Latest California Healthline Stories
Public Health Risk Rises as Children Opt Out of Vaccines
The public risk of outbreaks of some diseases is increasing as more parents opt out of vaccinating their children because of concerns of a vaccine-autism link. Twenty states, including California, allow some kind of personal vaccine exemption, according to Johns Hopkins University. New York Times.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of March 21, 2008
Unionized nurses at Sutter Health hospitals in the Bay Area are set to launch a 10-day strike beginning today, while nurses at St. Agnes Medical Center are pushing for a labor vote. Meanwhile, UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital reacted to recent patient privacy breaches.
Health Care News From the Campaign Trail for the Week of March 21
A new poll finds a sharp difference in the way Republicans and Democrats view the U.S. health care system. Meanwhile, some pollsters and health care industry leaders say a downturn in the economy could give Sen. Clinton’s campaign for the Democratic nomination a boost.
Competitive Bidding Could Save Medicare $1B in 2009
On Thursday, Acting CMS Administrator Kerry Weems said that a new Medicare competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment could save the program and beneficiaries $1 billion in 2009. CMS said it expects to see average savings of 26% in the 10 geographic regions. Miami Herald.
Course Aims To Prep Medical Corps for Civilian Hospitals
MiraCosta College in the fall introduced a course designed to help active-duty and retired Armed Forces Medical Corps members pass a state exam to become licensed vocational nurses in civilian hospitals. The pass rate for firs-timers who study on their own is about 40%, according the developer of the new course. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Former HHS Chief Discusses Improving Care for Veterans
Former HHS Secretary Donna Shalala, co-chair of a federal commission on improving military health care, discussed implementation of the group’s recommendations. The White House established the commission last year after reports of substandard care and conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. NPR’s “News & Notes.”
Blue Cross of California Launches Hospital Incentive Pay Program
Blue Cross of California’s new pay-for-performance program will reward hospitals based on quality measures, including patient safety, outcomes and patient satisfaction. The payments will be part of hospital contract renewals, according to the insurer. East Bay Business Times.