Western Carolina Medical Society: The Physicians' Voice for a Health Community
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March 2, 2016


In This Issue:
Sponsor Message: Current Medical Services (left)
Register Now: Henderson County Mixer 3/16/2016
Register Now: Independent Physicians Affinity Group 4/4/2016
March Events at MAHEC
Physicians' Voice in the News
BCDH Alert: Health Assessment Transmittal Form
Key Election Dates
Get the Facts on MACRA
There Is an App for That Drug Card
Preventing Burnout: Finding Joy in Medicine
Job Board & Classified Ads
UPCOMING EVENTS 
 
Register Now: Henderson County Mixer 3/16/2016
At the end of 2015, the Henderson County Medical Society combined forces with WCMS, allowing us to offer free memberships to all Henderson County physicians for 2016.

We want to invite all Hendersonville physicians and WCMS members to join us at Southern Appalachian Brewing for a beer and some snacks, and learn more about what it means to be a member of your regional medical society. 
(please RSVP for accurate headcount)
Register Now: Independent Physicians Affinity Group 4/4/2016
WCMS board member Dr. Gus Vickery, will present on his innovative practice, Synergy Health Solutions, at the first Independent Physician Affinity Group of the year on April 4, 2016 at the Asheville Event Center from 6-8 p.m. Dr. Vickery's model offers patients direct primary care outside the traditional payer model, increasing affordability and accessibility for the patient while reducing paperwork for his staff. 
Click here to read our full interview with Dr. Vickery.

(please RSVP for accurate headcount)
March Events at MAHEC
Event: Whole Person Care Foundations
When: March 4th - April 1st, multiple occurences, 4:45pm
Click here for more information. 

Event: Motivational Interviewing Foundation Intensive for Healthcare Providers
When: March 10th and 11th from 8:30am - 4:30pm
Click here for more information. 

Event: Concussion Care: Management of TBI in School-age Children and Young Adults
When: March 19th from 8am-4pm
Click here for more information. 
LOCAL NEWS
 
Physicians' Voice in the News
WCMS is proud to announce another high quality addition to the series of "The Physicians' Voice," a series of media presentations for the general public that showcase physicians' world-class medical expertise and focus on patient/community health.

Here's a recent article from WCMS member Dr. Gregg Goldin, "The Mastectomy Pendulum in Breast Cancer."

Excerpt: "Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 American women.  The majority of those afflicted will have an important decision to suddenly confront:  should I keep my breast, or should I have it removed?  This has been a hot topic recently as mastectomy rates have been on the rise, particularly double mastectomies.  But is the trend based in any scientific proof, or is it from a shifting public perception?  I feel it is my responsibility as an oncologist to set the record straight and assist women and their families in making an informed decision."
Click here to continue reading. 
BCDH Alert: Health Assessment Transmittal Form

Effective for school year 2016-2017, all children entering North Carolina public schools (includes Charter Schools) must present a Health Assessment Transmittal Form within 30 calendar days of the child's first day of attendance.

  • The only form acceptable is the Health Assessment Transmittal Form (Click here for form)
  • This form replaces the Kindergarten Health Assessment Form and must be completed for children of any age entering N.C. public schools for the first time.
  • The new form will be available at https://www2.ncdhhs.gov/dph/wch/families/ in the next few days.
Click here for more information.
STATE NEWS
 
Key Election Dates
Thursday, 3/3/16: One stop early voting begins. See ncsbe.gov
Tuesday, 3/8/16: Last day to request a mail-in absentee ballot
Saturday, 3/12/16: One stop early voting ends
Tuesday, 3/15/16: Election day. Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 a.m.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
 
Get the Facts on MACRA
If you are still uncertain what MACRA is all about, get the facts by downloading the recording of last week's webinar on MACRA hosted by North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) Director of Health Policy Jennifer Gasperini and sponsored by the NCMS Foundation and the NC Medical Group Managers Association (NCMGMA).

"I thought the material and how it was presented was well thought out. I am very appreciative of the NCMS efforts in providing relevant and timely information to the physician community." 
- Becky, a practice manager in Durham.
Click here to continue reading.
There Is an App for That Drug Card
As if the North Carolina Drug Card is not easy enough to use, now there is a smartphone app that will give patients another way to access this valuable benefit. The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) in partnership with the North Carolina Drug Card encourages physicians to give out the free card - or recommend the app - that allows patients who aren't insured or who take prescription drugs that aren't covered by their health insurance plans, to obtain discounts of up to 75 percent off the retail price for FDA-approved medications.
Learn more and download the app.

Or visit the NCMS Marketplace or the NC Drug Card website to request the cards to distribute to your patients.
Preventing Burnout: Finding Joy in Medicine
What is the #1 skill of quality physician leadership?

The answer may surprise you.

What I can tell you is that being a great clinician does not teach you this skill. In fact, our medical education sets us up to be naturally ineffective leaders.

I am not just talking about physicians in official leadership positions here. All physicians are leaders. We all have people who look up to us for guidance, answers, wisdom and vision. So let's get you the skill set you need to do a great job.

Once you learn this key skill, you will see your team perform better than ever. And you won't be working nearly as hard as you do now. 
In the brief video below you will learn this master skill and the "Lone Ranger" test to know exactly when you need to throw it into gear.

Click here to watch Dr. Drummond's video. 
Job Board & Classified Ads

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