Wastewater Data Shows Virus That Causes Paralyzing Illness is Spiking in U.S.

  A respiratory virus that sometimes paralyzes children is spreading across the U.S., raising concerns about another possible rise in polio-like illnesses. Wastewater samples have detected a significant escalation in an enterovirus called D68, which, in rare cases, has been linked to acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM. The illness affects the nervous system and causes severe weakness in…

Today is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. Let’s Shed Light on This Critical Issue!

  National Physician Suicide Awareness Day sheds light on the critical issue of physician suicide and the urgent need for increased support across the health care industry. It is a call to action for everyone in the medical community to prioritize physician well-being and advocate for resources and support that help prevent physician burnout and suicide. Physicians often endure intense…

Lawmakers, Including NCMS Member Greg Murphy, Introduce Radiologist-Supported Bill to Punish Payers Who Fail to Pony up Under NSA

  Lawmakers on Friday introduced a radiologist-supported bill to punish payers that fail to pony up in surprise-billing disputes. (Radiology Business, Marty Stempniak) -- NCMS member Rep. Greg Murphy, MD, R-N.C., unveiled the No Surprises Enforcement Act on Sept. 13, joined by Reps. Raul Ruiz, MD, D-Calif., and John Joyce, MD, R-Penn. The bill would close “enforcement gaps” under the…

Register Now for Sustainability of the HIV/AIDS Response – Getting to 2030 & Beyond

  The state of the HIV/AIDs endemic is reaching a critical point requiring evaluation of the current state of the global response, progress made thus far, and planning for post-2030 goals. The National Academy of Medicine is hosting a timely international meeting to facilitate discussion on these issues. This one-day workshop is being held on September 18, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM…

Join the Discussion. Patients With Pain Need Individualized Care: How Policy is Shifting

  Tuesday, September 17th 12 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. ET   The Federation of State Medical Boards recently adopted revisions to its recommendations relating to opioids and pain care that focus on individualized, patient-centered care. Hear about: The new guidelines and how they were updated Recommendations and expectations for medical boards How medical boards are addressing…

Learning Opportunity: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Webinar

  September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month and an opportunity to raise awareness of individuals with FASD. Alcohol exposure is the leading cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the US and results in a variety of diagnoses, collectively referred to as FASD. In North Carolina, approximately 6,000 children, or 1 in 20, are born every year…

Registration Now Open for the 2024 NCCHCA Annual Clinical Conference

  NCCHCA Annual Clinical Conference November 7-8, 2024 UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center Charlotte, NC   Join NCCHCA November 7-8, in Charlotte, for the 2024 Clinical Conference on Quality & Chronic Diseases, a professional training event providing continuing education and networking opportunities with clinical and administrative leaders. Nationally…

Register Now! 2024 Addiction Medicine Essentials Virtual Conference

    2024 Addiction Medicine Essentials Conference Friday, October 18, 2024 - Saturday, October 19, 2024 Virtual   The 7th annual Addiction Medicine Essentials conference provides an opportunity for clinicians from a wide range of specialties and practice settings to build knowledge and skills around substance use disorders. The conference offers plenaries relevant to…

NC Legislature Approves Medicaid Money — But Not What DHHS Says is Needed. Follows Letter to NCGA Leaders from Chip Baggett

(Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) said the General Assembly’s nonpartisan staff came up with the dollar amount that the Senate approved for the Medicaid rebase. Credit: Grace Vitaglione) The state health department asked for $458 million to keep up with rising Medicaid costs Approval comes one week after NCMS CEO Chip Baggett sent letter to NCGA Leadership to Support Increase (NC HealthNews,…

Stay Alert! Medical Records Request Phishing Scams on the Rise.

  Phishing scams involving medical records are on the rise. These attempts may include scammers faxing fraudulent medical records requests to get you to send patient records in response; see example (PDF). When you review any requests, look for signs of a scam, including: Directing you to send records to an unfamiliar fax number or address Referencing Medicare.gov or @Medicare…

Groundbreaking Held for Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine

(image credit: Methodist University)   The new Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine officially broke ground on a $60-plus-million facility – a significant milestone in changing the future of healthcare in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and the entire Southeastern North Carolina region. In front of hundreds of key members of the community – that included…

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day

    More than 1,525 North Carolinians ages 10 and older died by suicide last year, making it the ninth leading cause of death in the state and the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 40. Additionally, for every suicide, there were two hospitalizations and eight emergency department visits for self-inflicted injuries. In recognition of Suicide…

Register Now! Sustainability of the HIV/AIDS Response – Getting to 2030 & Beyond

  The state of the HIV/AIDs endemic is reaching a critical point requiring evaluation of the current state of the global response, progress made thus far, and planning for post-2030 goals. The National Academy of Medicine is hosting a timely international meeting to facilitate discussion on these issues. This one-day workshop is being held on September 18, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM…

Listen Now! NCMS Member Dr. Shannon Dowler Talks STI’s and more.

