Latest California Healthline Stories
California Fines 11 Hospitals for Lapses in Care Delivery
For the second time, the Department of Public Health has issued a round of fines to California hospitals for serious care delivery problems under a law that took effect last year. A state official explained that the fines are intended to heighten quality improvement efforts at hospitals. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Health Care Stakeholders in California Face Off Over Balance Billing
Health plans, hospitals, physicians and patients each see balance billing differently. The practice stems from payment disputes when a patient is treated at a hospital or clinic that does not maintain a contract with the person’s health plan. Capitol Weekly.
STI Rates Among Girls Draw Scrutiny in California
Researchers and health care providers weighed the significance of a recent CDC study that found that one in four girls has a sexually transmitted infection. KQED’s “Forum.”
Rising Health Care Costs Draw Attention to Costly Treatments
As efforts to control medical cost increases mount, health care payers are scrutinizing the prices of specialty drugs more carefully. Such attention to costs is building support for legislation permitting generic forms of biotechnology drugs and efforts to link the cost of medications to their efficacy. Wall Street Journal.
Failed Health Reform Plan Mirrors Earlier Attempts
Gov. Schwarzenegger’s failed health insurance reform proposal was similar to a health plan proposed by former Gov. Earl Warren in 1945, according to columnist Steve Wiegand. Schwarzenegger’s proposal was the 39th failed legislative effort to expand health care coverage in the state since 1950. Sacramento Bee.
Stanislaus County Cuts Mental Health Care From Indigent Program
The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors voted to cut mental health services from the adult indigent health program. Those who oppose the decision argue that the county did not account for the costs of hospitalization for patients who become unstable. Modesto Bee.
Federal Official Calls for Wider Hearing Benefits
Office of Personnel Management Director Linda Springer urged health insurers that participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program to boost their coverage for adults who have problems hearing or need hearing aids, columnist Stephen Barr writes. Washington Post.
Lawsuit Filed Against WellPoint After Earnings Expectations Revised
The lawsuit seeks class-action status for all shareholders who bought stock between WellPoint’s announcement of its 2007 earnings and expectations for 2008 and the company’s restatement of earnings expectations almost two months later. East Bay Business Times.
NPR Examines Medical Care for Soldiers Wounded in Iraq
NPR’s “Talk of the Nation” on Wednesday examined the medical care services available for soldiers wounded during the Iraq war. The discussion includes comments from Brigadier General Mike Tucker. NPR’s “Talk of the Nation.”
Abortion Guidelines Will Not Affect OB-Gyn Certification
New ethic guidelines by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists call on physicians to make referrals for abortions or other procedures that they do not wish to perform themselves. However, the guidelines are not a binding portion of the group’s ethics code and will not affect board certification. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”