CDC Considering Spring Covid Booster

 

Will Your Patients Be Getting Another Booster This Spring?

Your most vulnerable patients-- older people and those with weak immune systems--may be able to receive a spring COVID booster. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering whether to recommend another Covid booster shot this spring, especially for people most at risk for severe complications of the illness.

The spring booster would be the same vaccine that was approved last fall, which was formulated to target the XBB.1.5 subvariant. The vaccine is also very effective against the JN.1 subvariant, which is causing almost all Covid infections in the U.S. currently.

According to a source close to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, advisers to the CDC are expected to vote on whether to recommend a spring Covid booster during a meeting scheduled for February 28.

Read the full article here.


The Changing Landscape of Contraception Access. A New Webinar Offers Guidance.

Register Now for Tomorrow's Webinar

February 20, noon - 1:30pm

The National Academies Standing Committee on Reproductive Health, Equity, and Society will organize a public webinar to examine pressing issues around the accessibility of contraception. Healthcare providers and researchers will talk about the role of healthcare professionals in providing contraception, adolescent access issues, and reproductive health.

To find out more and to register click here.


Improve Identification and Referral of Children with Disabilities with This Quick Study

 

SRI International is conducting a survey to gather information from medical professionals who work with children under age three.

The survey seeks to understand their practices for monitoring children’s development, their referral practices, and their familiarity with early intervention services for infants and toddlers with delays or disabilities in North Carolina.

Your experiences can help SRI International understand how the system for identifying and enrolling young children into early intervention services can be improved.

  1. The survey will take between 5 and 10 minutes to complete
  2. The survey can be completed at any time or place convenient for you
  3. They survey can be completed on a computer, phone, or tablet
  4. Your responses will be anonymous, and the information you share will be kept confidential
  5. SRI International will use ideas learned from the survey (but not your name or the name of your practice) to help system partners make improvements

To complete the survey, please click here.

For more information email [email protected]


NC Health System Receives Gold-level Accreditation for Geriatric Emergency Care

 

CARY, N.C. (February 14, 2024) – WakeMed Cary Hospital is now Wake County’s first Level 1 accredited Geriatric Emergency Department. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) recently awarded the hospital a Gold Level 1 accreditation — the highest designation possible — for the comprehensive, patient-centered emergency care it provides to older adults.

ACEP’s Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) program recognizes emergency departments at the forefront of improving care and outcomes for patients 65 and older. GEDA provides more than two dozen best practices for geriatric care, and the level of accreditation (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3) depends upon how many of these best practices an emergency department meets.

To achieve this top-level accreditation, WakeMed Cary Hospital’s Geriatric Emergency Department team created 20-plus protocols for the continuity of care for geriatric patients, ensuring a well-coordinated comprehensive system to improve the care of older adults. The team also made facility modifications, completed specialized staff training and certification programs for 15 nurses and will soon add a pharmacist dedicated to geriatric-specific care.

“This recognition is a credit to the hard work of our outstanding team of Emergency Medicine physicians, Emergency Department staff, and many supporting departments at WakeMed Cary Hospital,” said Doug Trocinski, MD, chief medical officer of WakeMed Cary Hospital. “Our community is fortunate to have such a dedicated team that fully supports the efforts leading to better care of our communities’ older adults.”

This is WakeMed’s first accredited Geriatric Emergency Department. WakeMed Cary Hospital is the first Emergency Department in Wake County, and the second in North Carolina, to receive Level 1 accreditation. [source]


New Cases of MPox Reported in NC

 

New Cases Lead to Call for Vaccinations to Those at Risk

Wake County Public Health (WCPH) announced three new confirmed cases of mpox within the last six weeks and is encouraging those at risk of the virus to get vaccinated.

Symptoms

Mpox is a rare, but potentially serious, viral illness that typically involves flu-like symptoms. According to the CDC, symptoms of Mpox can include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and backache
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Exhaustion
  • A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus. View examples here.

Testing

Individuals with symptoms of mpox should go to their health care provider or a or local health department to get tested. In Wake County, Mpox testing is by appointment only. Patients can call ahead at 919-212-9398 to be scheduled.

Vaccine

Vaccines are available, at no cost, for those eligible. Wake County Public Health offers both walk-in and appointment services for the vaccine. Those outside of Wake County can Find a vaccine location here.

Providers interested in offering the mpox vaccine should start here: Mpox Vaccine Enrollment and Capacity Survey

Enrolled providers can request vaccines here: Vaccine Request Link


New CDC Study: Chronic Fatigue More Likely in COVID Patients

COVID patients are 4.3 times more likely to develop chronic fatigue

A new study COVID-19 patients are at least four times more likely to develop chronic fatigue than someone who has not had the virus.

Between February 2020 and February 2021, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researchers looked at more than 4,500 patients with confirmed COVID-19 electronic health records from the University of Washington. These patients were followed for over 11 months and their health data was compared with the data of more than 9,000 non-COVID-19 patients with similar characteristics.

It was noted fatigue developed in 9% of the COVID patients. The rate of new cases of fatigue was 10.2 per 100 person-years and the rate of new cases of chronic fatigue was 1.8 per 100 person-years among COVID patients.

Fatigue following COVID-19 infection was more common among women, older people and those who had other medical conditions including diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a history of mood disorders.

There was no strong evidence of racial or ethnic differences when it came to developing fatigue after COVID-19 except a slightly lower incidence among Black patients, results also showed.

Read the full article here.


Nominations Now Open for John Huske Anderson Award!

 

The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) is accepting nominations for the John Huske Anderson Award, given annually to a layperson whose contributions have had a positive impact on the medical profession and public health. The award honors Mr. Anderson’s service to medicine and the Society, having served as NCMS legal counsel from 1937 until his retirement in 1983.

All nominations must be received by June 1, 2024.


Nobody Actually Likes Meetings ... (UN)til Now!

 

Real talk: Nobody actually likes meetings.

UNTIL NOW!

So, this is the NCMS Un-meeting!
You'll probably learn a little.
You'll definitely have fun!


Here is what's coming at the
NCMS Un-meeting:

Free drinks, food and socializing
A special welcome from Carolina Complete Health
NCMS CEO Chip Baggett
Getting to know NCMS and making new friends


REGISTER NOW!

Physicians, PAs, Residents, and Students

February 28th - 6-8pm

Carolina Complete Health Headquarters

1701 North Graham Street, Suite 101, Charlotte

Questions?  Contact Toni Hill, [email protected].


Join Durham-Orange County Medical Society at the University Club!

Join the Durham-Orange County Medical Society for their upcoming meeting at the University Club!

"Reproductive Health Access After Senate Bill 20: Implications for Clinical Practice"

University Club
3100 Tower Boulevard, Suite 1700
Durham, NC 27707
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
6:00pm - 8:00pm

Speakers include:

Dalia Brahmi, MD, MPH | Senior Medical Director, VaxCare
Avanthi Jayaweera, MD | UNC Family Medicine, Procedures Fellow

DOCMS Members & Prospective Members - FREE to attend
Guests - $25 to attend (will be collected at meeting site)

A Zoom link will be sent to registered attendees on February 21, 2024.

Questions or can't open the registration google link? Please email Frank Snyder at [email protected]

1 CME Credit is available! Click here for how to claim your credit.


Grant Delivers Better Healthcare to Underserved Farmworkers

 

A grant from The Leon Levine Foundation is helping the Campbell University Community Care Clinic (CUCCC) deliver crucial healthcare services to farmworkers in Harnett, Duplin, Johnston and Sampson counties in eastern North Carolina.

“We are their only source of medical care,” Dr. Joseph D. Cacioppo (DO), chair of CUCCC’s Department of Community and Global Health, said in a press release. “Probably about 15,000 people in our catchment area are without healthcare, except for our ability to reach them with the mobile unit.”

