In this edition:
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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We are pushing hard for repeal of the state's outdated, anti-competitive and misdirected Certificate of Need (CON) laws.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 ncoto@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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Otolaryngologist Advocates for CON Reform at the Legislature
The NCSOHNS extends its thanks to all the physicians who have taken the time to talk about these important issues with legislators this year. Your colleague Dr. Charles Ford (Boone) was 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, NCSOHNS Deputy Director, at 919-833-3836 or dsuko@ncmedsoc.org.
  
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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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AAO-HNS 2015 Annual Meeting & Oto Expo, Sept. 27-30
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Bonus of $75,000 and up to $250,000 in Student Loan Repayments
The Army Reserve Medical Corp is seeking otolaryngologists. Please consider the following request and this informational flyer from Sgt. Bradley Cooper, US Army.
Dear Doctor,
America’s Army is calling. Will you answer the call?
Eligible Physicians in your specialty can qualify for special pay of $75,000 and up to $250,000 in student loan repayments.
Becoming a member of the Army Reserve Medical Corps as an officer and clinician, you would be joining a dynamic organization at a momentous time in our nation’s history. Our facilities and medical acumen are cutting edge, providing an environment that encourages constant growth, defying even your greatest accomplishments. Our patients are the finest individuals this country can muster; you will not find a more worthwhile and appreciated organization than the United States Army Medical Corps with which to contribute your clinical expertise. Your commitment to be a part of this effort was best described over fifty years ago by General James E. Doolittle when he posed that “….there is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.”
Will you share your time-honed skills, education and other gifts of freedom? Can you share one weekend a month and two weeks a year, giving back to the men and women who serve our country? You’re never too old to use your skills with the Army Reserves.
Will you exemplify the fact that there really is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer? We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Warm regards,
Bradley S. Cooper
SGT, U.S. Army
Raleigh Medical Recruiting Center
Cell (404) 808-3586
Bradley.s.cooper.mil@mail.mil
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Save the date! 2016 NCSOHNS/SCSOHNS Annual Meeting, July 29-31
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Experience the splendor and renowned service of the Belmond Charleston Place, a newly renovated historic hotel in the heart of Charleston. The 2016 Assembly of the North Carolina and South Carolina Societies of Otolaryngology will be held July 29-31. Participants enjoy a special discounted room rate of just $276 plus taxes.
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