Latest California Healthline Stories
Regulators Fine 7 Calif. Health Facilities Over Patient Data Breaches
Seven California health care facilities have received fines totaling $792,500 for failing to prevent breaches of confidential patient medical information. Penalized facilities are required to submit plans to prevent future patient data breach incidents. Los Angeles Times et al.
Report Predicts Sharp Rise in Diabetes Rates Over Decade
More than half of U.S. residents could have diabetes or prediabetes by 2020 if current trends continue, according to a report by UnitedHealth Group’s Center for Health Reform and Modernization. The report estimates that diabetes and prediabetes will cost the U.S. health system about $3.35 trillion over the next decade and will account for 10% of total U.S. health spending by 2020. Reuters, Stockton Record.
S.F. Ban on Fast-Food Toys Overcomes Mayor’s Veto
Last week, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 8-3 to override Mayor Gavin Newsom’s veto of legislation that bars fast-food restaurants from including toys in children’s meals unless they meet certain nutritional requirements. The restrictions are set to take effect in December 2011. San Francisco Chronicle.
FDA Approves Second Human Study of Stem Cell Therapy
Last week, FDA approved Advanced Cell Technology to test its stem cell-based treatment on 12 patients suffering from Stargardt’s macular dystrophy. This marks the second human study of an embryonic stem cell treatment the agency has approved. Last month, Geron Corp enlisted its first patient in a stem cell study for patients with crushed spinal cords. Reuters, Boston Globe.
House Expected To Pass One-Month Extension To Avoid Medicare Pay Cut
On Monday, the House is expected to approve a measure to block a planned 23% reduction in Medicare physician payments until Jan. 1, 2011. The Senate passed the legislation earlier this month. Lawmakers are seeking a longer-term fix for the Medicare payment issue. CQ Today.
Central Valley Health Centers Preparing for EHR Adoption
Golden Valley Health Centers is preparing to implement an electronic health record system with the help of a $3 million grant from the 2009 federal economic stimulus package. The grant aims to help Golden Valley Health Centers collaborate with five other Central Valley health centers on EHR initiatives. Officials currently are evaluating various EHR systems and plan to begin implementation in February or March 2011. Merced Sun-Star.
Senate Approves Bill To Block Scheduled Cut to Medicare Physician Pay
On Thursday, the Senate passed legislation that would block a planned 23% reduction to Medicare physician payments until Jan. 1, 2011. The House is expected to approve the estimated $1 billion measure when it returns from the Thanksgiving recess on Nov. 29. Politico et al.
San Diego County Faces Cuts to Immunization Services
The state budget package passed last month cut $660,000 from San Diego County’s immunization services for children and teenagers and $348,000 from the county’s immunization registry. County officials say the cuts could place strain on local community clinics, which often provide immunization services to low-income and uninsured residents. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Study Finds Variation in Hospital Payment Rates From Private Insurers
A study from the Center for Studying Health System Change points to wide variation in hospital payments made by private health insurance companies in large U.S. cities. The study suggests that market clout could lead some hospitals to command higher rates. Modern Healthcare.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of November 19, 2010
On Wednesday, Prime Healthcare Services purchased Alvarado Hospital in San Diego for an undisclosed amount. Meanwhile, nurses and other employees at Daly City’s Seton Medical Center picketed this week to protest the hospital’s planned layoffs.