Specialists, did you know that you can claim exclusions to meaningful use criteria that do not apply to your specialty? Or that you can benefit from flexibility in reporting requirements for Quality Measures?

Please join the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation for a webinar on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, which will provide an overview of the Meaningful Use Requirements for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Electronic Health Records (EHR) incentive payments pertaining to Specialists. The webinar is free, but registration is required. The deadline to register is Monday, February 20, 2012.

The NCMS recommends that practices register for CMS’ Meaningful Use Incentives as well as North Carolina Medicaid incentives, if they have not done so already.

Click here to register for the webinar. Questions can be directed to Terri Gonzalez, NCMSF Practice Technical Assistance Coordinator, at (919) 865-5251 or tgonzalez@ncmedsoc.org.

Due to a high volume of questions coming in through the Member Resource Center, the NCMS will provide a Frequently-Asked-Question (FAQ) for its members each week to make them more aware of current medical and health care issues that their colleagues are having.

Q: My practice is looking to open a cash clinic. Does the NCMS offer any resources to help with this process?

A: Yes, the North Carolina Medical Society offers resources to physicians who are looking to open a cash clinic. Franklin Walker, NCMS Foundation Director of Programs and Practice Management, can assist your practice with any practice management needs, including opening a cash clinic. For further assistance contact Franklin at (800) 722-1350 or fwalker@ncmedsoc.org.

You can also contact Physician Care Direct (PCD), a partner of the NCMS, who can help your practice transition to and provide cash-only services to your patients. For more information about the services offered by PCD, call (919) 729-5594.

You can also refer to the American Medical Association (AMA)’s “Cash practice alternative: Considerations for physicians,” for additional information.

Have a question? Contact the NCMS Member Resource Center at (919) 833-3836 or kfreeman@ncmedsoc.org.

The North Carolina Medical Society would like to remind its members that February is American Heart Month. Please take the time during this month to spread awareness to your colleagues, patients, friends and family, about the importance of heart health.

Several ways to do this includes encouraging healthy eating, consistent exercising and to promote an overall healthy lifestyle. You can also participate in the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Million Hearts™ campaign. This national initiative strives to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in the United States over the next five years. For those who are interested in participating in the campaign, simply follow the link above, and find out what you need to do to become a partner. Partners of the campaign help spread awareness, make sure those with high cardiac risk are receiving appropriate treatment, promote healthy diet and physical activity, and support smoke-free environments to reduce current and future cardiac risk.

Please do your part and spread the word about this campaign. Together we can make North Carolina, and the rest of the United States, a healthier place to live. The Million Hearts™ campaign is co-led by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Partners in POLST: Honoring Patient Wishes across Care Settings, which is being held in conjunction with the CCCC Conference, will be on Thursday, February 16, 2012, 8:00 am – 5:15 pm at the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, San Diego, CA. Join end-of-life and palliative care leaders from across the country who are advancing the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) Paradigm to translate patient wishes into medical orders that are honored in care settings. Attendees will have the chance to learn innovative strategies for implementing POLST. Click here for more information and to register. Participation by an endorsed POLST state in the Networking Session from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm is also being requested. Click here for more information.

NC Neurological Society Annual Meeting, will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 — Saturday, February 18, 2012, at the Grandover Resort and Conference Center, Greensboro. The meeting is designed for practicing neurologists and physician extenders in neurology practices. Attendees will be able to increase their knowledge and improve their diagnosis and treatment skills for illnesses such as headaches, movement disorders, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and mitochondrial disorders. Medicare regulations that pertain to the practice of neurology will also be discussed. A maximum of 7.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ can be earned. Click here for more information and to register. Questions can be directed to Nancy Lowe, NCMS Associate Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org.

Quality Improvement 101 – A Toolbox for Improvement Wave 10, which addresses planning and implementing improvement, will be offered by Charlotte AHEC on Tuesday, February 21, and Wednesday, February 22, 2012 (Workshop 1). This professional development program includes four on-site workshops in February and June which allows participants to build skills and knowledge in quality improvement. By attending, participating hospital teams, clinical practices, AHEC regional offices, and other healthcare organizations can accelerate the application of quality improvement methods. The textbook “The Improvement Guide” by Gerald J. Langley et al., (2009), and both breakfast and lunch for each workshop is included in the registration fee. For more information contact Mary Webster at (704) 512-6545 or click here to register.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) North Carolina Chapter 2012 Scientific Session will be held Friday, February 24 – Saturday, February 25, 2012, at the Grandover Resort and Conference Center, Greensboro. The meeting will discuss updates in Infectious Diseases and Stroke Management, North Carolina Legislature, Advanced Directives, Management of Hepatitis C, Osteoporosis, and Patient-Centered Medical Home. Clinical skills sessions and special interest group lunch roundtables will also be available. Attendees can earn up to 10.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Click here to register. Click here for more information or contact Nancy Lowe, NCMS Associate Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org.

