News & Press

NCPeds News Net -- March 2024

Mon, 1 Apr 2024 19:54:00 GMT


	A Preview of the Virtual Spring Open Forum


	Not quite a year ago, NCPeds adopted a new strategic plan with four areas of focus: child mental health, pediatric workforce, right-sizing the organization and centering diversity in our work. We seek to balance this focus while continuing to address timely concerns, especially as they affect some of the most vulnerable child populations. With that lens in mind, starting April 8, we are pleased to offer our Virtual Spring Open Forum, with equity infused throughout the sessions. Topics include two didatics on child mental health, two on pediatric workforce and two addressing timely issues that particularly impact vulnerable child populations (infants and children who may have been abused or neglected). These desktop learning sessions will run April 8 to July 29 and are free to members. You must be a member to register to get the participation information. Registration and more information will be available on our events page once the sessions become available. Delivering on the Vision: Historic Investments in Child and Family Well-being, Hanaleah Hoberman, MPH, Director, Child and Family Strategy, NCDHHS (30 minutes) Empowering Connections: Navigating the Heart of Mental Health with Latino Families, Gabriela Maradiaga Panayotti, MD, IBCLC and Luke Smith, MD, El Futuro NC (45 minutes) Understanding MOC and CME Requirements, Kenya McNeal-Trice, MD, FAAP, UNC (30 minutes) Congenital Syphilis: What Pediatricians Need to Know, Victoria Mobley, MD, MPH, Medical Director HIV/STI, NCDHHS (30 minutes) The ABCs or Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting, Stacy Thomas, MD, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (60 minutes) Exploring the Leaky Pathway to Medicine and the Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Jasmine Weiss, MD, MHS, FAAP, UNC General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (45 minutes) Members can earn up to 4 hours of CME – stay tuned to the registration page for details.


	2024 Practice Manager Retreat


	A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Practice Manager Retreat! We had a great time in Greenville March 7-8 and are thankful for everyone who attended, presented or exhibited. A special shout out to our amazing co-chairs, Nathan Morgan and Jennifer Lewis, for sharing their time and efforts to make the meeting a success!


	Quote of the Month


	"The North Carolina Pediatric Society (NCPeds) is one of our state's strongest advocates for health insurance coverage for children. Because of intensive efforts by NCPeds members to educate members of our legislature about this, roughly 95% of our state's children have some sort of insurance, which is much better than our adult population. Pediatric surgical subspecialists, like me, often use this fact when we push our hospitals and health care systems to recruit and hire additional providers to help serve these kids. Without NCPS, I suspect our state would probably have far fewer pediatric surgeons." --Duncan Phillips, MD, FACS, FAAP Surgeon-in-Chief WakeMed Children's, Raleigh, NC


	Meet NCPeds’ Members Kelly Kimple, MD, MPH, FAAP N.C. Department of Health and Human Services


	Helping children through every stage of their development is one of the reasons Kelly Kimple, MD, FAAP, loves her job. “We all have a passion to serve children and their families, ensure that everyone has the best start in life as possible, and that is what drives me every day – to improve the lives of children and our future generation and working across diverse partners,” she said. Kelly is the Senior Medical Director for Health Promotion and the NC Title V Maternal and Child Health Director in the Division of Public Health in the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services where she works to promote the health and well-being of all individuals and to address inequities across the state. “I work to be intentional about health equity in all that we do. We emphasize engaging the communities we serve and individuals with lived experience to inform our efforts. We also focus on the whole person and the non-medical drivers of health in our efforts, including racism,” she said. She joined NCPeds nearly 15 years ago during her residency and has enjoyed the community that comes with its membership. “Pediatricians are wonderful and bringing them all together – even better! Imagine the possibilities. As a public servant, I can reach out to members and always count on getting valuable feedback, input and engagement that helps North Carolina serve its residents,” she said. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her medical and public health degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She lives in Chapel Hill with her husband and two sons where they enjoy traveling, hiking, listening to live music, cooking and sporting events. She also enjoys salsa dancing and scuba diving.


	Meet NCPeds’ Staff Matt Robinson Development Operations and Engagement Associate


	We are excited to welcome Matt Robinson to the NCPeds team! Matt joined NCPeds in March as our new Development Operations and Engagement Associate where he will be supporting the NCPeds staff with donor and member engagement and support, database management, website maintenance, and administrative support. “I am looking forward to working with and getting to know our passionate members! I’m excited to be able to contribute to the NCPeds mission in a number of different areas and helping out our dedicated small staff wherever I can,” he said. For the past five years, Matt served as a Business Liaison for the O*NET Occupational Research Program through RTI International and the U.S. Department of Labor and previously served as a Client Manager for a real estate asset management company. He is a graduate of Villanova University where he received a bachelor’s degree in marketing. A self-professed die-hard Steelers Fan, Matt grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and now lives in Durham with his wife, one-year-old daughter and Phil, the family’s beloved Pitbull. You’ll often find them venturing out to enjoy North Carolina’s outdoor areas through walks around their neighborhood, local parks and trails.


	Project Firstline


	As we enter the spring and summer travel season, clinicians should be on alert for cases of measles. Measles cases often originate from unvaccinated or undervaccinated U.S. residents who travel internationally and then transmit the disease to people who are not vaccinated against measles. Healthcare providers should consider measles in patients presenting with febrile rash illness and clinically compatible measles symptoms, especially if the person recently traveled internationally or was exposed to a person with febrile rash illness. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that typically begins with a prodrome of fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting 2-4 days prior to rash onset. Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death. Ensure that your patients 6 months of age or older who will be traveling internationally are protected against measles. It is crucial for healthcare providers to immediately notify local or state health departments about any suspected case of measles to ensure rapid testing and investigation. Measles cases are reported by states to CDC through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) and can also be reported directly to CDC at measlesreport@cdc.gov. Additionally, healthcare workers should be adequately protected against measles; adhere to standard and airborne precautions when evaluating suspect cases regardless of their vaccination status. To view the most up-to-date case count, please visit: Measles Cases and Outbreaks \| CDC.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email matt@ncpeds.org to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. White Coat Wednesday* Wednesday, June 5 Raleigh, NC 2024 Annual Meeting Friday, Aug. 23 - Sunday, Aug. 25 Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club Durham, NC


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- February 2024

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 02:16:00 GMT


	Thank You to Our Partner Practices


	A huge thank you to our 2024 Partner Practices! Being a Partner Practice means that all of their practicing pediatricians are members of NCPeds. We currently have 37 practices that includes more than 222 pediatricians and other child health professionals. We thank our great partners and look forward to a terrific year! ABC Pediatrics of Asheville Ahoskie Pediatrics Albemarle Pediatrics Blue Ridge Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Inc Burkhart Pediatric & Adolescent Dermatology Burlington Pediatrics Carolina Kids Pediatrics Carolina Pediatrics of the Triad, PA Carolina Pediatrics of Wilmington Carteret Children's Clinic Catawba Pediatric Associates Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Chapel Hill Children & Adolescents' Clinic Clinton Medical Clinic Eastern Pediatrics, PA Goldsboro Pediatrics Greensboro Pediatricians Jeffers, Artman, and Mann Pediatrics Haywood Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine Group, PA High Point Pediatrics Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford & Fayetteville Lakeshore Pediatric Center, PA Mountain Area Pediatric Associates, P.A. Mountain View Pediatrics Pediatrics at Home PLLC Pediatric Partners Pirate Pediatrics PA Raleigh Pediatric Associates Robeson Pediatrics Salisbury Pediatric Associates, PA Sandhills Pediatrics, Inc Sanford Pediatrics, P.A. Surf Pediatrics and Medicine Thomasville-Archdale Pediatrics Unifour Pediatrics Western Wake Pediatrics White Oak Pediatrics


	2024 Winter Open Forum


	We had a great 2024 Winter Open Forum on Jan. 27 in Greensboro. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, exhibited or presented at the conference! This was our first in-person Open Forum since 2020, and it was worth the wait. As part of the conference, we were able to give 500 gun locks to 44 practices covering 23 North Carolina counties. Thank you everyone! We'll see you again at the 2025 Winter Open Forum.


	Quote of the Month


	"NCPeds makes North Carolina a better place to practice pediatrics." --Graham Barden III, MD, FAAP


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Alexandria Card, MD UNC Pediatrics


	When Alexandria Card, MD, presented a poster at an NCPeds event in the fall of 2023, she was inspired to not only become involved with the organization but to also join the Membership Committee. “It was a really huge networking opportunity, and I got the opportunity to meet a lot of alumni of UNC Pediatrics and to hear about the incredible advocacy work that pediatricians were doing across North Carolina. It aligned with things I hope to do in my future career,” she said. When she was offered the chance to join the NCPeds Membership Committee, she realized the potential to promote the organization to other residents. “I hope to make this more accessible to residents because I think this is a really great organization to be a part of especially during our residency. I am really hoping to utilize this year and this committee time to get more UNC residents involved and connect with more residency programs in North Carolina,” she said. Alexandria is finishing her third year as a resident at UNC Pediatrics and will soon begin a Chief Resident year. She attended Duke University for her undergraduate studies and completed medical school at the University of Illinois Chicago. During her residency, she has been developing a health equity curriculum that she hopes to expand upon during her year as Chief Resident. The curriculum is designed to incorporate discussion of vulnerable pediatric populations into resident conferences and hopes to include opportunities for community service and guest lectures from the community. Alexandria was born in Chicago but grew up in Winston-Salem, N.C. and currently lives in Durham. She likes to travel, read and experience new restaurants. She is a former all-star cheerleader who was part of two world-championship teams.


	Project Firstline


	With recent reports of measles in a growing number of states, the AAP is urging clinicians to be prepared to identify a possible case of measles and take infection-control measures. The following resources can help clinicians respond to a known or suspected case of measles: AAP's Infectious Disease Quick Reference Sheet for Measles The CDC's Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Measles in Healthcare Settings Printable Project Firstline Infection Control: Cleaning and Disinfecting Checklists (English version \| Spanish version)


	What is Solution Share?


	Solution Shares are Zoom calls that started during COVID. The need to share good ideas and brainstorm problem solving did not end with the end of the Public Health Emergency so Solution Shares will continue in 2024. The calls are half an hour every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Some people are on camera but many are driving home at the time. We generally focus conversation amongst ourselves –dealing with drug/formula shortages, closing care gaps, keeping naloxone on the crash cart, handling billing/coding issues – whatever is on your mind. There is typically no agenda – members share their great idea or ask for input for an issue they are facing. We occasionally also have guest speakers. Examples of recent speakers include AHEC on their RFP for Rural Training Hubs; the Immunization Branch with COVID and nirsevimab immunization updates, a North Carolina member of ACIP answering questions about ACIP changes, etc. The call is only open to NCPeds members, and you must enter your name to be allowed in the waiting room. If you want to receive the reminder emails with the Zoom Link, please email Matt@ncpeds.org.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Matt@ncpeds.org* to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2024 Practice Managers' Retreat Thursday, March 7 - Friday, March 8 Holiday Inn Greenville, NC White Coat Wednesday Wednesday, June 5 Raleigh, NC 2024 Annual Meeting Friday, Aug. 23 - Sunday, Aug. 25 Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club Durham, NC


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- January 2024

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:39:00 GMT


	Thank You to Our 2023 Donors!


	A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to NCPeds in 2023. Your donations help make our mission to improve the health of all North Carolina children and support the pediatric professionals who care for them a reality! $12,500 - $15,000 Giving Level Sandhills Pediatrics $5,000 - $7,500 Giving Level Burlington Pediatrics Cary-Apex-Fuquay Varina Pediatric Center Children's Health of Carolina Coastal Children's Clinic Goldsboro Pediatrics Jeffers, Mann & Artman Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine John Rusher, MD, JD, FAAP $2,500 - $4,999 Giving Level ABC Pediatrics of Asheville Brian Bowman, MD, PhD, FAAP Pirate Pediatrics Raleigh Pediatric Associates Robeson Pediatrics $1,000 - $2,499 Giving Level Albemarle Pediatrics Herbert Clegg, II, MD, FAAP Christoph Diasio, MD, FAAP Harald Kowa, MD, FAAP Katie Lowry, MD, FAAP Susan R. Mims, MD, MPH, FAAP Mountain View Pediatrics J. Duncan Phillips, MD, FAAP Sanford Pediatrics Mary-Cassie Shaw, MD, FAAP Michael Steiner, MD, MPH, FAAP David Tayloe, Jr., MD, FAAP David Tayloe, III, MD, FAAP Western Wake Pediatrics $500 - $999 Giving Level Karen Breach-Washington, MD, FAAP Joseph Bell, MD, FAAP Tim Bukowski, MD, FAAP Carolina Pediatrics of the Triad Catawba Pediatric Associates Children’s Health Pembroke Kathleen Clarke-Pearson, MD, FAAP Stephen Edwards, MD, FAAP Marian F. Earls, MD, MTS, FAAP Jane Foy, MD, FAAP Rita Gunter, MD, FAAP Charles Hayek, MD, FAAP Kasey Joyner, MD, FAAP Anna Miller-Fitzwater, MD, MPH, FAAP Peter J. Morris, MD, MPH, MDiv, FAAP David Nichols, MD, FAAP Park Avenue Pediatrics Laurie Pulver, MD, FAAP Michael Riddick, MBA Henry Smith, II, MD, FAAP Scott St. Clair, MD, FAAP Richard Sutherland, MD, FAAP Siegfried Yeh, MD, FAAP $250 - $499 Giving Level Amazon Smile Debbie Ainsworth, MD, FAAP Dennis Clements, III, MD, FAAP Children’s Health Services Christine Collins, MSW The Duke Endowment Marisa Flores, MD, FAAP Theresa McCarthy Flynn, MD, MPH, FAAP Robert Ford, Jr., MD Emily Hannon, MD, FAAP Karin Hillenbrand, MD, FAAP Sara Horstmann, MD, FAAP Elizabeth Hudgins, MPP Karen Kartheiser, MD, FAAP Martha Ann Keels, DDS, PhD William Lawrence, Jr., MD, FAAP Deborah Leiner, MD, FAAP Preeti Matkins, MD, FAAP Gerri Mattson, MD, MPH, FAAP Ansley Miller, MD, FAAP Wissam Nadra, MD, FAAP Kenya McNeal-Trice, MD, FAAP David Millsaps, MD, FAAP Wissam Nadra, MD, FAAP Shruti Simha, MD, MPH, FAAP Ross L. Vaughan, MD, FAAP David Williams, MD, FAAP $100 - $249 Giving Level Sarah Atkins, MD, FAAP Marty Baker, MD, FAAP Graham Barden, III, MD, FAAP Rita Chen, MD, FAAP Charles Crawford, MD, FAAP Rebecca S. Coker, MD, FAAP Jennifer Crotty, MD, FAAP Kim Day Natacha Draper Robert Drucker, MD, FAAP Beverly Edwards, MD, FAAP Patti Gilbert Akilah Grimes, MD, FAAP Katherine Ann Jordan, MD Rufus Herring, Jr., MD, FAAP Susan Huffman, CMPE Colleen Huseboe Carmen Moreno, MD, FAAP Dale Newton, MD H. Stacy Nicholson, MD, MPH, FAAP William Purcell, MD, FAAP Robert Schwartz, MD, FAAP Lynn Spees, MD Karen Todd, MD, MPH, FAAP Emily Vander Schaaf, MD, MPH, FAAP Tom Vitaglione, MPH Spencer Weig, MD, FAAP Rebecca Weinshilboum, DO, FAAP To $99 Giving Level Nicole Groves, MD, FAAP David Hill, MD, FAAP Carla Holder, MD, MPH, FAAP Jeffrey Johnson, MD, FAAP Dwight Koeberl, MD Kimberly Montez, MD, MPH, FAAP Shawn P. Parker Lourdes Pereda, MD, FAAP Kenneth Roberts, MD, FAAP Danielle Rose, MD, FAAP Lindsay A. Thompson, MD, FAAP Elizabeth Tilt, MD, FAAP Charles F. Willson, MD, FAAP Laura Windham, MD, FAAP


	Update from NCPeds


	As we welcome 2024, the NCPeds staff is looking forward to many changes and opportunities for the year ahead. Some of the exciting things we have coming up include: Implementing the New Strategic Plan and using it to guide our work for the year ahead and beyond Welcoming the new Executive Committee of the Board following an election at the 2023 Annual Meeting Welcoming a new colleague in the first quarter who is filling a new role and expanding our capacity Enjoying a full year of the newly created Deputy Director role to help grow capacity Introducing a new meeting "cadence" with the Spring Open Forum being permanently virtual and a return to an in-person Annual Meeting and Winter Open Forum Going remote as we end our lease in the fall of 2024 We believe these changes are all for the better and will allow us to serve member needs today while also preparing us for the future. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns.