Season 4 of the Addiction Medicine Podcast kicks off with a 2-part episode on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). In Part 1 dives into how the term ‘infection’ can reduce stigma, encourage testing, and emphasize the importance of regular screenings. We also discuss current trends, cultural trends, health inequities, and the role of healthcare providers in STI care. Joining this important…

Register Now! NCTracks September 2024 Provider Training Schedule

Registration is now open for the NCTracks September 2024 training courses. The courses are virtual, via Zoom, and can be attended remotely from any location. Courses offered this month include: Submitting a Professional Claim Submitting a Prior Approval Institutional Submitting a Prior Approval Dental Provider Reverification New Office Administrator Ordering, Prescribing,…

Study: Blood Tests Allow 30-year Estimates of Women’s Cardio Risks

  Women’s heart disease risks and their need to start taking preventive medications should be evaluated when they are in their 30s rather than well after menopause as is now the practice, said researchers who published a study on Saturday. Presenting the findings at the European Society of Cardiology annual meeting in London, they said the study showed for the first time that…

Study: No Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues with Semaglutide Use

  Taking the weight loss medication semaglutide did not increase the risk of depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior in persons without known major mental health disorders, according to a new study led by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Both the Food and Drug Administration…

Happy Birthday to Our Members Celebrating This Month!

Grab your party hats and noisemakers and let’s celebrate!   Sandra M. Abda, MD James C. Abell, MD Nicole M. Abello, DO Patricia L. Adams, MD Samuel B. Adkins, III, MD Tehmina Adnan, MD Vijay K. Agarwal, MD Robert N. Agnello, DO Mark D. Aldous, MD Yousif Z. Alkadhi, MD John R. Allbert, MD Angela M. Allen, MD William G. Allen, MD Arghavan Almony, MD Shehabaldin M. H. A.…

NCMS Project VBOT Celebrates Growing Impact in Rural Areas, Gains Treatment Partners, Gathers Support from NC Lawmakers Tillis and Murphy

Sen. Thom Tillis, Congressman Greg Murphy show support for Project VBOT Triad Behavioral Resources, The Recovery Platform, iPill, OpiAID, Select Lab Partners, and Nexalin all join as VBOT Treatment Partners The North Carolina Medical Society developed Project VBOT was showcased Wednesday at a meeting that brought together leaders from the world of technology, healthcare, law enforcement, and NC…

Your Vote is Your Voice! Make Sure It’s Heard Loud and Clear! 

  As healthcare providers, you have a unique perspective on the challenges facing your communities. Now, more than ever, it's crucial that your voices are heard at the polls. With the upcoming election fast approaching, we want to ensure that you have all the information you need to make your vote count. Are you registered to vote?  If not, instructions are available from the NC State…

NC Ag Commissioner Responds to Bird Flu in NC

"I wish I had paid a lot more attention in genetics when I was in college," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler (State Affairs Pro, Clifton Dowell) -- The threat of a deadly new pandemic jumping from animals to humans is scary, but agriculture officials on Tuesday agreed that until a vaccine is developed to protect cows from bird flu, the best defense is simply to keep the number of…

The 2024 Paris Paralympics Have Begun! Meet Some of the Athletes from NC

17th Summer Paralympic Games Run Through September 8 The 2024 Summer Paralympic Games are off with a spectacular start in Paris.  Elite athletes from around the world are competing in sports ranging from Archery to Wheelchair Basketball.  North Carolina will be represented at the games this year. Here are some of the athletes from the Tar Heel State: Carson Clough: The Charlotte Latin alum…

Register Now! NC Medicaid Managed Care Virtual Office Hours: Hot Topics

Register now for September's Virtual Office Hours on Provider Enrollment! Medicaid Managed Care Virtual Office Hours: NC Medicaid Provider Enrollment Hot Topics Thursday, September 5 5:30 p.m. Learn about Provider Enrollment updates and other program initiatives that highlight the good work being done in North Carolina.

