Western Carolina Medical Society: The Physicians' Voice for a Health Community
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August 26, 2015
WCMS Circle of Friends: Van Winkle Law Firm & Johnson Prics Sprinkle, PA
In This Issue:
WNCAP Gala & Auction- Sponsor Message (Left)
MusicFest Highlighting Global and Rural Health 8/29/2015
10th Oncologic Imaging: A Multidisciplinary Approach 9/11 - 9/13
Participate in MAHEC's Job Fair 9/16/15
RSVP for Newcomers'/Cornerstones' Picnic 9/20/15
New Members to WCMS
Should NC Change CON Law?
North Carolina Providers, Insurers May Compete for Managed Medicaid
Audit Finds CCNC Generates Savings
Legislative Action Alert from NCMS: Now is the Time to Contact Your Legislator
What Project Access Means to Me: By Dr. John Currens
Job Board & Classified Ads
UPCOMING EVENTS 
 
MusicFest Highlighting Global and Rural Health 8/29/2015
This annual house party at Dr. Benjamin Gilmer's has an exciting group of world musicians, fun activities, and time to hear from several global and rural health initiatives at MAHEC.  Saturday, August 29th is almost here so get your tickets now as for the best ever MusicFest among friends and colleagues with a passion for global and rural health issues!
Click here for additional information and tickets.
10th Oncologic Imaging: A Multidisciplinary Approach 9/11 - 9/13
Go to MAHEC website more information or to register

Participate in MAHEC's Job Fair 9/16/15

Newcomers'/Cornerstones' Picnic 9/20/15
All WCMS members are invited to enjoy a fun-filled, family-friendly afternoon to welcome new physicians to Western North Carolina and celebrate physicians who have served our community for 30+ years (Cornerstones).  

When: Sunday, September 20th  4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Yesterday Spaces in Leicester, NC
Food: Buffet dinner provided along with beer and wine. Plus s'mores at the outdoor fire pit!

More info on our website or RSVP now to attend.

Thanks to Quest Diagnostics and our other event sponsors.
LOCAL NEWS
 
New Members to WCMS
Click here to view our newest members.
STATE NEWS
 
Should NC Change CON Law?
The debate pits free-market advocates and companies and physicians who would like to build facilities like outpatient surgery centers against hospital officials.
North Carolina Providers, Insurers May Compete for Managed Medicaid
By Bob Herman  | August 21, 2015
A political and philosophical brawl among providers, insurers and policymakers in the Tar Heel State is reaching a possible resolution as North Carolina's Legislature attempts to coalesce around a bill that would overhaul the state's Medicaid program.
Audit Finds CCNC Generates Savings
By Richard Craver Winston-Salem Journal
A state auditor's report released Thursday found that Community Care of North Carolina is generating about a 9 percent annual cost savings for the state's Medicaid program.
Legislative Action Alert from NCMS: Now is the Time to Contact Your Legislator
With the recent developments at the General Assembly on Medicaid reform it is more important now than ever to contact your legislator and let them know what essential elements must be included in the legislative reform package. Watch a video in which North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) Director of Legislative Relations Chip Baggett explains the latest news. The top priorities to raise with your representative are:
  • Require all Medicaid risk-bearing entities and providers be connected to the health information exchange to ensure the real-time, free flowing exchange of cost and quality data.
  • Require Medicaid risk-bearing entities be subject to the same patient and provider protections afforded to those in the commercial insurance arena.
  • Require cost saving and efficiency programs currently being utilized are employed during the transition to any new system of care delivery.
Read more about the physician and patient protections NCMS is lobbying hard to incorporate into legislation. Take action now.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
 
What Project Access Means to Me...

Dr. John Currens is an otolaryngologist with Asheville Head, Neck and Ear Surgeons, PA. He is passionate about access to health care, volunteering for Project Access since 2001. Follow this link to see Dr. Currens featured in the Project Access Campaign Video.

Dr. Currens says, "I feel strongly that it is my responsibility as a physician to take care of the people in our community, even if they are uninsured or don't have the means to pay. Project Access helps these patients in need, get plugged in with the appropriate physicians." Project Access is flexible with physicians who want to donate. Dr. Currens says, "Each physician is different.  I respect that we are all in different places in the time we can donate for free care.  The good thing about Project Access is that you the physician can put a number on how many patients per month you feel comfortable seeing."
 
Dr. Currens is right! Project Access is a physician-led volunteer program that lets you customize your volunteerism to fit your busy schedule. If you haven't participated yet in Project Access, give it a try on your own terms. Contact us with questions or to sign up at 828-274-6989 or projectaccess@mywcms.org. 

The amount of Project Access patients you see per month or per year is up to you. WCMS staff honors and tracks it, the patients get great health care, and YOU get the satisfaction of being a critical part of our nationally recognized program that keeps our community healthy.
Job Board & Classified Ads
Anesthesia Services Director (AllCare Clinical Associates)
PA or FNP  (Sisters of Mercy)

To find out how you can post a Job or Classified Ad click here.

WCMS is a thriving 700+ member professional association of the physicians of western North Carolina and a chartered component medical society of the NC Medical Society and the AMA. The WCMS is an organization run by physicians for physicians.


Our Mission
WCMS Association: WCMSA is the physicians' voice advocating for the health of the physician, the patient, and the community, through strengthening the physician-patient relationship.

WCMS Foundation: WCMSF is the physician and community-led charitable arm of the medical society improving access to quality healthcare, decreasing disparities in health, and promoting health & wellness.

Our Vision
To be a dynamic physician community dedicated to a healthy, vibrant Western North Carolina.
 

About WCMS
The purpose of WCMS is: 

  • To strengthen the voice of WNC physicians in advocating for the health of the medical profession, the health of the patient, and the health of our region
  • To inform, educate and prepare physicians for rapidly occurring changes in health care at national, state, and local levels
  • To share legislative and policy information and advocate on behalf of physicians in areas of mutual interest
  • To share available resources in areas of mutual interest
  • To promote physician-to-physician communication and dialogue in an open, honest and safe environment

We hope you enjoy our weekly e-Newsletter. If you have questions or suggestions please feel free to contact me.  

Sincerely,

Photo: Miriam Schwarz, WCMS CEO
Miriam Schwarz


 

Miriam Schwarz signature




 

Miriam Schwarz, MPA

WCMS CEO/Executive Director