	Elizabeth Hudgins To Serve on AAP Committee


	NC Pediatric Society Executive Director Elizabeth Hudgins was selected to serve on the Executive Director Steering Committee (EDSC) of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Her three-year term began in August of 2023. The EDSC plans the annual conference for chapter executive directors and serves as a liaison with AAP staff on key issues. Elizabeth notes “engagement with fellow chapters EDs is a much appreciated support, and it is an honor to be selected to serve on the EDSC.”


	Project Firstline Resources


	Project Firstline has recently added a Draining Wound topic to their popular "micro-learn" library. These micro-learns offer a series of guided infection control discussions that provide brief, on-the-job educational opportunities. Each micro-learn focuses on a single infection control topic and connects infection control concepts to immediate, practical value. Healthcare workers can easily apply the key points to their daily work and perform the recommended actions to keep germs from spreading. Other PFL micro-learns include: Cough and Congestion Rash Diarrhea Thank you for all you do to keep children, clinicians and staff healthy!


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2024 Practice Managers' Retreat* Thursday, March 7 - Friday, March 8 Holiday Inn Greenville, NC White Coat Wednesday Wednesday, June 5 Raleigh, NC 2024 Annual Meeting Friday, Aug. 23 - Sunday, Aug. 25 Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club Durham, NC


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- December 2023

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 21:46:00 GMT


	A Look Back at 2023!


	We are sending our December newsletter early in the hopes that you will be able to disconnect a bit from email over the holidays! It is hard to believe that we are near the end of 2023! The year has been filled with so many accomplishments thanks to the hard work and dedication of our members and partner organizations. As we look back on our year, we want to share some of the highlights of our work on behalf of the health and wellbeing of North Carolina’s children. Signature events offered pediatric-focused, NC-specific education! Clinicians had the opportunity to earn up to: 13.25 CME, 10.0 MOC-2 while practice managers had the opportunity to earn up to 12 CEUs. A triple-demic struck in early 2023, putting a tremendous strain on pediatric hospital beds. NCPeds leaders worked to create a pediatric bed finder that was housed on our website. On April 1, 2023, following decades of advocacy, Health Choice merged with Medicaid so that about 50,000 more children now get the full range of EPSDT benefits, practices and Plans have few plan variations to monitor with no increased cost to Medicaid. In September, the state budget passed with historic investments in health care workforce, including forgivable loans, loan repayment and preceptor investments and mental health including behavioral health facilities for children, rate increases, more Innovations Waiver slots and state funding for NC-PAL. On December 1, Medicaid expanded to cover hundreds of thousands more North Carolinians aged 19 to 64. NCPeds was an early and ongoing advocate for this change. Working with NCDHHS, commercial payers, CCNC, AHEC, NC Psychiatric Association, NC Academy of Family Physicians and others, NCPeds worked to adapt and promote the Collaborative Care model to include increased rates, uniform definitions across payers and implementation supports to maximize existing workforce to expand mental health services for children and adults. Solution Share calls continue to offer a way for pediatric providers to connect and learn from one other on a weekly basis. Working together we helped to identify and address issues relating to drug shortages to inform changes in the Preferred Drug List to include available options, nonpayment of certain per capita payments all while sharing information on new vaccines, COVID commercialization, oral health topics and more. We’ve had a number of special guests ranging from the Immunization Branch, to NC-PAL (Gary Maslow) to an ACIP member (Kathy Poehling) to the pediatric PDL representative (Anna Miller-Fitzwater). Weekly member communications shared with key updates on RSV, immunizations, mental health resources, firearm safety, infection prevention and control, diversity, inclusion equity and belonging resources, information on unwinding of public health emergency, ways to connect families with Medicaid expansion and more. None of this would have been possible without the dedicated support of our members, partners and supporters. We say a huge thank you to each of you! In order to keep this important work going, we hope you will support this continuing work with a gift to NCPeds’ 2023 General Fund which provides crucial financial support to keep NCPeds strong for the work ahead. Click here to donate.


	Support NCPeds' Endowment


	NCPeds' endowment, The Legacy Fund, is housed at the North Carolina Community Foundation. The fund is designed to provide long-term, sustainable and permanent income for NCPeds. One tax beneficial way to support The Legacy Fund is via a Qualified Charitable Deduction or “QCD.” This method which allows for those 73 and older to make charitable donations directly from qualified retirement plans, including IRAs, can reduce the donor’s taxable required minimum distribution. Additionally because the QCD donation goes directly to NCPeds, the taxpayer is not taxed on that distribution. Frequently asked questions on QCDs is available here. You can contribute to The Legacy Fund by clicking here.


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Emily Vander Schaaf, MD, MPH, FAAP UNC School of Medicine


	Emily Vander Schaaf, MD, MPH, FAAP knew from an early age that she would one day be treating children. “I knew I was going to be a pediatrician before I knew I was going to be a doctor. Pediatrics was always going to be the way for me,” she said. After being involved with NCPeds for many years and serving on the Policy Committee, she joined the Board of Directors in summer 2023. In addition, she serves as the District IV CATCH Facilitator for the AAP. She enjoys the opportunities for learning and growth in the profession that NCPeds provides and is looking forward to being a part of the organization’s leadership. “These are folks that are committed to children and families in North Carolina and are committed to finding out how to best support the people of North Carolina. It’s a passionate group, and it’s an effective group. And, I feel inspired by every time I get to spend with them,” she said. Emily is an Associate Professor in the Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine within the Department of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. She received her Master of Public Health and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. She then went on to complete her residency and NRSA Primary Care Research Fellowship at UNC. She currently lives in Carrboro with her husband and two children ages five and eight. You’ll often find her seeking out live music performances in the Triangle area.


	Project Firstline Resources


	Looking for ways to protect yourself, coworkers, patients and community this respiratory season? Check out Project Firstline's Infection Prevention and Control FAQ page for current CDC recommendations. Topics covered include: General Infection Prevention Guidance Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Cleaning and Disinfection of Devices and Environmental Surfaces Ventilation Triage and Workflow


	Members in the News


	Pictured Above: Dr. Ashok Jain with wife, Vharka Jain, and daughter, Jhanve Jain. Congratulations to NCPeds member Ashok Jain, MD, FAAP, MBA, CPE, who was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal. This is the inaugural year for the award which recognizes an individual who has given a lifetime of service to his or her community. Ashok opened Hope Mills Pediatrics (now KidzCare Pediatrics) in 2003. When he opened his practice his goal was to treat any patient who needed help regardless of their ability to pay, and he has maintained that philosophy since the practice began. To learn more, visit the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2024 Winter Open Forum (In Person)* Saturday, Jan. 27 Grandover Resort & Spa Greensboro, NC 2024 Practice Managers' Retreat Thursday, March 7 - Friday, March 8 Holiday Inn Greenville, NC White Coat Wednesday Wednesday, June 5 Raleigh, NC 2024 Annual Meeting Friday, Aug. 23 - Sunday, Aug. 25 Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club Durham, NC


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- November 2023

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:20:00 GMT


	Thank You to our Members!


	We hope that each of our members had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday filled with family and friends. In the spirit of the season, we express gratitude to each of our members, partners and supporters who helped us make important strides for the health and wellbeing of North Carolina’s children. Successful advocacy takes strategy, time and collaboration. Thank you to all who make this work possible! Here are just a few of the things we are giving thanks for this year: Health Choice merged with Medicaid on April 1 following decades of advocacy. Now approximately 50,000 more children receive the full range of EPSDT benefits including oral health and more medically necessary services. This change also eliminates co-pays and streamlines family coverage. The State Budget passed in September with historic investments in the healthcare workforce, including forgivable loans, loan repayment and preceptor investments, plus mental health investments including behavioral health facilities for children, rate increases, more Innovations Waiver slots and state funding for NC-PAL. Medicaid will expand on December 1 to cover an estimated 600,000 North Carolinians aged 19 to 64. NCPeds was an early and ongoing advocate for this important change. Our all-volunteer Board that dedicates more than 1,000 hours per year setting the course for NCPeds. Our members who serve on our more than 10 NCPeds committees and 30 external committees to ensure the pediatric voice is always “at the table” and heard. The individual and practice donors who help keep NCPeds fiscally strong for the work ahead! We recognize these positive advocacy developments while also acknowledging the many pressing advocacy needs of the time and the work yet to be done together!


	Register for 2024 Winter Open Forum


	Winter Open Forum registration is now open! Join us on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, for a day of learning and networking. Agenda topics include: Safe Firearm Storage: Benefits of Counseling and NC’s New Awareness Campaign Immunization Insights from Inside ACIP with Q&A What the NC Budget Means for Child Mental Health And more! Click here to see the full agenda and register. We hope to see you there!


	Members in the Spotlight


	Several NCPeds’ members received awards at the North Carolina Medical Society’s 2023 LEAD Healthcare Conference and Awards Gala! Joseph Bell, MD, FAAP, and Karen Harum, MD, FAAP, were recognized with Golden Stethoscope Awards, and Peter J. Morris, MD, MPH, MDiv, FAAP, was recognized with the 2023 E. Harvey Estes, Jr. Physician Community Service Award. Pictured above (left to right): Katie Lowry, MD, FAAP; Elizabeth Hudgins, MPP; Peter J. Morris, MD, MPH, MDiv, FAAP; Lourdes Pereda, MD, FAAP; Yun Boylston, MD, FAAP; and Gerri Matson, MD, MPH, FAAP. Congratulations to all award winners!


	Meet Pediatric Leaders Eileen Raynor, MD, FACS, FAAP NC Medical Society


	In October 2023, Eileen Raynor, MD, FACS, FAAP, was sworn in as the new President of the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS). She has a long history with NCMS and is looking forward to her term as President. She has served on the NCMS Board of Directors since 2017 and was previously the President-Elect for 2022-2023. In addition, she has served as Chair of the Transactions Committee, Board Liaison for the Policy Committee and a member of the Medical Education Committee, Nominating and Leadership Development Committee and Legislative Cabinet. “I’m really trying to establish collaborations with other societies. We already have connections, and I want to really strengthen those connections and try to increase engagement from across the state from all physicians and physician assistants,” she said. “The more people we get engaged in the process the better our influence in helping our patients and the profession.” Eileen is the Chief of the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology in Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences at Duke University Health System. She joined the staff at Duke University Health in 2009 after spending eleven years practicing at the University of Florida in Jacksonville. “I’ve wanted to do medicine since I was three. I never wanted to do anything else,” she said. “I chose Ear, Nose and Throat because I wanted to do something surgical, but I also like that we manage patients medically, and we have that long-term relationship.” She received her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed her residency at the Medical College of Georgia. She now lives in Durham and loves following Duke basketball. Her hobbies include crafting, indoor rock climbing, traveling, theater, piano lessons, cooking and completing puzzles.


	Project Firstline Resources


	Interested in learning more about infection prevention and control? The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent respiratory surge emphasized the importance of proper infection prevention and control (IPC) training and refresher trainings for pediatric health care professionals. To increase the capacity of these individuals to serve as IPC champions within their organizations, the AAP, in partnership with CDC’s Project Firstline, is offering a scholarship opportunity to support continued education and training on infection prevention and control. Project Firstline is offering scholarships to members of the pediatric health care team (pediatricians, advanced practice providers, nurses, medical assistance, practice members and others). Two scholarship opportunities are available: Education and Training (reimbursement for educational/training course fees, books, resources) Attend a relevant conference or meeting to present an oral or poster abstract (up to $1,000) Applicants will be notified on a rolling basis, and the deadline for completion of the post training/conference report is June 30, 2024. View the call for applications here.


	Visit NCPeds' Career Center


	Are you looking to hire a fantastic new colleague? Or are you looking for a new opportunity? Visit the NCPeds Career Center – a dedicated space for pediatric healthcare workforce opportunities! Job postings are a complimentary benefit for NCPeds members. Non-members can post career opportunities for $200 for a 90-day posting. Click here to visit the Career Center.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org* to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2024 Winter Open Forum (In Person) Saturday, Jan. 27 Grandover Resort & Spa Greensboro, NC White Coat Wednesday Wednesday, June 5 Raleigh, NC 2024 Annual Meeting Friday, Aug. 23 - Sunday, Aug. 25 Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club Durham, NC


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- October 2023

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:07:00 GMT


	Medicaid Expansion Will Take Effect in North Carolina on Dec. 1, 2023


	After 11 years, Medicaid Expansion will take effect in North Carolina on Dec. 1, 2023. The change, which will provide coverage for 600,000 North Carolinians aged 19 to 64, was triggered by passage of the latest state budget which was finalized at the end of September. This will allow more parents and other adults to get the health care coverage they need. Benefits include primary care and prescription coverage. Approximately 300,000 people who receive limited benefits through Family Planning Medicaid will be automatically enrolled in full Medicaid. One good way to encourage families to sign up is online through ePASS. The expansion will raise the minimum income limit for Medicaid qualification to 138 percent of the federal poverty level and will provide higher income thresholds for parents and caregivers based on household size. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will spend October and November working with local and county partners to prepare for the new Medicaid participants. Preparing for Medicaid Expansion typically takes 90-120 days once approval is received, but NCDHHS was able to shorten the time by completing many steps early. For more information, visit NC Medicaid's online toolkit for outreach and other materials.


	Save the Date: 2024 Annual Meeting


	Mark your calendars for the 2024 NCPeds Annual Meeting which will be held Aug. 23-25, 2024! We are excited to announce our venue which will be the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club in Durham, N.C. We are already hard at work planning for the 2024 Annual Meeting so you don't want to miss this event!


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Beverly Edwards, MD, FAAP Ahoskie Pediatrics


	Giving back and showing gratitude has always been important to Beverly Edwards, MD, FAAP. Beverly has been a member of NCPeds for more than three decades and previously served on the Board Relations Committee. She recently joined the NCPeds Board of Directors and is looking forward to being a part of the leadership of the organization that she says helped her career. “I look forward to showing the gratitude that I have for all of the years they’ve been able to help me and everybody,” she said. “It’s an honor to me, and I hope that I can fulfill that role like they need.” The camaraderie and sense of community throughout NCPeds and the members supporting each other is what makes the organization so unique to her. She credits Drs. Christoph Diasio and Graham Barden with NCPeds for helping her navigate the NC Tracks rollout and helping her business to survive throughout that time. It was her medical school mentor, Dean Hayek, who encouraged her to practice pediatrics in a rural area. His guidance also helped her complete medical school as a single mother. She has worked as the Owner and Sole Provider of Ahoskie Pediatrics in Ahoskie for more than 30 years and loves seeing her patients grow up and return with their own kids – and grandkids! She completed undergraduate studies at Wake Technical Community College and North Carolina State University. She completed medical school at East Carolina University and her residency at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. Beverly was raised in Raleigh by her parents, Joseph and Emma Edwards, and has six siblings. Six of the children received doctoral degrees and one has special artistic talent. She credits her lifelong love of reading to her parents and the free access they gave her to the local libraries. She spends her free time reading and spending time or traveling with her family which includes three grown children and a teenaged granddaughter.


	Meet NCPeds’ Staff Colleen Huseboe Deputy Director


	We are thrilled to announce that Colleen Huseboe has been promoted to the position of Deputy Director of NCPeds! A priority outlined in the 2023 Strategic Plan is to “Align Organizational Capacity with Workload," and that includes adding a new staff member in 2024 and adding a Deputy Director to NCPeds' staff. In her new role, Colleen will maintain her focus on fundraising and membership, while adding management of events and other duties. “I am so committed to NCPeds’ work and hope my new role will allow for us to be even more effective in improving health for all of North Carolina’s children,” Colleen said. Colleen joined NCPeds in 2016 as the Engagement and External Affairs Manager and most recently served as the Fundraising and Membership Director. She has built a strong, institutional knowledge of NCPeds and forged strong connections with many of our members. She has more than 15 years of experience in meeting planning and looks forward to building upon NCPeds' long-established excellence in events and CME. Colleen is a graduate of Villanova University. She has an adult son and enjoys spending time outdoors either gardening or hiking on trails.


