October 19, 2009

2009 NCMS Delegates: The Packets Are in the Mail

The NCMS mailed 219  packets on Friday, October 16, to all registered delegates of the 2009 NCMS House of Delegates (HOD).  Each packet contained a delegate card and a flash drive […]

October 16, 2009

More H1N1 Vaccine Heading to NC

State public health officials are awaiting more shipments of H1N1 flu vaccine as initial supplies have been depleted at clinics across the state. Supplies of the vaccine are being shipped to North Carolina and other states from the federal stockpile and are expected to arrive next week.

October 16, 2009

2010 State Medical Facilities Plan Approved

The North Carolina State Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) met in Raleigh on Friday, October 9, 2009. At this meeting, the Council adopted the 2010 State Medical Facilities Plan, including approval […]

October 9, 2009

New BCBSNC Addendum

BCBSNC has sent out contract addenda to many physician practices in order to comply with Senate Bill 877 Fair Contracting. Senate Bill 877 was a major legislative priority of North Carolina physicians and medical group managers in the 2009 session. NCMS is reviewing the BCBSNC addenda and has concerns related to the contact notice provision, pricing policy disclosure, availability of new fees and other provisions.

October 9, 2009

CIGNA Medicare Publishes Checklist for Signatures

In response to questions by NCMS, CIGNA Government Services has created a checklist outlining requirements for physician signatures on claims and other forms of documentation.

October 2, 2009

State Health Director Discusses Recent H1N1 Activity and What Physicians Need to Know

State Health Director Jeffrey Engel, MD visited the NCMS on September 24th to discuss the latest statistics and impact of the H1N1 virus on North Carolina. Dr. Engel discussed what physicians need to know about the virus and H1N1 vaccinations, including dispelling rumors about the vaccine. He also spelled out the targeted populations that should receive the vaccine first. View Dr. Engel’s video update…

October 2, 2009

North Carolina Among States with Increased Flu Activity

The CDC reports that North Carolina is among 26 states that have reported widespread influenza activity. The list includes states surrounding North Carolina.  According to the CDC, visits to doctors […]

October 2, 2009

New CPT Codes for H1N1 Immunizations

The AMA, working with the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), has expedited the publication of new health care codes specific to the H1N1 vaccine product. The new […]

September 29, 2009

Medicaid Provider Rate Cut Being Implemented Oct.1

NC Medicaid has announced their proposed State Plan Amendments to save over $200 million from medical services and goods over the next two years. In order to achieve $76 million of this savings this year, NC Medicaid will make a 9% cut to all but 89 specific codes used by physicians and other providers caring for Medicaid patients.

The Medicaid codes that have been protected will continue to be paid at 95% of Medicare. The other codes will be slashed to an average of 86.5% of Medicare rates. Hospitals that are not owned by the State of North Carolina will also be impacted with a 6% cut to their DRG.

September 25, 2009

Temporary Order Requires NC Physicians to Report Influenza-Related Deaths of Persons 18 and Older

The State Health Director has issued a temporary order requiring North Carolina physicians to report all influenza-associated deaths in persons 18 years of age or older. Influenza deaths in children less than 18 years of age have been legally reportable since 2004. This order is necessary to enhance influenza surveillance during the current pandemic.