Featured Stories

URGENT: Oct. 5th Deadline Approaching on UHC Settlement

Physicians have just over one month left to submit claims for a share of a $350 million settlement agreement between United Healthcare and the American Medical Association (AMA). Claims for a share of the settlement must be postmarked by October 5, 2010.

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Focus on Health System Reform: Ban on Physician-Owned Hospitals

One provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that takes effect at the end of this year is the restriction on physician ownership of hospitals in the Medicare program. The health reform law also places major limits on the expansion of existing physician-owned hospitals.

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NCMS Co-Signs Letter Asking US Treasury Secretary to Reject Tax Code Change for Trial Lawyers

The North Carolina Medical Society co-signed a letter sent to US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner this week urging him to reject a rumored shift in tax policy that would allow contingency-fee lawyers to write off litigation expenses.

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In This Issue

CMS Teleconference to Focus on EHRs Development in North Carolina

EHR Certification Bodies Named

Raleigh Spine Clinic Focuses on Quality

Physicians Attend ‘Championing Healthcare Improvement’ Workshop

NC Pharmacy Board Offers Continuing Update on E-Prescribing for Controlled Substances

NCDPH Issues Early Flu Season Advisory

Deadline Approaching: Make Your Hotel Reservations Soon for the NCMS Annual Meeting

Don’t Miss the Practice Managers Luncheon at This Year’s NCMS Annual Meeting!

Very Limited Spaces Available for CSHA Fall 2010 Workshops

Checklist to Help You Get Ready for the 2010 NCMS Annual Meeting

Physician FYI

Staff Rounds: Your NCMS at Work for You

Featured Stories

Governor Addresses NC Medicaid Rates

Governor Beverly Perdue today announced her intention to roll back Medicaid provider rate reductions that were to be implemented next week. The announcement came in a meeting this morning with representatives of the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS), the North Carolina Hospital Association (NCHA) and the North Carolina Healthcare Facilities Association (NCHFA).

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NCMS Offers Comment on NC Statewide Health Information Exchange Operational Plan

In a letter sent August 23, 2010, the NCMS provided input on the draft North Carolina Statewide Health Information Exchange Operational Plan. Read on to see NCMS’s thoughts on the plan.

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Managed Care Officials Field Health System Reform Questions before Physician Audience in Greensboro

On Monday, August 23, 2010, members of the Triad-area physician community attended a forum with third party payer medical directors and North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin.

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Focus on Health Care Reform: National Health Care Workforce Commission

In an attempt to address the inevitable shortage of medical providers the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has called for the creation of a National Health Care Workforce Commission.

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Health Reform and You: NCMS and News Channel 14 to Convene a Public Discussion on Reform

The NCMS is partnering with News Channel 14 to convene a televised forum on September 22 in Charlotte to engage leaders in the health care sector, elected officials, and the public on the implementation of health system reform legislation.

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In This Issue

CMS Issues Reminder on January 2011 Target for Testing Transaction Using ICD-10 Code Sets

Physicians Will Talk Politics and Health Care at Asheville Breakfast Meeting

Medicaid Official Discusses Health System Reform in Visit to Triangle

NCMS Foundation Offers Opportunity to Honor Women in Medicine and Promote Access to Health Care

Deadlines Approaching — Act Today!

Physician FYI

Staff Rounds: Your NCMS at Work for You

Featured Stories

Proposed Medicaid Rate Cut Gets Media Attention

Today’s issue of the Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area includes a story about the proposed additional cut to the physician fee schedule, despite Congressional action to provide federal dollars to help ease the budget crunch for North Carolina’s Medicaid program.

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NCMS in Partnership to Launch NC Healthcare Information Exchange

The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) and the North Carolina Hospital Association (NCHA) are partnering with Moses Cone Health System and WakeMed Health & Hospitals to work with Thomson Reuters and CareEvolution to launch the North Carolina Healthcare Information Exchange (NCHEX).

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Focus on Health System Reform: Expanding Role of Medicaid

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act expands state Medicaid eligibility to almost anyone under the age of 65 with income up to 133% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL), which will have a big impact at the state level. Read on to see how state groups are responding.

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Physician Input Needed on NCHIE Plan

The North Carolina Medical Society is encouraging physicians to review and comment on the Draft Operational Plan for the NC Health Information Exchange (NCHIE).