	Project Firstline Resources


	As a frontline healthcare worker, you play an important role in fighting antimicrobial resistance. Proper infection prevention and control practices help fight antimicrobial resistance by: Preventing new healthcare associated infections Stopping the spread of resistance germs Reducing the need for antibiotics and antifungals Check out Project Firstline resources to learn more about how to protect your patients, yourself and your community from antimicrobial resistance.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2024 Winter Open Forum (In Person)* Saturday, Jan. 27 Grandover Resort & Spa Greensboro, NC White Coat Wednesday Wednesday, June 5 Raleigh, NC 2024 Annual Meeting Friday, Aug. 23 - Sunday, Aug. 25 Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club Durham, NC


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- September 2023

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 16:21:00 GMT


	Announcing NCPeds' Strategic Plan


	We were excited to unveil our new Three-Year Strategic Plan at the 2023 Annual Meeting. This plan will help guide us through 2025 as we pursue our vision: Each and every North Carolina child grows up healthy and thrives. As part of this new plan, we have announced our new NCPeds mission to improve the health of all North Carolina children and support the pediatric professionals who care for them. Some key highlights of the new plan include: Assure the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of NCPeds as a professionally led association by right-sizing the scope of work with organizational capacity Deepen efforts to center diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging throughout the organization, internally and externally Support a robust and sustainable pediatric workforce by addressing trends in workforce demographics and well-being Advocate for increased resources at all levels (e.g., provider, programs, social determinants) to effectively address the children’s mental health crisis


	Thank You for Attending the 2023 Annual Meeting!


	Thank you to everyone who attended the 2023 Annual Meeting in Wilmington! We had a great time and are already looking forward to next year. A special thank you to our Education Committee for your help in planning and implementing the event! The committee is led by Co-Chairs Karin Hillenbrand and Kimberly Montez and includes members Amina Ahmed, Jenn DeCoste-Lopez, Amanda Higginson, Dante Lewis, Ansley Miller, Anna Miller-Fitzwater, Vicky Parente, Shruti Simha, David Tayloe III and Shiva Zargham.


	Meet NCPeds’ Members Mike Steiner, MD, MPH, FAAP UNC Children’s Hospital


	When Mike Steiner, MD, MPH, FAAP, started his residency in 1998, he didn’t realize the impact that pediatrics would make on his life. “I have worked in a variety of settings, from my time in a rural clinic in the National Health Service Corps, to a large urban children’s hospital in Los Angeles, to a wide variety of roles and clinics at UNC. Pediatrics continues to be a wonderful way to serve children and families, while having an exciting stimulating career,” he said. Pediatrics has given him a path to help children and families from many different backgrounds. “Inequity in health outcomes is the primary problem of our health system. In our country, health outcomes for individuals or small groups vary from the best in the world to worse than countries with few resources. Often that variation is related to race, ethnicity, wealth, and the effects of systematic social forces that are centuries old,” he said. “Countering racism and its effects will improve health and well-being for children.” Mike works both as a hospitalist and as a member of the outpatient Diagnostic Clinic at UNC Children’s Hospital. He received his bachelor’s degree from Albright College in Pennsylvania and his medical degree from Temple University. On Sept. 14, 2023, he was honored with the AAP Special Achievement Award alongside Ansley Miller, MD, FAAP, for their work in creating and promoting the N.C. Pediatric Bed Finder Tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. He lives in Chapel Hill and has college-aged children. He enjoys watching his kids’ sporting events, movies, and traveling to his favorite place in the world, St. John, VI.


	Project Firstline


	With the help of a new grant, NCPeds continues our work with Project FirstLine, the CDC’s National Training Collaborative for Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control. Visit www.aap.org/projectfirstline for a complete listing of available resources, including an Image Library, Infection Control Video Series, Infection Prevention and Control Tools and much more. Project Firstline recently released Spanish versions of the Infection Control Micro-Learn Trainings and is actively seeking a better understanding of most of the commonly requested translations. You can help by taking this 1-minute survey to select which language translations would be most helpful.


	In an effort to promote Project Frontline’s important work, all Annual Meeting guests received a Project FirstLine tote and credit card hand sanitizer.


	Voter Identification Resources


	Voter ID requirements will go into effect for the upcoming municipal elections this fall. Any North Carolinian who will be voting in the elections will need to present a current photo ID in order to vote. Here are some resources to help individuals who do not have a current photo ID. NC DMV: The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles offers free photo IDs that can be used for voting. To find an office near you, visit this link. County Board of Elections: Free photo IDs are available through the local county board of elections. To find yours, visit here. Vo+ER: Vo+ER provides nonpartisan civic engagement tools and programs for every corner of the healthcare system.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2023 Virtual Spring Open Forum* Saturday, April 15 – Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 Virtual Designed to meet the NC Medical Board opioid education requirements. 2023 Career Day: PL-3 Thursday, Oct. 12 Doubletree Raleigh/Durham Airport Research Triangle Park, NC 2023 Career Day: PL-2 Thursday, Oct. 26 Doubletree Raleigh/Durham Airport Research Triangle Park, NC 2024 Winter Open Forum (In Person)** Saturday, Jan. 27 Grandover Resort & Spa Greensboro, NC


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- August 2023

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 20:19:00 GMT


	Announcing our 2023 Pediatric Excellence Award Winners

One of the highlights of our Annual Meeting is always the presentation of our annual pediatric excellence awards. We are excited to announce the individuals and organizations who will receive the 2023 awards at our Annual Meeting in Wilmington.

These winners have shown a commitment to optimizing the health, well-being and futures of North Carolina’s infants, children and adolescents.

"This year's NC Pediatric Society award winners truly embody our organization's mission. These award winners showcase the breadth and diversity of excellence in our state's pediatric community whether it's from rural community general pediatric practices, academic centers, surgical practices or our state government," said Kenya McNeal-Trice, MD, FAAP, President of NCPeds. "We are proud to honor their contributions to improving the health and well-being of ALL of North Carolina's infants, children and adolescents."

Award	Award Description	Recipient
Award for Outstanding Achievement	Given to a pediatrician or professional working in pediatrics who has given exceptional service to improve the health and well-being of children and adolescents.	Timothy Bukowski, MD, FAAP, FACS WakeMed Health and Hospitals / UNC Chapel Hill
David T. Tayloe, Sr. Award for Outstanding Community Service	Given to a pediatrician who has made exceptional contribution in her/his local community or statewide, and that may include efforts beyond the practice setting.	Katie Lowry, MD, MPH, FAAP Robeson Pediatrics, PA
Denny, Katz, Simon, Tingelstad Academic Service Award	Given to an academic pediatrician member for outstanding efforts to improve the health and wellness of all children in our state.	Anna Miller-Fitzwater, MD, MPH, FAAP Wake Forest University School of Medicine Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist - Brenner Children's Hospital
Good for Kids Award	Given to an individual or organization who initiates or participates in a community or statewide effort to improve the quality of life for infants, children, adolescents or young adults.	Elizabeth G. Witman, MD, FAAP WakeMed Children’s
Tom Vitaglione Child Health Advocacy Award	Given to an individual or agency from the non-profit sector for outstanding achievement or advocacy efforts to promote child health.	NC Child
James D. Bernstein Excellence in Public Service Award	Given to a public servant in either the executive or legislative branch of government in recognition of outstanding achievement to improve the health and well-being of children and adolescents.	Charlene Wong, MD, MSHP, FAAP Previously with the North Carolina Dept. of Health and Human Services and Duke University
Steve Shore Service Award	Given to an individual or organization who has demonstrated unwavering interest in and loyalty to the North Carolina Pediatric Society for a minimum of five years.	Christy Street, MSW Community Care of North Carolina
Rising Star Award	Given to a pediatrician within their first ten years of completion of post-graduate training, in residency or fellowship, who has demonstrated excellence in the community by contributions to clinical medicine, research, education or advocacy in Pediatrics.	Cherece Grier, MD, FAAP Wake Forest University School of Medicine Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist - Brenner Children's Hospital


	Save the Date: NCPeds Career Days


	Residents, Mark Your Calendar! Career Days are Coming Soon! PL3 : Career Day & Career Fair is Oct. 12 PL2: Career Day is Oct. 26 Both events will take place at the DoubleTree Raleigh Durham Airport at RTP, 4810 Page Creek Lane, Durham. Full details coming soon!


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Joseph Bell, MD, FAAP Children’s Health Pembroke/Children’s Health of Carolina


	When Joseph Bell, MD, FAAP, entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a freshman there were no pediatricians in North Carolina who identified as Native American. When he graduated from UNC’s medical school years later, he became the first Lumbee pediatrician and first Native American pediatrician in the state. Joey, who now serves as a general pediatrician at Children’s Health Pembroke and Managing Partner of Children’s Health of Carolina, earned his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy before entering medical school at UNC. “Halfway through pharmacy school I realized that wasn’t my calling. I was meant to be a pediatrician. That’s what I was meant to do,” he said. He has been a member of NCPeds throughout his 34-year career and was awarded the 2008 David T. Tayloe, Sr. Award for Outstanding Community Service. In addition to working as a general pediatrician in Pembroke, he worked in Indian Health Service in Oklahoma for five years and has worked on the Catawba Reservation as a pediatrician for 24 years. In addition, he serves on the North Carolina American Indian Health Board and the AAP Committee on Native American Child Health. He hopes to inspire more Native American students to study and practice medicine. Recently his brothers established the Dr. Joseph Bell Scholarship Endowment at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (donations are accepted through the endowment link). The $100,000 endowment will establish a $5,000 scholarship designed to help medical students who identify as Native American and are interested in pursuing a career in pediatrics. Joey lives in Pembroke and enjoys reading and traveling. You’ll often find him spending time with his growing family which includes his wife Vicki, children Tori and Isaac, and three grandchildren under the age of five.


	New Quiz Available From Project Firstline


	The AAP offers a new quiz on infection prevention and control practices as part of the Project Firstline campaign. Test your knowledge of hand hygiene by taking this short quiz.


	September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month


	In September, we honor those with pediatric cancer, the leading cause of death by disease among children. Show your support for pediatric cancer care and research this September by: Updating your profile photo with a yellow ribbon. Speaking up for kids with cancer and support for pediatric cancer research Participating or volunteering for an event supporting pediatric cancer care and research. St. Jude’s has September events planned in Raleigh and Charlotte.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2023 Virtual Spring Open Forum* Saturday, April 15 – Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 Virtual Designed to meet the NC Medical Board opioid education requirements. 2023 NCPeds Annual Meeting Friday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 Hotel Ballast 301 North Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401 2023 Career Day: PL-3 Thursday, Oct. 12 Doubletree Raleigh/Durham Airport Research Triangle Park, NC 2023 Career Day: PL-2 Thursday, Oct. 26 Doubletree Raleigh/Durham Airport Research Triangle Park, NC 2024 Winter Open Forum (In Person)** Saturday, Jan. 27 Grandover Resort & Spa Greensboro, NC


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

N.C. Pediatric Society Announces 2023 Pediatric Excellence Awards

Tue, 8 Aug 2023 19:19:00 GMT

To kick off its 2023 Annual Meeting, the North Carolina Pediatric Society (NCPeds) will award its 2023 pediatric excellence awards to individuals and organizations who have helped meet the organization’s goal of optimizing the health, well-being and futures of North Carolina’s infants, children and adolescents.

The awards will be presented during the NCPeds Annual Meeting which will be held Sept. 8-10.

“This year’s NC Pediatric Society award winners truly embody our organization’s mission. These award winners showcase the breadth and diversity of excellence in our state’s pediatric community whether it’s from rural community general pediatric practices, academic centers, surgical practices or our state government,” said Kenya McNeal-Trice, MD, FAAP, President of NCPeds. “We are proud to honor their contributions to improving the health and well-being of ALL of North Carolina’s infants, children and adolescents.”

Award	Award Description	Recipient
Award for Outstanding Achievement	Given to a pediatrician or professional working in pediatrics who has given exceptional service to improve the health and well-being of children and adolescents.	Timothy Bukowski, MD, FAAP, FACS WakeMed Health and Hospitals / UNC Chapel Hill
David T. Tayloe, Sr. Award for Outstanding Community Service	Given to a pediatrician who has made exceptional contribution in her/his local community or statewide, and that may include efforts beyond the practice setting.	Katie Lowry, MD, MPH, FAAP Robeson Pediatrics, PA
Denny, Katz, Simon, Tingelstad Academic Service Award	Given to an academic pediatrician member for outstanding efforts to improve the health and wellness of all children in our state.	Anna Miller-Fitzwater, MD, MPH, FAAP Wake Forest University School of Medicine Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist - Brenner Children's Hospital
Good for Kids Award	Given to an individual or organization who initiates or participates in a community or statewide effort to improve the quality of life for infants, children, adolescents or young adults.	Elizabeth G. Witman, MD, FAAP WakeMed Children's
Tom Vitaglione Child Health Advocacy Award	Given to an individual or agency from the non-profit sector for outstanding achievement or advocacy efforts to promote child health.	NC Child
James D. Bernstein Excellence in Public Service Award	Given to a public servant in either the executive or legislative branch of government in recognition of outstanding achievement to improve the health and well-being of children and adolescents.	Charlene Wong, MD, MSHP, FAAP Previously with the North Carolina Dept. of Health and Human Services and Duke University
Steve Shore Service Award	Given to an individual or organization who has demonstrated unwavering interest in and loyalty to the North Carolina Pediatric Society for a minimum of five years.	Christy Street, MSW Community Care of North Carolina
Rising Star Award	Given to a pediatrician within their first ten years of completion of post-graduate training, in residency or fellowship, who has demonstrated excellence in the community by contributions to clinical medicine, research, education or advocacy in Pediatrics.	Cherece Grier, MD, FAAP Wake Forest University School of Medicine Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist - Brenner Children's Hospital

NCPeds News Net -- July 2023

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 19:02:00 GMT


	Providers Need to Reverify with Medicaid


	Information provided from NC Department of Health and Human Services Re-credentialing/reverification is an evaluation of a provider’s ongoing eligibility for continued participation in NC Medicaid, normally conducted every five years as mandated by the Affordable Care Act. However, the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) paused reverification from March 2020 through May 11, 2023, delaying the due date for nearly 30,000 providers over that three-year period. Now that the federal PHE has ended, NC Medicaid must ensure that all enrolled providers, including those whose reverification was delayed, are compliant with the reverification requirement. Reverification notifications are sent to the provider 70 days prior to the reverification due date, with reminders at 50 days, 20 days, and 5 days. Non-responsive providers then receive a notice of suspension which gives an additional 50 days to submit their reverification application before being terminated from the program. Including the notice of termination, and depending on the provider’s responsiveness, each will receive up to 6 targeted notifications over a 120-day period. If terminated, the provider may re-enroll at any time. For convenience, NC Medicaid offers a list of “Active Provider Re-Verification Due – July 2023 – Dec 2023” dates (updated biannually). The reverification due date displayed is also the health plan suspension date of the provider record if no action is taken to submit the reverification application under the applicable NPI. If the health plan is suspended, claims payment will stop. Providers are encouraged to review the reverification due date list, and frequently check their Provider Message Inbox for notifications or the reverification section of the Status and Management page in the NCTracks Secure Portal for the option to reverify. In addition to the resources below, providers may contact the NCTracks Call Center at 800-688-6696 for assistance. Resources: Provider Reverification/Recredentialing Webpage– Also contains link to the reverification due date list referenced above. Reverification/Recredentialing FAQs User Guide: “How to Complete Re-verification in NCTracks” NC Medicaid Provider webpage: Access to Medicaid Bulletin articles and Provider Enrollment information


	Join us for These Great Activities and Sessions at the 2023 NCPeds Annual Meeting!

The summer is flying by quickly this year! And that means that the Annual Meeting is just around the corner.

This year’s meeting will be held from Sept. 8-10, 2023, at the riverfront Hotel Ballast in Wilmington, NC. Because of the convenient location, you can take advantage of everything our program and Wilmington has to offer!

