June 12, 2015  |  NCDA 2015 Summer Meeting Info  |  view this message in your web browser

In this edition:

Teen Tanning Ban Takes Effect Oct. 1

Prom just got a whole a lot healthier, thanks to the NCDA’s leadership and support of the Jim Fulghum Teen Skin Cancer Prevention Act. The NCDA-backed legislation achieved its final hurdle on May 21 when N.C. Governor Pat McCrory signed the bill into law. The new law, which becomes effective on October 1, 2015, prohibits tanning facilities from allowing minors under the age of 18 to use indoor tanning equipment. Governor McCrory signed the hard-won Jim Fulghum Teen Skin Cancer Prevention Act into law at the Executive Mansion with the late Rep. Fulghum’s wife Mary Susan, and his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter at the Governor’s side.

Bill Signing Ceremony

“This law will save lives and significantly help protect children and young adults from the growing epidemic of skin cancer,” said NCDA President Russell Kilpatrick, MD. “We thank our legislators and the governor for their support and action on this important health issue.”

    

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What’s the Big Problem with Commercial Insurance Carriers and Corporate Managed Care?

NC Medical Society President Robert E. Schaaf, MD, reminds readers that the provider community is poised to improve the long-term health of North Carolinians and the state’s Medicaid budget woes in a June 5, 2015, News & Observer Op-Ed. As Medicaid reform is discussed more frequently now within the context of the state’s budget, there is an increasing urgency to remind legislators of the impact that commercial carriers and corporate managed care policies have on your ability to provide sound medical care as well as the very positive experiences you may have had with provider-led solutions right here in North Carolina.

Share your experiences with us! Send comments about your experiences with commercial insurance carriers, corporate managed care and/or ACOs to us so that we may better inform state policy-makers during this critical time. We want to hear from physicians and practice managers about how your practice and patient care are impacted. Email Denna Suko at dsuko@ncmedsoc.org.

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Exciting Recreational Options at the NCDA Summer Meeting

With more than 10 hours of CME offered at the NCDA 2015 Summer Meeting, July 10-12, education is just the beginning of the fun that is in store for meeting goers. Through a special arrangement with Accents on Asheville, our local events partner, attendees can sign up for several optional activities, including:

Biltmore Estate Day Tour: The magnificent beauty of the Biltmore House, Gardens & Winery are revealed in this half-day tour. Your excursion includes a self-paced, self-guided tour of the restored rooms of Biltmore House, America’s largest privately owned residence, acres upon acres of beautiful Gardens, and a tour of Biltmore’s award-winning Winery followed by a wine tasting for guests 21 and older.
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Whitewater River Rafting: A favorite activity for those visiting the Western North Carolina Mountains. No other sport combines teamwork, fun and outdoor adventure like a trip down the river. If you are looking for a scenic and exhilarating adventure, this is the tour for you!
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The Canopy Adventure: Rain or shine, Accents on Asheville will take you on an exhilarating Canopy Adventure to Navitat, a stunning piece of forested mountain property just minutes north of Asheville. This Canopy Adventure combines the thrill of the ride with a genuine commitment to education, teaching guests about the natural environment, how sustainable practices were integrated into the course, local culture and history.

Download the Registration Brochure for additional details and to pre-register for one of these exciting options today.

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Humana Coverage of In-Office Lab Services

The NCDA was notified by the AAD that Humana has announced a nationwide determination that, effective May 1st, it no longer covers certain in-office laboratory services, including in-office dermatopathology, and that these services must be referred to designated labs.

Have you or your practice received such notification? Your reply by email to esimmons@ncmedsoc.org would be appreciated.

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Meeting Professionals International Recognizes NCDA's Nancy Lowe for Excellence

The NCDA congratulates Associate Director for Meeting & Education Services Nancy Lowe, CMP for being recognized with the Hall of Fame Award on May 18 by the Meeting Professionals International - Carolinas Chapter (MPI-CC). The chapter Hall of Fame Award recognizes and rewards members who exemplify excellence and enduring service to MPI.

Nancy has demonstrated those qualities (and more!) throughout her nearly 25 years of active membership. She has served in many leadership positions, including MPI-CC Board of Directors (1992-94) and chair positions on the Meeting Planning Committee and Public Relations Committee, among other committee posts. Nancy has made significant contributions to the meeting planning industry as a panelist and guest speaker, and she has contributed articles to industry publications. Nancy also is an active member of Association Executives of North Carolina and makes regular contributions of her time, talent and treasure to charitable organizations. Congratulations, Nancy!

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NCMS Leadership College at the Legislature

The NCMS Leadership College Class of 2015 spent a day meeting with lawmakers and observing what goes on at the North Carolina General Assembly as part of White Coat Wednesday on June 3. The NCMS Leadership College Program builds and enhances physician and PA leadership skills and equips graduates to become effective leaders in their workplace as well as more influential in motivating and inspiring their peers to be leaders in their medical settings and their communities.

