Latest California Healthline Stories
Viewpoints: Why Do We Put Up With Insurers Telling Doctors How To Treat Their Patients?
A selection of opinions on health care developments from around the state.
Administration Sued Over ‘Wrongful Termination’ Of Teen Pregnancy Prevention Grants
The Obama-era Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program was designed as a five-year program, but grantees reported last summer they had received letters informing them the program would be terminated at the end of June 2018 — two years ahead of schedule.
As national focus turns to mental health after the mass shooting in Florida, advocates warn against making assumptions about violence and mental health. “It feels like mental illness is being used as a political football to deflect attention away from some other important issues,” said Ron Honberg, senior policy adviser at the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Panel Recommends LA Sheriff Triple Number Of Department’s Mental Health Teams
The civilian oversight panel didn’t include a price tag on the increase.
Experts: Focusing On Vaccine’s Effectivness While Deciding Whether To Get Flu Shot Misses Key Point
The vaccine this year had a low effective rate against the most common strain, but that doesn’t mean people shouldn’t get the shot. It still reduces your chances of severe consequences from the flu, experts say.
Pharma Giant Snaps Big Health Data Startup For $2B
Flatiron was founded by Nat Turner and Zach Weinberg, two young entrepreneurs who had sold a previous company to Google.
Investigation Into Aetna’s Approval Process Expands Into More States
The inquiry kicked off after statements by a former medical director came to light that he never looked at patients’ records when deciding whether to approve or deny care. Aetna says the comments were taken out of context.
As Midterms Inch Closer, Republican Lawmakers Start To Take Softer Stance On Health Law
Some of those who adamantly opposed any action to shore up the marketplaces have reversed course in a politically charged year.
Aging Population, High Prices Will Continue Fueling Rise In Health Care Spending Levels
Prescription drugs account for the fastest increase — 6.3 percent a year on average — due to the high cost of advanced medications.
The inspector general report also found that, among other “serious derelictions,” Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin also improperly accepted tickets to Wimbledon. “This was time that should have been spent conducting official V.A. business and not providing personal travel concierge services to Secretary Shulkin and his wife,” Inspector General Michael J. Missal concluded in the report.