Morning Breakouts

Latest California Healthline Stories

As Health Technology Advances, More And More Doctors Are Shrugging Off Brick-And-Mortar Practices

Companies such as Doctor On Demand let patients consult with physicians — with both sides in the privacy of their own homes. “With the advent of technology and how we’ve developed personal devices, this will be the future of medicine,” said Dr. Tony Yuan, Doctor On Demand’s medical director.

‘The NRA Kicked A Hornets’ Nest’: California Gun Violence Researcher Thankful For Tweet That Galvanized Doctors

The NRA directed doctors to “stay in their lane,” sparking a viral reaction from health care professionals who are often on the front lines of gun violence. “I’m sure they (the NRA) didn’t do it on purpose but they’ve done us a big favor,” said Dr. Garen Wintemute, an eminent gun violence researcher and emergency room physician. Other public health news focuses on suicide and foster care, as well.

New Guidelines Would Grant States Flexibility To Use Health Law Subsidies On Plans That Don’t Meet ACA’s Requirements

Under the examples outlined by CMS Administrator Seema Verma, a state could create an entirely new subsidy program, basing aid on age, rather than income, or set income limits higher or lower than the federal requirements. But uncertainty about the validity of the guidance may mean few states will be interested in the new flexibility offered by CMS, because any state looking to implement the ideas could be sued even if the CMS approved its 1332 waiver.

HHS Pledges To Fingerprint Workers At Immigration Detention Facility, But Warns It Could Take Awhile

The promise comes after a report that background screenings to check employees’ history for child abuse or neglect were waived. Lawmakers joined the public outcry over the news. “These are children who are in our trust,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). “The United States of America has a legal responsibility for the safety.”

Ruling Expected In Case Over Insurer Coverage Limits On Mental Health Care Services

The impact of the ruling in the consolidated cases of Wit v. United Behavioral Health and Alexander v. United Behavioral Health could ripple across the country as many providers and patients say that, despite laws requiring insurers to cover behavioral care on parity with care for physical conditions, they often encounter significant problems getting carriers to pay for needed treatment.

Researchers Aim To Detect Potential Pancreatic Tumors Before They Can Turn Into Fast-Moving, Lethal Threats

The new Pancreatic Cancer Prevention and Screening Clinic at UC San Diego Moores Cancer will focus on early risk-factor-based screening, which aims to find patients who carry certain inherited genetic mutations, have a family history of pancreatic cancer, have pancreatic cysts, have chronic pancreatitis or are newly diagnosed with type II diabetes. Other public health news focuses on the flu and the E. coli outbreak.