Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill Seeks Changes to Approval of California Vaccine Requirements
Opponents of the measure argue that it will limit public input on new vaccine requirements, but the California Medical Association and other supporters maintain that it would ensure that immunization requirements are based on science rather than politics. Contra Costa Times.
Medical Errors Involving Tubes Drawing Scrutiny
A purchasing alliance of 1,500 hospitals nationwide is leading an effort to avoid medical errors stemming from medical tubes and catheters being connected incorrectly. The Joint Commission says such errors are underreported and difficult to track. Wall Street Journal.
Grocery Worker Talks Stall on Health Care Benefits
A dispute over health care benefits prompted grocery workers to authorize a strike against three grocery chains in Southern California and force the chains to take contract negotiations seriously. The move may have worked, as both sides agreed to return to the bargaining table. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Lawmakers Support Hospital Penalties for ‘Patient Dumping’
An Assembly committee passed a bill that would phase in penalties against hospitals rather than criminalize a hospital after the first offense, as originally proposed. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles city attorney took legal action against hospitals and a transportation service for four separate patient dumping incidents. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times.
L.A. County Targets Sexual Health of Minorities, Gays
A new ad campaign is intended to be more provocative than a previous effort. County officials are targeting the effort at groups most affected by increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections: men who have sex with men and minority women. Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily News.
Medicare Payment Changes for Anemia Drugs Touted
Physicians and patient advocates argue that current reimbursement policies for anemia treatments for kidney dialysis patients encourage physicians to over-prescribe the medications, raising the possibility of health complications. Dow Jones et al.
Doctors’ Move Against Retail Clinics Misdirected
Despite concerns from the American Medical Association, an editorial argues that retail clinics provide access to health care services for people who otherwise might go without care. Chicago Tribune.
Medical Imaging Firms Urge Reversal of Medicare Cuts
The industry is lobbying Congress to reverse Medicare payment cuts to physicians for performing imaging services. Meanwhile, the American Medical Association has launched a campaign to overturn a scheduled 10% cut in physician reimbursements. AP/Arizona Daily Star et al.
Opinion: Senators Push Bill for Universal Health Care
Sens. Ron Wyden and Bob Bennett in an opinion piece write that passage of the Healthy Americans Act would “create a universal, market-driven health care system that all Americans can afford.” Wall Street Journal.
Closing L.A. County Hospital Could Strain Emergency Services
If King-Harbor Hospital closes, patients could face longer delays getting treatment even if nearby hospitals expand capacity to deal with an influx of patients, according to a new report. The hospital will retain federal funding through August after passing an inspection on Monday. Los Angeles Times.