Latest California Healthline Stories
Quality-Based Payments Could Hurt Low-Income, Minority Patient Groups
Policies that provide Medicare payments based on hospital quality could worsen health care disparities because lower-performing hospitals typically treat a larger share of low-income and minority patients, according to a new Health Affairs study. National Journal, AP/Google News.
Providence, Physicians Form Joint Alliance To Boost Care Delivery
Providence Health & Services in Southern California is teaming up with physicians to form an alliance to improve quality and accountability in health care. Officials say the effort could evolve into an accountable care organization. Modern Healthcare et al.
BCBS Releases List of Recommendations To Curb Health Spending
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association has unveiled a proposal that the insurer says could reduce federal health care spending by about $319 billion over 10 years. The proposal offers 20 recommendations focused on preventive care and payment changes. National Journal et al.
Brown Signs Bill Banning BPA in Plastic Infant Bottles, Cups
On Tuesday, Gov. Brown signed into law a bill, by Assembly member Betsy Butler, that will prohibit beginning in July 2013 the sale, manufacture and distribution of infant bottles or cups containing bisphenol A. Researchers have linked BPA to numerous health conditions such as certain cancers, reproductive problems, impaired learning and other developmental deficiencies. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” AP/San Jose Mercury News.
Hospital-Church Partnerships Focus on Medical Costs, Care
A growing number of hospitals are collaborating with churches through programs intended to keep the congregants healthy and medical costs down. In one such partnership in California, medical staff members at Loma Linda University Medical Center provide no-cost health screening and education to members of area churches. Last month, HHS hosted an event on faith- and community-based programs that drew officials from 19 health systems. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.
Cal State To Offer Doctorate in Nursing Practice in 2012
Beginning in fall 2012, California State University will offer a new doctorate program in nursing practice that aims to increase the number of practitioners qualified to serve as faculty at understaffed nursing programs in the state. In 2010, lawmakers passed legislation authorizing Cal State to offer pilot post-master’s degrees in nursing practice. Cal State will be the first public university in California to offer a doctor of nursing practice degree. University of California offers a doctorate in nursing, but it is research-based. Cal State officials expect to admit 90 students to the program each year. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
S.F. Supervisors Give Initial Approval To Adjust Health Care Law
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has granted preliminary approval to a measure that would affect the health care reimbursement accounts employers set up for workers who do not have insurance. Mayor Ed Lee is expected to veto the legislation. San Francisco Chronicle.
Physicians in California, Across U.S. Seek Change to Medicare Pay Rules
Physicians across the nation — including those in several California counties — are part of a lawsuit against HHS that seeks changes to Medicare reimbursement rules. A number of federal reports have found disparities in the physician payment system. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Agency Lacks Evidence To Cite Prime Healthcare’s Billing Issues
The state Department of Public Health says it does not have the evidence to cite Prime Healthcare Services over alleged documentation issues. However, the agency has sent data to Medi-Cal auditors and HHS for further investigation. California Watch.
Editorial: Public Has Right To Sue Over Medicaid Cuts
“If states aren’t meeting their obligations under the law and are effectively denying the poor access to the health care Medicaid was designed to provide, the public should be able to hold them accountable,” a Los Angeles Times editorial argues. The Supreme Court is hearing a case to determine whether physicians and Medicaid beneficiaries can sue states over provider reimbursements. The case stems from reimbursement cuts the California Legislature approved in 2008 and 2009 to Medi-Cal. The editorial concludes, “When state lawmakers don’t abide by federal law, it’s not enough to count on Washington to resolve the conflict in a timely manner. The people who are harmed by violations of the Medicaid Act should be able to go to court to stop them.” Los Angeles Times.