2012 NC OB/GYN Society Annual Meeting, which is sponsored by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, will be held Friday-Sunday, April 20-22, 2012, at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord Golf Resort and Spa. The common conditions and concerns related to women’s health care will be addressed. Attendees can receive a maximum of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. The registration deadline is Monday, March 19, 2012. For more information about the meeting, contact Nancy Lowe, NCMS Associate Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org. Click here to register.

Cracking the Codes: Coding and Billing for Influenza Virus Vaccines Across Multiple Sites, a webinar from October 2011 offered by Sanofi Pasteur, is now available for viewing at all times. The webinar features an expert-led review of coding and billing for influenza vaccination in various health care settings. Click here to view the webinar.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) North Carolina Chapter will be hosting the 2012 Scientific Session from Friday, February, 24, - Saturday, February, 25, 2012, at the Grandover Resort & Conference Center, Greensboro. Attendees can receive up to 10.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credits(s)™.

The meeting is designed for general internists, subspecialty internists, family physicians, fellows in subspecialty training, allied health practitioners, residents and medical students who are interested in internal medicine. Meeting highlights include:

• Updates in Infectious Diseases and Stroke Management
• North Carolina Legislative Update
• Advance Directives in North Carolina: Strategies for Enhancing Patient-Centered Care Near the End of Life
• Management of Hepatitis C
• Osteoporosis Update
• Clinical Skills Sessions
• Special Interest Group Lunch Roundtables
• Patient-Centered Medical Home

Rooms are still available at the Grandover Resort & Conference Center. Call (800) 472-6301 for reservations. Click here or contact Nancy Lowe, NCMS Associate Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org for more information.

From Foam to Filters: What’s New in Venous Disease, which is co-sponsored by the Duke University School of Medicine and the American College of Phlebology, will be held from Thursday, February 2, 2012 – Saturday, February 4, 2012, at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. The registration fee is $249 for physicians and $149 for non-physicians. There is also an optional ultrasound workshop with a registration fee of $100. Click here for more information or to register.

Partners in POLST: Honoring Patient Wishes across Care Settings, which is being held in conjunction with the CCCC Conference, will be on Thursday, February 16, 2012, 8:00 am – 5:15 pm at the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, San Diego, CA. Join end-of-life and palliative care leaders from across the country who are advancing the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) Paradigm to translate patient wishes into medical orders that are honored in care settings. Attendees will have the chance to learn innovative strategies for implementing POLST. Click here for more information and to register. Participation by an endorsed POLST state in the Networking Session from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm is also being requested. Click here for more information.

NC Neurological Society Annual Meeting, will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 — Saturday, February 18, 2012, at the Grandover Resort and Conference Center, Greensboro. The meeting is designed for practicing neurologists and physician extenders in neurology practices. Attendees will be able to increase their knowledge and improve their diagnosis and treatment skills for illnesses such as headaches, movement disorders, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and mitochondrial disorders. Medicare regulations that pertain to the practice of neurology will also be discussed. A maximum of 7.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ can be earned. Click here for more information and to register. Questions can be directed to Nancy Lowe, NCMS Associate Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org.

Quality Improvement 101 – A Toolbox for Improvement Wave 10, which addresses planning and implementing improvement, will be offered by Charlotte AHEC on Tuesday, February 21, and Wednesday, February 22, 2012 (Workshop 1). This professional development program includes four on-site workshops in February and June which allows participants to build skills and knowledge in quality improvement. By attending, participating hospital teams, clinical practices, AHEC regional offices, and other healthcare organizations can accelerate the application of quality improvement methods. The textbook “The Improvement Guide” by Gerald J. Langley et al., (2009), and both breakfast and lunch for each workshop is included in the registration fee. For more information contact Mary Webster at (704) 512-6545 or click here to register.

2012 NC OB/GYN Society Annual Meeting, which is sponsored by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, will be held Friday-Sunday, April 20-22, 2012, at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord Golf Resort and Spa. The common conditions and concerns related to women’s health care will be addressed. Attendees can receive a maximum of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. The registration deadline is Monday, March 19, 2012. For more information about the meeting, contact Nancy Lowe, NCMS Associate Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org. Click here to register.

