Blue Cross battles NC hospitals, health care providers over ‘wasteful’ radiology charges, 7-15-12, The News and Observer
Reporters Joseph Neff and Ames Alexander report on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina’s (BCBSNC) claim that health care professionals are charging an identical fee for each image taken during a radiology session with set up being performed only once. The NCMS opposes this policy and recently protested its concerns to the North Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI).
Health IT plan would cut spending, boost care, 7-19-12, The Charlotte Observer
NCMS member Robert B. Wilson, II, MD, reports that while the federal health care debates rages on, North Carolina lawmakers are pursuing an innovative health care law that would implement the use of technology to make Medicaid more efficient and expedite patient care.
Dr. Eric T. Warren Selected for Patients’ Choice Award 2011, 7-17-12, PR Newswire
PR Newswire reports that NCMS member Eric T. Warren, MD, has been ranked among the top physicians in the nation based on patient reviews.
Doctors Use Eggs to Reverse Egg Allergies in Kids, 7-19-12, The News and Observer/Associated Press
AP Chief Medical Writer Marilynn Marchione reports that doctors have reversed allergies in some children and teens by giving them tiny daily doses of problem foods, gradually training their immune systems to accept them.
FDA approves highly anticipated weight-loss pill, 7-17-12, WRAL/Associated Press
Writer Matthew Perrone reports that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday approved a new weight loss drug from Vivus Inc., that many doctors consider the most effective therapy in a new generation of anti-obesity pills designed to help patients safely shed pounds.
Carolinas HealthCare System together with Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital perform first open heart surgery in Belize, 7-17-12, PR Newswire
PR Newswire reports that physicians from Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS) and Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), in Belize City, Belize, performed the first open heart surgery in the country of Belize.
Magazine names FirstHealth one of the Top NC Hospitals, 7-18-12, Southern Pines Pilot
The Pilot reports that FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital scored a top honor for state hospitals when it was named fifth best hospital in North Carolina by US News & World Report.
US News & World Report ranks Duke Hospital among the best, 7-17-12, WRAL
WRAL reports that the US News & World Report has ranked Duke University Medical Center among the nation’s Top 10 hospitals. This is the 23rd consecutive year that Duke has been included in the magazine’s list of best hospitals in the country.
Experts: Africa countries lose out on AIDS funding, 7-19-12, The News and Observer/Associated Press
Reporter Angus Shaw writes that African nations are not receiving adequate international funding to fight HIV/AIDS, leaving them to face catastrophic consequences without enough medication.
Historic Raleigh home may face demolition, 7-13-12, The News and Observer
Writer Yeshwanth Kandimalla reports that the historic home of Past President George W. Paschal, Jr., MD, who pushed to end racial segregation among state physicians during his term, may face demolition. The home, which has been sustainable for the past 50 years, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
