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Registration Now Open!
October 9-11
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Certificate of Need, Medicaid & The Really Looooooong Session
We are pushing hard for repeal of the state's outdated, anti-competitive and misdirected Certificate of Need (CON) laws. As the "long session" continues to drag on well past the 100 day mark, there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel. In an effort to revive budget negotiations with the House, Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger announced on Wednesday, August 5, that the Senate would remove Medicaid reform from the budget discussion in which it had been entangled since earlier this summer. As the budget negotiations progress, we must remain vigilant and vocal. Please continue to speak with your elected officials about the need to repeal CON for ambulatory surgery centers (ACOs) and diagnostic centers this year, and report any feedback that you receive to us at ncoa@ncmedsoc.org.
Medicaid Reform - Since Sen. Berger's Aug. 5 announcement, the Senate passed a Medicaid reform bill and sent it back to the House. The House voted to not concur with the Senate plan. Now, the details are being worked out by a conference committee comprised of representatives from both chambers. Negotiators reached a tentative agreement this week to pursue a "hybrid" model in which both managed care organizations and provider-led entities would play a role.
Now is the time to make your voice heard. If movement on either issue occurs this year, it will likely happen in the next few weeks. While Medicaid reform is a legislative priority for key leaders of both chambers, lawmakers are antsy to go home and the budget is the only legislative responsibility keeping them in Raleigh at this late date.
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Surgeons Advocate for CON Reform at the Legislature
NCOA extends its thanks to all the physicians who have taken the time to talk about these important issues with legislators this year. Your colleagues Drs. Mack Aldridge (Durham), William Hage (Raleigh), Stephen Lang (Durham) and Bryan Jennings (Winston-Salem) were among more than a dozen physicians that participated in meetings with legislators last month in Raleigh.
Meetings with legislators are the most effective way to make your voice heard. And we want you to know that we're here to help with that. For assistance coordinating meetings with legislators, please contact Denna Suko, NCOA Deputy Director, at 919-833-3836 or dsuko@ncmedsoc.org.
 
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There's Something for Everyone at the 2015 NCOA Annual Meeting, Oct. 9-11
Registration is now open for the 2015 NCOA Annual Meeting, scheduled for October 9-11 at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Kiawah, S.C. This year's program features Dr. Thomas Vail, University of California-San Francisco, and Dr. David Teuscher, President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
There's something for everyone! The program includes several specialized breakout sessions to hone in on your particular area of interest. Additionally, the weekend features activities beyond the scientific sessions for the enjoyment of you and your family, including a family-friendly oyster roast reception and buffet dinner at scenic Mingo Point, with musical entertainment and highlighted by the presentation of the Honored Surgeon Award!
Registration - Early-bird discounts end September 9!
Accommodations – Reserve yours by September 9!
The East Beach villas each include a full kitchen, living room and screened porch. One-, two- and three-bedroom villas are available. Call (800) 654-2924 and mention NCOA to receive the special group rates starting at $230 plus resort fee and taxes.
The Southern Regional AHEC designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
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New Accountable Care Toolkit for Orthopaedists
The Toward Accountable Care Consortium (TAC Consortium) unveiled a new toolkit last month aimed at helping orthopaedic surgeons transition to new payment models. The Accountable Care Guide for Orthopaedists provides strategic guidance for physicians establishing and participating in accountable care organizations (ACOs). This new toolkit is part of a series that includes general as well as specialty-specific toolkits developed with financial support from TAC Consortium member organizations, the North Carolina Medical Society and the Physicians Foundation. The following NCOA members are recognized for providing content expertise:
- Richard Bruch, MD, Triangle Orthopaedic Associates
- Thomas Dimmig, MD, Triangle Orthopaedic Associates
- Mike Lucas, MD, Cornerstone Health Care
- Chad Mather, MD, Duke University Medical Center
- Leo Spector, MD, OrthoCarolina
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WITN-TV “Doctors on Call” Needs Physician Volunteers
Help Answer Viewers' Medical Questions During This Important Community Event
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: WITN-TV's new studio, located at 275 East Arlington Blvd, Greenville
Doctors on Call is an annual event sponsored by the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) and the Pitt County Medical Society in conjunction with WITN in Greenville, where physician volunteers answer medical questions called in by local TV viewers. We encourage you to take part in this important community service event by volunteering just one or two hours of your time. Doctors on Call physician volunteers have helped thousands of people over the years, supporting our mission of promoting access to quality health care.
Physicians and residents from all specialties are needed. Please note: all volunteers must hold an active medical license in the State of North Carolina.
Sign up today!
For questions regarding the program, please contact Kristen Shipherd with the NCMS or Tricia Maddrey-Baker with the Pitt County Medical Society.
NCMS membership is not required to participate in this event, so please forward this email along to your colleagues.
Thank you for your support of this program!
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Wos Resigns from DHHS; Meet the New DHHS Secretary
Aldona Wos, MD has stepped down as Secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Mr. Rick Brajer, a former biotech executive, was sworn in as the new DHHS Secretary on Friday, August 14. The change in leadership, which was announced on Wednesday, August 5, is the second major leadership change at DHHS this year. Mr. Brajer’s history reflects work in the private/corporate sector. Dr. Robin Cummings resigned as Medicaid Director in May. He was succeeded by Mr. Dave Richard who has considerable DHHS experience. It is unclear what impact, if any, this change in leadership at DHHS will have on Medicaid reform going forward.
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Apply to OREF by Sept. 2 for Project Year 2016 Funding!
The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) is accepting proposals for individual research grants addressing issues in the field of orthopaedics. Funding opportunities from $5,000 to $225,000 are available for fellows, residents and post-docs. Applications must be submitted on or before Wednesday, September 2, 2015. For more information, please visit www.oref.org/grants.
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ICD-10 Clinical Concepts for Orthopaedics
CMS launched a new series of ICD-10 transition guides for various specialties, including an ICD-10 Clinical Concepts for Orthopaedics as a downloadable PDF. The series covers common codes, offers clinical documentation tips and illustrates documentation and coding guidelines using a variety of clinical scenarios. The ICD-10 compliance date is October 1, 2015.
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