Problems Viewing? Click here. Vol 3. No 22 - Nov 3rd 2004 News & Announcements CME/Meetings Policy & Advocacy Resources

Latest Information & Updates on Flu Shortage Available at NCAFP.com The North Carolina Division of Public Health is publishing periodic updates to inform vaccine providers of recent developments related to the influenza vaccine shortage. NCAFP physicians are encouraged to read and download the bulletin for reference and information, and to share it with colleagues. Weekly updates will be provided as long as new information is available. Two updates have been published and are available for download at http://www.ncafp.com/resources/practiceResources.html. As additional updates are published, Academy members will be notified of their availability. North Carolina 2004 General Election Results Highlights of yesterday's elections includes North Carolina’s Council of State, which now has four Republicans: Agriculture Commissioner is Steve Troxler; Auditor is Les Merritt; Supt. of Public Instruction is Bill Fletcher; Labor Commissioner is Cherie Berry. The Democrats won majorities in the state Senate and House of Representatives. Senate Democrats have a 28-21 majority, with one race undecided. House Democrats won a 63-57 majority. The Supreme Court remains 6 Republicans and 1 Democrat. The 13-member congressional delegation remains 7 Republicans, 6 Democrats, with 2 GOP U.S. Senators. E-Coli Cases Number Eighteen Across State There are now 18 confirmed cases of E. coli bacteria infection across NC. Health officials are still trying to determine a link among the cases, which have affected mostly children from the following counties: Chatham, Cleveland, Durham, Harnett, Lee, Mecklenburg, Wake, Wilson and Union. Physicians should be aware of the threat that is often characterized by 'diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal cramping, nausea and dehydration. Patients may also present with a low-grade fever', according to DHHS. E. coli infection can lead to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a rare condition that usually manifests as an after effect of food-borne illness. HUS is an illness that usually affects children under the age of 10, but adolescents and adults can also get HUS. It is characterized by damage and destruction of the red blood cells, which leads to a lower than normal number of red cells, blood clots and damage to vessel walls. In the most severe cases, HUS can damage the kidneys. New Guidelines for NC Medicaid Enrollment According to the November Medicaid Bulletin, effective January 1, 2005, physician-type providers will enroll directly with the Division of Medical Assistance to participate in the Medicaid program. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has processed enrollment for these practitioners for many years, but will no longer do so after December 31, 2004. By December 1, 2004, applications, agreements, change forms and instructions will be available on the DMA website at http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dma. Physician-type providers will be able to download these forms to enroll in the Medicaid program. They will also be able to change their existing enrollment information, including addresses, by downloading and completing DMA enrollment change forms from the DMA website. If you have questions about this change in procedure, please contact DMA Provider Services. Latino Health Series to Kick Off Next Saturday in Charlotte Please don't forget to register for the first Latino Workshop scheduled for Saturday, November 13 at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Charlotte. This unique program is an opportunity for practicing family physicians to learn how to treat specific diseases such as asthma, HIV and diabetes in the Latino population. There will also be lectures on understanding the culture and language of the Latino patient. This activity has been reviewed and approved for 4.5 prescribed credits by the AAFP. If Charlotte is not convenient for you, sign up for the Raleigh, Greenville or Fayetteville locations scheduled for 2005. To download a registration brochure, please visit www.ncafp.com. Don't Miss The NCAFP Foundation's Annual Silent Auction The NCAFP Foundation is so excited about this year’s Silent Auction being held at the Winter Family Physicians Weekend in Asheville, Dec. 1-5! We’ve got over 100 items – original artwork, weekend getaways, handcrafted needlework and quilts, symphony tickets, sports memorabilia, and more! We look forward to everyone’s participation at the auction tables. For more information on how you can donate an item to the Silent Auction, contact Marlene Rosol, Development Coordinator, at mrosol@ncafp.com, (919) 833-2110 or toll-free in NC only (800) 872-9482. See you in Asheville!

NCAFP Support The NCAFP and your privacy | Advertising Information Thank you for your continued interest in NCAFP communications products.  If you'd rather not receive electronic updates, please send email to ncafp@ncafp.com and type 'NCAFPNotes: Unsubscribe' in the Subject line. North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, Inc. - P.O. Box 10278, Raleigh, NC 27605 Phone (919) 833-2110 - NC Toll Free (800) 872-9482 - Fax (919) 833-1801 - www.ncafp.com