Latest California Healthline Stories
Riverside County Moves To Drop Out of State Mental Health Plan
Riverside County is the largest county in the state to threaten to end its participation in the Medi-Cal mental health program because of inadequate funding. If the county withdraws, the state would have to find a new program administrator in the county or operate the program itself. At least two other counties are considering dropping out of the plan. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
First Annual Gotham Prize Goes to California Researcher
Alexander Varshavsky, a professor of cell biology at the California Institute of Technology, has received the first annual $1 million Gotham Prize for Cancer Research for his new approach to cancer treatment that takes advantage of changes in the DNA of cancer cells. Wall Street Journal.
California Nurses Union Draws Fire for Efforts at Hospitals in Nevada
The Service Employees International Union says the California Nurses Association’s efforts to move into unionized Nevada hospitals violate anti-raiding policies. CNA said the nurses need an alternative because of a rift between SEIU leaders. Las Vegas Sun.
Lawmakers Seek Documents on Anemia Drug Advertising
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce has asked Amgen and Johnson & Johnson to turn over company documents related to promotion of anemia drugs linked to increased risk of death at high doses, including information on direct-to-consumer television and print advertising. Bloomberg News/Boston Globe.
Scientists Unlocking Genetic Codes To Slow Aging Process
Researchers at the Buck Institute for Age Research in Novato are combining genetic research in microscopic organisms with knowledge of the human genome to develop new insights into the aging process. Scientists have coined a new term — geroscience — to describe the interdisciplinary approach to the study of age-related disease. PBS’ “NewsHour With Jim Lehrer.”
End of Program Stirs Debate Over Treatment for Addicted Doctors
The California Medical Board plans to end its confidential substance abuse treatment program for physicians in July because of repeated problems. The state medical association says a replacement program is needed. CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360°.”
Physicians Lobby Congress on Planned Medicare Pay Cut
Beginning today, 1,000 physicians are expected to attend a two-day conference, organized by the American Medical Association, to lobby lawmakers to stop a scheduled Medicare payment cut. AMA has warned that physicians might stop treating Medicare beneficiaries if the situation is not resolved. The Hill.
Majority of Physicians Back National Health Insurance, Survey Finds
Doctor support for efforts to create a national health insurance program in the U.S. has increased from 49% in 2002 to 59% in a survey published Monday. Among physicians participating in the survey, psychiatrists support the move by the widest margin. Reuters, USA Today.
Proposed Rules Would Prohibit ‘Balance Billing’ in California
New draft regulations would bar a hospital or hospital-based physician from billing patients for the cost of services that should be covered under patients’ health plans. Both doctors and insurers warn that the rules could have unintended consequences, posing new challenges for HMO members while undermining the managed care system. Los Angeles Times.
Investment Firm Launches Fund for Health Innovations
San Francisco-based Health Evolution Partners announced the creation of a new $200 million investment branch, called Health Evolution Partners Innovation Network, to fund health care innovations and to boost its presence in the mainstream health sector. Modern Healthcare.