Latest California Healthline Stories
Report Traces $200B in U.S. Health Costs To Claims Processing Errors
Research commissioned by the American Medical Association indicates that problems processing claims are a major cost to the U.S. health care system. Insurance industry officials said physicians also bear responsibility for submitting error-free claims. Los Angeles Times et al.
CalPERS, Safeway Announce Smoking Cessation Efforts
At a smoking cessation forum hosted by the Commonwealth Club of California on Monday, CalPERS announced that it has asked its three health insurers to boost member participation in smoking cessation programs by 20% next year. Meanwhile, Safeway said its Pleasanton headquarters will become smoke- and tobacco-free as of July 1. Meanwhile, CDC Director Julie Gerberding, a panelist at the forum, discussed smoking cessation efforts in a local public radio interview. San Francisco Chronicle, KQED’s “KQED News.”
California Prisons Cease ‘Dental Clearance’ Policy for Female Inmates
Special programs that allow women to live with their children require the inmates to be cleared of any pre-existing health conditions, including dental problems. Some women opted to have teeth removed rather than wait for dental care to join the programs. San Jose Mercury News.
San Francisco Hospital Proud To Be ‘Aggressive’ Facility
In a letter to the editor, Brenda Yee, CEO of Chinese Hospital in San Francisco, questioned a San Francisco Chronicle article that suggested that “the more ‘aggressive’ a hospital is in treating its patients, the worse off patients might be.” Yee writes, “We’re proud to be an ‘aggressive’ hospital that does everything it possibly can for our patients,” adding that Chinese Hospital has received favorable rankings for its treatment. San Francisco Chronicle.
Santa Clara County’s Budget Includes Mental Health Cuts
Santa Clara County has passed a balanced $2.1 million general fund budget that includes an $8 million decrease in spending on mental health services. More than $1 billion has been cut from safety-net services in the past seven years. San Jose Mercury News.
Doctors Urge American Medical Association To Reject ‘Secret Shoppers’
At the American Medical Association’s annual House of Delegates meeting, physicians testified against a proposal to use “secret shoppers” to assess how doctors interact with patients. An AMA committee maintains that secret shoppers could improve practice operations. Chicago Tribune et al.
Roselli Loses Position in National SEIU Leadership
Sal Roselli did not retain his seat as a vice president of the Service Employees International Union. He will retain his position as president of SEIU-United Health Care Workers West. Sacramento Business Journal.
Sacramento County Ends UC-Davis Contract To Save $13M
Last week, the Sacramento Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to end a long-term contract with UC-Davis for medical care for prisoners and the medically indigent and award a new contract to Benefit & Risk Management Services to provide the same care for about $13 million less annually. Sacramento Business Journal.
Review Criticizes Quality of Health Care for Female Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs found that female veterans do not receive the same quality of care at some VA facilities. The review highlighted a shortage of doctors trained in women’s health care at VA, as well as a shortage of women’s health equipment. The number of women served by VA is expected to double over the next two years. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer.
L.A. County Officials Negotiating Deal With UC To Re-Open Hospital
Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital has provided only outpatient services since August 2007, but Los Angeles County officials are pitching a plan that would turn to the University of California to re-open the facility. KPCC’s “Patt Morrison.”