Latest California Healthline Stories
Panel Holds Final Hearing on Veterans’ Health Care
Members of the presidential commission said that current veterans are more likely to require complicated treatments for multiple injuries, and many veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder. The commission this month will release a final report. New York Times, AP/Washington Post.
PacifiCare Reaches Settlement With California Regulators
The action stems from a cease-and-desist order that the Department of Managed Health Care issued against PacifiCare in May, after members complained that their primary care physicians had been dropped improperly from the health plan’s network. San Mateo County Times.
Politics Underlies Support for Universal Coverage
An opinion piece suggests that some presidential candidates’ support for universal health care could be more of a campaign strategy than a desire to overhaul the health care system. A separate opinion piece indicates that the health insurance industry could be the health care reform wild card. Hartford Courant, Los Angeles Times.
Health Care Documentary Faulted for Lack of Balance
Newspaper reports argue that film maker Michael Moore’s “Sicko” does not provide any defense for the health care industry and offers several factual errors. For example, the film states that 50 million U.S. residents lack health insurance, but CDC last week estimated that figure to be about 43.6 million. AP/Long Island Newsday et al.
Debate on Health Care Overhaul Expected To Peak in Late Summer
Gov. Schwarzenegger continues to stump for his own proposal to rework health care in California but has indicated that he is open to compromise with lawmakers. Political analysts say there is a good possibility for health care reform this year, but San Joaquin Valley officials argue that none of the plans addresses pressing health care issues in the area. Sacramento Business Journal et al.
Health Care Personnel Update for June 2007
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger makes several appointments in state health agencies; Antelope Valley Hospital and Sierra Health Foundation name new CEOs
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: July 2
Oregon voters to consider tax increase to fund expanded health insurance coverage; Wisconsin Senate approves universal health care proposal
Pilot Targets Medicare Billing Fraud for Medical Equipment
The two-year program will focus on equipment providers in the Los Angeles area and South Florida and could be expanded nationwide. HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said hundreds of millions of dollars could be saved by identifying fraud and abuse. Los Angeles Times.
Report: L.A. County Hospital Should Have State License Revoked
The report by the Department of Health Care Services argued that King-Harbor Hospital’s failure to ensure the competency of its nurses and maintain patient safety merit closure of the facility. Lawmakers and academics continue to weigh in on the hospital’s fate. Los Angeles Times.
Study Looks to Men To Fill Nursing Spots in Monterey County
Survey analysts suggested that men are more likely to seek full-time positions than women, a difference that could help the four hospitals in the county address a nursing shortage. The hospitals also are recruiting internationally to fill positions. Monterey County Herald.