Latest California Healthline Stories
Union Touts Health Benefits in Grocery Store Workers Contract
The United Food and Commercial Workers members at 300 Safeway stores in Northern California agreed to a four-year contract that will eliminate deductibles for some services and reduce waiting periods for entry-level benefits and for dependents. San Francisco Chronicle.
Health Care Election News for the Week of Jan., 4 2008
A new poll finds that a majority of Americans favor a health care system similar to Medicare — run by the government and funded by taxpayers. Presidential candidates also pitched their health care plans in advance of Thursday’s vote in Iowa. Associated Press et al.
Survey: Nearly Half of Doctors Prescribe Placebos
A University of Chicago study found that 96% of physicians feel that placebos are beneficial and that 45% had prescribed placebos to patients. Study authors said prescription of placebos raises ethical concerns because patients are not informed they are receiving fake pills. Bloomberg/Arizona Daily Star et al.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of January 4, 2008
Alameda Health Care District reaches deal to treat war veterans at Alameda Hospital, while Tenet Healthcare’s makes an agreement to include its California hospitals in Coventry Health Care’ provider network