Latest California Healthline Stories
GAO: Studies on Quality and Cost Often Lack Key Data
Achieving greater health care value in the U.S. depends on the availability of information on how certain initiatives affect quality of care and costs, according to a Government Accountability Office report. GAO reviewed numerous studies and surveyed their authors about the effects of programs designed to boost quality and reduce costs. The report found that although such initiatives have improved care, only half of respondents said they increased cost savings. The report noted that many studies do not employ rigorous methods to determine the effect of a certain initiative on costs. Fierce Healthcare.
Vote on GOP Debt Plan Delayed as Deadline To Avoid Default Looms
House Republicans further delayed a vote on House Speaker John Boehner’s proposal to raise the federal debt ceiling after they failed to secure enough support to ensure the measure’s passage. Meanwhile, Democrats are considering a compromise debt plan. New York Times et al.
Study Draws Attention to Teens’ Consumption of Soda, Fast Food
A UCLA study finds more than two million California teenagers drink at least one sugary beverage each day and nearly half eat fast food two times per week. The study recommends policy changes to improve healthy food options. Riverside Press-Enterprise et al.
More Public Workers Have Access to Same-Sex Benefits
On Tuesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released data showing that about one-third of all workers have access to health care benefits for same-sex couples. Access to the benefits varied based on the type of job, company and geographical location. The survey found that about 33% of state and local government employees had domestic partner health benefits, compared with 29% of employees in private companies. The data come from answers to two questions recently added to the National Compensation Survey in response to growing interest in domestic partner health benefits for same-sex couples, according to Philip Doyle, assistant commissioner of BLS. New York Times.
CMS Report: National Health Care Spending To Reach $4.6T by 2020
A report from CMS’ Office of the Actuary predicts that national health care spending will increase from about $2.7 trillion this year to $4.6 trillion by 2020. According to the report, the federal health reform law will play a role in the spending growth. AP/Washington Post et al.
Trade Group To Revive Adult Film Industry STI Database
The Free Speech Coalition, a San Fernando Valley-based adult film industry trade group, plans to revive a database that tracks adult film performers’ test results for sexually transmitted infections. The Adult Performer Health and Safety Services database will provide adult film producers and agents with information on whether performers are available for work, but it will not reveal performers’ specific test results. Diane Duke, executive director of the Free Speech Coalition, said she expects the STI testing to be complete and the database to be fully functional in about two months. Los Angeles Times.
Law Center Asks High Court To Review Health Reform Law Decision
The Thomas More Law Center has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn an appeals court’s decision upholding the individual mandate in the federal health reform law. Legal experts say the high court might rule on the overhaul during its next term. Reuters et al.
Consumer Advocates Criticize Blue Shield’s Rating, Review System
Consumer advocates are criticizing an online system that Blue Shield of California launched 18 months ago to let policyholders rate and review their health plans. Members can see reviews that pertain only to plans in which they are enrolled. Payers & Providers.
Judge Rejects Lawsuit Against Federal Funding for Stem Cell Research
On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth dismissed a lawsuit that claimed federal funding of embryonic stem cell research infringed upon a 1996 federal law. Lamberth said he is bound to a higher court’s interpretation of the case. AP/Washington Post et al.
Santa Cruz County Clinicians Discuss Kids’ Mental Health
On Tuesday, about 90 Santa Cruz County pediatricians, physicians and mental health care providers held a meeting to discuss efforts to improve mental health care coordination for young people. The health care providers said they aim to create the county’s first Pediatric Mental Health Registry, which would contain information on mental health specialists who work with young people. The group said the registry would contain information about each clinician’s location, specialty and interests to make it easier for health care providers to provide referrals. Santa Cruz Sentinel.