Cracking the Codes: Coding and Billing for Influenza Virus Vaccines Across Multiple Sites, a webinar from October 2011 offered by Sanofi Pasteur, is now available for viewing at all times. The webinar features an expert-led review of coding and billing for influenza vaccination in various health care settings. Click here to view the webinar.

CMS National Provider Call: FFS implementation of HIPAA Version 5010 and D.0 Transactions (Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 2:00 – 3:30 pm), will provide implementation updates and include a Q&A session. Questions can be submitted to 5010FFSinfo@CMS.hhs.gov before, during or after the call. Click here to register for the provider call.

From Foam to Filters: What’s New in Venous Disease, which is co-sponsored by the Duke University School of Medicine and the American College of Phlebology, will be held from Thursday, February 2, 2012 – Saturday, February 4, 2012, at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. The registration fee is $249 for physicians and $149 for non-physicians. There is also an optional ultrasound workshop with a registration fee of $100. Click here for more information or to register.

Partners in POLST: Honoring Patient Wishes across Care Settings, which is being held in conjunction with the CCCC Conference, will be on Thursday, February 16, 2012, 8:00 am – 5:15 pm at the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, San Diego, CA. Join end-of-life and palliative care leaders from across the country who are advancing the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) Paradigm to translate patient wishes into medical orders that are honored in care settings. Attendees will have the chance to learn innovative strategies for implementing POLST. Click here for more information and to register. Participation by an endorsed POLST state in the Networking Session from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm is also being requested. Click here for more information.

NC Neurological Society Annual Meeting, will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 — Saturday, February 18, 2012, at the Grandover Resort and Conference Center, Greensboro. The meeting is designed for practicing neurologists and physician extenders in neurology practices. Attendees will be able to increase their knowledge and improve their diagnosis and treatment skills for illnesses such as headaches, movement disorders, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and mitochondrial disorders. Medicare regulations that pertain to the practice of neurology will also be discussed. A maximum of 7.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ can be earned. Click here for more information and to register. Questions can be directed to Nancy Lowe, NCMS Assistant Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org.

Quality Improvement 101 – A Toolbox for Improvement Wave 10, which addresses planning and implementing improvement, will be offered by Charlotte AHEC on Tuesday, February 21, and Wednesday, February 22, 2012 (Workshop 1). This professional development program includes four on-site workshops in February and June which allows participants to build skills and knowledge in quality improvement. By attending, participating hospital teams, clinical practices, AHEC regional offices, and other healthcare organizations can accelerate the application of quality improvement methods. The textbook “The Improvement Guide” by Gerald J. Langley et al., (2009), and both breakfast and lunch for each workshop is included in the registration fee. For more information contact Mary Webster at (704) 512-6545 or click here to register.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) North Carolina Chapter 2012 Scientific Session will be held Friday, February 24 – Saturday, February 25, 2012, at the Grandover Resort and Conference Center, Greensboro. The meeting will discuss updates in Infectious Diseases and Stroke Management, North Carolina Legislature, Advanced Directives, Management of Hepatitis C, Osteoporosis, and Patient-Centered Medical Home. Clinical skills sessions and special interest group lunch roundtables will also be available. Attendees can earn up to 10.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Click here to register. Room reservations at the Grandover will be available until January 23. Click here for more information or contact Nancy Lowe, NCMS Assistant Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org.

2012 NC OB/GYN Society Annual Meeting, which is sponsored by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, will be held Friday-Sunday, April 20-22, 2012, at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord Golf Resort and Spa. The common conditions and concerns related to women’s health care will be addressed. Attendees can receive a maximum of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. The registration deadline is Monday, March 19, 2012. For more information about the meeting, contact Nancy Lowe, NCMS Assistant Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org. Click here to register.

Cracking the Codes: Coding and Billing for Influenza Virus Vaccines Across Multiple Sites, a webinar from October 2011 offered by Sanofi Pasteur, is now available for viewing at all times. The webinar features an expert-led review of coding and billing for influenza vaccination in various health care settings. Click here to view the webinar.

A fundamental part of achieving the successes of the NC Medical Society, like passing medical liability reform, is the NCMS Political Action Committee (NCMS PAC). The NCMS PAC is the essential political branch of the North Carolina Medical Society and is governed by a Board of Directors of politically active NCMS members.

