Latest California Healthline Stories
TSA To Replace Scanners at LAX, Other Major Airports
On Monday, the Transportation Security Administration announced that it is replacing full-body scanners at Los Angeles International Airport and other major airports. The scanners — which use low-level X-rays to create an image of passengers to detect weapons — have been criticized for creating potential health risks. TSA said that the decision is intended to relocate faster scanners — which use low-level radio waves — to busier airports. Los Angeles Times.
Critics Say Payment Advisory Panel Could Lead to Rationed Care
A new policy paper by a former Congressional Budget Office director and a report by a GOP lawmaker criticize the Affordable Care Act’s Independent Payment Advisory Board, saying it has the potential to ration care for Medicare beneficiaries. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Study: Calif. Had Second-Highest Count of Uninsured Kids in 2011
A new report finds that California in 2011 had the second-highest number of uninsured children in the U.S. but had the 12th highest decline in uninsured kids between 2009 and 2011. WUSF’s “Health News Florida,” United Ways of California release.
Many Practices Would Cut Medicare Services Without ‘Doc Fix’
A new MGMA-ACMPE survey finds that 45% of physician group practices said they would reduce appointments for new Medicare beneficiaries if Congress does not take steps to avert a 27% cut to Medicare reimbursements rates that is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2013. Modern Healthcare.
Pay for Prison Health Care Providers Increases During Federal Oversight
Since federal oversight of California’s prison health care system began in 2006, compensation for prison physicians has increased significantly. Critics say the pay hikes have increased taxpayer spending, while proponents say prison doctors deserve higher pay. AP/Vacaville Reporter.
Report Finds California Among States With Best Hospitals
A new report finds that California is among the states that scored the highest for hospital care related to conditions and treatments linked to mortality. According to the study, patients treated at the best hospitals had a 55% lower risk of dying. USA Today.
Calif. Study Finds At-Risk Teens Interested in EHRs
The vast majority of teenagers at a California juvenile detention center said they would be interested in having online access to their health records, according to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics. Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center say at-risk teenagers could significantly benefit from online health records. FierceHealthIT, Stanford release.
House GOP Members Slam USDA School Lunch Rules
In a letter sent last week to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, U.S. Reps. John Kline, Kristi Noem and Phil Roe said that USDA’s guidelines for government-subsidized school lunches are failing because students are disposing of healthy foods. The lawmakers also noted that the 850-calorie maximum for lunches is not enough for certain students. Further, they wrote that USDA has failed to address how states will pay for the $3.2 billion program. The Hill‘s “Floor Action Blog.”
New SAG Website To Help Members Buy Health Plans
SAG-AFTRA is launching a website that will allow actors and agents who do not qualify for the union’s health plan to shop for insurance. Most of the SAG’s 165,000 members do not earn enough — at least $30,000 annually — to qualify for the union’s health plan. Los Angeles Times.
Settlement Proposed for Medicare Coverage of Home Health Care
In response to a 2011 class-action lawsuit, the Obama administration has proposed a settlement that would change Medicare rules to cover skilled nursing and therapy services if they are needed to “maintain the patient’s current condition or prevent or slow further deterioration.” New York Times.