North Carolina Medical Society

04/13/2026

During National Osteopathic Medicine Week (April 13-19), we recognize the more than 207,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and students across the country – and the important role they play here in North Carolina. From rural clinics to large health systems, DOs are helping meet patient needs across specialties, often in communities where access to care is limited.

At NCMS, we work alongside osteopathic physicians on the same issues affecting all physicians. Their perspective strengthens our advocacy and helps ensure we are representing the full scope of care across our state.

Thank you to the DOs caring for patients across North Carolina.

04/09/2026

What happens when physicians and insurers aren’t speaking the same language?

Jenni Hines’ latest on The Tar Heel Payer & Practice Blog explores how communication gaps – often hidden in coding, terminology, and process – are contributing to delays, denials, and growing legal challenges across healthcare.

Read the latest post and subscribe: https://northcarolinamedicalsociety.substack.com/p/managing-language-barriers-like-a

03/31/2026

In 2015, as North Carolina began its shift to Medicaid managed care, NCMS created a first-of-its-kind model: the provider-led entity.

On April 1, 2026, Carolina Complete Health and WellCare of North Carolina will merge into a single Medicaid plan, forming the state’s largest.

In this video, Mike Utecht, MD, NCMS Past President, and Steve Keene, CEO of the North Carolina Medical Society, explain NCMS’s role and what this merger means for physicians across the state.

Because health care works best when physicians lead.

Watch Now:

In 2015, as North Carolina began its shift to Medicaid managed care, NCMS created a first-of-its-kind model: the provider-led entity.On April 1, 2026, Caroli...

03/30/2026

National Doctors’ Day gives us an opportunity to say thank you to physicians for their resiliency and dedication to medicine.

Medicine is more than expertise — it’s trust, communication, and responsibility in every patient interaction.

At NCMS, we are proud to support physicians through continued advocacy and initiatives that reflect the realities of practicing medicine today. Your voice shapes our work, and your dedication strengthens health care across our state.

Thank you for the care you provide and the impact you make every day.

03/27/2026

During National Physicians Week (March 25 to March 31), we recognize the care, leadership, and commitment physicians bring to their patients and communities every day.

This year’s theme, Unity in Healthcare, highlights the collaboration that makes strong, effective care possible.

At NCMS, this theme resonates deeply. The more physicians stand with us and alongside one another, the greater our collective impact.

Thank you for all that you do and the difference you make, today and every day.

03/26/2026

This past weekend, physicians and policy leaders from across North Carolina gathered for Healthcare Headlines: Consent Crossroads and Tort Trends.

The conversation focused on several issues affecting clinical practice today, including:
- Minor consent and patient confidentiality
- Medical liability trends and legal considerations
- Medicaid funding and the upcoming legislative session

Physicians shared real-world experiences and emphasized the importance of staying engaged in advocacy to protect patients and access to care. Thank you to everyone who joined the discussion.

03/23/2026

Something new is coming from NCMS.

We're excited to launch The Tar Heel Payer & Practice Blog. A new space dedicated to breaking down the business side of practicing medicine in North Carolina. From the payer landscape to practice insights, this blog will bring real conversations about the realities clinicians face every day.

Managed by our own Jenni Hines, this is where thoughtful content meets the issues that matter most to your practice.

Subscribe now to read the first issue: https://northcarolinamedicalsociety.substack.com/

03/20/2026

Today is Match Day! 🎉

Congratulations to all medical students taking the next step in their journey as they match with residency programs across the country. Your dedication, resilience, and passion for patient care have led to this incredible milestone.

NCMS is proud to support the future of medicine — today and every day.

03/18/2026

Don’t miss out on our complimentary event ‘Healthcare Headlines: Consent Crossroads and Tort Trends’ taking place on Saturday!

Join us in Durham for discussions and programming centered on key healthcare issues like minor consent and legal resources. We hope to see you there!

If you’ve already registered, we look forward to seeing you! Pre-registration is appreciated, but anyone is welcome to attend and register onsite.

Register here:
https://web.cvent.com/event/263265de-a2cb-4b03-8023-d3bfefa4185e/regProcessStep1

03/17/2026

Meet Jenni Hines, NCMS Director of Payer and Practice Engagement, as she shares an exciting new initiative coming your way.

Introducing The Tar Heel Payer & Practice Blog, the North Carolina Medical Society's newest resource for honest, informed conversations about the business side of practicing medicine. From payer policy to practice issues, Jenni brings the experience, perspective, and expertise to make this a resource you'll want in your inbox.

Healthcare is constantly evolving. Understanding it shouldn't be complicated.

Sign up now and be the first to know when we launch: https://northcarolinamedicalsociety.substack.com/

03/16/2026

NCMS Membership Director Frank Snyder was excited to exhibit at the North Carolina Rheumatology Association meeting this weekend and connect with their members. It was a great opportunity to share updates and highlight the importance of continued advocacy to strengthen healthcare for physicians and patients across North Carolina.

03/13/2026

Episode 2 of The Political Pulse is LIVE!

John Thompson and co-hosts Ashley Rodriguez, Hannah Rice, and Jenni Hines are back breaking down the primary election and what the results mean for healthcare policy in North Carolina. This one is worth your time.

Listen now on Substack: https://northcarolinamedicalsociety.substack.com/