Established in 2014, the volunteer-based clinic within the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is composed of physicians and physician assistants who oversee teams of medical, PA and pharmacy students. The clinic partners with NC Field, the NC Farmworker Program and local health departments to identify and establish relationships with farms employing migrant workers.

Some 150,000 migrant workers and their families reside in North Carolina each year, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Their work is oftentimes dangerous and physically demanding, and yet they face obstacles in accessing adequate healthcare.

Read the full article here.


Early In-Person Voting Begins Tomorrow. Do You Know Where to Go?

Below are the in-person early voting dates for the 2024 primary election:

  • Begins Thursday, February 15, 2024.
  • Ends 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024.
  • The primary election is on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

See the full 2024 Primary Election schedule here.

Find an early voting site in your county by clicking here.

Your Vote, Your Voice!


Nominations Open for E. Harvey Estes, Jr., MD, Physician Community Service Award

The North Carolina Medical Society is accepting nominations for the E. Harvey Estes, Jr., MD, Physician Community Service Award.

This award is to provide recognition for the many and varied services rendered by physicians to their communities apart from their practice of medicine.

The recipient must be a physician licensed in North Carolina; must not have received the award previously; and must have compiled an outstanding record of community service, which, apart from his or her specific identification as a physician, reflects well on the medical profession.

All nominations must be received by June 1, 2024.


Mark Your Calendar! Registration Now Open for 2024 NCS-ACOFP Winter CME Conference

 

Real-World Treatment of Obesity - Case-Based Presentations
March 2, 2024
8 am until 1 pm

 

On March 2, 2024 the North Carolina Society for the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (NCS-ACOFP) will host a CME event in Raleigh at the Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. The theme of the conference is Real-World Treatment of Obesity - Case-Based Presentations.

The half-day event will offer 4.5 hours of AOA Category 1-A Credit and 4.50 ACPE Knowledge-based-Contact hours.

Information about the CME content and the schedule is available here: Schedule for 2024 NCS-ACOFP Conference (Final).

Download and share the flyer here.

To register and pay by credit card, use the form found here.


Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Are Public Health Issues. Here is How to Learn More on Prevention.

Syphilis and congenital syphilis are a public health issues that require urgent attention and action.

 

Missed Opportunities for Preventing Congenital Syphilis Webinar

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

12:00 - 1:00 PM

 

Join the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) in collaboration with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention for a webinar developed for clinicians and other health care providers.

This webinar will provide an overview of congenital syphilis and explore missed opportunities for preventing congenital syphilis as well as interventions for prevention.

Objectives of this presentation:

  1. Understand the epidemiology of syphilis and congenital syphilis in the United States.
  2. Diagnosis and counsel about syphilis and congenital syphilis.
  3. Practical implementation of syphilis screening and treatment in the clinical setting.
  4. Discuss missed opportunities to prevent congenital syphilis in the US and possible interventions.


Take the Health Employer Workforce Demand Survey Today!

The NC Health Talent Alliance has released its Annual Workforce Survey. The goal of this survey is to gather detailed employer demand for jobs critical to health care operation. The survey will also gather demand projections. This is the first statewide effort to capture real-time employer demand.

Please take a moment to complete this important survey. The Health Talent Alliance will use this data to identify and drive meaningful improvements to our health care workforce pipeline.

Deadline for submission: Friday, March 1, 2024

 

Who Should Complete the Survey: We encourage participation from hiring managers or those involved in human resource management.

If you represent a larger employer with a corporate office and multiple facilities (3 or more), we are working to coordinate with you directly if providing data at the facility level is challenging. The NC Health Talent Alliance team will be actively reaching out to larger systems. However, if we have not yet connected with you, please send a note to Emily McCartha, Project Manager at the UNC Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, at [email protected] to initiate this process. Additionally, if you work for a larger group or system and are unsure whether your organization has been in contact with us, please reach out to us or check with your organization to help us avoid duplication.

How to Participate: You can access the survey using this secure link. Additionally, an Excel template is available here for download to assist with organizing your workforce data. If you use the Excel template to organize your data, please submit it to Emily McCartha upon completion at [email protected]. If you cannot complete the online survey in one sitting, your progress will be automatically saved online.

Privacy & Security: Your data is securely stored at UNC's Cecil G. Sheps Center. Information will only be shared in aggregate, with no PHI or HIPAA data requested. Firm-specific data will always remain confidential and strict security and privacy protocols will be followed.

For any questions related to this survey, please email Emily McCartha, PhD, Research Project Manager for the UNC Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at [email protected].

If you’re interested in joining our NC Health Talent Alliance work, please reach out to Vincent Ginski, Director of Workforce Competitiveness for the NC Chamber Foundation directly at [email protected].

Links:

About the NC Health Talent Alliance

About the Workforce Demand Survey

This survey is conducted in partnership with the Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina, Benchmarks NC, Community Care of North Carolina, North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, North Carolina Alliance of Public Health Agencies, North Carolina Area Health Education Centers, North Carolina Association for Free & Charitable Clinics, North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors, North Carolina Chamber Foundation, North Carolina Community Health Center Association, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, North Carolina Dental Society, North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association, North Carolina Healthcare Association, North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities, North Carolina Institute of Medicine, North Carolina Medical Society, North Carolina Pediatric Society, North Carolina Psychiatric Association, North Carolina Senior Living Association, University of North Carolina Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina Community Colleges, and University of North Carolina System.

Make an Impact! Secure Your Spot at the NCMS Advocacy Summit Today!

 

Don't Miss the upcoming NCMS Advocacy Summit in March!

Don’t forget to register for the NCMS Advocacy Summit - a gathering of healthcare leaders and policy experts dedicated to fostering meaningful discussions around legislative developments crucial to our profession. The event is March 23rd, so register now as space is limited!

Why Attend?

  • Stay informed about critical legislative changes affecting your practice.
  • Equip yourself with effective communication strategies for impactful advocacy.
  • Network with fellow healthcare professionals and policy experts.
  • Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare in our state.

We are confident that your participation in the NCMS Advocacy Summit will not only enrich your understanding of legislative landscapes but also empower you to make a tangible impact on behalf of your patients and the healthcare profession.

McKimmon Center

1101 Gorman Street
Raleigh, NC 27606

March 23, 2024
9:00 AM-5:00 PM

 

Secure your spot at this influential summit here.


New NCMS Member Perk with an Exciting Bonus!

If you need another reason why it's good to be an NCMS member, this is it!

Get a discount on the premiere state magazine and a donation will also be made to NCMS.

Click here to go to Our State Magazine. Don't forget to use promo code: DSMDS


Higher-Dose Naloxone Spray Increases Side Effects But Not Benefits

New Spray Does Not Save More Lives

In a recent study, researchers concluded a new, higher-dose Naloxone nasal spray for reversing opioid overdoses did not save more lives than the previous standard dose but did cause more side effects, which were significantly more common in the patients who got the higher-dose sprays.

The 8-milligram naloxone spray is twice as potent as the highest dose previously available. About 38% experienced signs and symptoms of withdrawal, including vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating, shaking and diarrhea. Only 19% of those getting the lower dose had those problems, the study found.

 

Read to full article here.


2024 NCMS Candidate Series - David Hill, MD

2024 NCMS Candidate Series Featuring Dr. David Hill

The 2024 North Carolina Medical Society Candidate Series has an exclusive interview featuring Dr. David Hill who is running for North Carolina Senate District 7. In this episode, Dr. Hill outlines what motivated him to run for office and his most important legislative issues. He discusses how he will address disparities in healthcare in North Carolina's rural areas, what the next steps are following last year's Medicaid expansion, and the many challenges physicians and PAs face on a day-to-day basis. Dr. Hill shares his passion for protecting the patient-physician relationship and for bringing more healthcare workers to the people of North Carolina.