We hope this year's conference provides you with an opportunity to learn and connect with your colleagues while enjoying:

Opportunity to earn up to 13.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and 10.0 MOC Part 2 Points
Fabulous sponsors and exhibitors
Early Career Physicians & Residents Mixer
20th Resident Poster Session with first-time special recognition for a poster focused on community pediatrics
Exhibitor’s Reception (Beach Theme)

But, wait, there’s more!

A Keynote on the Joy in Pediatric Practice and the High Compassion Organization with Mariana Glusman, MD, FAAP
Updates from key state leaders including Betsey Tilson, MD, FAAP; Jay Ludlam; and Gerri Mattson, MD, FAAP
Three (3) Tracks (Hospitalist, Behavioral-Development, and Subspecialty) to choose from, in addition to topics ranging from hyperbilirubinemia guidelines, anxiety and depression, to child and adolescent obesity, and much more!
Practice Manager agenda that includes Tailored Plans with Kelsi Knick, managing hard conversations with Lee Marlow, an employment law update with Ward & Smith, and the famous hot topics and more

Explore Wilmington: The coastal city that’s full of history and southern hospitality that welcomes you at every turn. View the hotel’s in-house art gallery and library, or take a stroll through Wilmington where you can visit the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or enjoy one of the many restaurants.

Time is running out - registration closes on Friday, Aug. 18! Log in using your NCPeds member credentials to register.

PEDIATRICIANS/PROVIDERS - REGISTER HERE

PRACTICE MANAGERS/STAFF - REGISTER HERE


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Kasey Joyner, MD, FAAP White Oak Pediatric Associates


	Kasey Joyner, MD, FAAP became involved with NCPeds during her residency when she participated in the resident poster sessions, and she’s now serving as a new member of our Finance and Development Committee. Helping the next generation of pediatricians is one of the highlights of her time with NCPeds, as she’s been a panel member for 2^nd Year Career Day for many years. Reaching the next generation of pediatricians as well as helping to impact health care for children statewide is what makes her involvement with NCPeds so meaningful to her. “Being involved in NCPeds allows me to connect with and inspire young pediatricians as well as stay connected with my colleagues statewide,” she said. “NCPeds creates a venue for any member to be an advocate for the children of North Carolina not only through medicine but also through the impactful development of policy.” Dr. Joyner recognizes the importance of diversity in healthcare noting that ethnic and cultural diversity in healthcare can outgroup biases, boost communication, and increase trust amongst underrepresented minorities. “Only 5.2% of pediatricians in the U.S. identify as Black/African American, and an even smaller percentage of those identify as female. Being a Black woman in medicine, my presence normalizes the image of people of color in all roles, which always advances health equity for our community.” With more than 13 years of experience, she is a physician partner at White Oak Pediatric Associates in Raleigh. She received her undergraduate degree at Howard University and her medical degree from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. “I enjoy the broad scope of pediatrics. I’ve been able to expand my interests, delving deeper into the mental health needs of our pediatric patients, all while still enjoying watching young children meet their developmental milestones,” she said. She lives in Raleigh with her husband and daughter where you’ll often find them enjoying Marbles Kids Museum or one of Wake County’s outdoor parks. One of her favorite things to do is to find walking tours that encompass her love of food and history.


	Project Firstline Infection Control Micro-Learns


	The Project Firstline Infection Control Micro-Learns are a series of guided infection control discussions that provide brief, on-the-job educational opportunities. Each micro-learn focuses on a single infection control topic and connects infection control concepts to immediate, practical value. Project Firstline just released a Rash Micro-Learn which is available to download. Visit the Project Firstline site to learn more about infection prevention and control and find additional training tools.


	Support NCPeds' General Fund


	Since our founding, NCPeds’ work has firmly centered on improving health for all of North Carolina’s children. Increasing childhood vaccinations, expanding insurance coverage for children and Medicaid parity are just a few important examples of NCPeds’ work. The recent Health Choice/CHIP and Medicaid merger is the realization of a decades-long legislative advocacy effort. The merger means better healthcare for more children, including EPSDT services for more than 50,000 additional children, the elimination of copays and streamlined family coverage. We recognize this positive advocacy development while also acknowledging the many pressing advocacy needs of the times. Successful advocacy takes strategy, collaboration and time. Please keep NCPeds strong for the work ahead with a gift to the 2023 General Fund Campaign. Thank you for the many ways you support NCPeds.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2023 Virtual Spring Open Forum* Saturday, April 15 – Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 Virtual Designed to meet the NC Medical Board opioid education requirements. 2023 NCPeds Annual Meeting Friday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 Hotel Ballast 301 North Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401 2023 Career Day: PL-3 Thursday, Oct. 12 Doubletree Raleigh/Durham Airport Research Triangle Park, NC 2023 Career Day: PL-2 Thursday, Oct. 26 Doubletree Raleigh/Durham Airport Research Triangle Park, NC 2024 Winter Open Forum (In Person)** Friday, Jan. 26 – Saturday, Jan. 27 Grandover Resort & Spa Greensboro, NC


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- June 2023

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:42:00 GMT


	Thank You to Our Academic Partners!


	As a new academic year begins, NCPeds is very excited to welcome the Department of Pediatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine as our newest Academic Partner! Under the Academic Partner program, a Department of Pediatrics pays for all of its pediatric educators to be NCPeds members. This important program strengthens not only NCPeds membership, but also broadens our knowledge base, through the shared expertise of the university’s pediatric educators. The Department of Pediatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine joins our current and longstanding Academic Partners – Duke University, East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This level of support at our venerable academic institutions helps make NCPeds such a strong and effective advocate for child health. A sincere shout out of thanks to all of our Academic Partners for your support and for educating the next generation of pediatricians! Please contact Colleen Huseboe to learn more about becoming an Academic Partner.


	2023 General Fund Campaign: Keeping NCPeds Strong!


	As the respected “voice of pediatrics” in North Carolina, NCPeds is honored to advocate for children and the dedicated pediatric healthcare providers who care for them. Recent events, from the pandemic to the child mental health crisis, illustrate the importance of NCPeds. We are grateful for the many ways members support this work, including their financial support. Your gift to the 2023 General Fund Campaign today helps ensure NCPeds is strong for the work ahead! The following are just a few examples of the great work your gift to NCPeds supports: The April 1, 2023 Health choice/CHIP and Medicaid merger represents a decades-long legislative advocacy success bringing EPDST services for more than 50,000 additional children, elimination of copays and streamlined family coverage Educational offerings returned to in-person events afforded members the opportunity to earn 13.25 CME, 12.25 MOC 2 and 6.5 CEUs on topics including anxiety disorder recognition, healthy weight and more NCPeds' strong connections with state leaders, CMOs of Prepaid Health Plans and others helped members navigate on-going billing, coding and coverage challenges associate with Medicaid reform A contribution to our General Fund Campaign will help strengthen NCPeds for the challenges ahead. We very much appreciate and rely upon your continued support. Making a gift to NCPeds is easy! You can mail a check made payable to the NC Pediatric Society, Inc. (1100 Wake Forest Rd., Suite 200; Raleigh, NC 27604) or visit our website at NCPeds.org and click the DONATE button. Anyone who donates by Aug. 25 will be recognized at NCPeds' Annual Meeting!


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Lindsay Thompson, MD, MS, FAAP Wake Forest University School of Medicine


	Lindsay Thompson, MD, MS, FAAP, may be a new face around NCPeds, but she immediately felt at home in our organization. “I love that the moment I started here, NCPeds reached out to me to join, seamlessly flowing from the state chapter in Florida from where I came into this state’s strong chapter. I felt so welcomed!” she said. “From office-based practical tips to policy-driven information, I saw and continue to see the immediate value of membership.” In 2022, she moved to North Carolina from Florida where she was a professor of pediatrics and health outcomes and biomedical informatics at the University of Florida College of Medicine to Winston-Salem. She now serves as the Enterprise Academic Chair of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center where she is the Chair of the Pediatrics at Brenner Children’s and the Academic Chair across Atrium Health. With more than 25 years in pediatrics, Lindsay loves being involved with caring for children. “There is no greater vulnerability than being a parent, so asking for help from a pediatrician is humbling. Helping a child and their parent feel better or do better continues to make me excited about the field,” she said. As a pediatrician, she is passionate about advancing racial equity in health care and ensuring that all children get the care they need and deserve. “This needs to be our number one issue. I have spent a fair amount of time during my career identifying health disparities, and much of these iniquities are driven by racial inequities. I would love to see a statewide endeavor to bring all care for all children up to best practice. That alone will reduce significant disparities,” she said. Lindsay graduated from Brown University and completed medical school at Columbia University. She lives in Winston-Salem and is enjoying exploring her new home state including hiking outdoors and enjoying the many restaurants nearby. She has two college-aged sons and is excited to be able to travel again following the lifting of COVID restrictions.


	Micro-Learn Training and Education Resources for Healthcare Leaders


	Project Firstline just launched the Infection Control Micro-Learns, a series of guided discussions that provide brief, on-the-job educational opportunities. Micro-learns were created for supervisors who oversee teams and serve as training promoters or facilitators. Each micro-learn topic includes a user guide, discussion guide, and ready-to-use job aid making it easy for healthcare leaders to fit infection control training into their busy schedules. The first topic available is Blood, with additional topics being released over the next few months.


	Register Now for NCPeds' Annual Meeting


	NCPeds Annual Meeting is Sept. 8 – 10, 2023 at The Ballast Hotel in beautiful downtown Wilmington. We are back in person so you can connect and socialize. While agendas are still being finalized, we have some great speakers and topics already lined up with more to come. Early Bird rates end June 30.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org* to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2023 Virtual Spring Open Forum Saturday, April 15 – Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 Virtual 2023 NCPeds Annual Meeting Friday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 Hotel Ballast 301 North Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- May 2023

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:56:00 GMT


	2023 NCPeds Annual Meeting


	Connect with NCPeds this September at the Hotel Ballast in Wilmington, NC, for our 2023 Annual Meeting! Last year was a blast seeing folks in person again after so many virtual events. This year, we plan to have another fantastic agenda where everyone can learn, connect with exhibitors, and network with new and familiar faces. We hope to see you there! Please note that there are registration pages for both groups this year: Pediatricians/Providers and Practice Managers/Staff. Don’t forget to login as a member to get your special pricing! Visit our website to register!


	An Update on Fostering Health NC


	We regret to share that NCPeds will be letting our contract with the NC Division of Social Services (NCDSS) for the Fostering Health NC (FHNC) initiative end on July 1, 2023. FHNC provided a strong, neutral convening of key and diverse partners to problem solve and troubleshoot barriers to care for children and youth in foster care. This work included outreach and education/training of 70+ county child welfare agencies and multiple private agencies, of foster parents/caregivers and of medical practices across the state and more. Together with our partners we made important strides forward for the health of children and youth in foster care. FHNC’s efforts also revealed care and communication gaps, and more work remains to be done to address these issues. Also of concern is how complicated Medicaid coverage has become for children and youth in foster care, and the risk of lack of comprehensive, coordinated care and care management services provided to these children at critical junctures. While NCPeds’ contract with FHNC will be ending, our commitment to children and youth in foster care remains strong. We continue to care deeply about comprehensive health care for children and youth in foster care, and young adults who were formerly in foster care, and intend to use other venues to advocate for needed care. The up-to-date and publicly available FHNC Resource Library will be maintained until the end of 2023, or until NCDSS lets us know otherwise. Also, NCPeds anticipates time-limited resources for select troubleshooting issues, so please continue to reach out to us when you heed help navigating the system, and we will try our best to assist you.


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Graham Barden, MD, FAAP Coastal Children’s Clinic


	From his first days as a young pediatrician, Graham Barden, MD, FAAP, always had an interest in improving the business side of a pediatric practice, and his involvement with NCPeds and the NC Pediatric Council allowed him to do that for pediatricians statewide. Graham joined his father’s pediatric practice, Coastal Children’s Clinic in New Bern, in 1985 and quickly became interested in improving the business side of private practice. “I grew up with my dad being a pediatrician. He had started this practice in 1954, but he was not particularly a business person,” he said. “When I got out of residency, I knew he liked the job, and I knew I had to run the practice more efficiently and smarter or I could never entice partners and reduce call.” It was that interest in practice management that led to his participation in NCPeds and the Pediatric Council. After attending his first NCPeds Annual Meeting at the Grove Park Inn in 1986, he met his mentor Dr. Joe Ponzi. Dr. Ponzi helped him learn about practice management and inspired him to become involved in helping other pediatricians learn valuable skills as well. He later became involved with the NCPeds Computers in Pediatrics Committee which promoted computer use among practices beginning in the 1980s, and he also became involved with the Practice Management Committee which led to the creation of the Practice Manager’s Listserv that still operates today. “I like to keep my ear to the ground and try to figure out what’s next in making pediatrics viable,” he said. From 2006 to 2022, Graham has served as the Co-Chair of the NC Pediatric Council alongside Chrisoph Diasio, MD, FAAP. Graham’s work on the Pediatric Council and his focus on vaccine administration garnered national attention and led to a meeting on vaccine storage at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and a presentation to the NC Immunization Branch Conference, an AAP “Storage and Handling” Course and various articles on the topic. In 2016, his work was recognized with awards including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Childhood Immunization Champion Award, the NCPeds David T. Tayloe Sr. Award for Outstanding Community Service and the AAP Charles “Buzzy” Vanchiere Award from the SOAPM section. But, it was his day-to-day work with the kids that that he remembers most. “I liked working with the kids. It’s hard to call it a job when it’s this much fun. I like to say I’m just a highly paid teacher trying to teach parents how to do things right without them knowing you’re teaching. I try to provide the service they want and slide healthcare in on the side,” he said. Graham retired from Coastal Children’s Clinic in July 2022, and he is now adjusting to retired life in New Bern. He’s enjoying any chance for fresh water, salt water or fly fishing, boating and spending time as a new grandparent.


	Project Firstline Updates


	On May 12, CNN reported that the CDC “has extensively updated its ventilation guidance on helping prevent indoor transmission of the virus that causes Covid-19.” The agency “had advised people to ventilate indoor air before, but this if the first time a federal agency has set a target – five air changes per hour – for how much rooms and buildings should be ventilated.” Joseph Allen, director of the Harvard Healthy Buildings Program, “says that although it’s easy to see the guidance only in the context of Covid-19, it will help with many other airborne hazards like wildfire smoke, allergens and other infectious. If you are interested in ventilation and/or other ways to reduce infection spread, Project Firstline is offering up to $1,000 in scholarship support for continued education and training on infection prevention and control! Pediatricians, Advanced Practice Providers, Nurses, Medical Assistants and Practice Managers are all eligible to apply. Applications will be approved on a rolling basis and you have until June of 2024 to use the funds. View the Project Firstline Scholarship Flyer for complete details.


	New Resident Poster Session Award to be Presented at Annual Meeting


	New at the Annual Meeting this year, NCPeds and CCNC will be sponsoring a "Best of Primary Care" Award to the resident poster that best showcases a project or initiative relevant to primary care. The selected poster will receive a monetary award as well as an opportunity to present their work to NCPeds community practice members during an upcoming Solutions Share call. This is a special recognition award separate from the "Top 3" poster prizes, and submitters are eligible to compete for BOTH!


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org* to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2023 Virtual Spring Open Forum Saturday, April 15 – Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 Virtual 2023 NCPeds Annual Meeting Friday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 Hotel Ballast 301 North Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- April 2023

Mon, 1 May 2023 14:33:00 GMT


	Tailored Care Management for Foster Children


	During Foster Care Month, we gratefully acknowledge foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policy makers, child welfare professionals and other community members dedicated to caring for children and youth in foster care. Children and youth in foster care are covered by Medicaid and, in some instances (when they are in foster care on their 18th birthday), can keep that coverage until age 26. NCPeds’ Fostering Health team and partners created this flyer to ensure that former foster youth know about this benefit and how to keep it. Please share it with your families and colleagues!


