Latest California Healthline Stories
Revenue Up in 2007 for Major Physician Group in Northern California
In a preliminary report, Hill Physicians Medical Group said revenue increased by 3% for 2007, but net income declined for the second consecutive year. Group leaders attributed the drop in net income partly to investments in electronic health records. San Francisco Business Times.
House Approves Legislation To Delay New Medicaid Regulations
The measure would delay implementation of seven new rules proposed by President Bush for one year. President Bush has threatened to veto the bill, arguing that the new rules are needed to stop states from improperly billing Medicaid for services that he says states should fund themselves. Gov. Schwarzenegger applauded the bill’s passage. AP/Houston Chronicle et al.
Sutter County Officials Mull Future of Outpatient Clinic
The Sutter County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted unanimously to investigate whether a private company should take over the county’s outpatient clinic. Proponents of the move say it could stem constant financial losses, but other groups say it could leave some residents without health care. Marysville Appeal-Democrat.
CalPERS Supports, Endorses Health Data Exchange Project
On Wednesday, CalPERS announced that it will endorse and support a statewide health information exchange system being developed by the California Regional Health Information Organization. CalPERS will work with CalRHIO to ensure the privacy and security of the health data exchange. CalPERS release.
Database of Nursing Homes With Low Ratings Added to CMS Web Site
The federal government’s Nursing Home Compare Web site now includes a searchable database on facilities with low quality scores in state inspections. Legislation under consideration in the Senate would require more nursing home quality information to be released. Wall Street Journal.
Health Plans Await Details of Next Steps in Policy Cancellation Case
A spokesperson from the Department of Managed Health Care said the formal order to reinstate coverage for 26 people — still unknown to health plans — will be issued this week. Meanwhile, the state attorney general is reviewing insurers’ cancellation policies. Capitol Weekly.
Marysville Nursing Home Receives $100,000 Fine
The California Department of Health and Human Services has fined the Marysville Care Center $100,000 in connection with the asphyxiation death of a patient. State officials determined that the nursing home did not lower bed rails or use an alarm to alert nurses that the patient was getting out of bed. The nursing home declined to comment on the fine. Marysville Appeal-Democrat.
Plan To Cut Beds at L.A. County Hospital Draws Threat of Legal Action
Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center is attempting to downsize before moving to a smaller facility, but an advocacy group maintains that the plan violates terms of a 2003 settlement. The group is weighing a new lawsuit or a motion under the previous one. Los Angeles Daily Journal.
WellPoint Earnings Down 25% for First Quarter
WellPoint reported a first-quarter net income of $588.1 million, down from $783.1 million in the same quarter last year. WellPoint CEO Angela Braly said the health plan’s enrollment remains strong. WellPoint is the parent company of Anthem Blue Cross, formerly known as Blue Cross of California. East Bay Business Times.