All candidates who are members of NCMS and are running for either state or federal office have been extended invitations to articulate their perspectives on these crucial subjects. Stay tuned for forthcoming interviews with other candidates leading up to the November election.

 

 

See the full interview with Dr. Hill here:

https://youtu.be/WGVborq4vP0


NCDHHS Looking to Hire Organization to Help Manage Children and Families Specialty Plan

 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking requests for proposals to hire the organization that will help manage the Children and Families Specialty Plan (CFSP), a first-of-its-kind statewide health plan designed to ensure access to comprehensive physical and behavioral health services for Medicaid-enrolled children, youth and families served by the child welfare system.

"The Children and Families Specialty Plan is an innovative approach to improving behavioral health services for children in North Carolina," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. "By ensuring services are better coordinated and more consistently delivered across the state, the plan will help us ensure children and families have the right care at the right time to meet their needs."

Organizations that are interested and eligible to submit a proposal to help manage the CFSP are encouraged to apply. The Children and Families Specialty Plan RFP is posted on the North Carolina electronic Vendor Portal.

For questions from potential bidders on the procurement, contact Danielle Dodson, NCDHHS Division of Health Benefits, Senior Contract Development Specialist, at [email protected]. [source]


New Guidelines Published for Treatment of Neuroblastoma

First Recommendations Ever from NCCN

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®)—an alliance of leading cancer centers— has published its first ever set of treatment recommendations pertaining to neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma is a type of solid tumor cancer that typically occurs in early childhood, with the majority diagnosed before age five. It's also the most common type of solid tumor (outside of brain tumors) in children.

“Neuroblastoma is a biologically and clinically heterogeneous cancer, which creates many challenges for those treating patients with this disease,” said Rochelle Bagatell, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Solid Tumor Section Chief at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Chair of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) Panel for Neuroblastoma. “The NCCN Guidelines were designed to assist clinicians caring for children with neuroblastoma by providing key information regarding risk stratification and by summarizing the data that have led to the current approaches to therapy. As new clinical trial results become available and as therapies evolve, we will continue to support providers by updating the guidelines over time.”

Continuing reading the full new release here.


Medicaid Changes Could Make More North Carolinians Eligible for Health Care

Expansion Means those 19-64 are Eligible, Including Some With Higher Incomes

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is mailing letters to 534,840 North Carolinians based on information provided to HealthCare.gov that indicates they may be eligible for NC Medicaid. With the expansion of Medicaid, more people are eligible, including those ages 19 through 64 years with higher incomes.

The letters, which started arriving in mailboxes February 1, directs individuals to contact HealthCare.gov to update their information currently available in their HealthCare.gov case file. Sample letters are available on the Medicaid website.

NC Medicaid began accepting Federally-facilitated Marketplace Eligibility Determinations (FFM-D) February 1, 2024. This change allows the FFM to make the eligibility determination for individuals who apply for coverage through the Federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov and whose eligibility is determined following modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) rules.

This change means NC residents who apply for Medicaid through the Federal Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) and are determined fully eligible for Medicaid by the FFM will no longer require an eligibility determination by the local Department of Social Services (DSS) caseworker. Once NC Medicaid receives notification of eligibility, NC FAST will review the case to determine which full MAGI benefit program the individual qualifies for and will send the appropriate final notice of eligibility to the individual. [source]


Nominations Open for NCMS Foundation Board of Trustees

The NCMS Foundation Board Development Committee Submits:

 

Call for Nominations: NCMS Foundation Board of Trustees Overview

Overview

The call for nominations for individuals to serve on the NCMS Foundation Board of Trustees is now open. Nominations are due by May 31, 2024 (view NCMS Foundation Candidate Application Form here).

The North Carolina Medical Society Foundation (NCMSF) is the philanthropic arm of the North Carolina Medical Society. The mission of the NCMSF is to improve access to quality health care for all North Carolinians. Our portfolio of programs demonstrates our commitment to this vision. Learn more about each of these programs here.

Those who serve on the NCMS Foundation’s Board of Trustees have general experience with and understanding of a philanthropic, 501c3 organization. Trustees are willing and able to articulate the purpose of each of the Foundation’s initiatives, and, ideally, will be able to offer details about their firsthand experience with a particular NCMS Foundation program and the value it brings to the profession and to North Carolina. Knowledge about the challenges health care professionals and their patients face and a desire to be innovative and collaborative in finding solutions is essential to this role. Fundraising ability also is crucial to fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving access to quality health care for everyone in the state.

In 2024, the NCMS Foundation will be filling the following leadership positions:

Board of Trustee: Up to two (2) Trustees to serve a three-year term.

Process

Step 1: Candidates are nominated or may nominate themselves for a position on the NCMS Foundation Board of Trustees (view NCMS Foundation Candidate Application Form here).

Step 2: Once a candidate submits their application form, they will receive a confirmation email and made aware of any follow-up if needed.

Step 3: Upon careful review of submitted materials, the NCMS Foundation Board Development Committee will select candidates to be interviewed. Candidates will be notified via email by June 7, 2024 if they are selected for an interview. Interviews will take place via videoconference on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

Step 4: Following candidate interviews, the NCMS Foundation Board Development Committee will vote to select candidate(s) to fill open leadership positions. The NCMS Foundation Board of Trustees will approve the slate of candidates at the August 21, 2024 board meeting.

Step 5: The Board of Trustees slate of candidates will be submitted to the NCMS Board of Directors for approval and appointment at the November 2, 2024 board meeting.

*All nominations and any information collected as part of the nominating process is strictly confidential.


Practice Manager Looking to Hone Their Skills? Send Them to Bootcamp!

Are you an experienced practice manager looking to gain knowledge in specific practice management content areas?

The Practice Manager Bootcamp is designed to give practice managers with two or less years of practice management experience an overview of the basic knowledge and skills a practice manager needs to succeed.

Live sessions will be conducted virtually and will be recorded for later viewing. To receive credit, all sessions must either be attended live or viewed via recording.

View and register for any of the courses here.


NCDHHS Child Behavioral Health Dashboard Now Open

 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched its Child Behavioral Health dashboard.

The information shared through this publicly available tool will help the department, as well as behavioral health providers, policymakers and stakeholders, to identify and address gaps and disparities in behavioral health services for children.

The Child Behavioral Health dashboard builds a data and analysis infrastructure across child-serving sectors to provide a more complete picture of the state of behavioral health in North Carolina.

The dashboard tracks key behavioral health indicators, including the percentage of children who have been diagnosed with depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorder.

An important feature of the new dashboard is users can drill down the data by geography, race, ethnicity, age and gender to provide additional visibility into child behavioral health in underserved populations.

Read the full NCDHHS press release here.


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

 

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

All nominated candidates will be notified of their nomination. Award recipient will receive:

  • An attractive award piece,
  • $2,500 in reimbursable funds towards NCMGMA, MGMA and/or ACMPE educational resources,
  • Public recognition at the NCMGMA Annual Conference (May 15-17, 2024 in Wilmington, NC),
  • Promotion through a press release to national trade and consumer media,
  • Recognition within the NCMGMA community and through the NCMGMA E-News Blog.

Required Documentation & Judging Requirements: Each nominee should be an NCMGMA member and the nomination should be accompanied by a completed nomination form with Questions & Exhibits listed below. Judging will consist of percentages as listed below.

NCMGMA Questions: 20 points
Candidate Form: 60 points
Letters of Support – 20 points

Nominate yourself or a colleague!

To nominate another administrator, please email [email protected]. The candidate will be contacted and asked to complete the following application form for consideration.