	The ongoing transition to Medicaid Managed Care has continuing implications for children and youth in foster care, especially in regards to linkage to care management. While the intent is, at some future point, to have a single statewide plan for children and youth in foster care, right now these children should be enrolled in Medicaid Direct for primary and most subspecialty care. Children and youth entering foster care, generally move into Medicaid Direct, regardless of previous commercial insurance or participation with a Standard Plan in Medicaid. While Medicaid will pay retroactively to the first day of the month the child was placed in care, it can take many weeks for this process (namely the DSS-5120) to be completed and claims begin to pay. One recent change is in care management. Prior to December 2022, children and youth in foster care generally received care management from CCNC or CMARC (depending on age of children). Now some children and youth in foster care who meet certain clinical criteria (see more below) may now get “Tailored Care Management” through the LME/MCO associated with their Medicaid (or, less likely, a Care Management Agency or AMH+). Regardless of care management, foster children should still be in Medicaid Direct for primary care and most subspecialty care. Starting in October, most children and youth in foster care should remain in Medicaid Direct. A small portion will enroll in a Tailored Plan. Tailored Plans provide all the same services as Standard Plans plus more services directly related to behavioral health. One perhaps overly simple way to think about it is the Tailored Plan creates the medical home centered on the higher intensity behavioral health needs of the patient and then wraps in other services, like primary care or oral health. The following information and resources can help navigate changes relating to the transition: NCPeds website – Both the Medicaid reform page and Fostering Health NC resource library links have additional information. Tailored Care Management (TCM) – Where certain Care Managers coordinate all aspects of a person’s health care needs to improve their wellbeing and quality of life. This service started 12/1/2022, is based on the LME/MCO associated with the child’s Medicaid. Many different entities can provide TCM but for foster children it should mostly be the LME/MCO. The LME/MCO should be able to provide information about any other entity providing TCM to a child. Tailored Plans (TP) - Where the Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO) manages physical health as well as the behavioral health for those with more severe behavioral health diagnoses and service needs - will begin on October 1, 2023. This has not begun. The LME/MCO is determined by region – The map and directory is here. For children and youth in foster care, the LME/MCO is for their “home” or admin, county, not the county where they are placed. This is the case now and is intended to be the case after October 1. To be eligible for TCM, a child must qualify for Medicaid (including by being in foster care) and meet certain clinical criteria as determined by NCDHHS. CCNC is not considered a “Care Management Agency” for TCM purposes at this time but continues to provide care management services to children and youth in foster care who are not TCM eligible. Information from the NC Medicaid Ombudsman (for beneficiaries).


	2023 Practice Manager Retreat


	Thank you to everyone who attended the 2023 Practice Manager Retreat in March! It was a great event, and we are already looking forward to next year. A special thank you to our Practice Manager Retreat Planning Committee! Tommie Angel – Sanford Pediatrics Sherry Barham – Raleigh Pediatric Associates Shae-Lynn Byas – French Broad Pediatrics Pamela Daniel – Raleigh Pediatric Associates Lisa Delphias – Burlington Pediatrics Susan Huffman – Unifour Pediatrics Kelsey Hunt - Robeson Pediatrics Ivy Johnson – Mountain View Pediatrics, PA Jen Lewis – Robeson Pediatrics Nathan Morgan – Pirate Pediatrics


	Meet NCPeds’ Consultant Natacha Draper


	NCPeds is excited to welcome Natacha Draper to our staff. Natacha has been active in NCPeds for many years as a practice manager member, and now she’ll serve as a consultant helping to identify trends, inform efforts to reduce administrative burden and help problem-solve concerns arising from Medicaid reform. She has served as the practice manager for Western Wake Pediatrics since 2005 and is active in the NCPeds Practice Manager Section. She served as the Chair of the Section from 2018-2020 and has served on the NCPeds Board of Directors. Originally from Florida, she moved to North Carolina in 2005 and immediately appreciated the community, resources and support that NCPeds provided for practice managers. “For me NCPeds was a life preserver when I first started at the practice because my experience in private practice wasn’t in primary care or pediatric care. For a new practice manager, I think being involved with NCPeds would offer a great structure of support and a resource for things that they might not know off hand,” she said. “When I joined, I always felt that NCPeds and the Practice Manager Listserv was a great resource.” Throughout her career, she’s held numerous positions in healthcare including serving as practice administrator for orthopedic physician practices as well as holding positions in accounts receivable and information technology. Natacha lives in Raleigh with her husband where they’re enjoying life as empty nesters and are discovering new hobbies. They’ve experienced motorcycle riding, National Parks, hiking and mountain climbing. They recently completed multiple climbs of Mount Washington and Mount Rainer.


	Project Firstline Resources: Increasing Threat of Spread of Antimicrobial-resistant C. Auris


	Candida auris (C. auris), an emerging fungus considered an urgent antimicrobial resistance threat, spread at an alarming rate in U.S. healthcare facilities in 2020-2021 according to CDC data published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The rapid rise in cases and geographic spread emphasize the need for continued surveillance, expanded laboratory capacity, quicker diagnostic tests and robust infection prevention and control. Infection prevention and control is critical to helping stop the spread of C. auris in healthcare facilities. C. auris can be found on the skin, as well as dry surfaces and devices in the healthcare environment. This is why healthcare workers should follow the recommended infection control actions, like regularly cleaning hands, cleaning and disinfecting often, and using the right transmission-based precautions. Click here for Project FirstLine’s Infection Risk Communication Tool for C. auris.


	Award Nominations Now Open


	Know a pediatrician or other health leader who deserves special recognition from NCPeds for their great work? Let us know by May 15. Click here for the nomination form to enter the person you are nominating, their contact information, why they are deserving of the award and your name and contact information. The full award descriptions and list of past recipients can be found on our website.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org* to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2023 Virtual Spring Open Forum Saturday, April 15 – Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 Virtual 2023 NCPeds Annual Meeting Friday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 Hotel Ballast 301 North Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- March 2023

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 19:36:00 GMT


	The Post-Pandemic "Unwinding" of Medicaid Benefits


	At the onset of COVID, early federal legislation provided enhanced funding for state Medicaid programs and then required those programs to assure most beneficiaries kept Medicaid coverage. That meant people who already had Medicaid, or who newly qualified for Medicaid during this time, were able to retain the benefit without having to fill out additional paperwork. While the public health emergency doesn’t end until May 11, some “unwinding” will begin before then. In late December 2022, Congress passed, and the President signed, legislation instructing the states to begin “unwinding” pandemic-enhanced Medicaid benefits by April 1, 2023 and allowing the states to space out the process over a year’s time. Given that the PHE was extended several times, this date certain helps states plan for the substantial undertaking of reaching out to millions of people with Medicaid. In North Carolina, as part of that unwinding, some patients will begin receiving renewal forms in April and will lose coverage in June if they don’t complete and return the renewals on time. A new set of beneficiaries will likely get notices every month. (If passed and implemented, Medicaid expansion could have an impact on which adults will stay eligible, but families (adults and children) will still need to complete the paperwork to redetermine eligibility to keep Medicaid.) The message to patients is 1) to be sure that they have their current address on file with local DSS now and 2) to check their snail mail and return the renewal forms whenever they get them over the next year. NCDHHS developed a website and toolkit to help educate individuals about this continuous coverage unwinding process. Check out the NCDHHS webpage and toolkit related to the unwinding. The toolkit includes the following resources in both English and Spanish: Social media messages Setting up an ePASS account messages Email messages eNewsletter text


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Kenya McNeal-Trice, MD, FAAP University of North Carolina School of Medicine


	Ensuring that all patients are listened to and cared for is something that means a lot to NCPeds President Kenya McNeal-Trice, MD, FAAP. When the nurses at UNC Hospitals realized that patients didn’t have haircare products to fit all hair types, she worked with them to ensure that combs, brushes and products for patients with thick, curly, coiled natural hair were available to all. She knows that it’s these details, that may seem little to some, that can make all the difference in making a patient and family feel included and cared for, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. Whether it’s a small detail like haircare or an overarching legislative policy, it’s this focus on inclusion and health equity that Kenya hopes to incorporate through her time as NCPeds President. “My goal would be to advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to high quality healthcare for all children in North Carolina regardless of their demographics or where they live and to advocate for legislation that ensures equitable access to the vital preventative, developmental, behavioral and acute care for all children in North Carolina,” she said. Kenya is hoping to build upon and support the community of pediatricians and providers statewide that once drew her to join NCPeds. Her involvement in NCPeds started as the result of the urging of her colleagues and mentors, and she hopes to continue upon that legacy of encouraging others. “One of the reasons I became involved was because several leaders in the Society actively sought me out and mentored me. Wally Brown, Peter Morris and Steve Shore were all integrally involved in welcoming me to Society leadership and supporting me over the years,” she said. She’s been an active member of NCPeds since her residency 2002 and has held leadership positions since 2008 in addition to chairing the Education Committee and serving on the Race Equity Task Force. “I truly appreciate the relationships I’ve been able to build over the past 15 years and the ability to do what’s right for children and families. We have a group of really different and diverse people who can all agree that all children have the right to be healthy and all families have a right to access the healthcare they need. Doing that work alongside incredible physicians and practice managers has just been wonderful,” she said. Kenya is currently the Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). She previously served as Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education for the UNC School of Medicine and Chief Graduate Medical Officer and Designated Institution Official for UNC Hospitals. She currently serves on the ACGME Pediatric Residency Review Committee, the Education and Training Committee for the American Board of Pediatrics, and is Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee within the Academic Pediatric Association. Kenya completed her undergraduate degree at Spelman College, her medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine and her pediatric residency at North Carolina Children’s Hospital and UNC Hospitals. She lives in Chapel Hill with her husband, Rodney, and two teenage daughters, Zuri and Sala. The family loves traveling especially to the beach and enjoys family time together whether through family game nights or movie nights. Kenya is also an avid crafter who loves trying all different kinds of crafts from clothing design to artwork.


	News from the ABP


	Find out why over 30,000 pediatricians have signed up for the American Board of Pediatrics’ Question of the Week (QOW)! This self-assessment tool gives participants a pediatric case study, an abstract with commentary, hyperlinked references, and a question every week for 50 weeks of the year. For every correct response, you receive 0.5 MOC Part 2 points. For every 20 correct responses, you earn 10 CME credits. QOW is included with MOC enrollment.


	Project Firstline Resources


	Check out the Project Firstline website: a national health care worker infection prevention and control training collaborative. Resources include Infection Prevention and Control FAQs, Infection Prevention and Control Precaution Tools and an Infection Control Video Series, which includes this video that addresses things to consider when working to improve ventilation. View and share this video to keep you, your facility and your community safe.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2023 NCPeds Annual Meeting* Friday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 Hotel Ballast 301 North Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- February 2023

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 15:27:00 GMT


	Health Choice/CHIP and Medicaid Merge on April 1

Starting April 1, Health Choice/CHIP and Medicaid will merge!

This is advocacy at work! Many thanks to all of you, our many partners, and legislative and executive leaders who helped make this happen! This will be administratively simpler for practices, is estimated to be the same cost to the State, and, best of all, should help make coverage better for families!

Some highlights of the newly merged system will be:

Better benefit package for tens of thousands more children! More than 50,000 additional children will get the full range of EPSDT services including oral health and more medically necessary services.
No copays. While services for children with CHIP sometimes needed copays, there are no copays for children in Medicaid.
Streamlined family coverage. All kids in a family can have the same coverage (assuming Standard Plans) regardless of age.

A few technical reminders

VFC: Make sure to use VFC vaccine product and bill and codes appropriately. Children formerly covered by Health Choice will be covered by Medicaid starting April 1.
Check NCTracks: Some children in Health Choice may still have cards that say Health Choice as of April 1. As always, check NCTracks. But no child will have Health Choice starting April 1 – all children covered by Health Choice will move over to Medicaid.
Enroll with Medicaid: If you are only enrolled with Health Choice, you will need to enroll with Medicaid to keep seeing your patients.

Updated information including a beneficiary fact sheet and phone number for questions can be found on the NCDHHS website.


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Shruti Simha, MD, MPH, FAAP Rice Center for Child & Adolescent Medicine


	Recognizing a growing need for medical care for refugee and immigrant children, Shruti Simha, MD, MPH, FAAP, started a refugee clinic at Cone Health’s Tim and Carolynn Rice Center for Child and Adolescent Health in Greensboro along with her colleague Shannon McQueen, MD, FAAP, in May 2017. The goal of the clinic was to provide high-quality comprehensive care for refugee children, and the clinic has become a medical home for these children. It provides an interpreter for each family despite a shortage of interpreters for certain languages and also coordinates care with case workers who are often from the families’ local communities. “There is much disparity in the care provided to refugee and immigrant families due to significant language and cultural barriers. There is a lot of work to be done in advancing race equity for child health, and I’m excited to be working with NCPeds on this,” she said. Shruti is a Pediatrician at Cone Health’s Tim and Carolynn Rice Center for Child and Adolescent Health in Greensboro, and she also teaches medical students and Pediatric Primary Care track residents from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who have their continuity clinic at the Rice Center. A member of NCPeds since 2007, Shruti joined the Board of Directors in August 2022. “I love NCPeds as it focuses on the well-being of children and, even though the Society advocates for its members, it does not lose its focus on children. Other organizations have more focus on their members, and I think NCPeds is unique in its strong advocacy for children,” she said. She’s been in practice for 16 years. Shruti attended medical school at Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital in Mumbai, India and completed her pediatric residency at Lincoln Hospital, an affiliate of Cornell University in Bronx, NY. She received her Master’s in Public health at George Washington University. She lives in Greensboro and loves exploring anything outdoors. She hopes to visit most of the nation’s National Parks and is planning a trip to the Grand Canyon in the spring of 2023.


	Tax-Efficient Strategies to Support NCPeds


	NCPeds' endowment, The Legacy Fund, is housed at the North Carolina Community Foundation. The fund is designed to provide long-term, sustainable and permanent income for NCPeds. One tax beneficial way to support The Legacy Fund is via a Qualified Charitable Deduction or “QCD.” This method which allows for those 73 and older to make charitable donations directly from qualified retirement plans, including IRAs, can reduce the donor’s taxable required minimum distribution. Additionally because the QCD donation goes directly to NCPeds, the taxpayer is not taxed on that distribution. Frequently asked questions on QCDs is available here. To contribute to The Legacy Fund, click here. Thank you for your continued support for NCPeds which keeps us strong for the work to come!


	Project Firstline Resources


	Looking for expert advice on infection prevention and control topics? Check out the AAP’s Pediatrics On Call Podcasts on Infection Control for on-the-go learning. Covered topics include: Episode 83: Improving Ventilation in Clinical Settings (discussion begins at 14 minute mark) Episode 90: COVID Vaccines in Young Children, Infection Prevention from Respiratory Viruses And, many more timely topics


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2023 Practice Manager’s Retreat* Thursday, March 23 – Friday, March 24, 2023 Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte 4800 South Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28217 2023 NCPeds Annual Meeting Friday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 Hotel Ballast 301 North Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- January 2023

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 20:51:00 GMT


	Thank you 2022 Donors!


