Latest California Healthline Stories
California Cases Highlight Difficulties in Accessing Patient Medical Records
Federal law guarantees patients and their representatives the right to view and copy medical records, but patients’ advocates say hospitals and other treatment facilities often omit parts of records in hopes of running out the statutes of limitations on malpractice cases. USA Today.
Group Visits Aim To Boost Disease Management
More insurers are testing the concept of group visits, in which about 15 patients with the same condition discuss their disease with a doctor in a classroom-like setting. Kaiser Permanente says the format saves money and reduces hospitalizations, but some patients are put off by the idea of sharing their medical information with a group. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Questions Arise After California HMOs Post Increased Profits in 2007
Health plans say lawsuits and state action on policy cancellations that could cost millions of dollars likely will curb similar profit increases in 2008. Industry sources trace the upswing in profits in part to medical costs falling below estimates. Sacramento Business Journal.
Bush’s Proposed Rules on Kids’ Coverage a ‘Disaster’
California officials say President Bush’s proposed rules for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program would cause the state to lose federal funding for about 35,000 children currently enrolled in its version of the program and derail Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposed expansion of the program, according to an editorial that urges the president to voluntarily withdraw the proposal. Sacramento Bee.
Search Is On for New Los Angeles County Health Chief
The resignation of Los Angeles County Health Director Bruce Chernof leaves the county searching for someone who can take on a potential $500 million budget gap while juggling pressures from local, state and federal authorities. Some experts say the creation of an independent “public health authority” to oversee hospitals and clinics could help appease the county’s woes. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Vaccine Exemptions Risk Public Health in California
Noting that more California parents are seeking exemptions from state vaccine requirements, an editorial urges the Legislature to reconsider laws permitting parents to decline to have children immunized for personal reasons. Los Angeles Times.
Medicaid, Kids’ Health Insurance Programs Vulnerable, Study Warns
Publicly funded health care programs could see rolls grow if unemployment rates rise and wages fall, according to research from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Declines in state tax revenue could cause funding problems for state health care programs. New York Times et al.
Study Ties Limited Food Options to Incidence of Diabetes, Obesity
On average, Californians have more than four times as many fast-food restaurants and convenience stores near them as they have grocery stores. Obesity and diabetes rates were about 20% higher in areas with higher concentrations of fast-food outlets. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times.
Paramedics, EMTs on Strike in Southern California
Paramedics and emergency medical technicians employed by American Medical Response went on strike Monday, arguing for higher pay and increased benefits. The private company contracts with Los Angeles County to provide ambulance services to some areas. Los Angeles Daily News.
California Above U.S. Average for Health Insurance Cost Increases
New research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that the cost of health insurance for families in California increased by about 34% from 2001 to 2005, above the national average of 30%. The report found that rises in health insurance costs far outpaced increases to workers’ incomes over the period. Washington Post et al.