Latest California Healthline Stories
San Diego County Hospitals Pursuing Local Partnerships
Public hospitals in northern San Diego County are working to establish closer relationships with local physician groups. Palomar Pomerado Health recently announced the creation of a not-for-profit health care foundation called Arch Health Partners that will recruit physicians and medical groups. Meanwhile, Tri-City Medical Center’s board of directors recently approved a $1 million deal with an independent outpatient surgery center called Surgical Care Affiliates. North County Times.
Report: Hospital Services Prices Rose 8.6% in Last Year
Consumer prices of hospital services increased by 8.6% in the last 12 months and by 1.3% in February and by 1.1% in March, according to Consumer Price Index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. BLS economist Steve Reed said the increase is related to consumer demand as health services and treatments have improved and become more available. HealthLeaders Media, Modern Healthcare.
State Insurance Officials Aim To Curb Health Plan Scams
In recent weeks, state insurance commissioners have increasingly targeted companies selling fraudulent health coverage to consumers. In California, officials have ordered firms to stop marketing unlicensed health discount cards because people could be misled into thinking the cards provide insurance coverage. USA Today.
UnitedHealth, YMCA Launch Diabetes Prevention Effort
The UnitedHealth Group is teaming up with the YMCA in seven cities to help UnitedHealth members lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by improving their diets and losing weight. CDC plans to fund the programs in 10 additional locations. New York Times.
AHRQ Report: Hospitals Have Made Little Gains in Preventing Infections
A new report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality finds that U.S. hospitals have made little progress in eliminating health care-associated infections. The report also found that hospitals have made slight gains in health care quality. Modern Healthcare et al.
State Issues Fines To 7 Hospitals for Significant Lapses in Patient Safety
Yesterday, the California Department of Public Health imposed fines under a new system of escalating penalties for hospitals that commit patient safety violations. Southwest Healthcare Systems received three fines totaling $225,000. Los Angeles Times et al.
Wellness Incentive Programs Could Create Cost Disparities
The new health reform law allows employers to offer discounted health insurance for workers who participate in wellness programs or who reach certain wellness goals, such as maintaining normal weight or blood pressure. However, some advocates say that discounting premiums for healthier people could cause sicker people to pay more for insurance. New York Times.
Same-Sex Couples Sue CalPERS, IRS Over Partner Health Benefits
A lawsuit filed in San Francisco federal court yesterday challenges a 1996 federal law that prohibits same-sex domestic partners from receiving coverage under state-run long-term care plans for public employees. The Legal Aid Society’s Employment Law Center filed the suit on behalf of three same-sex couples. AP/Ventura County Star, San Francisco Chronicle.
UC-San Diego’s Doctor Rehab Program Serves as a Model
The Physician Assessment and Clinical Education Program at the University of California-San Diego — the largest and most comprehensive program of its kind — is being hailed as a model for similar programs being developed around the nation. PACE uses technology, in-person screenings and observation to assess a doctor’s knowledge, skills and judgment after a serious infraction. Doctors then attend remedial courses and a weeklong mini-residency under the supervision of UCSD medical faculty. Wall Street Journal.
Medical Schools Working To Address Physician Shortage
The American Association of Medical Colleges estimates that the country could face a shortage of as many as 150,000 physicians in the next 15 years if medical schools maintain their current graduation and training rates. Although many new medical colleges have opened in recent years, experts say the shortage of medical residency positions could hinder efforts to expand the health care work force. Wall Street Journal.