In this issue:
President’s Letter
Legislative Updates: NCAPA Responds to the DMA’s Request for Input
John Sallstrom, PA-C
42nd Annual NCAPA Summer Conference – Registration is Open!
Regional Workshops Coming Soon to a Town Near You
TAPA 2018 Spring Conference
Nominate an Outstanding PA for PA of the Year!
NCAPA Seeking BOD Nominations
PA Seat on the NC Medical Board
NCAPA Endowment Student Grants Available
NCAPA Endowment Student Scholarship Recipients: Gardner-Webb
Regional Chapter Updates
Advanced Practice Provider Survey on Hypertension Counseling
Medical Documentation Trends and Attitudes Among Practicing PAs
PA Foundation Events at AAPA 2018 Conference
Welcome Members!
President’s Letter
by Samantha Rogers, PA-C
I hope this finds you well and finally enjoying Spring (stocked with Flonase and antihistamines as the case may be)!
Please nominate a colleague for the NCAPA PA of the Year. I know you know of a PA who is providing incredible service to patients day in and day out, perhaps even in a seemingly unextraordinary way, but making extraordinary impacts on patients and their experience with healthcare. Nominate him or her – we’d love to hear their story!
Also, mark your calendar for Wednesday, May 30th. Join us in Raleigh for our PA Day at the NC Legislature as we continue to strengthen our partnerships with congressional leaders and their staff. NCAPA believes that maintaining communication and showing up in person is vital to ongoing PA Advocacy efforts. On last year’s member survey, NCAPA members noted that advocacy for the PA profession is a TOP priority and number one reason why they join and remain NCAPA Fellow members. I hope you’ll join us at the State Capital and see what this type of advocacy looks like. I am certain you will find it valuable, enlightening, and will further your resolve to always be a member of this incredible organization looking out for you, your patients, and your career.
If you can’t make it to Raleigh, you can still take part in advocating for the PA profession. Contact your local legislator and invite them to tour your practice or make an appointment to meet with them. You can let them know about the care you provide to their constituents and how PAs are meeting healthcare demands in their district. Hearing from you back in their district will make a big impact and help legislators have a deeper understanding of PA practice in North Carolina.
Lastly, I’d want to take a moment to comment on the incredible staff we have at NCAPA. If you have ever called the office or sent an email to inquire about an issue, I am confident that you have interacted with some of the very best. With the executive leadership of Emily Adams, the Academy is operating effectively and efficiently as a team. Our staff is highly committed, motivated, and loves PAs!!! So please, if and when you see or talk with them, please thank them for their high level of excellence; I and the other members of the Board are not only impressed with their skills, but also appreciative of the environment we are able to enjoy and practice in in North Carolina because of their dedication.
Take care and see you in Raleigh, May 30th!
Sincerely,
Sam
Samantha Rogers, PA-C
NCAPA President
Legislative Updates: NCAPA Responds to the DMA’s Request for Input
by Sarah Wolfe, Assistant Vice-President, McGuire Woods Consulting
Last month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) reached out to stakeholder groups, requesting input on various clinical coverage policies. State law requires that the Department consult with and seek advice from the NC Physician Advisory Group and other professional organizations when amending or developing new Medicaid clinical coverage policies.
Thanks to the assistance of several subject matter experts within the membership, NCAPA was able to submit public comments to DMA on the following clinical coverage policies.
- After reviewing Clinical Coverage Policy 1H – Telemedicine and Telepsychiatry, Samantha Rogers, PA-C, NCAPA President and practices gerontology within internal medicine at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, provided feedback that PAs should be included under the list of providers who can provide telepsychiatry professional services under Medicaid (page 6 – 6.0 Providers Eligible to Bill for the Procedure, Product, or Service). Additionally, Ms. Rogers located several places where the PA profession was misspelled (physician’s assistants instead of physician assistants).
- Elyse Watkins, DHSc, PA-C, assistant professor at High Point University’s PA program, provided feedback on Clinical Coverage Policy 1E-7 – Family Planning Services. After reviewing the policy in its current form, Ms. Watkins provided comments and proposed several changes and clarifications to the policy, including that PAs should be named under 3.2.1 Specific Criteria Covered by Medicaid FP, NCHC and “Be Smart” (page 5).
- DMA also reached out to NCAPA in order to receive input on what NCAPA believes should be covered under a yet-to-be-developed clinical coverage policy on genetic testing for susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer. April Stouder, PA-C, and Kim Nolte, PA-C, who practices gynecologic oncology at Duke University Medical Center, provided information on what limitations to the services, and what evidence-based medical literature, should be considered when defining the service.