	With help from our amazing individual and practice donors, NCPeds exceeded our 2022 fundraising goal! We are so grateful for this steadfast support which will help strengthen NCPeds for the year and the work ahead. Thank you! $12,500 - $15,000 Giving Level Sandhills Pediatrics $5,000 - $7,500 Giving Level Burlington Pediatrics Cary-Apex-Fuquay Varina Pediatric Center Children's Health of Carolina Coastal Children's Clinic Goldsboro Pediatrics Jeffers, Mann & Artman Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine $2,500 - $4,999 Giving Level ABC Pediatrics of Asheville Albemarle Pediatrics Asheville Children’s Medical Center Christoph Diasio, MD, FAAP Pirate Pediatrics Raleigh Pediatric Associates John Rusher, MD, JD, FAAP William L. Stewart, MD, FAAP Thomasville-Archdale Pediatrics $1,000 - $2,499 Giving Level Brian Bowman, MD, PhD, FAAP Tim Bukowski, MD, FAAP Children’s Health Services Herb Clegg, II, MD, FAAP Harold Kowa, MD, FAAP Karen Kowa Katie Lowry, MD, FAAP Susan Mims, MD, MPH, FAAP Mountain View Pediatrics J. Duncan Phillips, MD, FAAP Robeson Pediatrics Sanford Pediatrics Steve Shore, MSW Scott St. Clair, MD, FAAP Mike Steiner, MD, MPH, FAAP David T. Tayloe, Jr, MD, FAAP David T. Tayloe, III, MD, FAAP Triangle Pediatrics Unifour Pediatrics $500 - $999 Giving Level Ahoskie Pediatrics Karen Breach Washington, MD, FAAP Carolina Pediatrics of the Triad Carteret Children’s Clinic Catawba Pediatric Associates Kathleen Clarke-Pearson, MD, FAAP Marian Earls, MD, MTS, FAAP Stephen Edwards, MD, FAAP Jane Foy, MD, FAAP Rita Gunter, MD, FAAP Charles Hayek, MD, FAAP Preeti Matkins, MD, FAAP Gerri Mattson, MD, MPH, FAAP Kenya McNeal-Trice, MD, FAAP Ansley Miller, MD, FAAP Peter Morris, MD, MPH, MDiv, FAAP David Nichols, MD, MBA, FAAP Laurie Pulver, MD, FAAP Michael, Riddick, MBA, EA Henry Smith, II, MD, FAAP Western Wake Pediatrics Siegfried Yeh, MD, FAAP $250 - $499 Giving Level AmazonSmile Deborah Ainsworth, MD, FAAP Joseph Bell, MD, FAAP Christine Collins, MSW Trella S. Cooper, MD, FAAP Natacha Draper The Duke Endowment Theresa McCarthy Flynn, MD, MPH, FAAP Robert Ford, Jr, MD, FAAP Emily Hannon, MD, FAAP Elizabeth Hudgins, MPP Susan Huffman, CMPE Kasey A. Joyner, MD, FAAP Deborah Leiner, MD, FAAP Anna Miller-Fitzwater, MD, MPH, FAAP Park Avenue Pediatrics Lourdes Pereda MD, FAAP Ann M. Reed, MD Shruti Simha, MD, MPH, FAAP Karen Todd, MD, MPH, FAAP Ross Vaughan, MD, FAAP David Williams, MD, FAAP $100 - $249 Giving Level Ahoskie Pediatrics Marty Baker, MD, FAAP Graham Barden, III, MD, FAAP Rita Chen, MD, FAAP Charles Crawford, MD, FAAP Dennis Clements, III, MD, FAAP Jennifer Crotty, MD, FAAP Kim Day Lisa Delphias Robert Drucker, MD, FAAP Marisa Flores, MD, FAAP Patti Gilbert Akilah Grimes, MD, FAAP Rufus M. Herring, Jr, MD, FAAP Martha Ann Keels, DDS, PhD Kimberly Montez, MD, MPH, FAAP Carmen Moreno, MD, FAAP Madlyn C. Morreale, JD, MPH Dale Newton, MD William Purcell, MD, FAAP Robert Schwartz, MD, FAAP Lynn Spees, MD, FAAP Paschal Stewart, III, MD, FAAP Richard Sutherland, MD, FAAP Tom Vitaglione, MSW Spencer Weig, MD, FAAP Rebecca Weinshilboum, DO, FAAP To $99 Giving Level Jeanna Auriemma, MD, FAAP Katherine Beavers, MD Tim Bell Nicole Groves, MD, FAAP Colleen Huseboe Wissam Nadra, MD, FAAP Edith Nieves-Lopez, MD, FAAP H. Stacy Nicholson, MD, MPH, FAAP


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Jennifer Crotty, MD, FAAP NCPeds Board of Directors


	After organizing the NCPeds Resident Poster Sessions since 2010, Jennifer Crotty, MD, FAAP, is a new face on our Board of Directors. She appreciates the camaraderie that she experiences within the organization. “I love working with colleagues from across the state and learning how to better provide care to kids,” she said. “Being involved in NCPeds is the easiest way to keep informed on changes that affect the care of children in our state. It’s such an approachable organization.” In addition to her new position on the board of directors, she continues to co-chair the Resident Poster Sessions with Dr. Dan Ostrovsky. The program engages residents from all eight pediatric and medicine and pediatric residency programs in the state. Jennifer has been practicing pediatrics since 2007 and is currently an Associate Professor at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University’s Associate Pediatrics Residency Program and the Director of the Medical Student Service-Learning Distinction Track. “I love helping families and children be healthier! I also love watching pediatric residents become advocates for kids' health as they recognize that the more we, as physicians, learn about pediatric medicine and our communities, the better care we provide!” she said. She received her medical degree from Penn State University and her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She lives in Winterville, N.C., and you can often find her cheering on her children at swim meets and dance events. As a child, she spent her summers traveling the United States and Canada while visiting many of America’s National Parks. She now shares that love of traveling with her own family and has visited 49 states.


	Project Firstline Resources


	Improve your knowledge of infection prevention and control while also earning CME/MOC 2! The American Academy of Pediatrics is recruiting primary care practice teams to join a three-month learning collaborative aimed at improving knowledge, skills and self-efficacy around infection prevention and control strategies. Primary care clinicians and their teams will participate in two sessions per month: one learning session and one quality improvement (QI) session, applying QI methodology from February – April 2023 for a total of six sessions. Active practice teams will receive a $1,000 stipend at the conclusion of the program. Participants are also eligible to claim CME/MOC 2 and MOC Part 4 credits. Apply online! Also, there is still time to register for the AAP Pediatric Respiratory Surge ECHO which will serve as a forum for pediatric health care providers to increase knowledge, skills and self-efficacy in responding to the respiratory surge and implementing recommended infection prevention and control practices. Register today!


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.** Email Awana@ncpeds.org to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2023 Practice Manager’s Retreat* Thursday, March 23 – Friday, March 24, 2023 Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte 4800 South Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28217 2023 NCPeds Annual Meeting Friday, Sept. 8 – Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 Hotel Ballast 301 North Water Street Wilmington, North Carolina 28401


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- December 2022

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 03:35:00 GMT


	Happy Holidays from NCPeds!


	As 2022 comes to a close, we are reflecting on everything that we’ve accomplished as an organization. NCPeds thanks everyone who helped us throughout the year including our members, partners, Board Members, Committee Chairs, Committee Members and donors. Without you, none of this would be possible! Here are just a few of the things we’ve accomplished with your help this year: Our members' deep-rooted team spirit resulted in strong Solution Share participation and in members sharing important pediatric expertise on issues ranging from the formula shortage to addressing mental health issues. Represented critical needs of pediatricians and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, including significant work around facilitating the COVID-19 vaccine for children rollout. NCPeds’ strong connections with state leaders, CMOs of the Prepaid Health Plans and others, helped members navigate on-going billing, coding and coverage challenges associated with Medicaid reform and, most importantly, ensured kids continued to receive needed care. A return to in-person educational offerings afforded members the opportunity to earn 13.25 CME, 12.25 MOC 2 and 6.5 CEUs on topics including COVID treatment options, anxiety disorder recognition, healthy weight and more. Meeting attendees surveyed gave 6.4 out of 7 stars for meeting “return on investment” and 4.6 out of 5 stars for meeting addressing equity. Long-established advocacy efforts produced important results, such as a “no-wrong door” policy for newborn care, expanding the number of parents who can be covered by Medicaid and clarification that vaccine product is exempt from local property tax. Just as importantly, we opposed negative developments, such as legislation to keep transgendered youth from participating on school sports teams and legislation allowing pharmacists to prescribe various medications. A significant, decades-long legislative victory will be realized when CHIP and Medicaid merge in 2023. All children currently covered on Health Choice will be covered by Medicaid which will ensure more children get the full range of EPSDT benefits, while also promoting administrative simplification for practices and families. With help from members and in response to an unprecedented increase in pediatric hospitalization rates, NCPeds is hosting a Pediatric Bed Finder to help identify available PICU and Pediatric beds which helps pediatricians connect sick children with the critical care they need. There is still time to make 2022 donations to NCPeds! NCPeds is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization, meaning your 2022 donation is fully tax deductible. Visit our donation page to make a contribution and email Colleen Huseboe (919-839-1156 ext. 205) with any questions. We appreciate and thank each and every one of you and wish you a wonderful holiday season and a healthy New Year!


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Nathan Morgan, MBA Pirate Pediatrics


	As a Practice Manager, Nathan Morgan wears many hats and can find himself solving many different kinds of problems on any given day. One minute he may be getting new batteries for a baby scale and the next he may be handling a billing issue with a patient. “From an office standpoint, you have to be a jack of all trades,” he said. “As with any other office manager positions, I get involved in a little bit of everything.” Nathan has served as the Practice Manager of Pirate Pediatrics in Greenville for the past 10 years. Nathan joined the practice following positions in heavy equipment leasing and store and sales management. He joined the practice to work alongside his wife who is the practice owner and pediatrician on staff. As a new member of the NCPeds Board of Directors and Chair of the Practice Managers Section, Nathan is looking forward to providing a voice for practice managers on the board. He has been involved with the NCPeds Practice Manager Section since 2017 and enjoys the camaraderie that the organization provides for all practices statewide. “I find serving with NCPeds and being active in their community has given me a better understanding of what the Society is doing statewide and how it’s helping practices small, large and in between,” he said. “It’s exciting to be a part of a group that is really looking to help all pediatricians across the state regardless of location, size and number of doctors.” Nathan is a Tennessee native who received his undergraduate from the University of Tennessee and MBA from East Carolina University. He lives in Greenville with his wife and two children (ages 13 and 5). You’ll often find the family at the beach or attending one of their kids’ many activities including gymnastics, robotics and band. A previous marathon runner, he is now an avid cyclist who gets out on his bicycle for road cycling whenever he can.


	RSV Resources


	With the recent surge in RSV cases in North Carolina, these resources from the AAP can help pediatric healthcare providers respond to and assist their patients. American Academy of Pediatrics Offers Guidance on RSV Prophylaxis, Handling Surge of Pediatric Patients with Respiratory Infections (aap.org) Updated Guidance: Use of Palivizumab Prophylaxis to Prevent Hospitalization From Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection During the 2022-2023 RSV Season (aap.org)


	NCPeds Pediatric Bed Finder


	There has been an unprecedented increase in pediatric hospitalization rates across the state leading to a shortage of Pediatric and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) beds. In response, in October NCPeds launched a new resource to identify available pediatric inpatient beds – the Pediatric Bed Finder. The Pediatric Bed Finder is a new shared Google Doc with updated information from the different hospitals and healthcare systems across the state. It will only be as current as the information provided. You do NOT need to be logged in as a member to view. Thank you to the many Pediatric Hospitalists who provided data and feedback as we developed this site: Appalachian Regional Hospital – A. McGhee and L. Tran Atrium – Sara Horstmann Catawba Valley Health – David Berry Coastal Children’s Services – Lauren Gainor Cone Health – Suresh Nagappan Harris Regional Hospital – Nick Jernigan Duke – Lisa Parnell ECU – Caitlin King Mission – Ansley Miller New Hanover Regional Medical Center – David Hill Wake Forest – Jeanna Auriemma WakeMed – Mike Brown, JB Lykes UNC – Chapel Hill – Mike Steiner Thank you to our Subspecialist Committee who created the infrastructure to help this come together quickly with extra thanks to co-chair Dr. Ansley Miller.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.** Email Awana@ncpeds.org* to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. Solution Share Calls resume on Tuesday, Jan. 3. There will be no Solution Share Call on Dec. 27. 2023 Practice Manager’s Retreat** Thursday, March 23 – Friday, March 24, 2023 Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte 4800 South Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28217


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- November 2022

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:53:00 GMT


	Thank You From NCPeds!


	November is the perfect time to reflect on our gratitude, and the NCPeds staff is thankful for so much. Here is just a sampling of the many things for which we're giving thanks: In-Person Events! A return to in-person events and the opportunity to learn and collaborate with each of you in-person. CHIP-Medicaid Merger: The CHIP-Medicaid merger which will bring the full range of Early Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Treatment to more children and help ease the administrative burden on providers and families. Our Members: We are thankful for each and every one of our members. You truly are the backbone of our organization! Our Partners: Our work to advocate on child well-being would not be possible without our many terrific partners. We appreciate working with every member of our expanded team. Our Board Members, Committee Chairs and Committee Members: The NCPeds Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and Committee Members selflessly devote hours of their own time to leading our organization. Our Donors: Every donation that NCPeds receives helps keep us financially strong and able to continue our mission "to empower pediatricians and our partners to foster the physical, social and emotional well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults." Thank you for supporting NCPeds! We are looking forward to an amazing 2023 with you!


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Debra Best, MD, FAAP Duke Medical Center


	The AAP’s Community Access to Child Health(CATCH) Program was transformative for Debra Best, MD, FAAP. The CATCH program awards grants to pediatricians who collaborate with community partners to advance the health of all children. Pediatricians who notice a need in their community can partner with a community organization to plan and implement a program to help address the need they’ve identified. Since its creation in 1993, the CATCH program has awarded more than $9 million in grants and has funded more than 1,800 pediatricians nationwide. Debra served as the NCPeds Chapter CATCH Facilitator for 11 years. In this role she provided technical assistance to pediatricians within the chapter as they worked to collaborate with their community partners to coordinate CATCH grants. Debra is a Pediatrician in General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health at Duke Medical Center and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Duke University School of Medicine. She became involved with the CATCH program in 2008 when she received a CATCH grant for a project to address childhood obesity in her community. She then received the Leonard P. Rome CATCH Visiting Professorship award to support her advocacy work at Duke University. As the CATCH Facilitator, she helped pediatricians develop plans for their grants and reviewed the grant applications, and she followed up with physicians who need to resubmit grant applications. There have been more than 50 CATCH grants in North Carolina since the program was founded in 1993, and 28 CATCH grants awarded in North Carolina since Debra served as the Chapter Facilitator. “What’s been wonderful to see is that very often the grants that are given to pediatricians, and community organizations create new partnerships that didn’t exist at first. Many times after the funding ends these projects still exist in some form going forward,” she said. The AAP offers training for CATCH Facilitators each year, and these sessions have been invaluable for Debra. “That’s been such a fun experience to engage with individuals who are as passionate about community work and the potential of the CATCH Program. I’ve always left those meetings feeling rejuvenated and ready to do more work in my community when I come back,” she said. After 11 years as the NCPeds Chapter Facilitator, Debra stepped down from the role in 2022. “I would love to encourage anyone who is interested in taking on this role. It’s been a role that’s been so meaningful to me over the past decade,” she said. “It has really opened my eyes to many potential collaborations within the community as I hear of the many ways that pediatricians are working within their own communities.” NCPeds thanks Dr. Best for her many years of service as the CATCH Facilitator for us!


	Infection Prevention and Control Resources


	New pediatric team members, as well as those who wish to brush up on their skills, can benefit from the free PediaLink course, “Infection Prevention and Control for Pediatric Clinics.” Developed in collaboration with the CDC Project Firstline, the course covers the basics of infection transmission, clinic operations, and patient care. It is available until April 2025. Additional training resources for frontline health care workers are available in the CDC online toolkit. Quick (and fun) interactive infection control resources Short on time? Understanding the stress and time constraints of working in a healthcare setting, these resources are designed to be approachable and easy to use on your own schedule. Visit the Project Firstline website to test your knowledge today!


	Be NCPeds' Next CATCH Co-Facilitator


	Interested in developing your skills as a leader and learning more about community pediatrics? The AAP Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Program is seeking applications for the position of Chapter CATCH Co-Facilitator (CCF). CCFs are appointed by their state Chapter to serve a renewable three-year term. CATCH’s mission is to support pediatricians to collaborate within their communities to advance the health of all children. The vision is that every child in every community reach optimal health and well-being. Learn more about the responsibilities and activities of the position. NCPeds' District IV CATCH representative is Dr. Emily Vander Schaaf (UNC). Dr. Aaron Pankiewicz (Cary, Apex, Fuquay-Varina Pediatrics) is one of our Chapter Co-Facilitators. We are currently searching for an additional Chapter CATCH Co-Facilitator to work with Dr. Pankiewicz. If you are interested in this position or would like more information, email *elizabeth@ncpeds.org*.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org* to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. NCDHHS will join the Dec. 6 Solution Share to hear your insights about barriers and opportunities for providing more integrated mental health care services in primary care practice. 2023 Practice Manager’s Retreat Thursday, March 23 – Friday, March 24, 2023 Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte 4800 South Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28217


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- October 2022

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 17:33:00 GMT


	Partner Practice Registration is Now Open for 2023

As the days grow shorter and the warm summer air becomes a cool autumn breeze, it can only mean one thing: pumpkin spice season! Well...for NCPeds, as the holiday season and colder weather are near, it means one thing - it is Partner Practice season!

