Latest California Healthline Stories
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of April 16, 2010
San Joaquin General Hospital is preparing to reduce operating hours at its cancer clinic and lower the income threshold for those who qualify for no-cost medical care. Meanwhile, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas recently launched a $200 million expansion project.
Report: Prison System Needs Better Rx Drug Oversight
Inefficiencies in the way California’s prison system tracks and delivers prescription drugs cost the state $13 million last year, according to a report by David Shaw, inspector general for the state corrections department. J. Clark Kelso, the federally appointed receiver who oversees the state’s prison system, said he will implement many of the suggestions in the report, such as using more generic drugs and tracking the delivery of medications to inmates. AP/Contra Costa Times.
Obama Signs Bill That Will Delay Medicare Reimbursement Cuts
Yesterday, President Obama signed into law a bill that aims to temporarily extend COBRA subsidies and delay a scheduled cut to Medicare physician payments. Obama also called for quick action on a longer-term extension of unemployment benefits. New York Times et al.
Obama Memo: Hospitals Must Allow Gays Visitation Rights
Yesterday, President Obama asked HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to ensure that all hospitals receiving funding from Medicare and Medicaid honor patients’ advance directives, power of attorney and health care proxies, regardless of sexual orientation. The memorandum will allow same-sex partners, as well as heterosexual couples who are not married, visitation rights in hospitals. Los Angeles Times.
Study Links Fewer Safety Events to Decline in Malpractice Claims
A new RAND study finds that a reduction in preventable patient injuries at California hospitals between 2001 and 2005 coincided with a decline in medical malpractice claims. According to researchers, counties that experienced 10 fewer adverse events in a given year could expect to see 3.7 fewer malpractice claims filed that year. HealthLeaders Media, RAND release.
Reform Expected To Produce Short-Term Hospital Gains
While the health reform law will benefit not-for-profit hospitals in the short-term, provisions taking effect in later years will diminish revenue and affect such facilities’ credit, according to a report from Moody’s Investors Service. Provisions to expand health insurance coverage will reduce not-for-profit hospitals’ charity care costs, but changes in reimbursement will negatively affect the facilities over the long-term. Reuters.
Key Vote Helps Senate Move Forward on Bill To Avert Medicare Cuts
Yesterday, Senate Democrats and one Republican voted to waive a point of order against a substitute amendment to a bill that would extend COBRA subsidies and delay a scheduled cut to Medicare reimbursements for physicians. The Senate is expected to pass the bill. CQ Today.
Insurers Begin Efforts To Capitalize on Reform’s Expansion of Medicaid
With Medicaid slated to grow under the new health reform law, insurance companies are starting to position themselves as managed care providers. For example, UnitedHealth Group recently released a report offering suggestions for reducing Medicaid spending. Wall Street Journal.
Economist: Furloughs for State Workers Could Cost California $700M
Yesterday, UC-Berkeley economist Ken Jacobs told state lawmakers that California could reduce spending by $700 million if Gov. Schwarzenegger rescinded the three monthly furlough days for agencies that generate revenue for the state. San Francisco Chronicle, Capitol Weekly.
Report: Calif. Hospitals’ Collections Hit Hard by Economic Downturn
The credit reporting firm TransUnion has released a report suggesting that California hospitals are under particular strain because of low payment rates and strict regulatory laws. The report evaluated the recession’s effect on hospitals nationwide. Payers & Providers.