Email Completed Nominations to: [email protected]

Mail (Download form here):

NCMGMA Administrator of the Year
1300 Baxter St., Suite 360
Charlotte, NC 28204

Questions? Call 704-365-0565 or 1-800-753-6462

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: 5PM – MARCH 22 ,2024


Register Now for This Month's CoCM Provider Learning Collaborative!

Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) Provider Learning Collaborative
Role of the Psychiatric Consultant/Systematic Caseload Review
February 15, 2024 | 12:30-1:30 p.m.

 

Attend the upcoming Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) Provider Learning Collaborative which will focus on the following topic: Role of the Psychiatric Consultant/Systematic Caseload Review.

CoCM Provider Learning Collaboratives (LCs) are designed for primary care providers, behavioral health professionals, and others who have implemented or are implementing CoCM for integrating behavioral health in a primary care setting. Independent primary care practices, FQHCs, and rural health clinics may find CoCM especially helpful for meeting some of the behavioral health needs of their patients. Provider LCs will highlight collaborative care team integration and the role of the CoCM Behavioral Health Care Manager for practices new to the model and those established with implementing CoCM.

For additional information about the model, visit www.ncahec.net/practice-support/collaborative-care-2/. For questions, contact LaShawnna Andrews, MSM, Director, Continuing Professional Development IPE at [email protected].

Mark your calendar for these upcoming Provider Learning Collaboratives:

  • Role of BH Care Manager/Registry Tracking (March 21)
  • CoCM Billing (April 18)
  • Communicating about CoCM Across the Care Team (May 16)
  • Caseload Management/Relapse Prevention Plan (June 20)

 


Reminder: Foster Share Listening Sessions Are Today and Tomorrow!

The North Carolina Medical Society is proudly part of the partnership that established Carolina Complete Health (CCH), the only Provider-Led Plan established to deliver Medicaid Managed Care in North Carolina.

As we turn to a new year, CCH needs your unique insights. It is looking to learn from providers about your experiences with children and families involved in the foster care system.

This letter outlines how you can get involved in the “Foster Share” Listening Series. I hope you'll take the time to help CCH, and your foster care families, as it looks to improve the experience for children and families in the foster care community.

Register for Listening Series:

Read Revised Policy Paper:  


New Medicaid Managed Care Tailored Plans Launch Soon

Are You Ready For Changes Coming This Summer?

North Carolina will launch the NC Medicaid Managed Care Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Tailored Plans on July 1, 2024. This is an integrated health plan for individuals with behavioral health needs and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DDs).

NCDHHS recently consolidated the state’s Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organizations to improve access to health care services in preparation for the launch of Tailored Plans. For more information, please see the bulletin article.

Tailored Plans are integrated health plans designed specifically to serve individuals with severe mental illnesses, substance use disorders, or long-term care needs including I/DD and traumatic brain injury.

Through Tailored Care Management, Tailored Plan beneficiaries will have a single designated care manager supported by a multidisciplinary care team to provide integrated care management that addresses all of their needs including: physical health, behavioral health, I/DD, TBI, pharmacy, long-term services and supports (LTSS) and addresses their unmet health-related resource needs.

View the NC Medicaid Managed Care Provider Playbook for an overview of the consolidation for providers here.

Related Reading:

NC Medicaid Tailored Plan Update: Delay in Implementation


CaroMont Health Foundation 2024 Grant Cycle Now Open

 

The CaroMont Health Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 grant cycle, an annual program aimed at supporting initiatives that tackle the most pressing health care issues facing the region. Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply on CaroMont Health’s website for programs focused on the Social Determinants of Health: access to care, education, family support and quality of care.

All applications must be submitted by Monday, March 11, 2024. Programs receiving grant funds will be announced in early summer. For more information about the 2024 Grant cycle, click here.


How to Embrace Indigenous Wisdom in Evidence Based Cancer Prevention

 

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

"Embracing Indigenous Wisdom in Evidence Based Cancer Prevention: A Path of Collaboration, Respect, and Insight on Duke’s Voyage” is a presentation that explores the partnership between modern scientific research and indigenous wisdom in the pursuit of effective cancer prevention strategies. It underscores the humility in learning from indigenous knowledge, and the discovery of insights that can enhance evidence-based approaches to cancer prevention.

Learn more and register here.


2024 NCMS Candidate Series - Grant Campbell, MD

2024 NCMS Candidate Series Featuring Dr. Grant Campbell

The 2024 North Carolina Medical Society Candidate Series has an exclusive interview featuring Dr. Grant Campbell who is running for North Carolina House District 83. In this episode, Dr. Campbell discusses his thoughts on legislative strategies to address changes needed to eliminate healthcare disparities in North Carolina's rural areas, talks about the next steps the state needs to take after last year's Medicaid expansion, the opioid epidemic in NC, and mental health challenges facing healthcare providers. He also shares what he sees as the future of healthcare in the state.

All candidates who are members of NCMS and are running for either state or federal office have been extended invitations to articulate their perspectives on these crucial subjects. Stay tuned for forthcoming interviews with other candidates leading up to the November election.

See the full interview with Dr. Campbell here:

https://youtu.be/nYqeK9LfI6w


Health Officials Warn of Continuing Surge in Congenital Syphilis Cases

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

Findings from a review of congenital syphilis cases in North Carolina from 2016 to 2022 indicate infants end up with congenital syphilis when:

  • There is no or late entry of pregnant women into prenatal care.
  • There was prenatal care but incomplete syphilis testing during pregnancy.
  • Mother received delayed, no, or inadequate treatment for her stage of syphilis infection.
  • The exposed newborn was not appropriately evaluated or treated at birth for congenital syphilis.

"North Carolina's congenital syphilis numbers are the highest they have been in almost 20 years," said NCDHHS Division of Public Health HIV/STI Medical Director Dr. Victoria Mobley. "It will take the commitment of all our providers across practice settings to reverse this trend. Syphilis screening should be a routine part of health care for all people who are sexually active and the standard of care for every single pregnant woman."

Data from the CDC shows over a three-digit percent surge in congenital syphilis cases over the past five years. The organization notes there is an "urgent need" for action to curb this trend.

 

Steps you can take:

Download “Stop Congenital Syphilis in its Tracks” posters (.zip file).


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

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Women are far more likely than men to get autoimmune diseases, when an out-of-whack immune system attacks their own bodies — and new research may finally explain why.

It’s all about how the body handles females’ extra X chromosome, Stanford University researchers reported— a finding that could lead to better ways to detect a long list of diseases that are hard to diagnose and treat.

More than 24 million Americans, by some estimates up to 50 million, have an autoimmune disorder — diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and dozens more. About 4 of every 5 patients are women, a mystery that has baffled scientists for decades.

One theory is that the X chromosome might be a culprit. After all, females have two X chromosomes while males have one X and one Y.

The new research, published in the journal Cell, shows that extra X is involved — but in an unexpected way.

Continue to the full article here.


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

2nd Annual Smoky Mountain Primary Care Conference
Kern Auditorium, Lake Junaluska Conference Center
Lake Junaluska, NC
April 27, 2024

The Smoky Mountain Medical Society is sponsoring a CME program on Saturday, April 27 at the Lake Junaluska Conference Center. This program is geared toward primary care providers and nurses in Western North Carolina, covering the topics of Diabetes & Weight Loss Medications, COPD, Anticoagulants, Adult & Pediatric Rheumatology for the Rural PCP, Urinary Incontinence and Behavioral Health: What to Do While Waiting for a Referral.

Learn more and register here.


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

 

The 2024 Primary Election is scheduled for March 5, 2024.  The General Election is scheduled for November 5, 2024.

Are you registered to vote?  If not, instructions are available from the NC State Board of Elections.

