Big Turnout at NCMS Social in Asheville

Fifty physicians and PAs enjoyed fellowship at Hi Wire Brewing in Asheville on Tuesday, April 23. NCMS board member Martin Palmeri, MD, welcomed the group and said, “if you really want to have your voice heard and have a say in things challenging the practice of medicine, get involved in the North Carolina Medical Society.” Thanks to NCMS membership committee member, Sarah Cash, MD, new…

Measles Cases Now Highest in US Since 2019

  Several outbreaks, including one in Chicago, led to an early spike in measles cases this year. A chart shows how the case count compares to past years (NBCNews, Aria Bendix and Joe Murphy) -- This year's measles case total is now the highest of the last five years. The United States has seen 125 cases across 17 states as — its largest annual tally since 2019, according to the Centers for…

Want to Slow Down Aging? There May Be A Cheap Way To Do It.

A drug taken by millions of people to control diabetes may do more than lower blood sugar   (NPR, Allison Aubrey) -- Research suggests metformin has anti-inflammatory effects that could help protect against common age-related diseases including heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. Scientists who study the biology of aging have designed a clinical study, known as The TAME…

New WFU School of Medicine Study: Racial Discrimination Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease

Study Suggests Racial Discrimination During Midlife Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology Later in Life (WakeHealth) -- Racial discrimination experienced during midlife is associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology, according to a new study from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the University of Georgia. The findings appear online today in Alzheimer’s…

NCMS Proudly Graduates the 2024 Health Care Leadership and Management Class

Participants from across North Carolina Gather in Raleigh to celebrate! On Sunday, April 21, 2024, NCMS proudly graduated it’s 2024 Health Care Leadership and Management (HCLM) class of clinicians and health care administrators. HCLM is led by NCMS members, Drs. Genie Komives, CMO, WellCare of NC, and Bryant Murphy, Vice Chairman for Clinical Operations at UNC HealthCare. The scholars…

Foundation Friday! Doctors’ Day Special Edition

  Doctors’ Day Special Recognition On Doctors’ Day, the NCMS Foundation offered a chance to extend special recognition to individual physicians by donating $10 to the Foundation in their honor. Thank you to generous donors who felt moved to pay public tribute to the following individuals. Thank you once again for all you do for your patients each and every day! John H. Wood, MD Rachel…

“I would be dead.” Ali Ingersoll is proof that the time is NOW for Prior Auth Reform

Ali Ingersoll, the Quirky Quad, has a powerful message about the broken healthcare system in North Carolina (photo: Ali Ingersoll) RALEIGH -- Ali Ingersoll has turned a tragic accident into a siren call for change in the American healthcare system.  She was left paralyzed at 27 and spend seven years facing life altering diagnoses, surgeries, and mountain-after-mountains to climb as she…

UnitedHealth Cyber Attack- How You Can Secure Your Practice

(photo: Getty Images) An Update on How to Secure Your Practice after UnitedHealth Cyber Attack On February 21, Blackcat, a ransomware group, accessed Change Healthcare’s systems and 6 TB of data. This included medical and dental records, payment information, and patient information from a variety of Change Healthcare partners. Sentinel, a risk management and benefit solutions company,…

Questions About Telehealth? New Guidance for NC Care

Need help telling your patients where to seek telehealth?  Here is some simple guidance.   CAN I PROVIDE TELEMEDICINE TO PATIENTS OUT OF STATE? The policy guidance of the North Carolina Medical Board to licensees practicing telemedicine is that the practice of medicine occurs in the state where the patient is located.¹ If providing medicine to patients in North Carolina, the provider…

Doctors Call to Expand Syphilis Testing during Pregnancy Amid Recent Surge

A coalition of doctors are sounding the alarm on the need for increased syphilis testing for pregnant individuals, amid a recent surge of the sexually transmitted infection in U.S. newborns. (The Hill, Miranda Nazzaro) -- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published new guidance April 18, recommending doctors screen pregnant individuals for syphilis three times…

Former NCMS President Named President of Duke Regional Hospital

Devdutta Sangvai Takes on His Next Leadership Challenge at Duke Regional       (Duke University School of Medicine, Synclaire Cruel) --  Having a love of science, an eagerness to help people, and a propensity for leadership has propelled Devdutta Sangvai, MD, MBA, into the role of President of Duke Regional Hospital. It’s the latest achievement in his 22-year career at…

Plan Now! NCDHHS Livestream Town Hall: HPV and Cancer Prevention

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Tuesday, April 23, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention as well as HPV-related cancer guidance, resources and care.   The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on…

Mark Your Calendar for the Next DOCMS Meeting!