Finally, DMA is currently soliciting feedback on Clinical Coverage Policy 1T-2 – Special Opthalmological Services. If you have expertise in this area and have feedback on the policy, please contact Emily Adams at emily.adams@ncapa.org with your comments by Wednesday, April 18.
And don’t forget! This year’s annual PA Day at the North Carolina Legislature has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 30, 2018. Join your PA colleagues from across the state in advocating for the PA profession at the state legislature. As the providers keeping our neighbors healthy across this state, your voice is extremely important in the public policy process! For more information or to sign up, go here.
In the meantime, be sure to check out the Legislative Action Center for the latest state government affairs news.
John Sallstrom, PA-C
by Bill Vaassen, PA-C
John Sallstrom, PA-C, died in the early morning hours on April 6. He retired from the Air Force as a Major in 1988 and moved to Morganton, North Carolina. I first met John when he moved into my former spot with a two-Doc Family Practice office. We got along well from the beginning and grew to be good friends.
John was a bit of a renaissance man; anything he did, he jumped in with both feet and did well. At his best, he was a scratch golfer, playing on the Air Force European golf team and, as such, was forced to travel all over Europe playing golf at some of their most famous courses. John persevered and continued to be a very good golfer throughout his life. But he didn’t stop with golf. Over the years, he got into flying and got his pilot’s license, started and owned a dirt track racing team with his son as the driver, and helped start the free medical clinic in Morganton. John was an active member of NCAPA, serving on the Stead Center Task Force and was President of the Board of Directors in 2010.
John Sallstrom provided optimal medical care to thousands of individuals. He was a good man, father, and husband, while also being an excellent PA. His patients loved him. As PAs, we can ask for little more; to my mind, there is no greater compliment.
42nd Annual NCAPA Summer Conference – Registration is Open!
August 19-24th, 2018
Embassy Suites, Kingston Plantation
Myrtle Beach, SC
NCAPA combines the best CME conference for PAs (and NPs!) with a family-friendly beach vacation. We start and end our sessions early so you can have the best of both worlds!
NCAPA has reserved a block of rooms at the Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach. Rooms in our block fill up very early, so we recommend you book your room ASAP! You may reserve your room by clicking here or by calling the resort directly at (843)449-0006.
Regional Workshops Coming Soon to a Town Near You
NCAPA is busy planning workshops to be held throughout the state. Cities of focus include High Point, Durham, Boone, Greenville, and Charlotte. Although topics have not been finalized, past topics have included Joint Injection, Suturing, and Pharmacology. Be sure to check out the NCAPA website in the coming months for more information
TAPA 2018 Spring Conference
The Triangle Association of PAs is holding their 2018 Spring Conference on Saturday, May 5th at the Stead Center, 1121 Slater Road, in Durham. Registration opens at 7:30 am on the day of the event, with presentations beginning at 8:00 and ending at 3:15. Planned in accordance with AAPA CME standards and approved for 6 hours of Category 1 CME. PAs and NPs are welcome.The event is free for TAPA/PAPA members; $45 for non-members. For more information, including the agenda and registration, visit the TAPA website.
Nominate an Outstanding PA for PA of the Year!
NCAPA’s PA of the Year award honors a PA who has demonstrated exemplary service to the profession and the community, while providing significant contributions to the health of the citizens of North Carolina. To be eligible for the PA of the Year award, an individual must be a Fellow or Associate Member of NCAPA and have been a practicing PA for at least five years.
May 1 is the deadline for 2018 nominations. Any NCAPA member may submit a nomination, including self-nomination. The 2018 PA of the Year award recipient will be honored at the 42nd Annual NCAPA Summer Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC. In addition to a plaque, the recipient will receive a complimentary full conference registration and one night’s lodging associated with attending the awards presentation. The recipient’s name will also be added to a permanent PA of the Year recognition plaque at the Stead Center.
Visit the NCAPA website to find out more about the PA of the Year and submit your nomination.
Interested in Serving on the Board? NCAPA Seeking Nominations
by NCAPA Nominating Committee
The NCAPA Nominating Committee is currently soliciting candidates for the 2019 Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. Serving on the NCAPA Board is an important way to contribute to your profession and a wonderful leadership experience. North Carolina became a great state in which to practice as a PA through the vision, leadership, and volunteer work of PAs just like you!
If you know a PA who cares deeply and wants to contribute to the future of the profession, who is a good listener, collaborator, and decision maker—or if you are that person—please submit a nomination for a position on the NCAPA Board of Directors.
The following positions for elected offices are open for nominees: President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary, Director-At-Large (two positions), and a Nominating Committee Member. To read more about these positions and to nominate yourself or a colleague, click here. The deadline for nominating a colleague is May 31, 2018. The deadline for nominating yourself is August 1, 2018.