Important Primary Election dates to note:

Jan. 19, 2024:       County boards of elections begin mailing absentee ballots to eligible voters who submitted an absentee ballot request form.  Request an absentee ballot here.

Feb. 9, 2024:        Voter registration deadline - 5 pm. Voter registration and absentee voting deadlines are different for military and overseas citizen voters.

Feb. 15, 2024:      In-person early voting begins.

Feb. 27, 2024:      Absentee ballot request deadline - 5 pm.

March 2, 2024:    In-person early voting ends - 3 pm.

March 5, 2024:    Primary Election Day.

March 5, 2024:    Absentee ballot return deadline - 7:30 pm. Voter registration and absentee voting deadlines are different for military and overseas citizen voters.

May 14, 2024:      Second Primary Election Day (if necessary)

Important General Election dates for your calendar:

Sept. 6, 2024:      County boards of elections begin mailing absentee ballots to eligible voters who submitted an absentee ballot request form.  Request an absentee ballot here.

Oct. 11, 2024:      Voter registration deadline - 5 pm. Voter registration and absentee voting deadlines are different for military and overseas citizen voters.

Oct. 17, 2024:      In-person early voting begins.

Oct. 29, 2024:      Absentee ballot request deadline - 5 pm.

Nov. 5, 2024:       Primary Election Day.

Nov. 5, 2024:        Absentee ballot return deadline - 7:30 pm. Voter registration and absentee voting deadlines are different for military and overseas citizen voters.

 

Related articles:

2024 NCMS Candidate Series - Tim Reeder, MD

2024 NCMS Candidate Series - Dr. Mary Ann Contogiannis

2024 Elections: North Carolina Physicians, PAs File for State and Federal Offices


NCDHHS Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Get Covered, Get Care: NC Medicaid for More People

 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall Tuesday, February 6, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss Medicaid expansion updates and resources, who is newly eligible and how to apply for health coverage.

Event participants include:

  • Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, M.D., State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer, NCDHHS
  • Hollis Smith, Medicaid Expansion Outreach and Education Coordinator, Care Share Health Alliance
  • Brenda Jackson, Director, Cumberland County Department of Social Services

With the support of local organizations and state partners, more than 314,000 North Carolinians have enrolled in Medicaid since the state expanded who is eligible. Outreach efforts continue to reach more than 289,000 people ages 19 through 64 years who are newly eligible for Medicaid and have not yet applied for health care coverage.

Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss the following:

  • Who is eligible for Medicaid
  • How to apply for health care coverage
  • Where to find resources and support
  • What to expect after Medicaid enrollment

Those joining the event will have the opportunity to ask questions about Medicaid expansion and enrollment.

The NCDHHS Medicaid expansion website provides information on eligibility, how to apply and where to find support. Individuals can also find state and local support teams to help them better understand their health care coverage options, complete Medicaid applications and navigate enrollment.

The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS FacebookTwitter and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can also dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 101649#.

NCDHHS fireside chats and tele-town halls are part of the state’s ongoing public efforts to ensure equitable access to timely health information, including Medicaid enrollment resources to help North Carolinians find health care coverage.

For additional context on how 988 and the peer warmline can work together to support a person’s behavioral health needs, watch the recent fireside chat and tele-town Hall hosted by NCDHHS on supporting mental wellness and accessing health resources.


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

 

Biogen is pulling the plug on the controversial drug Aduhelm, the first drug cleared by government health officials for treating Alzheimer's in nearly two decades.

The pharmaceutical giant is returning the rights to the drug to Neurimmune, the private firm that invented it, and incurring a $60 million one-time charge to close out the Aduhelm program, Biogen said Wednesday in a statement.

Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Biogen plans to instead focus its resources on other Alzheimer's efforts. That includes Leqembi, a drug that Biogen is partnering with Japan's Eisai on that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last year.

Granted accelerated approval in 2021, Aduhelm has not met commercial expectations, with insurers including the federal Medicare program largely refusing to cover the drug because of doubt over its effectiveness and its high cost.

When Biogen initially released Aduhelm, it set the price at $56,000 annually, but later slashed the price in half to about $28,200 after an outcry.

Roughly 6 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer's, which gradually attacks areas of the brain needed for memory, reasoning, communication and daily tasks. [source]


Price Negotiations are Underway for Several Medicare Drugs

After years of debate, the federal government, for the first time, will negotiate directly with drug companies to determine the prices that Medicare will pay for certain high expenditure drugs covered under Medicare Part D and Part B. This comes under the Inflation Reduction Act.

The first ten Part D drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation include treatments for diabetes, blood clots, heart failure, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and blood cancers. The Medicare negotiated drug prices for these drugs won’t take effect until January 1, 2026.

Below is a list of drugs being negotiated:

Get more information, including several informational charts, here.


Happy Birthday to NCMS Members Celebrating This Month!

Grab your party hats and noisemakers and let’s celebrate!

 