The NCMS PAC strives to empower physicians to make more knowledgeable decisions about the legislative issues affecting the practice of medicine, in the hopes that they will become more engaged in the political process. In addition, your staff works to establish and maintain relationships with key office holders who have your best interest at heart. More than anything, the NCMS PAC serves as your champion to elect healthcare friendly candidates to the North Carolina Legislature.

Help us achieve this goal by making a donation to the NCMS PAC today. With trial lawyers fundraising aggressively, it is more important to give now than ever.  Please, invest in the future of medicine in your state. With your help, we can continue to show results like those in 2012. Together, we can make our goals a reality. 

Don’t wait, donate now!

For more information contact Will Barnett, Assistant Director, Legislative and Political Action, at 919-833-3836 or wbarnett@ncmedsoc.org.

CMS National Provider Calls:

1. Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) & Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program (Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 1:30 – 3:00 pm), will provide an overview on how the 2012 eRx payment adjustment will appear on the remittance advice and will discuss the self-nomination process.                          
2. FFS implementation of HIPAA Version 5010 and D.0 Transactions (Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 2:00 – 3:30 pm), will provide implementation updates and include a Q&A session. Questions can be submitted to 5010FFSinfo@CMS.hhs.gov before, during or after the call. 

Click here to register for both provider calls.

Second Annual Electrophysiology Summit, which is sponsored by the Duke University School of Medicine, will be held on Friday, January 20, 2012 – Saturday, January 21, 2012, at the Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel. Attendees will learn about the evolving techniques and tools needed for diagnosing and treating arrhythmia patients. The registration fee is $125 for physicians and $75 for non-physicians. Click here for more information or to register.

From Foam to Filters: What’s New in Venous Disease, which is co-sponsored by the Duke University School of Medicine and the American College of Phlebology (ACP), will be held from Thursday, February 2, 2012 – Saturday, February 4, 2012, at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. The registration fee is $249 for physicians and $149 for non-physicians. There is also an optional ultrasound workshop with a registration fee of $100. Click here for more information or to register.

Codequest Coding College 2012: Learn to Chart and Code Accurately and Effectively Transition to ICD-10, will be offered by the NC Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (NCSEPS) on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at the Grandover Resort, Greensboro. Topics of discussion include physician and technician documentation changes, practical applications and examples of ICD-10, exam scenarios, complex surgical cases, and learning how to solve coding quandaries. Attendees can earn six hours of CME, AAPC or JCAHPO credits. Contact NCSEPS at 919-833-3836 or click here to register.

Partners in POLST: Honoring Patient Wishes across Care Settings, which is being held in conjunction with the CCCC Conference, will be on Thursday, February 16, 2012, 8:00 am – 5:15 pm at the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, San Diego, CA. Join end-of-life and palliative care leaders from across the country who are advancing the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) Paradigm to translate patient wishes into medical orders that are honored in care settings. Attendees will have the chance to learn innovative strategies for implementing POLST. Click here for more information and to register. Participation by an endorsed POLST state in the Networking Session from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm is also being requested. Click here for more information.

NC Neurological Society Annual Meeting, will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 – Saturday, February 18, 2012, at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro. The meeting is designed for practicing neurologists and physician extenders in neurology practices. Attendees will be able to increase their knowledge and improve their diagnosis and treatment skills for illnesses such as headaches, movement disorders, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and mitochondrial disorders. Medicare regulations that pertain to the practice of neurology will also be discussed. A maximum of 7.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ can be earned. Click here for more information and to register. Questions can be directed to Nancy Lowe, NCMS Assistant Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org.

Quality Improvement 101 – A Toolbox for Improvement Wave 10, which addresses planning and implementing improvement, will be offered by Charlotte AHEC on Tuesday, February 21, and Wednesday, February 22, 2012 (Workshop 1). This professional development program includes four on-site workshops in February and June which allows participants to build skills and knowledge in quality improvement. By attending, participating hospital teams, clinical practices, AHEC regional offices, and other healthcare organizations can accelerate the application of quality improvement methods. The textbook “The Improvement Guide” by Gerald J. Langley et al., (2009), and both breakfast and lunch for each workshop is included in the registration fee. For more information contact Mary Webster at 704-512-6545 or click here to register.

2012 NC OB/GYN Society Annual Meeting, which is sponsored by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, will be held on Friday-Sunday, April 20-22, 2012, at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord Golf Resort and Spa. The common conditions and concerns related to women’s health care will be addressed. Attendees can receive a maximum of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. The registration deadline is Monday, March 19, 2012. For more information about the meeting, contact Nancy Lowe, NCMS Assistant Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org. Click here to register.

