Latest California Healthline Stories
World Health Organization Pushes Safety Checklist
The World Health Organization is encouraging physicians to verbally run though a checklist of 22 items before, during and after surgical procedures to avoid errors and potential complications. Eight medical centers worldwide have participated in a pilot project using the checklist. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
Senate Panel OKs Bill on Care for Female Veterans
On Thursday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved a measure by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) that would expand training and staff focused on women’s health in the VA health system, require studies of women’s health care in the VA system and permit programs aimed at military sexual trauma. Tacoma Tribune.
More People Delaying Health Care; Many Cite Costs
The number of survey respondents who said they had delayed receiving health care services during the year increased from 14% in 2003 to about 20% in 2007, the Center for Studying Health System Change reports. In 2007, 69% of those delaying care said cost was a factor. Wall Street Journal.
Former CMS Chief Criticizes Bill Delaying Medicaid Rules
Former CMS Administrator Dennis Smith maintains that Congress would “undermine the federal-state partnership in Medicaid” if lawmakers approve legislation delaying the implementation of rules seeking to rein in Medicaid spending that President Bush proposed. Washington Times.
Research Projects $85,000 in Long-Term Care Costs
Fidelity Insurance plans to release a study today recommending that the average American save $85,000 to cover long-term care expenses in their retirement, including home health care and nursing home costs. In March, Fidelity projected that retirees would need $225,000 on average for other health care expenses. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
California Joins New York in Crackdown on Genetic Tests
Earlier this month, the California Department of Public Health issued cease and desist orders to 13 genetic testing companies, following action in New York state. HHS will hold a meeting next month to discuss the need for more federal oversight of genetic testing firms. New York Times.
Federal Judge in San Francisco Dismisses Suit Over Veterans’ Care
A judge in federal court in San Francisco rejected a class-action lawsuit arguing that there is a systemic shortcoming in mental health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The judge said that the plaintiffs sought remedies that were beyond the court’s authority. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Southwestern U.S. Has Highest Rate of Uninsured, Study Finds
New research from CDC found wide regional variations in the rate of uninsured residents in the U.S. Among states, Massachusetts and Hawaii had the lowest rates of uninsured at about 9.5%, and Oklahoma had the highest uninsured rate at more than 33%. About 16% of Californians are uninsured. AP/USA Today.
Medicare Advantage Plans’ Profits Exceeded Projections in 2005
A Government Accountability Office report requested by California Rep. Pete Stark shows that Medicare Advantage plans’ profit exceeded estimates by more than $1 billion in 2005. Congress currently is considering legislation that would reduce payments to Medicare Advantage plans. Los Angeles Times et al.