Mustafa M. Abugideiri, MD
Elizabeth Acquista, MD
Amer Adam, MD
J. Wellington Adams, MD
Andrew J. Adamson, MD
Satish P. Adawadkar, MD
Ira N. Adler, MD
Deborah G. Agisim, MD
Sukaina Ahmad, MD
Farhan Ahmed, MD
Richard E. Akers, Jr., MD
Shereen A. Alavian, MD
Eslam G. K. Ali, MD
David R. Allen, Jr., MD
John G. Alley, Jr., MD
Eric D. Alpert, MD
Michael K. Altenburg, MD
Fabian E. Alzamora, MD
David A. Ames, MD
Lisa A. Andersen, DO
William D. Andersen, MD
Kent T. Anderson, MD
Mark W. Anderson, MD
Micaela D. Antzoulatos, PA-C
Howard L. Armistead, Jr., MD
Don M. Armstrong, MD, FACOG
Moogali M. Arvind, MD
Behnam Asgharian, MD
Erhan C. Atasoy, MD
George L. Auman, MD
Maria Lourdes C. Austria, MD
Anthony F. Azzi, MD
Carter S. Bagley, MD
Elizabeth R. Bagsby, MD
Khosrow Bahrani, MD
Patrick L. Ballen, MD
Cecilia W. Banga, DO
Jose A. Bardelas, Jr., MD
Graham A. Barden, III, MD, FAAP
Kelly L. Barham, MD
Kelsey J. Barr, MD
Thaddeus J. Barringer, Jr., MD
Madeline C. Bartausky, PA
Michael J. Bartiss, MD
Paul J. Bartleson, DO
Sarah E. Bedard, PA-C
Angela N. Bekampis, PA-C
Mary E. H. Belet, PA
Eugene D. Bell, III, MD
John M. Benbow, MD
Suzanne S. Benton, MD
Carl W. Berk, MD
Michael B. Berry, MD
Todd M. Beste, MD, FACOG
Avery A. Bevin, MD
Michael A. Biggerstaff, MD
Douglas W. Bitzer, PA-C
Justin C. Black, MD
Leah A. Black, PA-C
Douglas L. Boertje, MD, FAAP
Terrence D. Bogard, MD
Katherine E. Bogart, PA
Christina M. Bowen, MD
Stephen L. Bower, MD
Stephen E. Boyce, MD, FACS
Raymond J. Bradley, Jr., MD
Michael E. Brame, MD
Alex G. Brann, PA-C
Simon David Braun, MD
Vaughn G. Braxton, MD
Mark S. Brazinski, MD
Kelly B. Bridgeman, MD, FAAP
Michael S. Broder, MD
Dora M. Brodie, MD
Mark S. Brown, MD, FACS
Vera C. Bude, MD
John H. Bumgarner, MD
Craig N. Burkhart, MD
Paul L. Burroughs, Jr., MD
Sean P. Bush, MD
William E. Byrd, MD
Jack R. Cahn, MD
Rebecca S. Carlin, MD
Lindsay A. Carnes, PA-C
Lisa M. Carroll, MD
Ralph E. Carter, III, MD
Michael C. Casciello, MD
Sarah H. Cash, MD
Caroline F. Chamberlain, PA-C
Leon D. Charkoudian, MD
Samuel J. Chewning, Jr., MD, MBA
Jennifer H. Christenbury, PA-C
C. Franklin Church, MD
Caroline A. Clark, PA-C
Adriana I. Cline, MD
Kenneth K. Cloninger, MD
Brian S. Coan, MD
G. Glenn Coates, MD
Alexandra V. Cobo, PA-C
Samuel B. Collins, MD
L. Gregg Colvin, MD
Jason T. Combs, MD
Neil A. Conti, MD
Orlando Conty, MD
Jeffrey J. Cook, MD
William C. Corbett, MD
William M. Cottrell, MD
Christopher T. Coughlin, MD
Mark M. Couture, MD
Christopher K. Craig, PA-C
Gary P. Cram, Jr., MD
William F. Credle, Jr., MD
E. Brown Crosby, MD
Kenneth Crosby, Jr., MD
David B. Crosland, MD
Katelyn A. Crothers, PA
Cesar P. Cube, MD
Michael J. Cullura, DO
Richard E. Cummings, MD
Robert F. Dallapiazza, MD
Richard C. D'Alonzo, MD
Manish N. Damani, MD
Evan F. Dapo, PA-C
Kimberly A. Darlington, PA-C
Harlan B. Daubert, MD
German D. De Joya, MD
Joseph M. DeBord, MD
Christopher B. Deery, MD
Adrian Deese, MD
David Defeo, MD
Stephen D. DeMeo, DO
Andrew C. Demmert, MD
Dawn E. DeNeef, MD, FACS
Lindsey M. Deschamps, MD
Zana Devlin, PA-C
Amanpreet S. Dhaliwal, PA-C
E M. DiLizia, MD
W. Roger Domby, MD
Andrew J. Doorey, MD
Kristen M. Dorsey-Leake, MD
W. Rodwell Drake, Jr., MD
Matthew J. Duggan, MD
Jack N. Dunn, MD
Elizabeth A. Eagle, MD
Wesley S. Eagle, PA-C
Demetri M. Economedes, DO
Tally H. Eddings, III, MD
David B. Eddleman, MD
Brian E. Edwards, MD
Kaylan E. Edwards, MD
R. Elizabeth Edwards, PA-C
Howard J. Eisenson, MD
Laura T. Ekka, MD
Daniel W. Entrikin, MD
Shanti P. Eranti, MD
Samantha Ericksen, PA-C
Stephen D. Ertischek, MD, FACP
John A. Fagg, MD
Heather J. Firebaugh, MD
E. Carl Fisher, Sr., MD
Keri A. Fitzsimmons, MD
George E. Fleming, MD
Damon A. Forbes, MD
Charles W. Ford, Jr., MD
Sharon M. Foster, MD, FAAP
William B. Fowler, MD
Douglas G. Freeman, Jr., MD
Amanda M. Froment, MD
Mark K. Fromke, MD
Sam R. Fulp, MD
Parker M. Gaddy, MD
Angela B. Gantt, MD, FACOG
Idalina Garcia-Hruby, MD
Alyssa W. George, MD
Hannah M. Gilbert Brame, PA-C
Donald B. Goodman, Jr., MD
John P. Goodson, MD
Karyn B. Gordon, MD
Varun Y. Goswami, MD
Hugh J. Grant, Jr., MD
Gretchen E. Green, MD
Robert L. Green, MD
Eleanor E. W. Greene, MD, MPH
Paul R. Greenlaw, MD
Kyle F. Grimaldi, MD
Matthew M. Grove, DO
Joseph Guarino, MD, MPH, FACOEM
G. Patrick Guiteras, MD
James C. Gunnells, MD
Rachel H. Hagler, MD
C. Michael Hahn, MD
W. Dana Haithcock, Jr., MD
Jennifer J. Hall, MD
Nady Hamid, MD
P. J. Hamilton-Gaertner, MD, MHA
Michael G. Hankewycz, MD
Mark A. Hansman, MD
Norris B. Harbold, Jr., MD
Rita A. Harbury, PA-C
C. Blair Harkness, MD
Wallace T. Harris, MD
Allan B. Harvin, MD
Elizabeth H. Hawes, PA-C
Rodney J. Hawk, MD
William L. Haynes, MD
Joseph R. Hedgpeth, MD
Hughes M. Helm, MD
Robert C. Helms, MD, FAAP
William C. Helton, MD
David F. Henderson, PA-C
Nancy S. Henley, MD, FACP
Lloyd A. Hey, MD, MS
John M. Hicks, MD
Steven P. Higgins, MD
James R. Hodges, MD
Katrina J. Hodgkins, PA-C
Christen W. Hoedt, MD
Jeremy J. Hoff, DO
James R. Hoffman, DO
Rachael B. Hollifield, DO
James P. Hooten, Jr., MD
Heather M. Hopper, PA-C
Fatima Hossain, MD
Mahmood H. Hosseinian, MD
William A. Hough, III, MD
G. Van Huffmon, III, MD, FACS
James D. Hundley, MD
Dori L. Hunt, MD
Sarah O. Hunt, MD, FAAP
Gary J. Hunter, DO
Joe P. Hurt, MD, PhD
J. Mark Hylton, Jr., MD
Jennifer A. Ingersoll, MD
Stephen D. Jackson, MD
Peter L. Jacobson, MD, FAAN
Astrid G. Jain, MD
W. Bryan Jennings, DO
Grace M. Jere, MD
Edward W. Jernigan, III, MD
Nneka T. Jimoh, MD
Albin W. Johnson, MD
Gregory J. Johnson, MD
James C. Johnson, MD
Lynn R. Johnson, MD
Randall D. Johnson, MD
Sara G. Johnston, PA-C
Jerry D. Joines, MD
Jamande A. Jones, MD, MS
Jason D. Jones, MD
Perrin W. Jones, MD
Timothy D. Jordan, MD
Michael Josilevich, MD
Raymond E. Joyner, MD
Ki S. Jung, MD
Robert H. Kahn, MD
Charlotte K. Karriker, MD
Alison S. Kavanaugh, MD
Arthur E. Kelley, MD
R. David Kemp, MD
Kevin Z. Kinlaw, MD
Stephen L. Kinser, MD
Jennifer Kipp, DPM, MD
Hayden P. Kirby, MD
Megan D. Kirk, MD
Nathan R. Knapp, MD
Mary Faison G. Knox, MD
Richard A. Koch, MD
Dibas Koirala, MD
Keith R. Kooken, MD
Aaron C. Kopp, PA-C
Edward W. Kouri, MD
Harald H. Kowa, MD, FAAP
Brian A. Krakover, MD
Gregory J. Kramer, MD
Eric M. Kraus, MD, MS
Larry L. Kroll, MD
S. Richard Kruse, MD
