Latest California Healthline Stories
Calif. Cancer Researchers Tap Computer Models for Insight
California researchers found that models of website networking and cellphone signal transmissions offer insight into how lung cancer spreads in the body and how cancer treatment plans could be improved, according to a study by published Monday in the journal Cancer Research. U-T San Diego.
Union Supports New Bill To Improve Access to Medi-Cal Interpreters
A bill that seeks to improve access to Medi-Cal interpreters in physician offices and hospitals and allow them to unionize has drawn support from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which wants to represent the interpreters. Sacramento Bee.
Participants Praise CMS’ Coordinated Care Program
Some participants in CMS’ four-year Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative — which rewards health care providers for better coordinated care — say the program is working. Patrick Gordon, associate vice president of the Colorado-based Rocky Mountain Health Plans, said the program — which launched in August 2012 — has been successful in fundamentally changing health care payment economics and encouraging providers to improve their performances. Modern Physician.
Letter Links Stricter Medicaid Eligibility to Delayed Care
States and counties with restrictive Medicaid eligibility criteria tend to have the highest rates of individuals who delay necessary medical care because of cost, according to a letter to the editor published Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine. In the letter, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard School of Public Health researchers noted that counties with the highest prevalence of delayed care are more likely to have higher Hispanic populations and a high prevalence of chronic diseases that are commonly associated with low-income communities. Kaiser Health News.
Study: Few People Post Online About Health Care Topics
Although many U.S. residents use the Internet to look for health information, few post online reviews or comments about health-related topics, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. Among those who use the Internet to look for health information, Brigham Young University researchers found that 15% post health-related comments or questions on social networking sites, blogs or online discussion forums and 10% post reviews of health care providers or facilities. Wall Street Journal‘s “Ideas Market,” BYU release.
Demand for Calif. Home Care Workers High, but Pay Low
Demand for home care workers is increasing, as many older adults choose to stay in their homes for as long as possible. However, the wages for home care workers in California are far below the 2009 federal poverty level, according to the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute. HealthyCal.
Report: ACA’s Effect on Insurance Premiums Varies by Income Level
A report finds that middle-income state residents could see individual insurance premiums increase by an average of 30% under the Affordable Care Act, while lower-income residents could save up to 84% with the help of federal subsidies. New York Times et al.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of March 29, 2013
Corcoran District Hospital has closed its emergency department, a move that resulted in 25 layoffs. Surgeons and patients are criticizing a policy at Washington Hospital’s joint replacement unit that permits surgeons to practice only if they meet 24 criteria set by the hospital.
Lawmakers Step Up Criticisms of Proposed Cut to MA Payments
America’s Health Insurance Plans has released three letters from groups of U.S. lawmakers that criticize a proposed 2.2% cut in federal payments to Medicare Advantage plans and urge the Obama administration to reconsider the proposal. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” Reuters.
Report: Health Costs Higher in U.S. Than in Other Countries
Medical procedures and services cost significantly more in the U.S. than they do in 11 other countries, according to an annual report by the International Federation of Health Plans. The report found that private insurers in the U.S. were charged up to 26 times more than private or public insurers in the 11 other countries for common medical procedures, prescription drugs and hospital and physician visits. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Co.,” Modern Healthcare.