All terms begin January 1, 2019. Nominees for officer positions (President-Elect, Vice-President, and Secretary) must have been an NCAPA Fellow member in good standing for the calendar year prior to election. All other nominees must have been a Fellow or Associate member.
PA Seat on the NC Medical Board
The seat on the North Carolina Medical Board designated for a PA will be coming up for appointment this Fall. Applicants must meet the following:
- Hold an active license or approval to perform medical acts, tasks, and functions in North Carolina.
- Have an active clinical or teaching practice. For purposes of this subdivision, the term “active” means patient care, or instruction of students in an accredited medical school or residency, or clinical research program, for 20 hours or more per week.
- Have actively practiced in this State for at least five consecutive years immediately preceding the appointment.
- Intend to remain in active practice in this State for the duration of the term on the Board.
- Submit at least three letters of recommendation, either from individuals or from professional or other societies or organizations.
- Have no public disciplinary history with the Board or any other licensing board in this State or another state over the past 10 years before applying for appointment to the Board.
- Have no history of felony convictions of any kind.
- Have no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of medicine.
- Indicate, in a manner prescribed by the Review Panel, that the applicant: (i) understands that the primary purpose of the Board is to protect the public; (ii) is willing to take appropriate disciplinary action against his or her peers for misconduct or violations of the standards of care or practice of medicine; and (iii) is aware of the time commitment needed to be a constructive member of the Board.
Candidates who are selected to serve on the North Carolina Medical Board will be required to uphold and abide by the NCMB Code of Conduct.
Further information and application may be found on the North Carolina Medical Board Review Panel web site at http://www.ncmedboardreviewpanel.com. If you have questions about time commitment and/or the responsibilities involved, please contact Marc Katz PA-C at pacmarckatz@mac.com.
NCAPA Endowment Student Grants Available
Did you know that the NCAPA Endowment awards a grant to one PA student PER PA PROGRAM each year? That means, 11 programs, 11 grants!
June 11 is the deadline to apply for 2018 NCAPA Endowment Scholarships. You must be a current student member of NCAPA and enrolled in your clinical year in a NC PA program in September of 2018.
To be considered, we must receive your completed application and an official transcript (no copies, please) from your PA program, postmarked by June 11, 2018. Transcripts should be mailed to:
NCAPA, att. Student Grants, 1121 Slater Road, Durham, NC 27703.
NCAPA Endowment Student Scholarship Recipients: Gardner-Webb
Elizabeth Hawes (left) is awarded a scholarship by PA Truett Smith, NCAPA Past-President
The NCAPA Endowment congratulates Ms. Elizabeth Hawes as the 2017 NCAPA Endowment scholarship recipient for the Gardner Webb University PA Program. Elizabeth completed her undergraduate studies with a GPA of 3.89 at Lenoir-Rhyne University, majoring in chemistry. Her academic success led to multiple memberships in honor societies and she was tapped by the school to become a peer tutor in many upper level chemistry courses.
In PA school, Ms. Payne has served as her program’s student representative to the NCAPA. She has worked with classmates on multiple fundraisers and in soup kitchens. Elizabeth also works in youth and NCAA soccer officiating. For an escape, you may actually find her training for a road race or fitness competition, or just hanging out at one of the North Carolina mountain streams practicing her fly fishing!
Elizabeth is dedicated to practicing primary care here in this state. She is interested in developing long-lasting relationships with patients to help motivate them in positive wellness behaviors and choices. Seeing some of the inefficiencies and barriers for providers and patients has stimulated Elizabeth to consider ways to improve current health care processes while creating and maintaining patient-centered care.
The NCAPA Endowment board extends a heartfelt thank you to all who have made these scholarships and other grants possible through their generous donations. Please consider making a donation today to support PA students and practicing PAs who continue to do the work of providing excellent health care services in North Carolina.
Regional Chapter Updates
Save the Date! The Piedmont Association of Physician Assistants (PAPA) will be holding its Annual Fall Seminar on Saturday, October 13th at the Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC.
Advanced Practice Provider Survey on Hypertension Counseling
A student in the PA Studies program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is conducting a survey regarding opinions and practice behaviors on lifestyle counseling for hypertension. The survey is for students or current advanced practiced providers and should take no more than ten minutes to complete. Participation is confidential. A report of results is available upon completion. Participants may also receive a complimentary, provider toolkit for hypertension to be used at the point of care. Deadline for completing the survey is April 25, 2018.
