Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial: Mandate Condom Use in Adult Film Industry
The most effective way to keep adult film actors safe from sexually transmitted infections “is to vigorously enforce, and if necessary strengthen, existing rules requiring condom use for adult performers,” a Los Angeles Times editorial states. It continues, “Both federal and state labor laws specifically require the use of personal protective equipment or barriers against blood or bodily fluids in the workplace, such as the gloves and masks used by medical technicians.” Although no state law currently requires condom use in adult films, “it may be time for that to change,” the editorial states. Los Angeles Times.
Op-Ed: ‘Health in All’ Policies Needed Within Reform Efforts
In California “and as a nation, we spend 96% of health expenditures on medical services and only 4% on preventing disease and promoting health,” Stephen Shortell — dean of the School of Public Health at UC-Berkeley — and Carmen Nevarez — president of the American Public Health Association and executive vice president of the Public Health Institute — write in a Sacramento Bee opinion piece. Shortell and Nevarez write that the “philosophy of ‘health in all’ policies” includes “efforts that link our public health and medical institutions with our education, agriculture, housing, transportation and related sectors.” They conclude that addressing “the underlying behavioral, social and environmental determinants of health will have a greater impact on our health status and economy” than just extending coverage to more individuals under the health reform law. Sacramento Bee.
Anaheim Hospital Approved for Medicare, Medi-Cal Pay
Anaheim General Hospital has received CMS recertification to bill for Medicare and Medi-Cal payments. In July 2009, officials cut off funding after the facility failed safety inspections. Orange County Register.
Two California Nursing Homes Receive Highest State Penalties, Fines
The California Department of Public Health recently issued AA citations to two nursing homes following the death of a resident at each facility. Meanwhile, a new state law calls for increased scrutiny of care quality and staffing levels at nursing homes across California. Central Valley Business Times et al.
UC Opens Center To Enhance Quality at its Associated Sites
The Center for Health Quality and Innovation at the University of California aims to coordinate care and boost quality at UC’s associated medical centers and professional schools. The center will research best practices and direct financial support at its related sites. The center will use a temporary increase in federal matching funds for Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, under a new hospital fee program. Sacramento Business Journal.
Study: Specialists’ Pay Doubles Income for Primary Care Physicians
Wages of primary care physicians are less than half the income of some specialists, a new study finds. The study suggests that the difference in wages could exacerbate a shortage of PCPs in the U.S. as more individuals gain coverage under the health reform law. Reuters.
Physicians Considering Options Ahead of Cuts to Medicare Payments
Roughly half of medical practices are planning to stop accepting new Medicare patients if scheduled reimbursement reductions take effect, according to a new survey. A separate study finds that there is little agreement among physicians on how to change the payment formula. Modern Physician et al.
Health Care Expenses Outpace Overall Rate of Inflation, Study Finds
A new Standard & Poor’s study concludes that per capita health care costs rose by about 7% over the last year, which is higher than the overall 1.1% rate of inflation for the same period. The findings are consistent with a trend of rising inflation in health care. HealthLeaders Media.
Palo Alto Health Clinic Nabs Chronic Disease Funding
The Ravenswood Family Health Center in East Palo Alto is one of six community health centers nationwide to receive a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to help indigent residents deal with chronic diseases. The grant is worth $1.78 million over three years. San Francisco Business Times.
Advocates Sue Governor Over Mental Health Program Cuts
Mental health and disability rights advocates say Gov. Schwarzenegger violated federal disability law when he used line-item vetoes to cut funding from mental health services for special education students. AP/San Jose Mercury News et al.