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  Practice Support Newsletter
  October 2026
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In October, we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month to show support for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. During this month, healthcare providers can reinforce the importance of as well as promote early detection and screening to reduce breast cancer risks.

The American Cancer Society and CDC report the following U.S. statistics:
  • About 1 in 8 women in the (13%) will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. 
  • In 2026, about 321,910 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. 
  • Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women.
  • Development and death rates of breast cancer vary by race and ethnicity.
  • About 60,730 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or “stage 0 breast cancer” will be diagnosed in 2026. Nearly all women with DCIS can be cured.
  • Most of the data centers around women, but men can get breast cancer as well. Less than 1% of breast cancers occur in men.
  • About 2,670 men will be diagnosed this year with invasive breast cancer.
  • About 1 in 755 men will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Healthcare Providers 
There are many ways that primary care providers can aid in this effort:
  • Identify patients that are due for screening. The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) recommends a mammogram every 2 years for women aged 40-74 who have an average risk for breast cancer. Healthcare providers can also use their electronic health record (EHR) alerts to help identify those who are due for a screening. 
  • Identify high-risk patients who may need more than routine screening. Age, personal/reproductive/family history, DES exposure, weight, alcohol use and genetic mutations are among the factors that may put someone at risk of developing breast cancer. See a list of high-risk criteria here. 
  • Screen for breast cancer. There are several types of screening tests, each with their own unique benefits. The Breast Cancer Screening quality measure looks at the number of women aged 42-74 (by the end of the measurement period) who have had a mammogram during the measurement period. Additional measure specifications can be found at the eCQI Resource Center.
  • Provide patient education. In addition toesources found in the electronic health record, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Breast Cancer Foundation have videos and brochures available. ​​​
  • Close the loop! If test results are abnormal, follow up with the patient and discuss next steps. Susan G. Komen Foundation outlines some of the follow up that may occur after an abnormal clinical breast exam.

Follow the links for additional breast cancer resources:
  • Susan G. Komen Foundation | Breast Cancer Foundation | Susan G. Komen®
  • Cancer Society | Breast Cancer | American Cancer Society
  • CDC: Breast Cancer |  Breast Cancer | CDC
  • NIH | National Cancer Institute – Diagnosing Breast Cancer
  • U.S. DHHS Directory of Mammography Facilities | Mammography Facilities
  • NC DPH: NC Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (NC BCCCP) | NC Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (NC BCCCP) | Division of Public Health
.

Measure of the Month:
Screening for Future Fall Risk

It is important to bring awareness to efforts to reduce the risk of falls and prevent injury in older adults. Steps such as regular exercise, medication review, vision care, and home safety improvements can significantly reduce the risk of falls and related injuries.

The Falls: Screening for Future Fall Risk clinical quality measure looks at patients aged 65 and older for those who were screened for future fall risk at least once during the measurement period. Patients that are in hospice at any time during the measurement period are excluded from the denominator. Full measure specifications can be found at the ECQI Resource Center. 

For more information on how to prevent falls, see the following resources: 
  • CDC: Algorithm for Fall Risk Screening, Assessment, and Intervention
  • National Council on Aging (NCOA)
  • NC Falls Prevention Coalition
  • Standing Strong NC
  • CDC: Coordinated Care Plan to Prevent Older Adult Falls
  • Northwest AHEC - Falls: Screening, Risk Assessment and Care Planning for Older Adult Patients in the Community (online self-paced learning available through 6/16/27).

Changes to Medicaid - H.R. 1
House Reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) was signed into law on July 4, 2025. This law incorporates significant Medicaid eligibility, enrollment, and financing changes that may increase the number of uninsured patients and create new administrative burdens for providers. Healthcare providers can prepare for these challenges by focusing on coverage disruptions, operational changes, financial impacts, and quality performance risks. 

The changes will take place over several years, with many starting as early as October 1, 2026. Changes include modifications in Medicaid eligibility for non-citizens and loss of Medicaid coverage for populations with specific immigration statuses. While some may lose essential components of Medicaid coverage (prescriptions, doctor visits, mental health, etc.), there may still be the ability to qualify for Emergency Medicaid depending on need, criteria and specific eligibility factors. 

Beginning January 1, 2027, there will be a shorter retroactive coverage for those applying for Medicaid. There will also be specific work and community engagement requirements that apply to those adults aged 19-64 in the following categories:
  • No disability
  • Not pregnant or eligible for coverage 12 months post pregnancy
  • Not a parent, caretaker, guardian or family caregiver (specific criteria apply)
  • Currently do not qualify for exclusions or exceptions (see criteria here).
NC DHHS is working to send notifications to impacted individuals ahead of the coverage change. To aid healthcare professionals with these changes, NC DHHS is working on a provider-facing toolkit that will help with internal team awareness and patient communication materials. Please visit Medicaid is Changing | NC Medicaid to continue to monitor these changes and prepare for H.R 1.

Regulatory Reminder:
Treatment of Self and Family
Healthcare professionals are often approached by family members, friends,
or even colleagues for medical advice and treatment. While this may seem convenient, self-treatment and the treatment of family members can create ethical, professional, and clinical challenges that may affect the quality of care. 
According to the North Carolina Medical Board , “licensees are prohibited from prescribing controlled substances to themselves or to their immediate family members under any circumstance.