Join DOCMS at the University Club! Wednesday, June 5, 2024 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm University Club, 3100 Tower Boulevard, Suite 1700 - Durham, NC 27707 AGENDA:  6:00pm- 6:30pm – Socializing & Housekeeping 6:30pm- 7:30pm – Dinner & Guest Speaker 7:30pm- 7:45pm – Q&A 7:45pm- 8:00pm – DOCMS 2024 Business “The Criminal Legal System, Incarceration and Health…

Medicare’s Push to Improve Chronic Care Attracts Businesses, but Not Many Doctors

Medicare enrollees with two or more chronic conditions are eligible for Chronic Care Management, which pays doctors to check in with those patients monthly. The service hasn't caught on. (NPR, Phil Galewitz, Holly K. Hacker) --  Carrie Lester looks forward to the phone call every Thursday from her doctors' medical assistant, who asks how she's doing and if she needs prescription refills. The…

NC Commission for the Blind Call for Nominees

  The NCMS has an opportunity to appoint a new member to the NC Commission for the Blind. This appointment will fill an unexpired term until 6/30/25. Learn more about responsibilities of the NC Commission for the Blind here. The commission serves in an advisory capacity on issues relating to services for persons with disabilities, especially independent living programs and services.…

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

Want to be an NCMS leader? Here's your opportunity to be part of our 175-year legacy!   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 serve on the…

New Report: Evidence of Racial Disparities in Healthcare Now Reported in Every US State

Researchers found health system performance is worse for many people of color. (ABC News) --  Racial and ethnic disparities in health care are evident in every state, even those with robust health systems, according to a new analysis from the Commonwealth Fund. In the analysis from the organization, which is aimed at promoting equitable health care, researchers found health system performance…

NC Medicaid: Changes to the 1E-5 Obstetrical Services Policy

  Coverage Policy 1E-5, Obstetrical Services has been revised with an effective date of April 1, 2024. Revisions are applicable to both NC Medicaid Managed Care and NC Medicaid Direct. Updates include the following: LMP is to be recorded in Field 14 on the CMS-1500 (Professional Claim) CPT code 0500F (Initial Prenatal Care visit) is to be documented for the date of service when…

Free Prostate Cancer Screening Event in Greensboro

  According to Zero Prostate Cancer, North Carolina ranks 13th in the nation in incidence of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer that may not show symptoms in its early stages. Regular screening is important to detect the disease before it spreads. Cone Health Cancer Center is hosting a free prostate cancer screening event on Monday, April 29th from 9 am-1 pm…

8th Annual Pirates vs. Cancer Event Raises $15k at ECU

Volunteers have their hair cut and donated at this year's ECU's Pirates vs. Cancer fundraiser (photo: ECU Photography) ECU medical students lead Pirates vs. Cancer fundraiser for pediatric cancer patients   (Published Apr 16 by Kelly Rogers Dilda, Spaine Stephens, ECU University Communications) Over the years, students in the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina…

ECU Names Deans for College of Health and Human Performance, Graduate School

The East Carolina University Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Nicole Bromfield as dean of the College of Health and Human Performance and Dr. Debra L. Jackson as dean of the Graduate School during its meeting April 12. Dr. Nicole Bromfield Bromfield has been appointed dean of the ECU College of Health and Human Performance, effective July 1. In addition to extensive…

Hit the Trail! It’s a Great Time to See National Parks in North Carolina

It is National Park Week! National Park Week is an annual celebration of America’s national parks – from iconic vistas to significant historical sites. This year, NPF invites you to celebrate our parks while learning more about the ways we all can help preserve these wonderful places.       Here are some spots in North Carolina NATIONAL SCENIC…

ALL IN: Caring For North Carolina’s Caregivers Initiative Launches to Improve Health Worker Well-being

  Raleigh, N.C. (April 18, 2024) – The North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being (NCCPRW) Consortium today announced a new statewide initiative with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, the only non-profit organization exclusively focused on health worker mental health and well-being. ALL IN: Caring for North Carolina’s Caregivers seeks to support the state’s…

Share Your Thoughts on New Environmental Health Draft Policy

  The North Carolina Medical Society's (NCMS) Policy Committee is charged with developing policies that align with the NCMS Mission and the NCMS Guiding Principles. The Policy Committee recently came together to create a policy addressing environmental health. This policy will serve as an effective tool to guide and support NCMS advocacy efforts addressing environmental health in North…

Feedback Wanted on Fiscal Impact of Prior Authorization

  TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS ON PRIOR AUTH PRACTICES NCMS and the North Carolina Medical Group Managers Association have partnered to create a survey on the fiscal impacts of prior authorizations on practices. As we enter into short session at the legislature, we need to hear from YOU and your practice. Legislators in Raleigh need to be aware of the large impact this has on clinicians'…