We began our Partner Practice program as a way to allow practices to have all of their pediatricians become NCPeds members. Partner Practices receive recognition in our membership newsletter and at NCPeds' events and are our go-to group when special opportunities arise.

Guidelines for the Partner Practice program:

Practices must apply to be a Partner Practice by completing required information, including a list of pediatricians in the practice along with their membership expiration date.
All pediatricians in the practice must be NCPeds members.
Partner Practice memberships run from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 and must be renewed annually.

Our 2022 Partner Practices

A special thank you to our current Partner Practices!

ABC Pediatric of Asheville
Ahoskie Pediatrics
Burkhart Pediatric & Adolescent Dermatology
Burlington Pediatrics, PA
Carolina Kids Pediatrics
Carolina Pediatrics of the Triad, PA
Catawba Pediatric Associates, PA
Chapel Hill Children & Adolescents' Clinic
Childrens Health of Carolina
Coastal Children's Clinic, Inc.
Eastern Pediatrics, PA
Goldsboro Pediatrics
Greensboro Pediatricians
Greenville Pediatric Services
Haywood Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Group, PA
High Point Pediatrics
Jeffers, Artman, and Mann Pediatrics
Kinston Pediatric Associates, PA
Lincoln Pediatrics Clinic, PA
Mack Pediatrics
Mountain Area Pediatric Associates, P.A.
Mountain View Pediatrics, PA
Pediatric Partners
Pediatrics at Home PLLC
Pirate Pediatrics
Raleigh Pediatrics
Robeson Pediatrics
Sandhills Pediatrics
Sanford Pediatrics
Surf Pediatrics and Medicine
Thomasville & Archdale-Trinity Pediatrics, PLLC
Unifour Pediatrics
Western Wake Pediatrics PA
White Oak Pediatrics
Winston-Salem Pediatrics Highroad, P.A

Register or Renew Today!

If your practice would like to participate in the Partner Practice program in 2023, please fill out this form today! All practices who fill out the form by Dec. 9, 2022 will be recognized on our website beginning in January 2023. If you have questions regarding the NCPeds membership expiration dates of your providers, please send a list of your providers to Awana at Awana@ncpeds.org. Even if you were a Partner Practice in 2022 your practice will need to apply again for 2023.


	Christel Wekon-Kemeni's Drive to Encourage Voter Registration Among Medical Communities


	Election Day (Nov. 8) is right around the corner! But for Christel Wekon-Kemeni, MD, promoting voter registration and voter education has been a passion since 2020 when he started his first voter registration drive with the You Can Vote organization. That drive helped increase access to voter information and registration for family members of patients receiving care at the UNC Children’s Primary Care Resident Continuity Clinic. Since that time, he’s participated in the Vot-ER Civic Health Fellowship where he worked with other advocates and leaders and created a blueprint for a Civic Health Action Project to help increase voter access in his community. “Prior to my time in medical school, I never truly understood how intertwined our everyday lives were with the decisions made by our elected officials and the people they appoint to their cabinet positions,” he said. “I became driven to learn more about how our government worked and to encourage others to express their voice through the mechanism that created the bedrock of our nation: the ballot.” Through his work with Vot-ER, he has been implementing voter registration drives within UNC Health and has recruited residents to assist with conducting voter registration drives in the continuity clinic. He’s learned a lot along the way. He provides the following tips for having success in voter registration efforts: Work in Teams: Find a great, motivated group of people to help spread the word and organize your efforts. Nonprofit Partners: Partner with a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization who can help guide your efforts and streamline your process. Be Patient: It takes time to organize voter registration education programs and drives. And it sometimes takes time to educate your organization about why a nonpartisan effort is important to them. Register Yourself: Don’t forget to make sure you’re registered to vote at your current address too! “One of the biggest pieces of advice that I can give is to make sure that you aren’t doing this work alone. It is so much easier, more efficient, and fulfilling if you are able to work in a dynamic team with other like-minded individuals who also want to increase voter engagement,” he said. As a resident, he was also involved in advocacy initiatives through the Advocacy Curricular Enhancement Committee at his program, helped create the Project E.M.B.R.A.C.E (Ending Medical Bias & Racism By Advocating for Change & Equity) noon conference series, and regularly educated his fellow residents about important issues related to advocacy. “It felt natural to continue my work in advocacy during residency; I’ve engaged in community service on a regular basis since my high school years, and it has been something that has continued to fulfill me over time,” he said. “As trusted leaders in the medical field, physicians need to be at the forefront of advocacy efforts for the patients they serve in order to ensure that each patient served has a fair shot at obtaining the best health outcomes they can get.” In addition to his work at UNC, he also manages Black Man, M.D., a blog he created about his experiences in the medical field. The blog highlights his journey of becoming a pediatrician and allows him to spotlight minority students and professionals studying and/or working in the healthcare field. He has also awarded multiple scholarships to minority high school students through his blog over the past several years. Christel is currently a Chief Resident in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and UNC Health. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and his medical degree from the Wake Forest School of Medicine.


	2022 Career Day


	Our 2022 Career Day was held Sept. 28 in RTP. We had a great time with students and physicians throughout the day! A special thank you to Dr. Kenya McNeal-Trice for planning and leading the event! And, thank you to Atrium, UNC and ECU for sending residents to the event.


	Tailored Plan Transition Delayed Until April 1, 2023


	The full launch of Tailored Plans has been delayed until April 1 although some services will go forward starting Dec. 1. Pending CMS approval, there will be more home-based services starting Dec. 1. Also starting Dec. 1 NCDHHS and LME/MCOs will support providers of Tailored Care Management to launch their services for eligible beneficiaries to have a single designated care manager supported by a multidisciplinary team to provide integrated care management. Otherwise, beneficiaries set to receive care through the Tailored Plans will continue to receive behavioral health services and I/DD and TBI supports through their LME/MCO and physical health and pharmacy services through NC Medicaid Direct, just as they do today. Click here to view the full press release.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org* to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. In-Person Early Voting October 20 – November 5 This can be a great option for people who may be scheduled for long or unpredictable hours on Election Day. Election Day Tuesday, November 8 Polls are open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and absentee ballots are due by 5 p.m. (The deadline to request absentee ballots was mid-July.)


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- September 2022

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 19:47:00 GMT


	Guest Column: What to Know About the Tailored Plan Transition

Guest Columnist: A special thank you to the communication team at NCDHHS for preparing this article

KEY TAILORED PLAN DATES

Oct. 14, 2022 – Last day for members to choose a PCP and Tailored Care Management provider before Auto-assignment.
Oct. 14-22, 2022 – PCP and Tailored Care Management Provider Auto-assignment for members who have not chosen a PCP or Tailored Care Management provider.
Dec. 1, 2022 – Behavioral Health I/DD Tailored Plans launch.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TAILORED PLAN TRANSITION

You can prepare for the Tailored Plan transition by reviewing your information in the Medicaid and Health Plan Lookup Tool and the Enrollment Broker Provider Directory. Use the NCTracks Manage Change Request process to review the information on your record regularly to ensure it is accurate.

You can continue to contract with Tailored Plans up to and after the Auto-assignment period begins on October 14. Keep in mind that the administrative process to be included in the network report to the Department takes about two weeks. Also, effective December 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, Advanced Medical Homes (AMHs) 1, 2 and 3 that are serving as the assigned primary care provider for beneficiaries eligible for Tailored Plans will receive an enhanced medical home payment of $20 per member per month.

Stay prepared by reviewing the latest Tailored Care Management Updates for updated guidance and using resources offered on the Practice Support website. Ensure continuity of care by informing eligible beneficiaries of the plans in which you are enrolled so they can make informed decisions. Direct beneficiaries to the NC Medicaid Enrollment Broker website or Call Center 833-870-5500 (TTY: 711 or RelayNC.com) or the What Beneficiaries Need to Know on Day One Fact Sheet.

PROVIDER RESOURCES

Tailored Plan Information: Contacts for your respective Tailored Plan
NC Medicaid Transformation: Includes County and Provider Playbooks
NC Medicaid Help Center: Search articles for answers to questions
NC AHEC Practice Support: Back Porch Chat Webinar Series. Hosted by Dr. Dowler on the third Thursday ofthe month and Virtual Office Hours for Providers
Regular Medicaid Bulletins: View recent bulletins or search for topic-related information


	2022 Annual Meeting


	Thank you to everyone who attended our 2022 Annual Meeting! We were so happy to see everyone in person for the first time since 2019 and are thankful to all attendees, exhibitors and sponsors who made it possible. A special thank you to our Education Committee who planned the conference! Karin Hillenbrand (Co-Chair) Kimberly Montez (Co-Chair) Amina Ahmed Sara Brewington Amanda Higginson Scott Love Ansley Miller Anna Miller-Fitzwater Laurie Pulver Shruti Simha David Tayloe, III Shiva Zargham


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Shiva Zargham, MD, FAAP UNC-Chapel Hill


	Shiva Zargham, MD, FAAP, is one of the newest faces on our Education Committee. After spending eight years as a member of NCPeds, she’s now excited to help plan and shape the educational conferences offered by the organization. “So far, I have helped with development of the NCPeds Annual Meeting line up,” she said. “I hope to find more ways for us to promote educational opportunities for pediatricians across our state.” Shiva works in the pediatric emergency department at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and enjoys the opportunity to work with pediatricians from other practices through NCPeds. “I love the collaborations between the academic hospitals and beyond that is made evident in the NCPeds meetings,” she said. “Joining the organization is a great way to make these collaborations and meet fellow pediatricians across the state.” Shiva received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her medical degree from East Carolina University. After a decade in pediatric practice, she continues to be amazed at the honesty of children. “Hearing what kids have to say is my favorite part of my job. They are so honest and hilarious,” she said. She lives in Cary with her family which includes three daughters and a dog named Donut. You’ll often find them watching movies, traveling or playing games together.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. 2022 Career Day Sheraton Imperial Hotel at RDU at Research Triangle Park Sept. 28, 2022, 10 a.m.


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

American Academy of Pediatrics Honors N.C. Pediatricians

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 19:22:00 GMT

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has awarded three North Carolina pediatricians with 2022 Special Achievement Awards. The North Carolina Pediatric Society, the state affiliate Chapter of the AAP, nominated each recipient.

“We are proud to recognize the outstanding leadership skills and keen equity lens each of these women exhibit daily. They are inspirational leaders and physicians who demonstrate an unyielding commitment and dedication to improving the health of every infant, child, adolescent and young adult in our state,” said Kenya McNeal-Trice, MD, FAAP, NCPeds President.

Susan Rupp Mims, MD, MPH, FAAP was recognized for her leadership with the NC Pediatric Society. Dr. Mims became President of NCPeds during Hurricane Florence and left during COVID-19. Her leadership and vision, including promoting equity, were essential as the chapter navigated these challenges.

Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, MD, MPH, FAAP was nominated for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer for the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Tilson led key elements of the state’s COVID-19 response with a keen focus on the impact on child health and equity.

Rasheeda Monroe, MD, FAAP was nominated for her work in promoting COVID-19 vaccination distribution especially among minority communities. Dr. Monroe has demonstrated phenomenal commitment and accomplishment to promoting equity in COVID vaccination.

The awards were presented during the virtual awards event on Sept. 15, 2022.

NC Pediatric Society Announces 2022 Pediatric Excellence Awards

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 19:30:00 GMT

The North Carolina Pediatric Society (NCPeds) has awarded its pediatric excellence awards for 2022 to individuals who have helped meet the organization's goal of optimizing the health, well-being and futures of North Carolina’s infants, children and adolescents.

The awards were presented during the NCPeds Annual Meeting in August 2022.

“Each of these individuals has made a tremendous impact on pediatrics in North Carolina in their local area and beyond. Dr. Flynn and Dr. Hill are true leaders for pediatrics, and we are proud to present these awards in honor of their tireless contributions to helping improve the health and well-being of the infants, children and adolescents of our state,” said Christoph Diasio, MD, FAAP, Immediate Past President of NCPeds.

Award	Award Description	Recipient
James D. Bernstein Excellence in Public Service Award	Given in recognition of outstanding achievement to improve the health and well-being of children and adolescents.	Theresa Flynn, MD, MPH, FAAP WakeMed Health and Hospitals
David T. Tayloe, Sr. Award for Outstanding Community Service	Given to a pediatrician who has made exceptional contributions in her/his local community or statewide, and that may include efforts beyond the practice setting.	David Hill, MD, FAAP Goldsboro Pediatrics and New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Denny, Katz, Simon, Tingelstad Academic Service Award	Given to an academic pediatrician member for outstanding efforts to improve the health and wellness of all children in our state.	Residency Directors: · Kenya McNeal-Trice (University of North Carolina) · Margaret Kihlstrom (University of North Carolina) · Betty Staples (Duke University) · Mia Mallory (Duke University) · Katy Bartlett (Duke University) · Thomas Russell (Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist) · Sydney Primis (Atrium Health, Carolinas Medical Center) · Sarah Leonard (East Carolina University)

Usually awarded to one individual, the 2022 Denny, Katz, Simon, Tingelstad Academic Service Award was awarded to the eight Residency Directors for North Carolina’s medical schools in honor of their tireless work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic these individuals went above and beyond to ensure that programs continued to operate, patients received vital care and physicians stayed up-to-date on the latest information. The Residency Directors did an amazing job helping residency programs stay strong as COVID struck, hospitals filled, and rules and guidance changed at a dizzying pace while ‘pivot’ became the word of the month, year and beyond. We are proud to recognize their ongoing dedication to ensuring the health and well-being of the children in North Carolina,” said Susan Mims, MD, MPH, FAAP, Past President of NCPeds.

NCPeds News Net -- August 2022

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 18:51:00 GMT


	Big Legislative Victory Long Time Coming CHIP and Medicaid programs to merge!


	One of NCPeds’ defining legislative achievements was state passage of the CHIP program to help cover tens of thousands more children with health benefits. In 1997, Dr. David Tayloe Jr, Dr. Olson Huff and Tom Vitaglione lived joined-at-the-hip walking through the General Assembly and elsewhere in support of then-NCDHHS Secretary Dr. David Bruton in the push to assure NC adoption of this important federal option to get more kids covered. Even then, NCPeds advocated for one statewide program but in the end, the State decided to have separate benefit packages for kids covered by CHIP. Kids covered by CHIP would not get the full range of Early Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) services or non-emergency transportation, and they would not be eligible for Vaccines for Children. The State continued with these two different programs for more than 20 years. Eventually, younger children were moved into “MCHIP” where they got the full range of Medicaid benefits. This was terrific for younger children, but potentially confusing for families who might have one child with one set of benefits and an older child with fewer benefits. Then came Medicaid reform. Instead of two benefit packages, families were looking at deciding between multiple options that could vary for different aged children in their family. Practices were expected to manage two different sets of benefits across up to five different plans, plus Medicaid Direct (and soon to add potentially multiple contracts for Tailored Plans). NCPeds once again turned our attention to aligning CHIP and Medicaid to help reduce some the confusion while also improving the benefits of almost 100,000 kids. In 2018, we wrote a joint letter with NC Child to then-NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen asking that they seek to align CHIP and Medicaid before switching the flip to Medicaid Managed Care. The letter was also supported by Advocates for Medically Fragile Children, Disability Rights NC, MomsRising, NC Alliance for Health, NC Justice Center, and the NC Local Health Directors Association. Then NC House Representative Greg Murphy sought a fiscal note and other information to advance a legislative solution. However, it did not move forward. In 2019, we reached out to legislative leaders such as Sen. Joyce Krawiec. This time our joint letter was also joined by the NC March of Dimes and NC Academy of Family Physicians. We kept the conversations going. We got more traction, but no bill moved forward. Then the rate tables for Medicaid came out with Medicaid and CHIP coverage in the same rate cell – indicating there would be no cost to the state for merging the two programs. Many PHPs joined the call for merging CHIP and Medicaid. The proposal still languished. In 2021, Representatives Clemmons, Adcock, Cunningham and von Haefen filed a bill to merge the two programs. While the bill did not advance, a fiscal note was prepared that there would be no cost to the state in merging the two programs. Thanks to the on-going efforts of Rep. Clemmons, Rep. Donnie Lambeth and Rep. Kristin Baker, MD, along with many high-level health policy staff, this proposal made it over the finish line! Finally, in 2022 the enacted budget bill included a provision to merge the two programs! This is a big victory that's been a long time coming. Before we start the work of implementation, we need to take a moment to put on our dancing shoes and toss some confetti! Let’s celebrate this win: Stronger benefit package for children, including vaccines through VFC Less confusion for families Easier administratively for practices, NCDHHS and the Medicaid Managed Care entities And, did we mention full EPSDT services for almost 100,000 more children once implemented? This is good news! Many thanks to all of you, our many partners, and legislative and executive leaders who helped make this happen!