Seven dermatologists have participated in this innovative leadership development course since it was started in 2003:

  • Kelly Pearson, MD (Chapel Hill) – Class of 2015
  • Susan C. Sanders, MD (Concord) – Class of 2014
  • Katherine M. Varman, MD (Chapel Hill) – Class of 2014
  • Amy W. Fox, MD (Chapel Hill) – Class of 2013
  • Craig N. Burkhart, MD (Chapel Hill) – Class of 2011
  • Adnan Nasir, MD (Raleigh) – Class of 2007
  • Robert E. Clark, MD, PhD (Cary) – Class of 2006

Applications for the 2016 Leadership College class are due July 15, 2015.
For more information, visit the NCMS website.

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DHHS Announces Leadership Changes

The NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced May 21 that Deputy Secretary for Health Services and Medicaid Director Dr. Robin Gary Cummings, is leaving the department to become Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. His last day at DHHS was June 5.  DHH Secretary Dr. Aldona Wos also announced that Dave Richards will replace Dr. Cummings as Deputy Secretary of Medical Assistance and Dr. Randall Williams, a Raleigh obstetrician/gynecologist, will become the Deputy Secretary of Health Services. Dr. Williams will oversee the Division of Public Health and the Office of Rural Health and Community Care. Read the DHHS press release

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CSRS Redesign Launched

To help tackle a growing epidemic of opioid abuse, the state’s Drug Control Unit launched its redesigned Controlled Substances Reporting System (CSRS) on March 17, 2015. The new web-interface is intended to provide prescribers and pharmacists with more intuitive control of the site. It also provides new convenient features like password reset, profile update, and prescribing history. In addition, the new system provides easy to read reports that include new information like MME (morphine milligram equivalents) conversion and method of payment. An online, 9-minute WebEx training video is available to allow prescribers and pharmacists to become familiar with the new interface. Go to the CSRS training video.

The following is a statement from the Drug Control Unit on the CSRS redesign.

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The Drug Control Unit is committed to improving the CSRS system in order for it to become a far more valuable clinical tool for patient care while significantly increasing utilization through the continuum of care.

Background
Housed within the DMH/DD/SAS, the North Carolina Controlled Substances Reporting System (CSRS) monitors the prescribing and dispensing of Schedule II-V controlled substances (CS) information including most commonly used opioid analgesics. The CSRS makes comprehensive patient CS prescription history information available to healthcare providers that prescribe or dispense CS.

Challenges
Data disclosure to providers takes place through the CSRS’s website. The current web-interface creates some challenges for prescribers and dispensers while trying to reset their passwords, accessing their prescribing history and managing their delegate accounts.

Solution
The Drug Control Unit has developed a new web-interface that provides prescribers and pharmacists a more intuitive control of the site. It also provides new convenient features like password reset, profile update and prescribing history. In addition, the new system provides easy to read reports that include new information like MME conversion and method of payment.
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Prescription drug and heroin abuse have risen to epidemic proportions and are a significant public health concern. The U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations has opened a series of hearings to understand what steps the states are taking to combat opioid abuse and to explore how state and federal policies can maximize and expand evidence-based practices in their communities. The series continued on Thursday, May 21, with a hearing titled, “What are the State Governments Doing to Combat the Opioid Abuse Epidemic?” See more on the Energy and Commerce Committee website.

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NCTracks Will Offer Regional Training Seminars in June

To help educate new providers, educate new billing staff of existing providers, and serve as a refresher for current and experienced provider staff, NCTracks will offer Regional Training Seminars throughout the month of June. The seminars offer a high-level overview of NCTracks, claim submission, prior approval, provider enrollment, credentialing, re-verification, provider maintenance, recipient eligibility, managed care referrals basics and system updates. The dates and locations for the seminars are:

  • Greenville - June 12, 2015
  • Winston Salem- June 16, 2015
  • Raleigh - June 19, 2015

For additional information and seminar registration, visit the NCTracks website.

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BCBSNC to Cut Blue Medicare Payments by 2%

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association of North Carolina (BCBSNC) recently announced that a new round of Medicare payment cuts would be implemented on Aug. 1, 2015. According to a BCBSNC notice, “[We] have determined that this alignment is necessary for providing our members continued access to high quality health care at an affordable price.” A payment cut of 2 percent will be applied to all covered services in the BCBSNC Medicare Advantage (Blue Medicare) plan. Read the notice here.

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2015 AADA Legislative Conference, Sept. 27-29

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Dermatology Practice for Sale - Charlotte Metro Area

A thriving solo medical and surgical practice is available for sale in Charlotte Metro Area. The practice is collecting $1,000,000 annually on 3 days/week with low overhead of only 30%. Payor mix of 50% PPO, 48% Medicare & 2% Cash. Enjoy amenities of recreational and outdoor living with big city exposure nearby! 100% Bank Financing Available. For details on this practice opportunity or information on how to list your practice for sale, contact Mo Majdi:

  • Tel: 800-416-2055
  • E:mail Mo@TransitionConsultants.com
  • www.TransitionConsultants.com

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July 10-12, 2015 @ The Omni Grove Park Inn Resort
2015 NCDA Summer Meeting
Saturday Evening Musical Entertainment by NITROGRASS!

Register Today!

Click to learn more about the band.

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