Cracking the Codes: Coding and Billing for Influenza Virus Vaccines Across Multiple Sites, a webinar from October 2011 offered by Sanofi Pasteur, is now available for viewing at all times. The webinar features an expert-led review of coding and billing for influenza vaccination in various health care settings. Click here to view the webinar.

NCMS members are the front line of advocacy for North Carolina’s patients and medical profession. Through the NCMS Member Resource Center, it is our goal to provide you with learning experiences and resources that make a real difference in how you practice medicine and work within this profession.

One of the many benefits of being a member of the North Carolina Medical Society is the ability to have your questions answered through the Member Resource Center. Questions are answered in a timely manner and if we cannot be of immediate assistance we will find someone who can. Your questions will also help other physicians and practices who have similar inquiries.  Visit the FAQ section of our website to see what questions have been asked in the past.

For more information contact the NCMS Member Resource Center at 919-833-3836 or kfreeman@ncmedsoc.org. Don’t forget to fill out the Member Satisfaction Survey when you receive a response from the Resource Center. Your input is very important to us!

NCDA Annual Meeting, will be held on Friday, January 13, 2012 – Sunday, January 15, 2012, at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club, Durham. Topics of discussion include FDA sunscreen guidelines, an update on Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma, hormonal therapy for acne, Lichen Planus, melanoma management, coastal and marine dermatology, meaningful use of EHR technology and AAD updates. Those who attend can receive 11.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™ or AAD recognized CME credit(s). To register, contact NCDA at (919) 833-3836 to request a brochure; or download the brochure here, or register online.

Second Annual Electrophysiology Summit, which is sponsored by the Duke University School of Medicine, will be held on Friday, January 20, 2012 – Saturday, January 21, 2012, at the Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel. Attendees will learn about the evolving techniques and tools needed for diagnosing and treating arrhythmia patients. The registration fee is $125 for physicians and $75 for non-physicians. Click here for more information or to register.

NC Safe Surgery Conference, sponsored by the NC Center for Hospital Quality and Safety, will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center, Raleigh. The Conference will mark the official launch of a statewide initiative focused on the implementation of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist or a modified version of it. Registration deadline is January 11, 2012. Click here to register. For more information, contact Dean Higgins, Project Manager, at dhiggins@ncha.org or 919-677-4212; or Laura Maynard, Director, Collaborative Learning at lmaynard@ncha.org or 919-677-4121.

From Foam to Filters: What’s New in Venous Disease, which is co-sponsored by the Duke University School of Medicine and the American College of Phlebology (ACP), will be held Thursday, February 2, 2012 - Saturday, February 4, 2012, at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. The registration fee is $249 for physicians and $149 for non-physicians. There is also an optional ultrasound workshop with a registration fee of $100. Click here for more information or to register.

Codequest Coding College 2012: Learn to Chart and Code Accurately and Effectively Transition to ICD-10, will be offered by the NC Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (NCSEPS) on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at the Grandover Resort, Greensboro. Topics of discussion include physician and technician documentation changes, practical applications and examples of ICD-10, exam scenarios, complex surgical cases, and learning how to solve coding quandaries. Attendees can earn six hours of CME, AAPC or JCAHPO credits. Contact NCSEPS at 919-833-3836 or click here to register.

Partners in POLST: Honoring Patient Wishes across Care Settings, which is being held in conjunction with the CCCC Conference, will be on Thursday, February 16, 2012, 8:00 am – 5:15 pm at the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, San Diego, CA. Join end-of-life and palliative care leaders from across the country who are advancing the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) Paradigm to translate patient wishes into medical orders that are honored in care settings. Attendees will have the chance to learn innovative strategies for implementing POLST. Click here for more information and to register. Early bird registration ends Monday, January 9, 2012. Participation by an endorsed POLST state in the Networking Session from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm is also being requested. Click here for more information.

NC Neurological Society Annual Meeting, will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 – Saturday, February 18, 2012, at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro. The meeting is designed for practicing neurologists and physician extenders in neurology practices. Attendees will be able to increase their knowledge and improve their diagnosis and treatment skills for illnesses such as headaches, movement disorders, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and mitochondrial disorders. Medicare regulations that pertain to the practice of neurology will also be discussed. A maximum of 7.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ can be earned. Click here for more information and to register. Questions can be directed to Nancy Lowe, NCMS Assistant Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org.

