NC AHEC Practice Support is celebrating 20 years
(2006-2026)
Established in 1972 to address healthcare workforce shortages, NC AHEC Practice Support has evolved from focusing on medical training to providing tailored, on-the-ground, and virtual coaching for primary care, behavioral health, and specialty practices across all 100 North Carolina counties, aiding over 1,300 practices with health IT, quality improvement, and Medicaid transformation. Thank you for 20 years of making a difference in the lives of others in North Carolina.
Updates
Rural Health Transformation Program | Digital Health Survey for Providers and Practices
NCDHHS is seeking feedback from rural health providers and practices to help guide future investments in digital health, including technology upgrades, telehealth, data connectivity, interoperability, and AI-supported tools. Your input will help ensure funding and technical assistance meet the needs of rural practices across North Carolina.
The survey is intended for practices serving predominantly rural patient populations and takes approximately five minutes to complete. Be sure to share your feedback and help shape the future of rural health care in North Carolina. Complete the Rural Health Innovation Survey
NC Medicaid Updates Care Management Funding Assumptions for SFY 2027
Effective July 1, 2026, NC Medicaid has updated the care management assumptions used to calculate capitation payments for Standard Plans. The updated rates include $11.34 per member per month (PMPM) to support whole-person care management, reflecting the estimated average cost of providing these services.
While this amount serves as a funding assumption, NCDHHS has not established a minimum payment rate for Advanced Medical Home (AMH) Tier 3 practices. Standard Plans and practices are expected to negotiate payment rates that reflect the scope and intensity of care management services provided. AMH Tier 3 practices must continue to meet all program requirements outlined in the NC Medicaid Advanced Medical Home Provider Manual.
Please contact the NC Medicaid Contact Center, 888-245-0179, or AMH team, medicaid.advancedmedicalhome@dhhs.nc.gov, with any questions.
Back Porch Chat Informational Webinar on H.R. 1 and Changes to Medicaid
Join NC Medicaid Back Porch Chat for an informational overview of H.R. 1 and the changes coming to Medicaid. Gina Hamilton, Deputy Director for Member Operations at NC Medicaid will explain the changes and address questions following the presentation. The webinar will include live Q&A. Date: Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 | Time: Noon- 1p.m. REGISTER HERE.
Important Update: New NCIR Implementation Date Postponed
The North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) has postponed the launch of the updated North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR), which was originally planned for late July. Additional time is needed to refine the system, incorporate provider feedback, and ensure a smooth transition for practices and patients across the state.
Vaccine Ordering Update
Providers may continue placing vaccine orders through the current NCIR system. The previously scheduled vaccine ordering pause has been cancelled.
Preparing for the Transition
While a new implementation date is being determined, NCIP encourages providers to continue preparing by:
• Completing NCIR Readiness Checklistactivities
• Reviewing and updating inventory and user information
• Checking the NCIR Coming Soon webpage for updates and implementation resources
• Subscribing to NCIR communications for future announcements
NCIP appreciates providers’ continued partnership and flexibility during this transition and will share additional updates as they become available.
PODCAST: What if it's me? A manager's response to turnover
Your best employees keep walking out the door. Maybe it's time to take a painful look in the mirror and consider if your management style may be contributing to the problem. GeGe Beall of Engaged At Work discusses this uncomfortable issue and how you can face it and transform your practice into a place employees enjoy.
Find out more about GeGe at engagedatwork.com.
For information about the North Carolina Practice Management Academy, visit ncahecpma.org
Practice Management Academy
2026-2027 Practice Management Academy Registration Now Open!
Registration is now open for the 2026–2027 Practice Management Academy (PMA)! Whether you're new to practice management or looking to strengthen your leadership and operational skills, PMA offers flexible, self-paced learning designed for busy healthcare professionals.
What's New This Year
• New course branding: The former "Boot Camp" courses are now called Practice Manager Basic Courses. (They may still appear as "Practice Manager Boot Camp" in the Southern Regional AHEC Continuing Education calendar during the transition.)
• Greater flexibility: Basic courses are now available as recorded, self-paced sessions, allowing participants to complete them on their own schedule. Quizzes must still be completed to earn a certificate.
• Updated curriculum: Management and Leadership content has been separated into two distinct courses.
• Early registration savings: Course fees are $30 per credit hour, with a discounted rate of $25 per credit hour for those who register at least one month before the course begins.
To learn more or register
• Visit the North Carolina AHEC Practice Management Academy (NCPMA) website for upcoming courses.
• Search "Practice Manager Boot Camp" in the Southern Regional AHEC Continuing Education calendar during the transition period.
Continuing Professional Development
In-Person | Live Webinar
Looking to grow your skills or stay ahead of regulatory changes? SR-AHEC Continuing Professional Development offers a variety of courses through in-person sessions and live webinars. Our trainings are practical, timely, and tailored to today’s healthcare environment.
Explore upcoming opportunities and register today!
Click here to see our full course catalog
We have a new web address for the Practice Management Academy
ncahecpma.org - Go check it out!
Any bookmark you have should still work because we've mapped the old URL to the new one. If you'd like to see what our new page looks like, you may need to sign out of the academy so you can see the landing page. Anyone can join the free side of the Practice Management Academy. This includes any free courses, access to our group chat, and announcements about upcoming classes and events. We hope this new address and page will be easier to navigate and share.
