Latest California Healthline Stories
New Federal Report Sees Major Hikes in Rx Drug Prices
The sale price on more than 400 brand-name pharmaceutical drug products increased at “extraordinary” rates of 100% or more between 2000 and 2008, according to a study the Government Accountability Office released yesterday. The study found that in 2000, 28 brand-name drugs had price increases of 100% or more, and by 2008, the costs of 71 drugs had risen at a similar rate. AP/Baltimore Sun.
House, Senate at Odds Over Health Insurance Exchanges
Ironing out differences in Senate and House proposals to create health insurance exchanges as part of their proposed overhauls of the health care system will be a significant obstacle for negotiators in the weeks ahead. The Senate aims to create exchanges at the state level, while the House is pushing for a nationwide exchange. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
Shriners Hospitals Will Accept Insurer Reimbursements
For the first time in its history, Tampa, Fla.-based Shriners Hospitals for Children plans to start collecting payments from insurers and state Medicaid programs, but Shriners Hospitals will continue to waive payments directly from patients. The shift in policy was motivated by substantial investment losses. Sacramento Business Journal.
California Sees Jump in Reported Hospital Errors in Recent Years
California hospitals reported more medical errors in fiscal year 2008-2009 than they did in the previous budget year, but state officials warn that investigations might find that many errors could not have been avoided. Medicare and some insurers are refusing to pay providers for treatment of preventable errors in some cases. Sacramento Business Journal, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Independent Pharmacies Aim To Recruit New Customers
Independent pharmacies are offering more perks to customers to compete against large chains and mail-order pharmacies, which are coming to dominate the prescription drug market. Nutrition information, home delivery and charge accounts are some of the most popular benefits independent pharmacies are offering. Sacramento Business Journal.
President Obama Meets With Union Leaders Over Tax on High-Cost Plans
Union leaders headed to the White House yesterday to reinforce their opposition to a tax on high-cost health plans that the Senate health care reform bill would use to help fund overhaul efforts. Union leaders favor House provisions that would tax high-income people instead. New York Times et al.
Stanford Launches New Approach to CME Courses
Stanford University yesterday announced plans to use a three-year, $3 million grant from drugmaker Pfizer to establish a new continuing medical education program that will operate separate from drug industry influence. Stanford intends to establish unbiased programs of postgraduate education on campus, instead of using topics selected by the industry that are presented to doctors at hotels and resorts, which has been the case previously. New York Times.
Stimulus Grants Help Clinics Boost Services in S. Calif.
Community Health Systems in Moreno Valley is using a $1.7 million grant from the 2009 federal economic stimulus package to hire new staff and expand clinic operating hours. Meanwhile, Inland Behavioral & Health Services in San Bernardino is using its $800,000 stimulus grant to help fund its adoption of an electronic health records system, and the San Bernardino County Public Health Department is using its $119,000 grant to expand services at a community clinic. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Opinion: Health Bills Show Need for Immigration Reform
Columnist Tim Rutten asserts that California could be left worse off under provisions of the Senate’s health care reform bill that limit access to health plans offered through proposed insurance exchanges to U.S. citizens. Rutten cites studies estimating the size of California’s immigrant population and concludes that health care reform efforts underscore the need for congressional action on immigration. Los Angeles Times.
Sacramento County Effort Credited With Drop in Seniors’ ED Use
Sacramento County is touting a program that has helped participating hospitals channel frequent users of emergency services to more appropriate care settings. In 2009, the program won a National Association of Counties Achievement Award. Sacramento Bee.