New Career Opportunities Here in North Carolina

  Walk in with a resume, walk out with a job   Join Cape Fear Valley on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon for Walk-in Wednesday. Walk in with a resume at one of their four locations and walk out with a job. Walk-in Wednesday locations: Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Front Lobby: 1638 Owen Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304 Betsy Johnson Hospital: 800…

Register Now! Talking About Physician Suicide and “The Illusion of the Perfect Profession”

  The North Carolina Medical Society Alliance is planning a free event on May 15 in Greensboro to address an important topic, physician suicide. This event features speaker and author, Betsy Gall with a follow-up discussion from Dr. Joseph Jordan, CEO of the North Carolina Professionals Health Program (NCPHP). Greensboro History Museum 130 Summit Ave. Greensboro, NC 27401 May 15……

Preparing for the Possibility of Measles in NC

  These days, many doctors have only seen measles in textbooks.   The CDC reports measles cases in 18 states across the country, and some doctors believe it’s only a matter of time before the illness appears in North Carolina. Now, the Orange County Health Department is preparing doctors to identify and treat an illness most of them have never seen. “We haven’t seen an actual case…

PAI Regulatory Advocacy Update

The latest Physician Advocacy Institute advocacy and federal regulatory developments. PAI Files Amicus Curiae Brief in No Surprises Act Qualifying Payment Amount (QPA) Case Before U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit PAI’s brief supports the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA) challenge to certain QPA calculation factors that allow insurers to skew the benchmark downward. Read more.…

NC Commission for the Blind Call for Nominees

  The NCMS has an opportunity to appoint a new member to the NC Commission for the Blind. This appointment will fill an unexpired term until 6/30/25. Learn more about responsibilities of the NC Commission for the Blind here. The commission serves in an advisory capacity on issues relating to services for persons with disabilities, especially independent living programs and services.…

Register Now for Navigating Communication and De-Escalation Webinar

  Navigating Communication and De-Escalation Wednesday, May 29, 2024 • 1 - 3 p.m. • Live Webinar Wednesday, June 12, 2024 • 1 -3 p.m. • Location: Live Webinar Friday, May 31, 2024 • 1 - 4:15 p.m. • Location: SR-AHEC Friday, June 21, 2024 • 1- 4:15 p.m. • Location: SR-AHEC Today people are offended more easily and a lot less tolerant of anything that disrupts their day. In an…

We Want to Hear YOUR Prior Authorization Stories!

Are you frustrated with administrative headaches and how they impact your patients? Have you faced denials for a care plan within standard practice for a patient?   We want to hear your story! As NCMS continues to push for passage of HB 649 in the coming legislative session, we need to hear how you and your patients have been impacted by prior authorization. We are looking for stories…

NCMB Issues Call for Physician and PA Candidates

  Applicants are needed for two physician seats, one physician assistant (PA) seat and one nurse practitioner (NP) seat on the North Carolina Medical Board for terms beginning November 1.   All positions must be filled by the process set down in statute (N.C. Gen. Stat. 90-2 and 90-3), which requires interested parties to apply via the Review Panel for the North Carolina Medical…

AMA Provides Follow-up Information & Resources on Change Healthcare Cyberattack

  In follow-up to a virtual meeting held Wednesday, April 10, in conversation on the Change Healthcare cyberattack with Jon Blum, CMS’s Principal Deputy Administrator & Chief Operating Officer, and Roger Connor, Optum Insight’s Chief Executive Officer, the AMA is making the following information and resources available: The AMA Press Release on most recent Change Healthcare…

Duke Health Researchers Publish Study on Hormone Modification

    Duke researchers published a study on using hormone-modification technology to enable transgender women to lactate. The report, titled “Novel Lactation Induction Protocol for a Transgender Woman Wishing to Breastfeed: A Case Report,” was published on March 27 in the National Library of Medicine. It is the fifth report ever published on lactation for a transgender woman, but…

Register Now for NC Medicaid Managed Care Special Webinar

  Medicaid Managed Care SPECIAL WEBINAR: Total Cost of Care (TCOC) Dashboard Launch for Providers This month, NC Medicaid is launching a Total Cost of Care (TCOC) Dashboard for Advanced Medical Homes (AMHs). This tool will allow AMHs to access and analyze data related to resource use and total cost of health care received by Medicaid members assigned to their practices. The…

NC Hospital System Recognized Nationally for Black Maternal Health Excellence

  CHARLOTTE – Two Advocate Health hospitals have been recognized for their efforts in supporting Black maternal health by U.S. News & World Report for Black Maternal Health Week 2024. Atrium Health Pineville in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Aurora Medical Center – Grafton in Grafton, Wisconsin, are two of 26 hospitals nationwide identified by U.S. News for achieving excellent…