Benjamin P. Kunesh, MD
William A. Kutner, Jr., MD
Leta Sue C. Lamb, MD
William A. Lambeth, III, MD
Ronald W. Lane, MD
Stephen N. Lang, MD
Grainger S. Lanneau, MD
Kurt K. Lark, MD
Marzena T. Laszewski, MD
Lindsay R. Lavin, MD
William W. Lawrence, Jr., MD
Adrian W. Laxton, MD
Brian H. T. Le, MD
Daniel A. Leach, MD
Il S. Lee, MD
W. Hampton Lefler, Jr., MD
Aaron P. Leininger, MD
Anthony P. Leonard, MD
Kathleen C. Leone, MD
Jason M. Licht, PA
Elizabeth A. Lidiard, PA-C
John D. Lilley, MD
Arthur J. Lim, MD
Meredith S. Linger, PA
Scott W. Lisson, MD, FACS
Bryan J. Loeffler, MD
Kevin J. Logel, MD
R. E. Lombard, MD
Alexandra G. Lorentsen, MD
Shelly S. Lowery, MD
Katie Lowry, MD, MPH
Yuan Lu, MD
Brianna E. Maglio, PA-C
Jonathan A. Malin, MD
Erik A. Manring, MD
Arie Mantin, MD
Monica A. Manzi, PA-C
Kenneth C. Marburg, MD
Patrick S. Markwalter, MD
William T. Mason, MD
Carolyn H. Maynor, MD
Daniel E. McBrayer, Jr., MD
Benjamin W. McClintock, MD
Diana C. McClinton, MD
Katherine V. McClure, PA-C
Mark W. McClure, MD, FACS
Shannon M. McCrann, DO
Brooks W. McCuen, II, MD
Molly W. McElroy, PA-C
Matthew D. McEntire, PA
Timothy J. McGrath, MD
Leah H. McGuire, PA-C
Christina S. McOwen, PA-C
Megan S. Melendez, PA-C
Thomas E. Melin, MD
Douglas F. Messina, MD
Kathleen L. Meyer, PA
David C. Miller, MD
Horace W. M. Miller, IV, MD
Howard E. Miller, MD
James T. Mills, Jr., MD
Stacy A. Mills, PA
Thomas H. Milner, III, MD
William W. Mims, III, MD
Challie A. Minton, MD
Douglas W. Miyazaki, MD
Robert C. Moffatt, MD
William G. Moorefield, Jr., MD
Edgar S. Moser, Jr., MD
Ellis F. Muther, MD
Angela N. Nash, PA-C
Morgane E. Naveau, MD
J. Gregory Nelson, MD
Jessica E. Newman, PA-C
Mai Trang L. Nguyen, MD
Michael A. Nichols, MD, PhD
Lauren P. Nicola, MD
Jerry D. Nix, MD, FACEP
John R. Nixon, MD
Taylor A. Noriega, PA-C
Thomas L. O'Connell, MD
Christopher W. Olcott, MD
Dale W. Oller, MD
Marci L. Olsen, PA-C
Jacob A. Orbock, MD
Sarah R. Orlousky, MD
T. Lane Ormand, MD
Nahla A. M. Osman, MD
Michael R. Ott, MD
Robert A. Ottaviani, MD
Derya Ozkok, MD
Gupta Pandarinath, MD
Steven T. Pantelakos, MD
Young K. Park, MD
Anand R. Patel, MD
Nilesh P. Patel, MD
Nirali M. Patel, MD
David R. Patterson, MD
James B. Patterson, MD
Joseph R. Payne, MD
E. Louis Peak, MD
Thomas E. Pendergrast, MD
A. Thomas Perkins, IV, MD, PhD
Randy A. Peters, MD
Kirk A. Philpot, MD
Isadore M. Pike, MD
Steven R. Plunkett, MD
Michelle M. Ponder, MD
William G. Porter, MD
James M. Potts, MD
Josie D. Prabhakar, PA-C
M. Canaan Prater, DO
Claire A. Presswood, MD
Philip A. Price, PA-C
William R. Purcell, MD
Joseph P. Pye, MD
Megan E. Quigg, PA
Rachel E. Raab, MD
Evelyn A. Rabindran, MD
Wanda L. Radford, MD
Gary T. Raflo, MD
Richard L. Rauck, MD
Ashley R. Rawls, PA-C
Lawrence W. Raymond, MD, FACP, FACOEM
Eileen M. Raynor, MD, FACS, FAAP
Kelli A. Reardon, MD
Christopher J. Rezzonico, DO
Erika L. W. Rice, DO
William C. Rice, MD
James J. Richard, PA
Jill R. Roberson, MD
Tia L. Robertson, MD
Stefanie M. Robinson, MD
David A. Rockwell, MD
Danielle M. Rose, MD
Eric R. Rosenberg, MD
Shepherd F. Rosenblum, MD
Charles E. Rowe, Jr., MD
Pinakpani Roy, MD
John Rubino, MD
Alfred J. Rufty, Jr., MD
Emily M. Ryan, PA
Samuel B. Ryburn, MD
Smita N. Sampat, MD
Fernando A. Sanchez-Brugal, MD
Shiraz M. Sandhu, DO
Melanie B. Sanford, MD
Shireesha Sangineni, MD
Rujuta T. Saraiya, MD
Wade H. Saunders, III, MD
Kenneth J. Sauve, MD
Dawson E. Scarborough, MD
Kerri R. Scherer, MD
Thomas M. Schmelzer, MD
Derek Q. Schroder, MD, FACP
Beth A. Schulz-Butulis, DO
Christopher J. Schwarz, MD
Fred A. Scialabba, MD
Stephen S. Scott, MD
Whitney V. Scott, MD
John M. Seddon, MD
John Aldus Alexander Seldomridge, MD
Frank B. Sellers, MD
Pierre S. Selwane, MD
Elzada H. Sercus, MD
Joshua P. Sesek, MD
Christopher I. Shaffrey, MD, FACS
Christopher N. Shatley, PA-C
Michael P. Shea, MD
Donna L. Shelton, PA-C
Lisa P. Shock, DrPH, PA-C, MHS
Douglas J. Shusterman, MD
Tiffany M. Sills, MD
Lawrence R. Singer, MD
Maggie L. Small, PA-C, MHS
Timothy H. Smelzer, MD
Brian S. Smith, MD
Julian K. Smith, PA-C
Mark D. Smith, II, MD, FACS
Melissa M. Smith, MD
Michael K. Smith, MD
Patricia W. Smith, MD
Amy H. Sobel, MD
Anna Melissa Solum, MD
Lewis C. Sommerville, III, MD
Kevin M. Spangler, MD, PhD
John M. Spargo, MD
Jeffrey D. Sparks, MD
Nathaniel L. Sparrow, MD
Jeffrey D. Stanczak, MD
Michael J. Steiner, MD
James A. Stevens, Jr., MD
Jeremy R. Stinson, PA-C
Scott C. Stoioff, MD
Lauretta G. Stombaugh, DO
Woodhall Stopford, MD, MPH
Maria De Lourdes L. Sturchler, MD
Rebecca Sullenger
Viswanathan Swaminathan, MD
Sandra L. Swanson, MD
Thomas M. Swantkowski, MD, AGAF, FACG
Jonas J. Swartz, MD
Brian T. Szura, MD
Munther S. Tabet, MD
Julia W. Tang, MD
Charles S. Tara, MD
Gregory J. Taraska, MD
Nancy L. Teaff, MD
Robert D. Teasdall, MD
Robert K. Thacker, MD
Julie Thamby
Alan E. Thomas, MD
C. Aaron Thompson, MD
Richard W. C. Tim, MD
Kathryn S. Timberlake, MD
Kenneth G. Tomberlin, MD
Andres H. Torop, MD
Nancy J. Toy, MD
Nicholas A. True, MD
John T. Tseng, MD
Jordan E. Tunno, PA
Harrison G. Tuttle, MD
Bhavna Vaidya-Tank, MD
Jaime J. Vanourny, MD
Jill S. Vargo, MD
Wayne B. Venters, MD
Lizette S. Villacorte, MD
Thomas T. Vradelis, MD, FACOG
Josip Vukina, MD
Tomas Vybiral, MD
Jason A. Walker, MD
Antoinette W. Wall, MD
Bobby C. Walters, Jr., MD
W. Alan Ward, MD
L. Patrick Warren, Jr., MD
Peter R. Watson, MD
Shannon A. Watterson, PA-C
John C. Watts, III, MD
David A. Weatherford, MD, FACS
Michael D. Weaver, MD
Richard A. Weintraub, MD, FACP
Andrew H. Wells, MD
Susan M. West, MD
Carl J. Westcott, MD
Melissa K. Wester, MD
Trent W. Wester, MD
Kenneth S. White, MD
Edward W. Whitesides, MD
Daniel Whitley, Jr., MD
Heather N. Williams, MD
Judson B. Williams, MD
Tawanda B. Williams, MD
Michael L. Williford, MD
Danielle L. S. Willis, PA-C
Jason A. Wilson, MD
Gabriel B. Winberry, MD
Nancy C. Winker, MD
James E. Winslow, MD
James W. Winslow, MD
Kenneth H. Winter, MD
Joel A. Wissing, MD
Peter H. Wittenberg, MD
Kully L. Woodruff, MD
Julie C. Woodside, MD
Vanessa S. Workman, MD
Darren S. Wright, MD
David K. Wright, MD
Che-Ming Yang, MD
Joylyn D. Yeazell, MD
Adam C. Younis, MD
Terri L. Zacco, DO
Peter A. Zeman, MD
Li Zhou, MD
Shams Zia, MD
James H. Zuger, MD
Charles S. Zwerling, MD


