Morning Breakouts

Latest California Healthline Stories

Groups Voice Concerns Over Potential Physician Shortage

HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration estimates that the U.S. will face a shortage of 65,560 primary care physicians by 2020, while the American Academy of Family Physicians predicts a deficit of 149,000 doctors by that year. Meanwhile, the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that the U.S. will face a shortage of up to 125,000 physicians by 2025. The groups say the coming physician shortage could lead to longer wait times for office visits and create other barriers to care. Los Angeles Times.

Investigation: Military Brain Injuries Are Underdiagnosed

According to official military figures, 115,000 troops who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries, but an investigation by NPR and ProPublica indicates the problem is more severe than reported. According to the investigation, health screenings often miss brain trauma and even when the condition is diagnosed, the information fails to be entered into soldiers’ medical files. NPR/ProPublica.

San Diego County’s Medical Office Market Is Thriving

The medical office market in San Diego County is growing and vacancy rate is three percentage points lower than the overall vacancy rate for office space in the county. The healthy real estate market for medical offices coincides with an increase in demand for health services among baby boomers and also will grow as more people gain health coverage through the federal health reform law. San Diego Union-Tribune.

State Medical Board Reinstated Licenses After Felony Charges

An Orange County Register investigation finds that over the past 10 years, the California Medical Board revoked the licenses of 1,017 physicians, including 68 who were convicted of felonies. The medical board later reinstated licenses for 66 physicians, including 25 who previously lost their licenses after a criminal conviction. Orange County Register.

Ga., Tenn. Lawmakers Eye Challenges to Reform Law

Last week, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue (R) signed into law a bill stating that no Georgia resident can be forced by a law or regulation to “participate in any health care system.” The measure challenges the federal health reform law’s requirement that all individuals must obtain health insurance coverage. Meanwhile, a Tennessee measure allowing residents to opt out of the federal reform law failed in the state House Budget Subcommittee by one vote. A companion bill was approved by the state Senate in February. Atlanta Political Buzz Examiner, AP/Tennessean.

Small Businesses Skeptical About Effect of Tax Credit

Double-digit increases in health insurance rates for California’s small businesses are quelling enthusiasm about tax credits such firms will receive through the new health reform law. Businesses with at least 25 full-time employees that provide annual salaries below $50,000 and pay about half of employees’ health plan coverage are eligible for a credit worth up to 35% of premium costs through 2014 and up to 50% after that. The tax credits could be worth up to $4.4 billion in California. The article was supported by the California HealthCare Foundation Center for Health Reporting. CHCF is the publisher of California Healthline. Ventura County Star.

Insurers Backing Industry-Friendly Assembly Candidates

Anticipating an increase in regulation after the California gubernatorial race, the insurance industry has been donating millions of dollars to industry-friendly Assembly candidates, such as Garrett Yee. Yee, an insurance industry professional, and Bob Wieckowski are running for the Assembly seat representing the Bay Area’s 20th district. Yee has received $367,000 in donations from the industry in the form of independent expenditures and direct contributions. San Jose Mercury News.