Latest California Healthline Stories
State Guideline Change Could Affect Ambulance Zones
The California Emergency Medical Services Authority is considering rewording a state guideline on ambulance service districts, a move that could alter local ambulance operation monopolies in certain areas of Kern County. Ownership of those exclusive zones could be decided by a competitive bidding process, depending on how the agency defines “grandfathered” in the guideline. Bakersfield Californian.
California Physicians, HMOs Preparing for New Wait Time Rules
Some California insurers might opt to expand their physician networks in order to comply with new state regulations limiting appointment wait times for HMO members. In addition, some physicians might start using the Internet to communicate with patients. Ventura County Star.
San Francisco Clinic a Model for Reaching Ex-Inmates
The Transitions Clinic in San Francisco is believed to be the first in the country that specifically caters to recently released prison inmates. Former prisoners have higher rates of HIV and hepatitis C, in addition to advanced diabetes, hypertension, asthma and cancer, which can burden the public health system. New York Times.
Legislation Would Offer Incentives To Keep Biotech Firms in Calif.
A bill introduced in the Assembly last week would offer
support and incentives to encourage biotechnology companies to remain in
California and to attract out-of-state firms to the state. Gov. Schwarzenegger
has not yet taken a position on the bill. San Mateo County Times.
President Calls for Televised Bipartisan Health Care Forum
In a Superbowl pre-game interview, President Obama called for a half-day meeting on health care reform with both Republicans and Democrats in attendance. The White House resisted calls from Republican leaders to scrap current reform legislation and restart talks, and aides said the president would attend the meeting with a merged version of the Senate and House bills. New York Times et al.
Measure on Hospitals’ Hiring of Doctors Sparks Hospital, Clinic Debate
A new bill would expand a pilot program that would allow some California hospitals to directly hire physicians, but clinics worry that the measure would exacerbate doctor shortages they face. Four other states also generally ban direct hiring of doctors by hospitals. Fresno Bee.
California Steps Up Action Against Discount Health Plans
California regulators are working to exert greater control over discount health plans. The Department of Managed Health Care is considering regulations concerning stricter licensing requirements, verification of promised benefits, better filing of customer complaints and grievances, and clear statements that discount plans do not sell insurance. Los Angeles Times.
Prison Telemedicine Program Saves California $13 Million
The California Department of Corrections’ use of telemedicine to treat adult prisoners saved the state $13 million last year, largely by reducing transportation and security costs. The state launched the program more than 10 years ago and uses it to facilitate consultations with medical specialists. HealthLeaders Media.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of February 5, 2010
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center has debuted its new clinical laboratory, and Lodi Memorial Hospital has opened its new emergency department. Meanwhile, UC regents approved a 30-year, $147 million lease for a medical facility in Santa Monica.
UnitedHealth Gives $14.3M to Children’s Institute in L.A.
UnitedHealth Group has given $14.3 million to the Children’s Institute, a not-for-profit that aids vulnerable children. The institute plans to use the money to help finance a 45,000 square-foot construction and renovation project on its campus in downtown Los Angeles. Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.