Latest California Healthline Stories
Hospital Computer Stolen From Eisenhower Facility
Rancho Mirage-based Eisenhower Medical Center has announced that a computer containing personal information of 514,330 patients was stolen from Eisenhower Hospital on March 11. The computer contained patients’ names, dates of birth and partial Social Security numbers but did not contain data on medical conditions or treatments. The not-for-profit medical center is sending notification letters to affected patients, and the California Department of Public Health will investigate the incident. Palm Springs Desert Sun, Modern Healthcare.
Opinion: Better Incentives Needed To Curb Obesity
In a Los Angeles Times opinion piece, David Gratzer — a physician and senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute — writes that proposed taxes on fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages are unlikely to spur dramatic changes in consumer behavior. He writes, “If financial incentives are going to play a role in the battle against obesity, we need to accentuate the positive instead. We need to design substantial incentives into health insurance plans to help people take a long-term approach to healthier diets.” Los Angeles Times.
Report Identifies Disparities Among Gay Elderly Residents
Older lesbian, gay and bisexual California residents have higher rates of chronic diseases and mental health issues than their heterosexual peers, according to a report from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. The report found that older lesbian and bisexual women were more likely to put off care and that elderly gay and bisexual men had higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and psychological stress. The report says that a higher degree of cultural competency and sensitivity is needed among health care providers to improve care quality for older lesbian, gay and bisexual adults. California Watch.
Insurers Wary of Bills That Would Adjust Coverage Rules
The state Legislature is consider a raft of bills that would increase what health insurance companies have to cover. The state’s coverage requirements could go beyond what is mandated by the health reform law as essential benefits, though federals officials have yet to announce what will be included in those benefits. Insurers argue that providing coverage for more services would be too costly. San Francisco Chronicle.
Supreme Court: County Cannot Sue Drugmakers for Alleged Overcharges
Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Santa Clara County cannot sue large pharmaceutical companies over claims that they overcharged public health care facilities for prescription drugs. The ruling overturned a prior appeals court decision. Wall Street Journal et al.
Marin County Ranks as Healthiest in California, According to Report
A report by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ranks Marin County as the healthiest county in California and Trinity County as the unhealthiest. The report looks at various health indicators. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Senate Could Soon Sign Off on Bills To Repeal 1099 Reporting Rule
Today, the Senate could pass a measure to remove the 1099 tax-reporting rule included in the health reform law and also tap a procedural maneuver to deem a similar House bill passed. It is unclear whether President Obama would sign the legislation. National Journal et al.
Editorial Applauds Ruling in Online Doctor Rating Lawsuit
A North County Times editorial states that a recent court decision dismissing the California Medical Association’s lawsuit against Blue Shield of California’s online physician rating system is “an affirmation of the principle of sunshine and its salutary effect.” The editorial adds, “[W]e hope it will usher in other attempts to provide much-needed transparency to the mysteries of health care quality.” North County Times.
Democrats Show Signs of Compromise on Federal Government Funding Bill
Senate Democratic leaders have indicated that they could consider non-spending policy-related items contained in House legislation to avert a government shutdown. However, Democrats likely will reject any “policy riders” that seek to defund the health reform law. CQ Today et al.
Environmental Groups Shine Spotlight on Disease Clusters
This week, the National Resources Defense Council and the National Disease Cluster Alliance released a report highlighting 44 communities in 13 states that have above average rates of birth defects, cancer and other conditions. The report featured information on eight California communities, including Carlsbad, Earlimart and Kettleman City. California Watch.