It’s Friday! Here is your NCMS Morning Rounds.

Feb. 12, 2021

The Year in Review: Summary of 2020 Practice Survey

Last March, the NCMS partnered with the NC Medical Group Management Association (NCMGMA) and Curi to survey all of our members to better understand the impact the pandemic is having on their practices. Thanks to your responses to this regular survey,  we were able to track the trends. We have compiled the findings in this summary document – a concise overview of an historic time for medical practices.

The graphs and charts offer a 2020 snapshot of the financial concerns, staffing issues, access to PPE, use of telehealth and other ongoing challenges you face.

Thank you to everyone who routinely completed — and who continues to complete — the survey as we carry on with collecting this valuable data at regular intervals. All three organizations have used the information to develop resources to help you and to advocate on your behalf with policymakers.

Review the summary here.

Influenza Down Drastically in NC in 2020-21

The protective measures to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus have also significantly reduced incidence of influenza so far this year. The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reports that practicing the 3 W’s such as wearing a mask, waiting six feet apart and washing hands  has meant very low levels of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this year compared to previous years. North Carolina mirrors similar trends nationally and globally.

Four deaths from flu have been reported to NCDHHS since the flu season began in September. There were 186 deaths total for the 2019-2020 season and more than 200 deaths during the 2018-19 season. The data show these low levels of flu and RSV are occurring despite similar or higher levels of testing for both illnesses.

Review the data at NCDHHS’ flu tracker website here.

Ever Consider an NCMS/NCMSF Leadership Position?

Nominations to serve on the NCMS Board of Directors, AMA delegation, Nominating and Leadership Development Committee as well as the NCMS Foundation (NCMSF) Board of Trustees are now being accepted for the coming year. Read on to learn more about the positions and if you or someone you know would be a good candidate.

The NCMSF, the philanthropic arm of the NCMS, seeks to improve access to quality health care for all North Carolinians. The Foundation’s portfolio of programs demonstrates our commitment to this vision. Learn more about each of these programs here.

A full description of what is expected of members of the NCMSF Board of Trustees along with details on the nomination process are outlined in this document. Nominations are due by Aug. 30, 2021.

The NCMS’ Nominating and Leadership Development Committee is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the NCMS Board of Directors, NC American Medical Association (AMA) Delegation and on the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee itself. Nominations are due by May 17, 2021.

An overview of each of the roles on the NCMS Board of Directors, AMA delegation and Nominating and Leadership Development Committee along with details on the nomination process are included in this document.

In the News

Covid-19 Cases Are Falling In The U.S. It Could Be A Calm Before A Variant-Driven Storm, STAT News, 2-10-21

Learning Opportunity

AcademyHealth National Health Policy Conference and Health Datapalooza, Feb. 16 -18.
AcademyHealth is excited to once again offer the joint experience of the Health Datapalooza and the National Health Policy Conference (NHPC). Join us for three days of virtual, boundary breaking discussions about the latest and most important health policy issues facing our nation and the data and evidence that will drive innovation and help achieve our goals of better health and health care for everyone.

Learn more and register here.

If you have policies you’d like your NCMS Board of Directors to consider, please complete the Board input form here. Thanks for reading!