To complete the survey or get more details, please visit https://www.questionpro.com/t/ANx6fZboY9
Medical Documentation Trends and Attitudes Among Practicing PAs
A Survey Request from Philip Smith
Philip T. Smith PA-C, MT (ASCP), Assistant Professor at the Mount St. Joseph University Physician Assistant program, is conducting research on the development and implementation of effective electronic health records systems and has requested PAs help in reaching a deeper understanding. Despite wide spread availability, very little research has been done to identify how and in what settings physician assistants are utilizing electronic tools to facilitate medical documentation. Mr. Smith has developed a survey that will quantify current adoption strategies and satisfaction with medical documentation across three specific patient settings – Inpatient, Outpatient, and Emergency Department. He will also collect additional information to determine the availability and usage of electronic shortcuts (canned text, defaults, etc) in the generation of electronic notes specifically the history of present illness section. Results of this study will serve as the basis for a grant initiative to further refine and develop new technologies to facilitate easier more intuitive documentation platforms for all providers.
He is asking NCAPA members to complete this voluntary survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SH889ZN
The survey instrument anonymous responses and will not track IP addresses. NO identifying data will be stored or maintained by completing the survey.
PA Foundation Events at AAPA 2018 Conference
from PA Foundation
Are you traveling to New Orleans for AAPA Conference 2018? Join the PA Foundation for our exciting FUNdraising events! We’re hosting two social events that will give attendees an opportunity to mingle with colleagues, get active, and take in the sights and sounds of the “Big Easy,” all while supporting the PA Foundation’s mission of empowering PAs to improve health through philanthropy and service.
- Party for a Purpose @ B.B. King’s Blues Club
It’s a PA party in the Big Easy at B.B. King’s Blues Club! Come enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live music and dancing with your friends and colleagues. Funds raised benefit the PA Foundation and its work to promote better health by providing PAs and PA students with philanthropic opportunities and resources.
Register for Party for a Purpose @ B.B. King’s Blues Club >>
- Pacers for Health 5K Fun/Run Walk
Feel the cool breeze of the mighty Mississippi River as you run along its banks and enjoy the sights and sounds of New Orleans while supporting the PA Foundation. Funds raised will support the Foundation’s mission of empowering PAs to improve health through philanthropy and service.
Register for Pacers for Health 5K Fun Run/Walk >>
Welcome Members!
Welcome to our renewing and our brand new members!
The following members have joined or renewed their membership since our last issue.
Thank you all for your support of NCAPA and all PAs in North Carolina!
Trevor Ambron, Mooresville
Brett Anderson, winston salem
Brian Belfi, Jamestown
Charles Bell, Sherrills Ford
Elizabeth Blankenship, Advance
N Ruben Bocanegra, Chapel Hill
Charles Bryant, Hendersonville
Bethany Buie, New Hill
Jonathan Bullock, Greenville
Laura Ciompi, Raleigh
Michelle Combs, Mt. Airy
Cassidy Conley, Spring Lake
Robert Edens, Raleigh
Crystal Edwards, Lumberton
Clyde Edwards, Raleigh
Clyde Epps, pembroke
Eric Fisher, Winchester, VA
Michael Flynn, Winterville
Bill French, San Antonio, TX
Cheryl Glasgow, Winston Salem
David Goodman, Cary
Cragin Greene, Denver
Amber Herr, Matthews
Jeffrey Hoffman, Corning, NY
Brenda Howard, Durham
Jennifer Hull, Mooresville
Amanda Janda, Raleigh
Meagan Jones, Charlotte
Savannah Junkins, Wilson
Donna King, High Point
Mia Lassiter Medlock, Charlotte
Yelena Litvinchuk, Asheville
Abby Looper, Gastonia
Julie Mannion, Chapel HIll
Maida Martin, Thomasville
Mia McDonald, Greensboro
Marybeth Mcgranaghan, Chapel Hill
Mike Modrow, Raleigh
Robert Mooring, Greenville
Armond Morace, Winterville
Carter Musgrove, Charlotte
Tiffany Noel, Winston-Salem
Hannah Palko, Fayetteville
Danielle Parrish, New Bern
Meghna Patel, Winston-Salem
Amanda Roper, Youngsville
Saskia Rupnarain, Raleigh
John Rutledge, Rochester, MN
Christopher Sawyers, Greenville
Melissa Scott, Apex
James Sheehan, Rochester, NY
Heather Shiflett, Waxhaw
Lisa Shock, Apex
Joseph Shoffner, Clemmons
Catherine Shull, Winston-Salem
Kristina Tourville, Cary
April Wikstrom, Cary
Cynthia Wilborne, Danville, VA
Ashley Willoughby, Holly Springs
Sharon Xiques, Lumberton
David Zeyfang, Summerfield