In addition, it is the position of the Board that licensees should not manage chronic conditions (including providing ongoing prescriptions for non-controlled medications) for themselves, their immediate family members, or those with significant emotional ties.  In these situations, professional objectivity is at risk, and personal feelings may unduly influence clinical judgment, thereby interfering with the delivery of optimal care.   Family members may also feel uncomfortable declining treatment or seeking care elsewhere, potentially affecting the transparency and effectiveness of care.” 

The Board notes exceptions where it may be acceptable for a licensee to provide such treatment. Please visit the North Carolina Medical Board to review the exceptions in detail as well as additional considerations regarding their position on this matter. 

The convenience of treating oneself or a family member should not outweigh the importance of objective, high-quality care. Whenever possible, healthcare professionals and their loved ones should seek care from an independent provider to ensure patient safety, preserve professional boundaries, and support optimal health outcomes. The American Medical Association: Code of Ethics on Treatment of Self and Family is another great resource on the matter.

Dates to Remember – Q4 2026
Follow the links below for the most current information on upcoming program changes:
  • September 30, 2026 | Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) grant application process begins. This program is aimed at helping rural providers modernize their infrastructure and optimize use of digital tools and technologies. Details, overview webinar and link to application can be found here.
  • October 1, 2026 |  Loss of coverage for some individuals who have previously been eligible to receive Medicaid benefits (H.R.1).
  • October 1, 2026 | Tailored plans Vaya Health and Partners Health merge to become Vaya Partners. Find more information on the merger visit here.
  • October 1, 2026 | Trillium moved to a unified claims system for tailored plans. Visit here and here for additional resources. 
  • October 1, 2026 | CMS released the 2027 ICD-10 code list.
  • December 31, 2026 | The NC Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) pilot program will end. See this link for information and billing code changes. 
  • December 31, 2026 | End of the MIPS 2026 performance year. Also, deadline to apply for the MIPS Exception Applications.
  • December 31, 2026 | NC Medicaid Update on the Care Management for At-Risk Children and Care Management for High-Risk Pregnancy Programs | NC Medicaid - providers can continue to offer care management services for the above populations to Medicaid beneficiaries through this date. According to the Medicaid bulletin, there is also more information to come regarding care management approach for both at-risk children and high-risk pregnant women.
Listen Up! Educational Podcasts from Eastern AHEC 
Are you looking for convenient, on-demand learning opportunities? Eastern AHEC offers a series of free podcasts featuring discussions on a variety of important healthcare and public health topics.  The “Rural Waves Podcast” episodes provide valuable insight, current information, and practical perspectives for healthcare professionals and anyone interested in advancing their knowledge on today's most relevant health issues. Available podcast topics include:
  • Measles
  • Climate and Care
  • Heat Illness in Rural Communities
  • Substance Use in Pregnancy
  • NC-PAL (North Carolina Psychiatry Access Line)
  • Geriatric Substance Use
  • Death Investigations
  • Epigenetics
​​​​​​​The podcast is available via desktop on Spotify and Apple. There is also an option to scan a QR Code to listen from your mobile phone. For more information, visit Rural Waves Podcast Series - Eastern Area Health Education Center.

AHEC Class Spotlight

NC Nursing Workforce Research Fall 2026 Conference: From Data to Action - Leveraging Local Research to Solve State Workforce Challenges

“The NC Nursing Workforce Research Fall Conference: From Data to Action: Leveraging Local Research to Solve State Workforce Challenges is a half-day virtual conference convened by the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (NC AHEC) Program and designed for nursing leaders, educators, researchers, workforce partners, and healthcare professionals committed to strengthening the nursing workforce .”

October 30, 2026 | 8:20 AM - 1:15 PM | Live Webinar
Registration fee is $35. To view the conference brochure, registration details and other pertinent information, visit  here.

Aging Care Series: Medications Matter - What’s Changed in Pharmacology for Older Adults

“Advances in pharmacology and growing awareness of age related physiologic changes have significantly shaped how medications are prescribed, monitored, and deprescribed in older adults. This interdisciplinary presentation reviews key updates in geriatric pharmacology, including changes in drug safety guidance, polypharmacy management, and age specific risk considerations. Emphasis is placed on practical, team based approaches to optimizing medication use while minimizing adverse outcomes in older adult care.”

November 4, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Live Webinar
Registration fee is $35. To view the additional details, conference brochure and registration information, visit here.

9th Annual NC AHEC Statewide Celebration of Rural Nursing Conference: From Miles to Moments: Reimagining Access for Rural Health

“The NC AHEC Nurse Council proudly celebrates the vital contributions of nurses in rural healthcare through the 9th Annual Celebration of Rural Nursing, held in recognition of National Rural Health Day. This year's theme, "From Miles to Moments: Reimagining Access for Rural Health," highlights innovative approaches that are transforming healthcare delivery and expanding access for rural communities. As rural populations continue to face provider shortages, geographic barriers, and health disparities, nurses play a critical role in developing creative, patient-centered solutions that bring care closer to home.”

November 13, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 1:05 PM | Live Webinar
Registration fee is $35. Additional information and a registration link can be found here.

 
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