No one in the healthcare industry doubts that the effects of the primary care physician (PCP) shortage are just beginning. There are about 250,000 primary care doctors in the United States, and the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts that by 2025 there will be a shortfall of 65,800.

For the past two years, Lincoln County has participated in a statewide initiative geared toward healthier eating, with a community garden planted to provide fruits and vegetables to those less fortunate.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina has recognized nine hospitals in North Carolina with a Blue Distinction Center+ SM designation for delivering quality and cost-efficient cardiac care, as part of the Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care® program.

“The bike lady” doesn’t own a car. And the only bike she owns has a flat tire and permanently decorates a wall in a local wine shop. But “the bike lady” cycles almost everywhere she goes.

“Since 2012, our GO NC! initiative has worked with organizations across the state to increase access to greenways and public bicycles. We’re thrilled to expand this work to support creative and passionate youth who are keyed into new and exciting ways to promote healthy lifestyles in our state,” said Kathy Higgins, BCBSNC vice president of corporate affairs.

Outdoor Nation has teamed up with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and North Carolina Recreation and Park Association to encourage young people to get outside and get active.

BCBSNC is in full compliance with all Federal and State laws and guidelines designed to protect our customers’ health information and we have numerous outside audits to confirm our adherence to HIPAA. We require the same of our business partners. ...

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina reported Thursday that it had exceeded health care spending benchmarks by spending 87 percent of premium revenues on paying for care for its customers.

“The fact that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina exceeded the federal requirement for health care spending in 2012 means that we spend at least an extra $260 million on our customer’s health care in contrast to our competitors who are issuing rebates,” said Brad Wilson, CEO and president of BCBSNC.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has unveiled an online tool, called Blue Map, to help North Carolinians navigate through potential changes to their health care coverage.