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In This Issue

Sold Out Webinar on HIT Development Now Available Online

August Open Door Forums on Electronic Health Records & ICD-10

BCBSNC Announces New Feature to Help Physicians Treat Out-of-Area Blue Patients

WellPath Select Issues Regulatory Addendum to Provider Contracts

Brody School of Medicine Welcomes New Class; Sets Membership Goal

Take Part in the NCMS ‘Refer a Friend’ Membership Program for a Chance to Win an iPad for You and a Colleague

Important Deadlines Approaching for the NCMS Annual Meeting — Don’t Miss These Opportunities

Physician FYI

Staff Rounds: Your NCMS at Work for You

Featured Stories

Proposed Additional Medicaid Cut Unacceptable: Take Action Now

It is our understanding that the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is announcing a new 1.35% rate cut to achieve the $26.6 million dollar reduction outlined in the contingency budget even in light of a windfall in federal funding. Read on to view the NCMS’s reaction and contact your legislator now to share your thoughts on this development.

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NCMS Hosts ACO Summit

The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) hosted almost 100 physicians and consultants in Raleigh at the ACO Summit on Saturday, August 7, 2010, to learn more about this emerging model for health care delivery.

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Focus on Health Care Reform: What is the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMI)

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMI) is the new agency responsible for testing and evaluating new payment and service delivery models. This section of the Act provides a good overview of different concepts being considered for the future of health care delivery in this country.

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In This Issue

BCBSNC and NCMS Visit Goldsboro Oncology Practice to Discuss Costs

BCBSNC to Downsize with New Data Entry Contract

Don’t Miss Out on the $350 Million UnitedHealth Settlement

NC Institute of Medicine Convenes Health Reform Workgroups

NCMS Celebrates National Health Center Week with Visit to Piedmont Health Services

EHRs–and U

NCMS Committees At Work

Physician FYI

Staff Rounds

Featured Stories

ACO Summit Set for Saturday at NCMS

A capacity crowd is expected at the ACO Summit being hosted by the North Carolina Medical Society on Saturday, August 7, 2010. More than 100 physicians are expected, making it one of the largest meetings ever held at the NCMS offices.

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Focus on Health System Reform: Independent Payment Advisory Board

Beginning in 2014, the federal government will be able to sidestep Congress and impose its own cost-containment policies for the Medicare program through the creation of the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Read on to learn more.

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NCMS Joins Piedmont Health in Celebrating National Health Center Week

August 9-13 is National Health Center Week, and the North Carolina Medical Society will observe the occasion by helping Piedmont Health Services (PHS) celebrate its 40th Anniversary. See the list of planned events.

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Health Care Reform Symposium Examines Impact of PPACA

Approximately 200 people attended the Triangle Business Journal (TBJ) Symposium, Health Care Reform: Myth vs. Facts, on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 in Raleigh. NCMS partnered with TBJ in publicizing the event.

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In This Issue

Loan Fund To Assist Development of EHR in Economically Distressed Areas

2011 NCMS Leadership College Scholars Announced

Community Care of North Carolina in National Spotlight

Community Grants Seeks to Shape NC Policies on Healthy Living

Remembering Charles L. Nance, Jr., MD

New President Named at Moses Cone in Greensboro

Have You Checked the NCMS Online Calendar Lately?

Physician FYI

Staff Rounds: Your NCMS at Work for You

Featured Stories

Significant Incentives and Penalties Under Meaningful Use Final Rule

You have probably heard about the significant financial incentives available to physicians and hospitals that adopt and achieve meaningful use of electronic health records. But did you know that physicians and hospitals that fail to demonstrate meaningful use by 2015 face reimbursement reductions?

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NC Physician Institute for Quality Enhancement Offers Workshop for MDs Who Want to Champion Healthcare Improvement

The NCPIQE (NC Physician Institute for Quality Enhancement), Wake AHEC and the NCMS Foundation will provide an interactive workshop for physicians interested in championing healthcare quality improvement, August 27 and 28.

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Focus on Health System Reform: Health Benefit Exchanges, Part 2

Learn more about the types of insurance coverage that will be available in North Carolina’s Exchange.

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BCBSNC Implementing Policy Changes to Some CPT Codes

Effective November 1, 2010, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina will be implementing policy changes to specific Current Procedural Technology (CPT) codes. The changes will affect multiple surgery reduction procedures and are consistent with BCBSNC’s multiple procedure payment policies.

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Medical Board Approves Final Draft of Telemedicine Policy

On Friday, July 23, 2010 the North Carolina Medical Board met and gave final passage to a Board policy on Telemedicine.