Child Fatality Task Force Readies for Submission of Annual Report to General Assembly

  Intentional Death, Unintentional Death, and Perinatal Health Subcommittees Meet in Coming Months (State Affairs Pro, Matthew Sasser) -- The Child Fatality Task Force will convene in a series of meetings over the next few months in anticipation of submitting its annual report to the General Assembly prior to the legislative session. Kella Hatcher, executive director of the Child…

Register Now! Sustainability of the HIV/AIDS Response – Getting to 2030 & Beyond

  The state of the HIV/AIDs endemic is reaching a critical point requiring evaluation of the current state of the global response, progress made thus far, and planning for post-2030 goals. The National Academy of Medicine is hosting a timely international meeting to facilitate discussion on these issues. This one-day workshop is being held on September 18, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM…

New Data Shows Congenital Syphilis Continues to Rise in NC, but Rate of Increase is Slowing

  72 cases reported in 2023, 10 cases resulted in stillborn or neonatal death   (Matthew Sasser, State Affairs Pro) --  Cases of congenital syphilis continue to rise in North Carolina, but the rate of increase has slowed, according to data shared with the Perinatal Health Committee Thursday afternoon. Dr. Victoria Mobley, the HIV/STD medical director at the North Carolina…

The Wait is OVER! 2024 NCMS Photo Contest Results Are In!

We continue to be wowed each year by the impressive photo contest submissions. A stunning array of talent was again on display in this year's contest! Selecting the winners was a challenge, but in the end, the following images came out on top in their respective categories: Overall Winner David Tart, MD - Retired dermatologist from Greensboro “Dramatic Callanish Sunset” Nature…

Blue Cross NC Announces Long-Term Commitment to NC’s Youth Mental Health Crisis

  Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) launched the first phase of a statewide, transformational commitment to improving youth mental well-being, resiliency and connectivity. The initial phase begins with comprehensive enhancements to the company’s mental health offerings, targeting improvements in support services and access to care across all 100 North Carolina…

Duke Researchers: Cannabis and Tobacco Use on Rise, Especially Among Older Adults

Duke researchers analyzed two decades of national data (Duke School of Medicine, Shantell M. Kirkendoll) -- The number of Americans using both cannabis and tobacco is increasing, with a particular surge among older adults, a new study finds. Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine who analyzed two decades of national data warn that the combination poses greater health risks than the…

Curious About How Your Salary Compares to Your Peers? Try This Interactive Tool.

  Medscape is making available their annual Physician Compensation Survey. Over 100,000 physicians contributed, providing comprehensive salary information from across the United States. This interactive format makes it easy to compare salaries by specialty, practice setting, and location. Behind the data Only full-time (non-resident) salaries are included in our data set. For…

NCMS Member Honored with Dr. John “Jack” Rose Distinguished Professorship

NCMS member Dr. John Catanzaro awarded Dr. John “Jack” Rose Distinguished Professorship, launches new Electrophysiology Fellowship at ECU Health   Dr. John Catanzaro, professor and chief of the Division of Cardiology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and director of the East Carolina Heart Institute at ECU Health Medical Center, was recently honored with the…

Duke Health Contract Dispute Could Cause Major Coverage Risks to Patients

  Duke Health is notifying patients that their coverage could be impacted by a contract dispute with UnitedHealthcare, one of the U.S.'s largest insurers. Why it matters: If a deal isn't reached by Oct. 31, Duke Health patients with UnitedHealthcare insurance will be considered out of network, meaning most will need to pay more out of pocket or find a new doctor or health system, Duke…

Tirzepatide Cuts Risk of Diabetes by 94% in Prediabetic Adults

  A three-year study of tirzepatide – a medication approved in the US as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss – found that when adults who had prediabetes and obesity or overweight used it weekly, it lowered their risk of progression to diabetes by 94% compared with a placebo, according to drugmaker Eli Lilly. The company said Tuesday that people who got a 15-milligram…

Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number! Or Is It Just a Number?

