Latest California Healthline Stories
Bay Area Hospitals Cut Waste With Eco-Friendly Efforts
At least five medical centers in the Bay Area have launched efforts to lower energy costs and create environments that can reduce the spread of infection. Some of the efforts include restricting the use of harmful polyvinyl chloride and new storage techniques. San Francisco Business Times.
L.A. School District To Fund Mobile Health Clinics for Students
Stations for mobile health clinics will be built at 28 sites in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The schools have partnered with several providers for the effort, including a not-for-profit that operates clinics in RVs with two exam rooms and a nurses’ station. Los Angeles Times.
Medicare Unlikely To Limit Drug-Coated Stent Coverage
A CMS official said that the agency likely will not restrict Medicare coverage for drug-coated stents in response to recent concerns that they can increase risk for blood clots. Meanwhile, a new study finds that Medicare has spent less on treatments to reopen blocked coronary arteries since drug-coated stents reached the market in 2003. Wall Street Journal, New York Times.
Wildfires Causing Upswing in Respiratory Complaints
Smoke, ash and dust raised by the Santa Ana winds are causing respiratory problems for many residents. The winds are expected to decrease on Wednesday, but particulate matter blown out to the ocean can blow back, increasing breathing problems. Los Angeles Daily News, CNN’s “American Morning.”
House Unanimously Approves Vets’ Suicide Prevention Bill
The legislation would require Department of Veterans Affairs staff to receive mental health training, screen all veterans who receive treatment for suicide risk, and refer veterans at risk for suicide to counseling and treatment. A provision that would have tracked veterans who received treatment for mental illnesses was removed from the bill. AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune, Des Moines Register.
Survey: 63% of U.S. Residents Paying More for Health Care in 2007
Sixty-four percent of U.S. residents responding to a recent survey reported that because of costs, they see a physician only for more serious concerns. About 28% said they stopped filling or skipped doses of prescription drugs for financial reasons. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Insurer Group Seeks Increase to Workers’ Comp Insurance Rates
The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau increased its recommended rate hike for policies coming up for renewal after analyzing a new state law that will increase the period for paying disability benefits. Rates have decreased by more than 60% since 2004. San Francisco Business Times.
Senator Pushes Medicare To Cover Anemia Drugs for Cancer Patients
Legislation by Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus would require CMS to reverse a decision that limits Medicare coverage for anemia medications in cancer patients. A similar resolution has been introduced in the House. CQ HealthBeat, Bloomberg/Los Angeles Times.
State Probes Patient Death at L.A. County Hospital
Olive View-UCLA Medical Center in Sylmar is in the midst of a state investigation over a patient care violation for the sixth time this year. Officials are scrutinizing a county police official’s refusal to pick up an antidote for a poison victim, who later died. Los Angeles Times.
Study Finds Health Insurance Gaps Among Hispanic Immigrants
A report by UC researchers attributed declining health among Latin American immigrants to a lack of access to health care services. About a quarter of Mexican immigrants in the U.S. live below the federal poverty level, putting health care out of reach for many. Contra Costa Times.