Latest California Healthline Stories
Study: Top Hospitals Offer Example for Improved Care
A study by HealthGrades estimates that more than 150,000 patient deaths could be prevented if all hospitals in the U.S. provided the same level of care as those that the survey ranked in the top 5%. USA Today.
Fraudulent Paramedic Credentials a Growing Problem
An investigation attributed paramedic licensing fraud to a lack of state oversight. The director of the state’s Emergency Medical Services Agency says the issue is not a major problem in California. Sacramento Bee.
Salaries Raised for Prison Mental Health Workers
A recent court ruling that increased wages for prison mental health workers has resulted in a shortage of workers in state mental hospitals. A report released by the Little Hoover Commission says the state must reform the prison system or transfer administration to an independent committee. Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle.
Kaiser President Thode To Retire
Mary Ann Thode said her retirement as president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California division is not related to criticism of its kidney transplant program. She has been president since 2002. San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle.
Insurers Defend Canceling Private Coverage Over Errors
Insurers say their detailed application process and right to rescind policies are necessary to prevent fraud, but critics say the process is used to avoid paying large claims. USA Today.
Study: Improvements From Pay-for-Performance Small, Costly
Hospitals that participated in a pay-for-performance program had greater overall improvement than hospitals that did not participate in such a program, but the study’s author questioned whether the increased costs are justified. Wall Street Journal.
Experts Question Impact of President’s Health Care Proposals
Some health policy experts said President Bush’s tax proposal could encourage adoption of health savings accounts, while others warned the proposals ignore the potential perils consumers face in the individual insurance market. Washington Post et al.
Clinton Talks Health Care at Iowa Campaign Visits
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said that a universal health care system modeled on Medicare “really makes a lot of sense because you could get the costs down” but that she will seek opinions from voters before she proposes broad reforms to the health care system. New York Times et al.
Increase in Health IT Investment Overdue, PBGH Chief Says
In an interview, the CEO of the Pacific Business Group on Health called for greater investment in health information technology and discussed health savings accounts, state seismic safety regulations and online health information. San Francisco Business Times.
Trans Fat Ban Illegal, L.A. County Told
A report by Los Angeles County health officials recommended that the county create a voluntary program to encourage restaurants to eliminate trans fats after a legal analysis found the county lacks authority for a more stringent ban. Los Angeles Times.