Latest California Healthline Stories
Medicare Set To Kick Off Pilot for Electronic Health Records
Along with several industry partners, CMS will launch the pilot program in Arizona and Utah in January 2009. Medicare beneficiaries will get access to personal health records that will let them maintain and share their medical histories with health care providers, pharmacies and others. Cronkite News/Arizona Daily Star.
Early Deaths, Health Care Costs From Air Pollution Hit California Economy
High levels of air pollution in the Los Angeles Basin and San Joaquin Valley cost the California economy about $28 billion each year. Economists say that the costs are distributed statewide among hospitals, HMOs, employers and state residents. Los Angeles Times et al.
Alameda Alliance for Health Adds More Doctors to Network
Beginning Dec. 1, members of the Alliance CompleteCare network, which serves Medicare and Medi-Cal patients in Alameda County, will be able to see doctors at Hill Physicians Medical Group in San Ramon. The new contract doubles the number of physicians in the Alliance’s network by adding more than 600 Hill doctors. San Francisco Business Times.
Wait Period for Medicare for the Disabled Targeted for Repeal
Rep. Gene Green and Sen. Jeff Bingaman are sponsoring legislation that would eliminate the waiting period gradually over 10 years and establish a process to allow individuals with life-threatening illnesses to receive coverage immediately. Statistics indicate that at any given time about 1.5 million people with disabilities are waiting for Medicare coverage to kick in. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Hospitals in California Adjust to Tighter Market for Bond Financing
State data indicates that hospitals issued more than $1 billion more in bonds last year than they have so far in 2008. Experts say that changes in the bond market have driven up interest rates, making it far more expensive for hospitals to pursue bond financing. Sacramento Bee.
Opinion Piece Urges Overhaul of Retirement Savings Plans
In an opinion piece, Roger Ferguson Jr. — president and CEO of retirement savings management firm TIAA-CREF and former vice chair of the Federal Reserve — argues that the country needs to rethink retirement plans to ensure that “Americans achieve lifetime financial security.” According to Ferguson, one element is to encourage health-related savings. Wall Street Journal.
UC Regents To Vote on Plan To Cut Inpatient Kids’ Care at UC-Irvine
UC-Irvine Medical Center has proposed transferring its inpatient pediatric services to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County and reclassifying those beds for adult care. It would be the second time this year that an Orange County hospital has transferred pediatric services. Los Angeles Times.
Orange County Hospitals Partake in Emergency Drill
Today, Orange County’s 33 hospitals, as well as some physician offices and nursing homes, will participate in an emergency drill designed to simulate disaster conditions. Hospitals are required to conduct emergency drills at least annually as part of their accreditation. Orange County Register.
Ventura County OKs Trauma Plan, Awaits Approval From State
The California Emergency Medical Services Authority is reviewing Ventura County’s trauma network proposal. The plan calls for two hospitals in the county to seek designation as a level two trauma center. Only one other county in California does not have a trauma network. Ventura County Star.
Veterans Protest Governor’s Proposed Home Care Cuts
In a Veterans Day rally yesterday, home care advocates called on lawmakers to reject Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed cuts in care-worker wages and access to services. The advocates argued that veterans are among the estimated 408,000 elderly and disabled residents who rely on In-Home Supportive Services benefits. Sacramento Bee.