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In This Issue

Medical Board Drafts Re-Entry Rules

CMS Announces Imaging Demonstration Project

NCMS Exec Assumes New Leadership Role

Drexdal Pratt Appointed to Head DHSR

North Carolina ENTs Convene

Sports Medicine Symposium Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Nominate an Outstanding Physician Leader for the Harris Award!

NCMS Welcomes New Student Members

An Invitation from the President of the NCMS, Douglas D. Sheets, MD, to Attend the 2010 NCMS Annual Meeting

Triangle Area Physicians: Last Chance to Register for Health Care Forum

Physician FYI

Staff Rounds: Your NCMS at Work for You

Featured Stories

New Physician Licensing Rules Effective August 1, 2010

The North Carolina Medical Board will have new licensing rules effective August 1, 2010. The new rules will conform the Board’s licensing regulations to current practice and language and incorporate policy changes approved by the Board.

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Focus on Health Care Reform: Health Benefit Exchanges, Part 1

The American Health Benefit Exchange is a major component of insurance reform contained in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The main purpose of the Exchange is to help individuals and small businesses purchase insurance coverage.

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Report Rates Project Access Return on Investment as “Tremendous Accomplishment”

A Wake Forest University research team has concluded that every $1 invested in (Buncombe County) Project Access administration produced a return of $20 in donated medical care value.

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In This Issue

NC Selects Thomson Reuters for Healthcare Reporting and Analytics

Physician FYI

Staff Rounds

Featured Stories

NCMS ACO Summit to Help Physicians with Development of New Health Care Delivery Models

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act contains provisions for the development of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), which are part of impending changes in the health care delivery system. See how an upcoming NCMS event can help make sense of ACOs.

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Final Rule for Meaningful Use Announced

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published in the Federal Register a final rule on meaningful use as part of an effort to expand the use of electronic health records (EHR).

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Focus on Health Care Reform: New In-office Ancillary Services Disclosure Requirement

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act imposed new disclosure requirements on physicians who refer Medicare or Medicaid patients to in-office ancillary imaging services. The new requirement applies to services rendered on or after January 1, 2010. Click here to read more.

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State Budget, Medicaid Funding and Revenue Shortfall Highlight 2010 Legislative Session

The 2010 Legislative Short Session officially adjourned at 5:32 am on Saturday, July 10, following a marathon session that included debate and amendments to key bills considered during the final hours. The primary focus of the past nine weeks has been balancing the State budget during a time of unprecedented revenue shortfalls. For a breakdown of the General Assembly’s budget as it relates to Medicaid funding, as well as a recap of major legislative issues of interest to the NC Medical Society, please click here.

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In This Issue

NCMS Signs Letter of Support for Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2010

Influenza Vaccine for Older Patients Covered under Medicare Part B

Physician FYI

Staff Rounds: Your NCMS at Work for You

Featured Stories

NCMS Earns Commitment from State for N.C. Medicaid Contract Fix

Late Wednesday, the North Carolina Medical Society received assurances from state officials that an obscure and problematic provision in the Medicaid Provider Agreement would be fixed. The provision places a physician practice in breach of its contract with Medicaid when the practice pays a billing company a percentage of collections on Medicaid claims.

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NCMS ACO Summit Seeks to Encourage Physicians to Become Engaged in Development of New Health Care Delivery Models

NCMS President Douglas D. Sheets, MD, has called for an Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) Summit to be held Saturday, August 7, 2010, 10:30am – 2:30pm, at the NCMS headquarters in Raleigh.

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NCMS Case against United Allowed to Proceed

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals handed the NCMS and other state medical societies a major victory this week in a legal fight concerning unfair business practices by managed care companies.

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NC Legislators Work Toward Adjournment

Legislators are moving fast to wrap up the short session and adjourn by this weekend; the NCMS is monitoring several pending bills of interest during this last-minute frenzy.

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In This Issue

Focus on Health Care Reform: Alternatives to Current Medical Tort Litigation

Letter to NCMB Addresses Advertising of Specialty and Board Certification

State Launches New HIT Website

NC Physician In Line to Head Federation of State Physician Health Programs

Physician FYI

Staff Rounds

Featured Stories

Physician Advocacy on State Budget Continues

With just hours to go before the end of the fiscal year lawmakers passed a revised state budget on Wednesday. Read on to see how it will affect you and your practice.

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State Health Director Alerts Providers to Significant Change in NC Immunization Program

State Health Director Jeffrey Engel, MD, issued a memo on June 28, 2010, about a significant change in the state immunization program.

