider-Led Plan established to deliver Medicaid Managed Care in North Carolina. As we turn to a new year, CCH needs your unique insights. It is looking to learn from providers about your experiences with children and…

CDC to Healthcare Providers: Be Alert for Measles Symptoms

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging healthcare providers to be alert for patients exhibiting symptoms of measles--fever and rashes. This warning come amidst reports of 23 measles cases since December 1, 2023, with 7 of the cases being linked to international travelers. "The increased number of measles importations seen in recent weeks is reflective of a rise…

Call for Poster Submissions: 2024 NC Ob/Gyn Society Annual Meeting

NC Society of Obstetrical and Gynecological Society 2024 Annual Meeting March 8-10, 2024 Marriott City Center - Charlotte Call for poster abstract submissions: Due February 3, 2024   You are invited to submit a poster abstract to the NC Ob/Gyn Society Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will be held over the weekend of March 8-10, 2024, at the Marriott City Center in Charlotte. We…

Get Your Nominations in for Physicians Foundation Leadership Award Program Before It’s Too Late!

New or early-career physicians, apply by January 31, 2024 for the Physicians Foundation Leadership Award Program!   The Physicians Foundation’s Leadership Awards Program recognizes physicians for extraordinary actions in their practice or community. Award recipients will receive a $10,000 scholarship to elevate their efforts to address drivers of health (DOH) or advance innovative…

ICYMI: CMS Finalizes Prior Authorization Rule

  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule on January 17, 2024. The rule impacts the following government funded insurance programs and plans: Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) fee-for-service (FFS) programs, Medicaid managed care…

NCTracks Reminder: Five New Exclusion Sanction Questions Added to Enrollment Applications in 2024

  Beginning January 28, 2024, five new additional exclusion sanction questions will be added to enrollment, re-enrollment, full MCRs, office administrator (OA) and re-verification applications: L. Has the enrolling provider had any liability insurance carrier canceled, refused coverage, or rated up because of unusual risk or have any procedures been excluded from coverage? M. Has…

NCMS Member Dr. Seth Hawkins Inducted as a Fellow of The Explorers Club

Seth C. Hawkins, MD   Morganton doctor named Fellow of The Explorers Club       (The News-Herald) -- Dr. Seth Collings Hawkins of Morganton was recently inducted as a Fellow of The Explorers Club. The Explorers Club is headquartered in New York City where it was founded in 1904. With current Chapters across the globe, The Explorers Club has been…

NCMS Membership Perks? We’ve Got You Covered!

image credit: Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley   Are you an NCMS Member traveling to the Raleigh area? Use your NCMS perk for discounted lodging at the beautiful Crabtree Marriott! Experience true southern hospitality at the recently renovated facilities. Dine at BRAISE, the hotel's contemporary southern restaurant, that serves an unforgettable breakfast buffet, southern fusion lunch…

Anticonvulsant Medication to be Added to NC Controlled Substances Reporting System

  (From NC Medical Board) --  Per a new state law, the anticonvulsant and nerve pain medication gabapentin will soon be added to the list of drugs tracked through the state’s prescription drug management program (PDMP), the NC Controlled Substances Reporting System (NC CSRS). While gabapentin remains a non-controlled substance, Session Law 2023-65 Part XI Section 11.1 G.S. 90-113.73(b)…

Calling All NCMS Physician and PA Members! Nominations Open for Leadership Positions

Want to be an NCMS leader?  Did you resolve to be involved on a committee? Here's your opportunity!   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…

2024 NCMS Candidate Series – Tim Reeder, MD

2024 NCMS Candidate Series Featuring Dr. Tim Reeder The 2024 North Carolina Medical Society Candidate Series continues with an exclusive interview featuring Dr. Tim Reeder. a candidate seeking re-election to the North Carolina House of Representatives in Pitt County District 9. In this discussion, Dr. Reeder discusses legislative strategies addressing healthcare disparities in North Carolina's…

World’s First Malaria Vaccine Program for Children Begins

Health officials prepare to vaccinate resident in Malawi village of Migowi. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) Cameroon starts world’s first malaria vaccine program for children (ASSOCIATED PRESS) -- Cameroon will be the first country to routinely give children a new malaria vaccine as the shots are rolled out in Africa. The campaign due to start Monday was described by officials as a milestone in…

There Could Soon be a Blood Test that Screens for Alzheimer’s

Testing a person’s blood for a type of protein called phosphorylated tau, or p-tau, could be used to screen for Alzheimer’s disease with “high accuracy,” even before symptoms begin to show, a new study suggests. The study involved testing blood for a key biomarker of Alzheimer’s called p-tau217, which increases at the same time as other damaging proteins — beta amyloid and tau — build up in…

NC Leaders Announce Steps to Strengthen Caregiving Workforce

  North Carolina leaders released a new report on the state's caregiving workforce, announcing the next steps in strengthening this critical group of workers. The report comes from the Caregiving Workforce Strategic Leadership Council, a group convened by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Department of Commerce of leaders from government…

Capitol Chronicle: Advocacy Engagement with Congresswoman Valerie Foushee

  Congress’ recess during the January 22-26 week afforded the opportunity of scheduling an in-district meeting with Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. Rep. Foushee represents North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District and was elected in 2022, having served in the N.C. Senate for 10 years. Meeting participants included: Eileen Raynor, MD / President - NC Medical Society Bryant Murphy,…

Know an Exceptional Group Practice Administrator? Tell the World About Them!