	A word cloud created by our Board, members and friends to honor the awesomeness that is Dr. Diasio.


	A Message from NCPeds’ President Christoph Diasio, MD, FAAP


	Being President of the NC Pediatric Society during COVID and the transition to Managed Care for Medicaid has been an honor. I already knew a lot of you and thought NC pediatricians were great, but as I’ve gotten to know many of you better, the awesomeness of NCPeds is mightier and mightier. The NCPeds staff asked me to share some thoughts as I become the Immediate Past President, so here goes…. The transition to Medicaid Managed Care was a great time to be president. I sought out this position for this exact time period because I trained in Tennessee in the aftermath of their transition to Medicaid Managed care (Tenncare), and I worried there would be lots of problems that would endanger children and the viability of Pediatrics. That, and I love to squash bugs - and wow have there been a lot of bugs to squash! We’ve trouble-shot too many issues to name, but here are two big ones – Health Choice vaccines and newborn care. We identified that payment of vaccine product for kids covered by Health Choice might be a problem, and we were right. But because of work we did before the transition, the fixes after the fact were faster than they might otherwise have been. And best of all, NCPeds successfully championed legislation that will permanently fix the problem starting in 2023 by merging CHIP into Medicaid so that all the children with Managed Medicaid will receive Vaccines for Children (VFC). Elizabeth will rightly urge me to say that lots of partners worked on this, but it’s also important to note NCPeds has been an incredibly key and important force here. The initial Medicaid reform policy for newborns made it hard for some pediatricians to get paid for services for babies. Pediatricians rounding in newborn nurseries would need to skip over babies with Medicaid Managed Care Plans they didn’t take. Never mind that it’s hard enough for any community pediatrician to round in the nursery, much less multiple pediatricians to make sure all the Plans are represented. Never mind babies don’t get their Medicaid cards for weeks, and it would be challenging for the pediatrician to know what the Plan would be. We worried that newborns without their Medicaid card might be turned away because the practice might not be able to get paid if the family signed up with a Plan they didn't take. Fortunately, NC Medicaid cares deeply about infant health (and other health), and they changed their policy before Medicaid reform even started to the current “no wrong door” for the first 90 days approach for newborns (any PHP will pay any PCP enrolled in Medicaid even if not enrolled in that plan). If NCPeds had not been tracking closely, the initial policy probably would have been less good for kids. It was great to get to be part of these important conversations and prevent bad things from happening to our children. COVID – wow, COVID has been hard. It’s been hard on patients and staff, for kids, parents, and everyone who works in a pediatric practice. You – pediatricians, practice managers, nurses, staff, PAs & NPs, mental health clinicians (especially our under-resourced psychiatrists) – all of you have risen to the occasion time after challenging time. Whether figuring out how to see patients when most of the world was shut down or speaking in front of hostile school board meetings and the media on masking and vaccines, or figuring how order, store and administer COVID vaccines -- you have just been amazing. I have always been a fan of vaccines, and it is just terrific to finally get to go on the offensive against COVID, especially since the vaccine is now available to children as young as six months. As I have often said, vaccinating families against COVID is pure joy. Getting to be President of NCPeds and work with others to help vaccinate and otherwise protect families has been just as awesome. Solution Share has been a true COVID silver lining. Getting to spend half an hour with you on Tuesdays hearing your great ideas, seeing your faces (or at least Zoom boxes) and sharing solutions has been terrific. Plus, we get to squash bugs! But this is a testament to the best of NCPeds – working together to figure out how to makes things better for children - because that is what pediatric professionals do. It has been an honor and lots of fun being your President! I also plan on enjoying this next stage and watching and supporting all the awesome that Dr. Kenya McNeal-Trice will bring during her presidency.


	Meet NCPeds’ Staff Brooke Lombardi Implementation Specialist Fostering Health NC


	We are excited to welcome Brooke Lombardi back to Fostering Health NC (FHNC) as an Implementation Specialist. FHNC is a program of NCPeds that is supported by funding from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Social Services. Its mission is to help improve the health and well-being of children and youth in foster care. “It’s great to be back and connect with counties that I previously worked with, as well as meet new partners throughout North Carolina,” Brooke said. She is looking forward to working with FHNC’s partners to help children in foster care statewide. “I work with 21 counties throughout North Carolina and bring together the county's Department of Social Services, medical providers who serve children in foster care, and care management entities (i.e., CCNC and CMARC) to establish a partnership in meeting the health and well-being needs of those in foster care. These systems are typically siloed, not frequently talking to one another, so these collaborations help ensure that each entity is working together to meet the needs of the children in care they are serving,” she said. Brooke, who previously held this position from 2015-2018, returns to Fostering Health NC after receiving her PhD from the University of North Carolina School of Social Work. Her doctoral research focused on PTSD in the perinatal period among survivors of trauma. In addition to her doctoral degree, she received her bachelor’s degree at Asbury University in Kentucky and her master’s in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brooke lives in Apex with her wife and two young daughters. You’ll find the family on the lake, exploring outdoor areas and traveling when they can. An avid traveler, Brooke has visited Greece and Bermuda this year with plans to visit Ireland in November. She also hopes to one day return to Thailand where she once lived.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link.


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds New Net -- July 2022

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 18:38:00 GMT


	Can't-Miss Events and Sessions at the 2022 NCPeds Annual Meeting


	It is hard to believe that we are full swing into summer and that the Annual Meeting is just around the corner. This year’s meeting will be held from Aug. 26-28, 2022, at the beautiful Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham. Because of the incredible location, you can take advantage of everything our program and Durham has to offer! We hope this year's conference provides you with an opportunity to learn and connect with your colleagues while enjoying: Keynote on early childhood mental health with Sherri L. Alderman, MD, MPH, IMHM-E Policy & Clinical, FAAP Updates from key state leaders including Dr. Shannon Dowler, Dr. Gerri Mattson, Dave Richard and Dr. Betsey Tilson 3 Tracks (Inpatient, Outpatient, and Healthy Weight) to choose from, in addition to topics ranging from gender-affirming care, infant mental health, DEI and much more! Practice Manager agenda that includes Budgeting for Pediatric Practices and SWOT analysis (separate sessions) with Paul Vanchiere and NC Medicaid updates with Dr. Shannon Dowler and Dave Richard along with hot topics and more Both CME and MOC-2 credits Resident Poster Presentations A special Early Career Physicians & Residents Mixer Our awesome sponsors and exhibitors Opportunities to network with your peers Durham: The city’s distinctive cultural character meets you at every turn. It’s in each building adorned with local art and at each outdoor performance at city center. Sidewalks are lined with award-wining eateries, and options for science, nature, culture, museums, sports and shopping are plentiful. Time is running out; registration closes on Aug. 12! REGISTER HERE


	2022 General Fund Campaign: Working Together to Achieve NCPeds' Goals


	Your support made it possible for NCPeds to navigate the many challenges we faced from COVID-19 to Medicaid reform. These events highlight the importance of NCPeds, the work we do and the values which have guided this work since the earliest days: team spirit, strong connections, education and advocacy. Some highlights of the great work we achieved this past year include: Members' deep-rooted team spirit resulted in strong Solution Share participation, and in members sharing important pediatric expertise on issues ranging from the formula shortage to addressing mental health issues. NCPeds’ strong connections with state leaders, CMOs of the Prepaid Health Plans and others, helped members navigate on-going billing, coding and coverage challenges associated with Medicaid reforms and, most importantly, ensured kids continued to receive needed care. Educational offerings migrated to virtual platforms, while maintaining a state-specific and topical focus with sessions on COVID, equity, mental health and more. Long established advocacy efforts produced positive developments, such as a “no-wrong door” policy for newborn care, expanding the number of parents who can be covered by Medicaid and clarification that vaccine product was exempt from local property tax. Just as importantly, we opposed negative developments, such as legislation to keep transgendered youth from participating on school sports teams, and legislation allowing pharmacists to prescribe various medications. A contribution to our General Fund Campaign will help strengthen NCPeds for the work still yet to come. Making a gift to NCPeds is easy! You can mail a check made payable to the NC Pediatric Society, Inc. (1100 Wake Forest Rd., Suite 200; Raleigh, NC 27604) or visit our website at NCPeds.org and click the DONATE button. Anyone who donates by Aug. 12 will be recognized at the NCPeds Annual Meeting!


	Meet NCPeds’ Leaders Amanda Higginson, MD, FAAP East Carolina University


	Amanda Higginson, MD, FAAP, is one of the newest members of the NCPeds Education Committee, and she is looking forward to using her previous experience as Director of Grand Rounds at East Carolina University and the National Military Medical Center Bethesda to help develop training opportunities for NCPeds’ members. “I love planning educational experiences and conferences. It’s a wonderful process to consider the needs of your audience and help fill gaps with amazing speakers and educators. I hope to use my military background to help serve as a voice for those military pediatricians in N.C.,” she said. She joined NCPeds when she joined the staff of East Carolina University in 2014. “I love the engagement of pediatricians across the state and their dedication to the health and well-being of children!” she said. Amanda is the Interim Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Clinical Sciences, and a Clinicial Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. She is a general pediatrician and works clinically through the ECU outpatient pediatric clinic. “My favorite parts of pediatrics are the incredible biologic/physiologic, social, cognitive and emotional changes that you witness and are part of over time. Every age group has unique challenges and opportunities, and I love having wildly different considerations, differential diagnoses, etc. based on the age of the patient,” she said. Amanda is completing her first year of law school at Syracuse University where she’s enrolled in the school’s JDi program. “I hope to leverage my law degree to enhance both my clinical and administrative responsibilities and advocacy for students and patients,” she said. She received her undergraduate and medical degrees from Brown University as part of the schools’ Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME). She completed her residency at Walter Reed/Bethesda as a Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program recipient. While in the Navy, she served through two deployments including on the USS Iwo Jima in support of Continuing Promise 2010 and on the HSV2 Swift in support of Africa Partnership Station 2012. Amanda lives in Winterville with her family. She loves to travel and is looking forward to taking trips to California and Maui this summer. She’s an avid reader and Peloton rider who enjoys being part of several Peloton groups.


	Meet NCPeds’ Staff Awana Payne Events and Operations Manager


	We are excited to welcome Awana Payne as the new Events and Operations Manager for NCPeds! In this role, Awana is responsible for end-to-end event planning for all of NCPeds’ in-person and virtual events. In addition, she’ll serve as a liaison for the organization, maintain certificates and credits for various events and also assist with membership services and office operations. “In this new role the thing I look forward to most is planning events and streamlining processes where applicable. I’m also looking forward to learning more about pediatricians in the state and building the membership of our state chapter,” she said. Awana comes to North Carolina from San Diego where she worked with the San Diego Community College District. She began her tenure there as a tutor and worked her way up to Student Services Technician. In addition, she served as the President of the Classified Senate, a professional employees governance group, for more than 12 years. She received her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and her master’s in business administration from Western Governors University. Awana is an avid traveler who has loved visiting Paris, Las Vegas and Mexico. She hopes to visit Thailand and Cambodia at some point. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying movies, international foods or planning group travel trips with her friends.


	Thank you to our Academic Partners


	Academic Partners are institutions that pay for all of their pediatric educators to be NCPeds members. We are grateful for your support! Duke University East Carolina University University of North Carolina


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates


	Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details. NCPeds Solutions Share Calls* Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Email Awana@ncpeds.org to receive the reminder emails with the meeting link. Annual Meeting (In person) Aug. 26 – 28, 2022 Washington Duke Inn, Durham


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@

NCPeds News Net -- June 2022

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 16:32:00 GMT


	Sherri Alderman’s Keynote Speech to Kick off NCPeds’ Annual Meeting Alderman to Discuss Importance of Infant Mental Health


	The NCPeds Annual Meeting returns in-person in August, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to announce our keynote speaker, Sherri Alderman MD, MPH, IMHM-E Policy & Clinical, FAAP! She will be presenting advancing infant mental health and relational health in pediatric practice. “We all know that early brain development is exquisitely sensitive to environment, which provides an opportunity to promote healthy brain development beginning prenatally,” she said. “Through an infant mental health lens, many concerns that parents and caregivers may find difficult to articulate or even may be unaware of can be sensitively addressed within the alliance of the trusted family-pediatrician relationship.” Dr. Alderman has been a pediatrician for 24 years. In her first nine years, she served as a general pediatrician including time in the newborn nursery, newborn intensive care, pediatric oncology and as a multidisciplinary team evaluation member. She said this diverse range of experiences broadened her view of pediatrics and led her to become a Board-Certified Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician. “It was not until I had the opportunity to apply and was accepted into a two-year intensive infant mental health training program that I discovered that infant mental health was common across all the pediatric work I had done. Those two years of seminars, weekend retreats, learning from national infant mental health experts at resorts in New Mexico, tons of reading, and receiving reflective supervision transformed my career forever,” she said. “I say that discovering infant mental health was my renaissance. I enjoyed the challenge and thrived when focusing on embedding infant mental health into my clinical practice.” She currently serves as a faculty member at Portland State University where she teaches Introduction to Infant and Toddler Mental Health for the school's graduate Early Childhood Education Certification Program. In addition, she serves as Chair of the AAP Council on Early Childhood (COEC) and previously served on the AAP Executive Committee. Dr. Alderman received her bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University, her master’s degree from the University of New Mexico and her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. She splits her time between her home in Portland, Oregon and her “House on the Hill” in Clackskanie, Oregon. Recently she and her husband and son constructed a yurt (pictured here) on their property in rural Oregon, and you’ll often find her enjoying the peace that the surrounding area near Mount St. Helens, Mt. Rainier and the Columbia River provides.


	The NCPeds' Annual Meeting Agenda

On August 26-28, 2022, the North Carolina Pediatric Society will be BACK in-person for our Annual Meeting in Durham at the Washington Duke Inn after 2 years of a virtual experience!

We are in-person and once again can:

Reconnect, network, and meet with new and old colleagues
Fully engage in the meeting with less distractions
Enjoy a level of connection you can’t get through a screen
Engage with residents and learn from their posters
Meet and chat in-person with exhibitors
Enjoy an informal evening at the early career physicians & residents mixer

This year, the Annual Meeting will kick off with officer elections, State of the Society report, and updates from key leaders at NCDHHS, including Dr. Betsey Tilson, Dr. Shannon Dowler, Dave Richard and a keynote from Secretary Kody Kinsley.

2022 Annual Meeting Topics include:

Keynote on early childhood resilience with Dr. Sherri Alderman
COVID treatments
Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion matters
Addressing Gun Violence
Infant Mental Health
Recognizing and Managing Anxiety Disorder in Young Children
Eating Disorder in Pediatrics
All things WIC including resources during the Formula Shortage
Concurrent Breakout Sessions for Inpatient, Outpatient & Healthy Weight

View the full agenda and register today before the early bird rates and hotel block end.


	2022 Virtual White Coat Wednesday


	We had a great Virtual White Coat Wednesday on June 8. We had wonderful representation from pediatric leaders across our state and across the career pathway including many residents and pediatric dentists! Thank you to everyone who attended the event and spent time speaking with legislators. A special thank you to Representative Brian Farkas and Senator Mike Woodard for discussing North Carolina's healthcare issues with us.


	Upcoming Events and Important Dates

Mark your calendars for these upcoming NCPeds events. Check our Events page for more details.

NCPeds Solutions Share Calls

Every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.

Winter Open Forum (Virtual CME)

On-demand virtual CME available through Aug. 1, 2022

Spring Open Forum (Virtual CME)

Annual Meeting (In person)*

August 26 – 28

Washington Duke Inn, Durham

*Visit here for more information on early bird rates, room blocks, and registration.


	FOLLOW NCPEDS ON SOCIAL


	Contact NCPeds 919-839-1156 www.ncpeds.org


	If you would like to unsubscribe: @@unsubscribe_url@@