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Stop the Medicare Meltdown Campaign Continues as Congress Again Delays Cut for Medicare Physician Payments

Signatures are still being sought for the Stop the Medicare Meltdown petition campaign being led by the Texas Medical Association.

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NCHWTF Contracts with NCMS Foundation to Facilitate EHR Loan Fund

The NCHWTF Commission has decided to use its own funds to develop a pilot program that provides low-interest EHR loans specifically focusing on small rural/underserved and urban practices and has contracted with the NCMS Foundation to facilitate the loan program.

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In This Issue

CMS Addresses PECOS Enrollment Deadlines

Summary and Analysis Available of 2011 Medicare Physician Payment Proposed Rule

Focus on Health Care Reform Series Available as Podcasts

2010 NCMS Annual Meeting: Hotel Details Available

Give Us Your Best Shot — Third Annual NCMS Member Photo Contest Underway

Physician FYI

Staff Rounds: Your NCMS At Work for You

Featured Stories

HR 3962 Headed for President’s Signature; Will Update Medicare Physician Payments

Shortly after 7:00 Eastern time Thursday evening, the House passed H.R. 3962, which provides a 2.2 percent Medicare fee schedule update for physician services through November 2010. The bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 417 to 1. Since the same legislation passed the Senate last week, the bill will be sent promptly to President Obama’s desk to be signed into law.

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Legislative Update: Clock Ticking on 2010 Budget Negotiations

The North Carolina General Assembly is moving quickly to wrap up 2010-2011 budget negotiations. While there is no set date that the General Assembly will adjourn, both House and Senate leadership have publicly stated that they hope to pass a budget by early July

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Focus on Health Care Reform: Accountable Care Organizations and the Medicare Shared Savings Program (Sec 3022)

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are an emerging health care delivery model comprised of groups of providers that join together to coordinate and improve quality and efficiency of health care by fostering greater accountability in the delivery of health care.

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Doctors Use White Coat Wednesday to Address NC Medicaid Reimbursement

Scholars from the 2010 NC Medical Society Leadership College, as well as physicians from the OB/GYN, American College of Physicians, Ophthalmology and Dermatology specialty societies gathered in Raleigh this week for White Coat Wednesday.

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In This Issue

PECOS Enrollment Deadlines Clarified

State Dermatology Society Recognized for Advocacy Work

Physicians in the News

Physician FYI

Last Call for Nominations

Staff Rounds: Your NCMS At Work for You

Featured Stories

Legislative Update: State Budget in Turmoil

The NCMS legislative team has been working aggressively this week to address a revenue shortfall in the 2010-11 budget and to safeguard access to medical services in the Medicaid program.

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BCBSNC Mailing Out Provider Contract Addendum This Week

The NCMS worked extensively with BCBSNC to ensure that their latest contract addendum met the criteria of the fair contracting law passed last year; this addendum has now been finalized and was mailed by BCBSNC to practices yesterday.

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SGR Update: Agreement Reached on Extension of SGR Fix

Reports from Capitol Hill this morning indicate that Senate leaders have reached agreement on a six-month extension of a fix for the Medicare physician payment rate.

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Focus on Health Care Reform: RACs Expand within Medicare, into Medicaid

Physicians, practices, and facilities that provide services under Medicare Parts A or B are very familiar with recovery audit contractors (RACs). Read on to see how health reform has impacted RACs and physician practices.

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In This Issue

Medical Board Continues to Consider Draft Policy on Telemedicine

ECU Brody School of Medicine Cited for Achieving “Social Mission”

Dr. Willson Re-Elected at AMA 2010 Annual Meeting

NCMS Members Attend AMA Organized Medical Staff Section Annual Meeting

Dr. E. Harvey Estes Jr. To Be Honored for Career Achievement

Call for Resolutions for the 2010 NCMS House of Delegates

Physician FYI

Staff Rounds: Your NCMS At Work for You

Featured Stories

Legislators Work Toward Agreement on Final Budget FY 2010-11

Medicaid Budget: With both the Senate and House budget proposals in place, the General Assembly has begun the process of reaching an agreement on the final budget for 2010-11. Conferees working on the Health and Human Services Budget have recognized that both versions of the budget include an $18.6 million unauthorized reduction in Medicaid payments to physicians and other health care providers.