  The 2024 Administrator of the Year award, sponsored by Curi, recognizes a medical group practice administrator affiliated with the North Carolina Medical Group Management Association (NCMGMA). This person has exhibited exceptional leadership management proficiency and enhanced the effectiveness in the delivery of health care in his/her practice and community through a recent, noteworthy…

Healthcare Innovations: New Treatment Option for Extreme Cardiac Patients

(From WWAY News in Wilmington) -- Novant Health’s Heart and Vascular program in Wilmington is introducing a new treatment option for heart failure. Darryl Hampton from Novant Health talked with WWAY Anchor Matt Bennett to shed light on this groundbreaking treatment. Heart failure, as explained by Hampton, is a condition where the heart fails to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s oxygen…

Type O Negative Blood Supply Critically Low at North Carolina Donation Center. How You Can Help.

  Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center is experiencing critically low supplies of Type O-blood. Local donors are encouraged to attend one of several urgent blood drives being held in the next few days. All Cape Fear Valley Health hospitals in Cumberland, Bladen, Harnett and Hoke counties are affected, as the Blood Donor Center supplies blood products for all of them. As of Monday…

FDA: Don’t Use Neptune’s Fix, Dangerous ‘Gas Station Heroin’ Showing Up in NC

FDA warns consumers not to purchase or use Neptune’s Fix or any tianeptine product due to serious risks (photo: FDA) Tianeptine Poses Serious Risks as NC Cities Report it on Local Store Shelves Lawmakers sent a letter to the FDA Thursday taking the first steps toward banning the dangerous substance tianeptine, known as 'gas station heroin.' Tianeptine is not regulated by the…

NCDHHS to Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall on Mental Well-being

  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, January 25, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how people can support and improve their mental well-being, where to find resources, when to reach out for help and how to support loved ones who are struggling or in crisis. Event participants include: Kelly Crosbie,…

Carolina Complete Health Implements Tobacco-free Policy for Contracted Medicaid Providers

Effective April 1, 2024, Carolina Complete Health (CCH) will require contracted Medicaid Providers to implement a tobacco-free policy covering any portion of the property on which the Provider operates that is under its control as owner or lessee, to include buildings, grounds, and vehicles. Carolina Complete Health will monitor compliance with the tobacco-free policy requirement through the…

AMA Center for Health Equity Seeks Applicants for the Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship

  The AMA Center for Health Equity seeks applicants for the Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship program’s 2024-2025 cohort. The program is administered through a partnership between the AMA and the Morehouse School of Medicine’s Satcher Health Leadership Institute. Using an anti-racist, equity-centered learning framework, fellows engage with equity experts and trailblazers. The…

Secure Your Spot at the NCMS Advocacy Summit: Shaping Healthcare Policy Together

  Make Plans Now for NCMS Advocacy Summit in March Happy New Year! As you begin to fill your calendar for 2024, don’t forget to register for the NCMS Advocacy Summit - a gathering of healthcare leaders and policy experts dedicated to fostering meaningful discussions around legislative developments crucial to our profession. The event is March 23rd, so register now as space is limited!…

NC Society of Pathologists: Resident and Fellow Poster Session Call for Submissions

The North Carolina Society of Pathologists invites pathology residents and fellows to submit posters detailing original resident research (clinical/laboratory) as well as case reports. Accepted posters will be judged by a panel of pathologists on Saturday, April 27, at the NCSP’s 2024 Annual Meeting. The top three winning posters will be awarded cash prizes. Please coordinate your participation…

Warn Your Patients! Stay Warm, But Use Those Heating Sources Wisely!

Frostbite isn’t the only concern with the frigid temperatures     “You can’t smell it. You can’t see it. You can’t taste it,” said ECU Health Chief for the Division of Medical Toxicology Dr. Jason Hack Dr. Hack said carbon monoxide poisoning can sicken people when their furnaces malfunction or they use other means to heat their homes. He said that includes, “HVAC, our…

FDA Authorizes Hand-Held AI-powered Device Used to Detect Skin Cancer

  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the first artificial intelligence-powered medical device to help doctors detect the most common forms of skin cancer in patients. The technology, from Miami-based medical device maker DermaSensor, is used to further evaluate lesions that doctors have already flagged as suspicious and is not meant to be used as a screening tool,…

Experts Gather to Talk Black Maternal Health

The maternal mortality rate in the United States greatly exceeds the maternal mortality rates of other Western countries.     At a recent event in Charlotte on Black maternal health, expert panelists noted several ways to help keep Black women from dying from pregnancy-related conditions: better representation, better understanding of life experiences, and dismantling of…

Mark Your Calendar! In-Person Early Voting for 2024 Primary Election Begins February 15th

  The 2024 Primary Election is scheduled for March 5, 2024.  The General Election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. Are you registered to vote?  If not, instructions are available from the NC State Board of Elections. Important Primary Election dates to note: Jan. 19, 2024:       County boards of elections begin mailing absentee ballots to eligible voters who submitted an…