Latest California Healthline Stories
Patient-Dumping Allegations Gaining National Attention
The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office is investigating at least 10 local hospitals for inappropriately discharging homeless patients, pushing some facilities to change their discharge policies. CBS’ “60 Minutes.”
California Lawmakers Question Review of Medicare Charges
The California Hospital Association initially raised concerns about the audit threatening access to rehabilitation hospitals and other medical services in California, pushing for members of California’s Congressional delegation to follow up on the issue. Sacramento Bee.
Second Los Angeles Hospital OKs New Discharge Rules
Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center agreed to follow the same discharge rules for homeless patients that Kaiser Permanente accepted last week in an agreement intended to resolve lawsuits by the Los Angeles city attorney. Los Angeles Times.
Businesses Disagree on Funding for State Health Care Overhaul
Contributions from businesses likely will be part of any health care reform plan for California this year, but Democratic lawmakers and the governor have different ideas about how much businesses should pay. Stakeholders are highlighting their concerns about the plans, but at least one columnist believes a compromise is possible. Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal et al.
Proposal Would Revise Medicare Payment Rules for Reservists
Current Medicare rules limit to 60 days the amount of time a physician substituting for a doctor on active military duty can collect Medicare payments. Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are lining up to back a proposed rule change. San Francisco Chronicle.
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: May 21
Alaska Legislature approves increase in SCHIP income limits; Montana governor vetoes Medicaid expansion
Physicians Skeptical of Expanding Retail Clinics
The American Medical Association and other groups are pushing for retail clinics to adopt a baseline code of conduct and ensure that personnel at the clinics have access to a physician referral system. Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal.
Some California Hospitals Lose Federal HIV Grants
The federal government approved grant applications for facilities in Southern California, but two Northern California hospitals were dropped from the program because of inadequate patient populations. Oakland Tribune.
Alameda County Mulls Options for Health Funds
A 2004 ballot measure lets supervisors decide how 25% of revenue from a county sales tax increase will be allocated among county health care services, prompting one county official to propose delaying spending decisions until the county budget is finalized. Oakland Tribune.
Tommy Thompson Pushes Health Care in Presidential Race
Former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson outlined plans to expand health insurance coverage and the need for Medicare reform in campaign appearances in Iowa, calling for health care to be a key issue in the 2008 election. Des Moines Register.