Latest California Healthline Stories
Experts Wary of Overreliance on Online Physician Ratings
Although health experts say the use of online physician ratings systems will become more common as insurers and employers work to control medical costs, they caution that ratings systems are overly simplified and lack standardized ratings criteria. Insurer-provided ratings systems typically consider physicians based on two factors: quality of care and cost. The ratings frequently lack information that might be more important to consumers, such as a measure of physicians’ interpersonal skills and their likelihood of remaining on schedule. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.
Overcrowding Increasing at Los Angeles County Hospital
From May to June, dangerous overcrowding at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center increased from about 11% to 15%, while severe overcrowding rose from about 38% to 47%, according to a report from the county Department of Health Services. The report suggested a number of factors could have contributed to the jump in overcrowding, including a larger critically ill patient population and training of new physicians. Los Angeles Times.
More California Hospitals Reporting Overdoses of Radiation From CT Scans
Two California hospitals recently joined a list of facilities that exposed patients to excessive levels of radiation during CT scans. Nationwide, at least 400 patients at eight hospitals have experienced higher-than-expected levels of radiation from the scans. Los Angeles Times.
Physician Group Forms New Pact With S.F. Health Plan
San Francisco Health Plan — a not-for-profit health insurance group that offers coverage to 60,000 San Francisco residents — has signed a contract with Brown & Toland Physicians to allow the doctors to provide care for members of the health plan. San Francisco Health Plan primarily serves enrollees in Medi-Cal, Healthy Kids and Healthy Families. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program and Healthy Families is the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program. The partnership will take effect this fall. San Francisco Business Times.
Children’s Hospitals, Other Centers Eligible for Rx Drug Discounts
A provision in the new health reform law provides rebates on brand-name drugs for health care providers who serve low-income patients. Free-standing cancer centers and children’s hospitals are among the eligible facilities for the discount program. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
California Hospital Leads in Establishing Pediatric Emergency Standards
A model developed at County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is helping to create standards for pediatric care in emergency departments nationwide. Los Angeles County has established a network of 42 hospitals with certifications in pediatric care. Torrance Daily Breeze.
Senate Reworks Medicaid Aid Package After Cost Analysis
Last night, the Senate voted 95-0 to shelve a package that would have extended $16.1 billion in extra Medicaid funding to states through June 2011. Democrats delayed the measure after an analysis found that it would add to the federal deficit. The Hill et al.
FDA Lifts Hold on Human Trial of Stem Cell Treatment
Last week, FDA announced that it had lifted a hold on the world’s first human test of a treatment derived from embryonic stem cells. Experts are calling the trial — developed by Geron Corporation and UC-Irvine — a turning point for health research, as it will provide the first look at safety and efficacy of embryonic stem cells. New York Times, Contra Costa Times.
Judge Allows Virginia’s Lawsuit Against Health Reform Law To Proceed
A federal judge has ruled that Virginia’s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the individual mandate in the federal health reform law can proceed. Analysts say the ruling represents a setback for the Obama administration. Richmond Times-Dispatch et al.
Vacancies Persist on Fresno County Mental Health Board
Fresno County’s Mental Health Board recently sent a letter asking county supervisors to move quickly to fill 13 long-standing vacancies on the 20-member mental health board. Last year, five board members resigned amid scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest. County supervisors say they have not received enough applications to fill the empty positions. Fresno Bee.