Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial: Fines to San Diego County Hospitals ‘Clarion Call’
A San Diego Union-Tribune editorial called it “dismaying” to learn that four of the nine hospitals cited last week by the Department of Public Health for the most serious kind of preventable errors are located in San Diego County. The editorial says the fines against the hospitals “must serve as a clarion call to the institutions involved.” San Diego Union-Tribune.
Consumers’ Satisfaction With Hospitals Reaches 5-Year Low
Patient satisfaction with hospital services decreased by 5% across the last year, reaching the lowest level in five years, according to an American Customer Satisfaction Index report. According to ACSI, hospital satisfaction dropped from a score of 77 out of 100 in the first quarter of 2009 to 73 in the first quarter of 2010. HealthLeaders Media.
Prime Healthcare, State Reach Settlement Over ‘Balance Billing’
As part of a settlement with state regulators, Prime Healthcare Services has agreed to reimburse patients who received “balance bills” for the portion of a medical bill that an insurer declined to pay. The hospital system also has agreed to donate $1.2 million to six community clinics in California. Sacramento Business Journal et al.
Scientists Announce Creation of Cell With Synthetic DNA
Last week, scientists from the J. Craig Venter Institute in La Jolla announced that they had created the first living cell controlled by manmade DNA. The experiment and its results were reported in Friday’s issue of the journal Science. President Obama has directed the newly formed Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues to review the study as its first order of business. Washington Post, Los Angeles Times.
Tribune Backs Campbell in Republican Senate Primary
The Oakland Tribune endorses former Rep. Tom Campbell in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, noting his “record of service in the state Legislature and Congress along with his deep knowledge of economics and solid integrity.” The Tribune adds, “Rarely does one find such a combination of academic achievement, government service and expertise in a field that is critically important during this time of economic crisis.” Assembly member Chuck DeVore and Former Hewlett-Packard Chair and CEO Carly Fiorina also are vying for the nomination. Oakland Tribune.
House Expected To Take Action on ‘Extenders’ Package This Week
Tomorrow, the House likely will vote on a package that includes a plan to prevent a significant cut to doctors’ Medicare reimbursement rates through 2013, as well as extensions on some expired tax cuts, state Medicaid funding, and health benefits and subsidies for unemployed workers. CQ Today et al.
Editorials: Insurance Chief Needs Power To Reject Rates
Editorials from the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle urge California lawmakers to take action on AB 2578, by Assembly member Dave Jones, which would give the state insurance commissioner the power to veto excessive health plan premium increases. According to the Chronicle, the bill would ensure that increases are “studied carefully and approved objectively.” The Times notes that the bill would “close a regulatory gap” ahead of a 2014 deadline for all U.S. residents to have health insurance and Californians “become a captive market for insurers.” Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle.
Arrowhead Med Center Submits Plan To Address Patient Safety Issues
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center has submitted plans to CMS addressing the patient safety violations found during inspections conducted in November and February. Last month, CMS warned that the hospital could lose its Medicare reimbursements. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
UC-Berkeley Freshmen To Participate in DNA Testing
UC-Berkeley hopes to encourage a conversation about personal genetics by sending DNA test kits to 5,500 incoming freshmen students. The kits test genes’ involvement in the body’s responses to alcohol, dairy products and folic acid. Some observers have said the plan might be seen as the school endorsing direct-to-consumer gene testing kits. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.
San Diego Area Playing Key Role in Wireless Health Care Innovation
San Diego County is quickly becoming the center of the emerging wireless health care industry with up to 100 startup companies in the region. The growth has been spurred by pressure to lower health care costs and improve patient outcomes. San Diego Union-Tribune.