App Offers eRecovery Support for Substance Use Disorder

This app is not a substitute for clinical treatment, rather an additional tool that can help people connect with peers and get additional recovery supports.   Through a new partnership, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is making available CHESS Health's proven eRecovery program to help thousands of North Carolinians struggling with substance use…

Available Now! NC Dementia and Brain Health Outreach and Awareness Tool

  NC DHHS has announced the availability of the North Carolina Dementia and Brain Health Toolkit. This resource is intended to increase awareness and promote education about: The importance of risk reduction, early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), Prevention and management of chronic conditions and avoidable hospitalizations, and The role of…

NCTracks: Re-Verification Terminations Will Extend to the DMH/DD/SUS

  The Affordable Care Act mandates that all Medicaid Providers must be revalidated every 5 years. This is to ensure that provider information is accurate and current. As part of this process, the provider’s credentials and qualifications will be evaluated to ensure they meet the professional requirements and are in good standing. The re-credentialing process also includes a criminal…

Meet Ali Ingersoll, the Quirky Quad, and Hear Her Take on Prior Auth Reform

  Ali Ingersoll, the Quirky Quad, tells her life story, advocates for Prior Auth Reform RALEIGH -- If you've never heard of Ali Ingersoll, this is your lucky day!  She is a force of nature who has overcome unbelievable obstacles to emerge as healthcare advocate, public speaker, podcaster, disability consultant, and Ms. Wheelchair America! Ali’s life took an unexpected turn when a tragic…

Opioid Settlement Fund

Resources CORE-NC: ncopioidsettlement.org NCACC OSTAT: ncacc.org/opioidsettlement NC DOJ MOA Resource Center: morepowerfulnc.org/opioid-settlements/nc-memorandum-of-agreement NC DHHS OSUAP Data Dashboard: ncdhhs.gov/opioid-and-substance-use-action-plan-data-dashboard Opioid and Substance Use Action Plan Data Dashboard | NCDHHS:…

NCMS CEO Chip Baggett Addresses NHPCMS, Invites You to White Coat Day in June

New Hanover and Pender County Medical Society Gets Outline of NCMS Priorities from Chip Baggett (WILMINGTON) -- North Carolina Medical Society EVP/CEO Chip Baggett greeted an excited crowd in Wilmington Wednesday night at the New Hanover Pender Counties Medical Society was treated to an evening hosted by NCMS. Baggett outlined the strategic priorities of the NCMS and answered questions from…

Shining Red Eyes and Deafening Noise! The Cicadapocalypse Coming Any Time Now

First Time This Has Happened Since Thomas Jefferson Was President! Southeast Should See Them Soon (CNN) -- In a matter of weeks, they will dig their way out from underground, red eyes shining, deafening song filling the air. It will be a confluence of creatures the likes of which hasn’t been seen in the United States since Thomas Jefferson was president — and won’t happen again until 2245.…

Duke Researchers Lead International Study on Jardiance and Heart Failure

Therapy Shows Promise in Delaying Hospitalizations for Heart Failure Diabetes drug did not prevent all cardiovascular outcomes, but it did affect hospitalizations (DukeHealth News & Media) -- About 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer a heart attack every year, and about 30% of them will go on to develop heart failure. There are limited treatments to prevent or slow that development. A…

Mortality Gap Widens Amid Holes in Rural Healthcare Access, South Has Widest Gap

City-country mortality gap widens amid persistent holes in rural health care access   In Matthew Roach's two years as vital statistics manager for the Arizona Department of Health Services, and 10 years previously in its epidemiology program, he has witnessed a trend in mortality rates that has rural health experts worried. As Roach tracked the health of Arizona…

EPA Takes Action on PFAS Pollution in Drinking Water, NC Response

EPA Administrator Michael Regan shares details on the drinking water standards the EPA is implementing for PFAS chemicals at the Hoffer Water Treatment Facility in Fayetteville on April 10, 2024 (Photo: Tony Wooten/City View Today) EPA Announces First-Ever National Standard to Address PFAS in Drinking Water, Delivers an Additional $1 Billion through President Biden’s Investing in America…

New Resources Ahead of July 1st Tailored Plans Launch

  Tailored Plans are a new kind of NC Medicaid Managed Care health plan for approximately 210,000 beneficiaries with a serious mental illness, a serious emotional disturbance, a severe substance use disorder, an intellectual/developmental disability or a traumatic brain injury in North Carolina. They will cover doctor visits, prescription drugs and services for mental health, substance…