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“Stop The Medicare Meltdown” Petition Campaign Being Extended

The NCMS and other state medical societies were asked this week to continue seeking signatures for the Stop the Medicare Meltdown petition led by the Texas Medical Association (TMA). The campaign would be extended through the August Congressional recess, as lawmakers continue to apply only temporary fixes to delay the scheduled cuts to Medicare physician payments.

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Focus on Health Care Reform – PQRI Participation Becomes Mandatory to Avoid Penalties in 2015

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, signed into law on March 23rd, implements many changes to the way physicians practice medicine. Efforts to enhance the quality of care and expand reporting requirements for physicians are among the notable changes. Effective 2015, the law will impose a 1.5% penalty on Medicare reimbursement for physicians who do not participate in the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI)…

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In This Issue

NC DHHS Unveils Poster in Campaign to Stop Medicaid Fraud and Abuse

Physicians Helping to Develop North Carolina’s Health Information Exchange

2011 NCMS Leadership College Nominations Deadline Extended to June 30, 2010!

Physician FYI

Staff Rounds: Your NCMS At Work for You

Featured Stories

Your Medicaid Physician Rates at Stake

Help us STOP an Additional $18 Million Dollar Cut to NC Physician Rates in Medicaid. Take action now.

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White Coat Wednesday Puts MDs in Touch with Legislators

Physicians from across the state gathered in Raleigh this week for White Coat Wednesday to speak to their legislators about the pending budget. More dates are still available to sign-up to attend an upcoming White Coat Wednesday this session.

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Breaking News: House Passes Amended Version HR 4213

This afternoon, the U.S. House passed an amended version of HR 4213 – “The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010″ that includes SGR provisions.

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FTC Extends Enforcement Deadline for Identity Theft Red Flags Rule

At the request of several Members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission is further delaying enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule through December 31, 2010, while Congress considers legislation that would affect the scope of entities covered by the Rule.

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In This Issue

Palmetto GBA Is Awarded the J11 MAC

SHCC Adopts Draft 2011 Medical Facilities Plan

High Risk Health Insurance Pool – Focus on Health Care Reform

CMS Memo Clarifies Regulatory Requirements for ASC Waiting Areas

North Carolina Physicians Paid Less than the Cost of Vaccines

NCMS Members Asked to Rank Priorities

NCPIQE Quality Fellows Program Announced

Managed Care Contracting Seminar/Roundtable Slated for June 8

Dr. Estes Honored

NCMS Foundation Receives Estate Gift

Nominees Sought for Physician Community Service Award

Staff Rounds: Your NCMS At Work for You

Featured Stories

BREAKING NEWS: Physicians File Lawsuit on FTC’s Red Flags Rule

The American Medical Association (AMA), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and the Medical Society of the District of Columbia today filed a suit in federal court seeking to prevent the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from extending identify theft regulations to physicians.

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NCMS Board of Directors Sets Priorities to Help Physicians Prepare for Changes to the Health Care System

At its annual strategic planning retreat last weekend, the NCMS Board of Directors focused its attention on helping members prepare for impending changes to the health care system.

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US House Set to Vote on Bill that Includes New Proposal to Address SGR

The US House of Representatives is expected to consider early next week a new proposal that addresses the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) used to determine the Medicare physician reimbursement fees.

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NCMS Physician Medicare Survey

In light of current legislative efforts to seek a permanent fix to the Medicare payment system, the NCMS requests your response to a four (4) question survey on your practice’s status on caring for Medicare patients. Take the survey now.

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In This Issue

NCMS Continues to Seek Signatures for Petition to the Stop Medicare Meltdown

PAC Pulse Keeps You in the Know

DOI to Aetna: Mid-Level Reimbursement Cut Did Not Comply with S877

BCBSNC Provider Contract Addendum Approved by DOI

Radiation Oncologists Hold Follow-up Meeting with BCBSNC on IMRT Policies

Midwifery Joint Committee Votes Down Licensure of Certified Professional Midwives

Medical Board Convenes Task Force on Specialty and Board Certification Advertising

NCMS Hosts Meeting to Discuss Potential for State Demonstration Program for Alternatives to Medical Tort Litigation

Medicaid Alert: Attention PCS Providers and Referring Physicians

Is Your Practice in Compliance? FTC to Enforce Red Flags Rule Starting June 1

Save the Date for the 2010 NCMS Annual Meeting, October 22-24

Review Panel Seeking Applicants for NC Medical Board

2011 NCMS Leadership College Seeking Nominations!

Staff Rounds: Your NCMS At Work For You

NCMS Remembers