Quality Improvement 101 – A Toolbox for Improvement Wave 10, which addresses planning and implementing improvement, will be offered by Charlotte AHEC on Tuesday, February 21, and Wednesday, February 22, 2012 (Workshop 1). This professional development program includes four on-site workshops in February and June which allows participants to build skills and knowledge in quality improvement. By attending, participating hospital teams, clinical practices, AHEC regional offices, and other healthcare organizations can accelerate the application of quality improvement methods. The textbook “The Improvement Guide” by Gerald J. Langley et al., (2009), and both breakfast and lunch for each workshop is included in the registration fee. For more information contact Mary Webster at 704-512-6545 or click here to register.

2012 NC OBG/YN Society Annual Meeting, which is sponsored by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, will be held on Friday-Sunday, April 20-22, 2012, at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord Golf Resort and Spa. The common conditions and concerns related to women’s health care will be addressed. Attendees can receive a maximum of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. The registration deadline is Monday, March 19, 2012. For more information about the meeting, contact Nancy Lowe, NCMS Assistant Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org. Click here to register.

Cracking the Codes: Coding and Billing for Influenza Virus Vaccines Across Multiple Sites, a webinar from October 2011 offered by Sanofi Pasteur, is now available for viewing at any time. The webinar features an expert-led review of coding and billing for influenza vaccination in various health care settings. Click here to view the webinar.

Register today for the North Carolina Obstetrical & Gynecological (NC OBGYN) Society, ACOG-North Carolina Section, 2012 Annual Meeting, which will be held on Friday-Sunday, April 20-22, 2012, at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord Golf Resort and Spa. The meeting is jointly sponsored by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and is designed for practicing and academic obstetric and gynecological physicians, residents, mid-level providers and medical students. The common conditions and concerns related to women’s health care will be addressed.

Attendees can receive a maximum of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. The registration deadline is Monday, March 19, 2012. The meeting is business casual. For more information about the meeting click here or contact Nancy Lowe, NCMS Assistant Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at (919) 833-3836 or nlowe@ncmedsoc.org. Click here to register online.

Please disregard the following survey if you have already participated!

The North Carolina Medical Society is sending the following message to physicians on behalf of one of our medical student members who needs assistance in answering a short survey on end-of-life care. Your assistance would be appreciated. See below for more information. A summary of the survey results will be provided after the analysis is completed.

Hello, my name is Amy Shipley, and I am a 4th year medical student at the  Brody School of Medicine, and I am conducting a research study titled, “Physician Attitudes Toward End-of-Life Care,” and would greatly appreciate your participation.  I am hoping to learn more about physician attitudes toward withdrawal of interventions at the end of life. The survey will take approximately 3 minutes of your time and is located at the following link: https://ecu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3UTzh903lytFrPm.  

Thank you so much for your participation, 
Amy Shipley MS4
Brody School of Medicine

NCMS leaders are meeting with first-year medical students at the state’s four medical schools as courses begin for the Classes of 2015.  At each school, presentations are taking place encouraging membership in the respective County Medical Society, the North Carolina Medical Society and the American Medical Association. At the meetings student leaders are speaking about the need for engagement of medical students in decisions and policy that will affect their future careers. At the Brody School of Medicine, Dean Paul Cunningham, MD and NCMS Past President  Charles Willson, MD, encouraged medical students to be leaders at Brody and among future physicians.  Durham-Orange County Medical Society President Tony Caprio, MD is speaking to UNC School of Medicine’s “first years,” and NCMS Secretary-Treasurer Dev Sangvai, MD, is addressing students at Duke.  NCMS members working with medical students are asked to lend a mentoring hand by encouraging students to join. For more information on medical student participation, visit http://www.ncmedstudents.org.

Brody School of Medicine student leaders met with new first-year medical students on August 16 to encourage membership in the Pitt County Medical Society, the North Carolina Medical Society and the American Medical Association.  Hosting a luncheon of NC barbecue, student leaders spoke about the need for engagement of medical students in decisions and policy that will affect their future careers.

NCMS Past President and Brody School of Medicine faculty Charles Willson, MD, encouraged medical students to be leaders at Brody and among future physicians.  The Class of 2014 set a membership goal of 75% participation in the Pitt County-NCMS-AMA chapter and have nearly met their goal.  Medical students qualify for a four-year membership package for all three organizations. For more information on medical student participation, visit http://ncmedstudents.org/.