Latest California Healthline Stories
Redlands Physician Touts ‘Accountable Care’ Model
Congressional leaders hope to encourage more health care providers to adopt accountable care organization models of practice in which doctors provide more preventive care and aim to minimize hospital stays and unnecessary visits to medical specialists. Alexander Terrazas has used an ACO model for his medical practice in Redlands since the mid-1980s. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Veterans With PTSD Win Expeditious Review of Medical Records
The U.S. military has agreed to undertake a quick review of medical records for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with post-traumatic stress disorder who assert that they have been denied benefits improperly. The agreement stems from a judge’s order. AP/Washington Post.
Comparative Effectiveness Caught Up in Reform Debate
Language in health care reform legislation before Congress would create comparative effectiveness research centers in hopes of helping health care providers and payers identify effective treatments. However, critics warn that comparative effectiveness could exacerbate health care rationing and make high-cost treatments less accessible. Sacramento Bee.
Future Looks Grim for Santa Cruz County’s Healthy Kids Program
The ongoing recession, state budget deficit and declining donor support are taking their toll on Santa Cruz County’s Healthy Kids insurance program. Program administrators already have instituted a wait list and are scheduled to raise premiums this month. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
California Nurse Staffing Rules Draw Closer Scrutiny
In 2005, California began enforcing rules establishing nurse-to-patient ratios at hospitals, but hospitals and union officials for nurses remain divided over how the rules have affected health care in the state. The rules are getting more attention as more than a dozen states mull similar regulations. HealthLeaders Media.
President, White House Pledge To Continue Work on Health Reform
At an appearance on Friday, President Obama said he would continue to push for health care reform legislation despite the loss of the Democrats’ filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Meanwhile, Sen. John McCain and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urged Democrats to start over on health care reform. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Officials To Count Votes in Battle Between Health Worker Unions in Calif.
Kaiser Permanente health care workers in Southern California are awaiting the results of an election to determine whether they will be represented by SEIU or the upstart National Union of Healthcare Workers. Officials are expected to count the ballots tomorrow. Los Angeles Times.
Bleak Budget Pictures Make First 5 Funds an Easy Target
The state, county and local governments are turning to First 5 to preserve services for children that otherwise could face significant funding cuts or be eliminated altogether because of budget deficits. Voters created First 5 to administer proceeds of a state tobacco tax increase to fund early childhood health care and education programs. Sacramento Bee.
Governor Hopeful About Federal Funding Request After Meetings in D.C.
After meeting with California’s congressional leaders, Gov. Schwarzenegger said he is optimistic that the state will secure new federal funding. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said any federal aid likely will benefit all states, not just California. McClatchy/Sacramento Bee et al.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of January 22, 2010
Kaweah Delta Health Care District has joined the Health Care Interpreter Network. Meanwhile, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital’s cancer center has won accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.