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

 

NC Medicaid Providers are being reminder to always use Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) to capture Personal Care Services (PCS) and Home Health Care visits. The purpose of EVV is to track and monitor timely service delivery and help ensure access to care for NC Medicaid Direct beneficiaries.

The use of manual entry into the Sandata Aggregator is allowed, but only on rare occasions when the caregiver is unable to use EVV. Manual entries should be kept to a minimum of 15% or less.

For more information on this update, click here.


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

Tomorrow is National Wear Red Day®

National Wear Red Day® is observed annually and raises awareness about heart disease, particularly in women. On this day, individuals are encouraged to wear red to show their support for women's heart health.

We want to see your pics!

Dressing in red for National Wear Red Day? Be sure to tag us on your social media posts. In fact, we love celebrating with our members, tags us in any and all photo-worthy occasions!

 


ICYMI: Brain Chip Implanted in First Human Patient

Could this be the answer for people with quadriplegia?

 

Neuralink founder Elon Musk recently announced on X, a social media company also owned by Musk, that the first patient to receive the company's implanted brain chip “is recovering well.”

The company received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for trials last May. The clinical trial known as PRIME — Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface—sought individuals ages 22 and above, living with quadriplegia due to a spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the disease that robs people of the ability to control their bodies.

 

Read more about the procedure here.


WHO Draws Attention to 21 Neglected Tropical Diseases and Their Causes

(image credit: WHO)

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) is highlighting 21 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and their causes.

According to WHO, neglected tropical diseases are a diverse group of conditions caused by a variety of pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins) and associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences.

While NTDs are mainly prevalent among impoverished communities in tropical areas, some have a much larger geographical distribution.

Get a summary of these NTDs here.


FDA Issues Revisions of Emergency Use Authorization for Paxlovid

The FDA recently announced a revision to the Paxlovid emergency use authorization (EUA). EUA-labeled Paxlovid will no longer be authorized for emergency use after March 8, 2024, regardless of the labeled or extended expiration date.

 

 

Paxlovid EUA will continue to authorize emergency use of Paxlovid manufactured and labeled in accordance with the NDA (NDA-labeled Paxlovid) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.

Expired EUA-labeled Paxlovid must be returned to the manufacturer or disposed of in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Similarly, after March 8, 2024, all EUA-labeled Paxlovid remaining in U.S. distribution must also be returned to the manufacturer or disposed of in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Read the full FDA revision notice here.


New Member Perk: Discount Subscription to Our State Magazine (with a bonus to NCMS!)

Get a discount on the premiere state magazine and a donation will also be made to NCMS.

If you need another reason why it's good to be an NCMS member, this is it!

Click here to go to Our State Magazine.  Don't forget to use promo code DSMDS


AMA 'Fix Medicare Now' Website Is Now Even Better

 

The American Medical Association (AMA) has updated its Fix Medicare Now website with new content.

This site is a one-stop-shop for all the information, resources, and ways you can make your voice heard to ensure that Congress works to address the critical issues physicians, and their patients, face due to the flawed Medicare physician payment system.

Just a few of the things the site provides:

  • The ability to take action by emailing your members of Congress
  • A "share your story" feature
  • Toolkits on how to be a more effective advocate on social media
  • An interactive timeline that shows how we got here in the first place
  • A patient reception-area flyer with a QR code where they can take action
  • A robust resources page with background information, charts, advocates' letters to Congress and much more

Visit the Fix Medicare Now website here.


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

(image credit: Women's Health Magazine)

They’re cute. Extremely popular. And contain lead!

We’re talking about Stanley cups. The pricey drinkware that is all the rave right now. However, recent web chatter raises questions about their safety. One question in particular has caused a firestorm online: Do these viral sensations contain lead.

The short answer: yes, they do.

A spokesperson for Stanley confirmed claims that Stanley cups contain lead but pose no significant danger to consumers as long as the bottom circle cap isn't damaged or removed.

"Please rest assured that no lead is present on the surface of any Stanley product that comes in contact with you or the contents of your container," the company told USA Today in a statement.

Health issues for children after lead exposure can include:

  • Damage to the brain and nervous system
  • Slowed growth and development
  • Learning and behavior problems
  • Hearing and speech problems

In adults:

  • High blood pressure
  • Brain issues
  • Kidney issues
  • Reproductive health issues

What more you should know is here.


CDC to Healthcare Providers: Be Alert for Measles Symptoms

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging healthcare providers to be alert for patients exhibiting symptoms of measles--fever and rashes. This warning come amidst reports of 23 measles cases since December 1, 2023, with 7 of the cases being linked to international travelers.

"The increased number of measles importations seen in recent weeks is reflective of a rise in global measles cases and a growing global threat from the disease," the CDC said in an email.

Several locales have experienced clusters of measles, including Philadelphia and Washington state. Virginia officials warned of measles exposures at two international airports. This amid confirmed cases in both New Jersey and Georgia.

According to the CDC, measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to death. Most of the cases involve young children and adolescents who had not received a measles-containing vaccine. The CDC also states getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others against measles.

 

Get more guidance on measles here.


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

NC Society of Obstetrical and Gynecological Society
2024 Annual Meeting

March 8-10, 2024

Marriott City Center - Charlotte

Call for poster abstract submissions: Due February 3, 2024

 

You are invited to submit a poster abstract to the NC Ob/Gyn Society Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will be held over the weekend of March 8-10, 2024, at the Marriott City Center in Charlotte. We hope you will plan to attend!

This year, in addition to our resident oral presentations, we are adding a poster session to facilitate the exchange of ideas between providers and medical communities. Abstracts can be from original research, case reports, safety projects and quality improvement projects. An NC Ob/Gyn Society member must be part of the authorship. Preference will be given to projects involving learners, trainees and those involving inter-professional activities. Abstracts may be presented at other venues or in process for publication. Because we have limited space in our exhibition area, we request a limit of two abstract submissions per author.

Abstract submissions are due February 3, 2024. Please submit abstracts to Megan Eberle ([email protected]) by email as an attached Word document.

Please see the Abstract Submission Requirements and Information, and share this request for abstract submissions with residents, fellows, students, advanced practice providers or other leaders in women’s health care in your community.

Start planning now to attend to the NCOGS's 2024 Annual Meeting. The conference will be held over the weekend of March 8-10 at The Marriott City Center in Charlotte. Make your hotel reservation today online or call  directly at (704) 333-9000.