Latest California Healthline Stories
Buck Institute Focused on Building Stem Cell Facility
Last year, the Buck Institute for Age Research in Novato won a $20.5 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to build a new stem cell research center, but the recession has made it difficult for Buck to raise the required matching funds. Institute officials are hoping to secure money from the 2009 federal economic stimulus package. Marin Independent Journal.
UCSF Doctors Make Move to Hill Physicians Medical Group
Yesterday, representatives of Hill Physicians Medical Group announced that its transition plan to affiliate with UCSF Medical Group had been completed. UCSF Medical Group previously was affiliated with San Francisco-based Brown & Toland Medical Group. San Francisco Business Times.
Assembly Health Panel Kills Proposal for Fee on Alcohol
On Tuesday, the Assembly Health Committee rejected legislation that would have imposed a 10-cent fee on alcoholic drinks sold in California to help fund criminal justice and public health initiatives linked to alcohol abuse. Lawmakers rejected the proposal by Assembly member Jim Beall last year, too. San Jose Mercury News.
Kaiser, VA Begin Health Data Exchange Project in San Diego County
Today, Kaiser Permanente and the Department of Veterans Affairs will kick off a pilot project to connect their electronic health records systems in San Diego County. Officials said they plan to eventually invite other health care providers to join the program. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Researchers Identify 10 ‘Autism Clusters’ in California
Using techniques that have been used to identify communities with high rates of cancer, researchers from UC-Davis’ MIND Institute identified 10 California communities with autism rates that are at least twice as high as surrounding areas. The research will be published online today in the journal Autism Research. Reuters.
C-SPAN Chief Pushes To Broadcast Reform Talks
In a Dec. 30 letter to congressional leaders, C-SPAN CEO Brian Lamb requested that negotiations to merge the House and Senate health care bills be televised by the network. The letter noted that President Obama and many other lawmakers have called for transparency in the reform process. New York Times‘ “Prescriptions.”
Computer Glitch Hinders Contraceptive Access in Family PACT Program
Yesterday, state officials said a computer problem that prevented many low-income Californians from filling birth control prescriptions during the past week had been corrected. The glitch affected residents in the Family Planning Access Care Treatment program. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now,” Cal Coast News.
Gov. Expected To Seek Federal Waivers To Cut State Health Programs
As part of an effort to close the state’s budget deficit, Gov. Schwarzenegger might seek federal waivers to reduce the number of Californians enrolled in state health care programs. The governor is scheduled to present his budget proposals on Friday. KPCC’s “KPCC News,” KQED’s “The California Report.”
Health Care Spending Growth Falls to Lowest Rate Since 1960
An annual government report found that health care spending increased by 4.4% from 2007 to 2008, the slowest rate of growth since the government began tracking such information in 1960. The report traced the slower rate of growth to a decline in out-of-pocket spending, private insurance premiums and hospital spending. New York Times et al.
California Offers Insight for Disproportionate Share Pay
A report from the federal Government Accountability Office cites California’s experience reworking disproportionate share hospital payments to hospitals that treat large numbers of Medicaid and uninsured patients. The state reduced DSH payment limits for 22 hospitals by more than 49% after adopting new guidance from CMS. HealthLeaders Media.