Scientists have found that human beings age at a molecular level in two accelerated bursts – first at the age of 44, and then again at 60. In a study published in the journal Nature Aging, scientists at Stanford University and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore followed 108 participants over several years to observe aging changes in their molecules — RNA, proteins and participants’…

Parvovirus B19 Rising in the US, Particularly Among Children. Poses Risk to Pregnant People

CDC Issues Alert. There's no vaccine or specific treatment for parvovirus B19. (Verwellhealth, John Loeppky) -- Last week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) published a health alert due to a significant uptick in parvovirus B19 cases and the presence of associated antibodies. Parvovirus B19 is also known as Fifth disease or "slapped cheek syndrome" because of the characteristic facial rash.…

Congresswoman Valerie Foushee Visits Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis

Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, left, talks with Mary Klotman, MD, executive vice president for health affairs at Duke University and NCMS Foundation Honoree (photo Duke News) (Editor's Note:  Dr. Mary Klotman is a NCMS Foundation Honoree) (Duke News) -- On August 14, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), visited Duke University to meet with Mary Klotman, MD, executive vice president of…

UNC MD/PhD Program Celebrates 25 Years as an NIH-funded Medical Scientist Training Program

  The UNC MD/PhD Program received five more years of T32 funding from the NIH/NIGMS as a Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), securing NIH funding through June 2029 and increasing the number of MD/PhD training slots from 16 to 21. (UNC Newsroom) --  The UNC MD/PhD Program received five more years of T32 funding from the NIH/NIGMS as a Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP),…

COVID is Back and the FDA May be Getting Ready to Greenlight Updated Vaccines

In June, the CDC recommended that everyone 6 months and older get both a Covid-19 shot and a flu shot this year (CNN - Meg Tirrell) -- The US Food and Drug Administration is poised to sign off as soon as this week on updated Covid-19 vaccines targeting more recently circulating strains of the virus, according to two sources familiar with the matter, as the country experiences its largest summer…

US Facing National Blood Shortage: Why Donating is Also Good for Your Patients’ Health

Every two seconds, someone in the US needs blood. (Tips for your patients and where to find a donation location at bottom of this article) (Cathy Cassata) -- Amanda Fouch has been donating blood since she was a teenager. “There was a blood drive at my high school, and I felt so excited about being able to give something to someone that could save their life, with the added benefit that all it…

Grab a Friend—or Ten—and Join Us at NCMS LEAD 2024! Registration NOW OPEN!

REGISTER TODAY! 2024 Marks the 175th Anniversary of the North Carolina Medical Society! November 1-2, 2024 Grandover Resort, Greensboro, NC    We're planning a sensational celebration in honor of this milestone occasion, and we want you to be a part of it! Join us for: Cutting-edge workshops to make your practice better; The latest on AI and how you can enhance your…

Remind Your Patients of the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

  As North Carolinians navigate through another hurricane season, officials with the North Carolina Emergency Management and the Department of Health and Human Services warns against use of gasoline-powered generators, outdoor grills and camp stoves in enclosed spaces. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced whenever fuel is burned. In an enclosed space, such as a home,…

ICYMI: FDA Rejects MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

The decision came after the agency's advisory committee said in June that there wasn't enough evidence the therapy was safe or effective (NBC News, Berkeley Lovelace Jr.) --  The Food and Drug Administration declined to approve MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, drugmaker Lykos Therapeutics said Friday. Experts and advocates say the decision is a…

North Carolina’s Human Donor Milk Program is Expanding

In celebration of National Breastfeeding Month this August, North Carolina’s Human Donor Milk Program is expanding across the state to better meet the need for more services. (WFDD, David Ford) - In order to grow into healthy babies, newborns need a consistent, nutrient-rich food source. Breastmilk, with its easily absorbable carbohydrates and protein, is well suited for the task. And its…

How Sick Do You Have to Be? As Lawmakers Continue to Avoid the Issue, Patients Suffer Under Current Prior Auth Legislation

New Study Shines Light on Insurance Issues for Patients The North Carolina Medical Society has been working diligently for Prior Authorization reform in the state, with legislation currently stalled in Raleigh.  For months, the NCMS Advocacy, Legal, and Legislative Affairs teams have met with lawmakers to press for changes that impact members and patients. In June the NCMS conducted a survey…

CDC Issues New Guidelines for Physicians on Pain Involved in IUD Insertion

Social Media Posts, Public Outcry Lead to New Guidelines for Physicians   Over the past several years, as more women have turned to IUDs for birth control, many have posted videos of themselves crying, screaming, and complaining about the excruciating pain of having the devices inserted. This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published new guidelines urging physicians…

83-Year-Old Duke Scientist’s Brain Cancer Research Helps Drug get FDA Approval

83-Year_old Duke Physician-Scientist Drell Bigner Collaborated on drug called Voranigo (Axios, Zachery Eanes) -- Brain cancer research by a Duke scientist who's spent more than six decades at the university helped a drug receive FDA approval this week. Why it matters: The approval is the first major advancement in low-grade brain cancer treatment in more than two decades, according to news…