Latest California Healthline Stories
Pancreatic Cancer Associated With High Mortality Rate
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include a family history of the disease, smoking, being over 60 years old, having diabetes or chronic pancreatitis, or being a man or black. The disease has a high mortality rate because its symptoms often occur after the disease has advanced. New York Times.
Recent College Graduates Likely To Lack Insurance
Some college graduates are unaware that they lose health insurance under the policies of their parents after they leave school, while others decide not to purchase health insurance because of a “sense of invincibility.” Wall Street Journal.
Hospitals Struggle With Unpaid Bills From Insured Patients
Insured patients account for a rising share of for-profit hospitals’ uncollected debt, as health plans shift more costs to members. Some say that because of high medical costs, people with incomes several times the federal poverty level can’t pay their medical bills. Reuters.
San Jose Weighs Options for Paying Retiree Health Costs
San Jose currently is paying enough in future retiree health costs to cover the next 10 to 15 years. However, the city would have to pay an additional $60 million annually to adhere to new accounting rules and fully fund its obligation after that period. San Jose Mercury News.
California Regulators Convene Hearing on Blue Cross Complaints
The Department of Managed Health Care is holding a hearing on more than 1,600 complaints it has received about Blue Cross of California since the 2004 merger of its parent company with Anthem. Blue Cross officials dispute many of the allegations. San Francisco Chronicle.
Provision Seeks To End Conflicts on FDA Panels
Some argue that a spending bill provision to remove all conflicts of interest on FDA advisory committees would reduce the quality of experts serving on the committees. However, congressional attention to the measure might urge FDA to address the issue on its own. Boston Globe.
Drug Industry Influences Consumers, Care Providers
Drug manufacturers’ marketing techniques have a significant effect on consumers and providers, according to a series of articles in the Los Angeles Times. Drug makers’ marketing tactics play a large role in the sales of their products. Los Angeles Times.
Disability Rights Advocates Fend Off Assisted Suicide Bills
Disability rights activists have helped defeat five bills that sought to legalize physician-assisted suicide in California. Had the bills become law, activists said that insurers would withhold costly services to push people with disabilities and terminal illnesses to end their lives. Los Angeles Times.
Vote To End Doctor Rehab Program Will Be Reviewed
California could be the only state in the nation that does not offer a drug and alcohol diversion program for physicians if it upholds its vote to abolish the current program without replacing it. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Health Care Personnel Update for July 2007
Cedars-Sinai CEO named to American Hospital Association leadership position; Gov. Schwarzenegger makes appointment to Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission