Latest California Healthline Stories
Not-for-Profit Hospitals Outperform Investor-Owned Facilities
The author of the study said the difference in outcomes was consistent across the board, while a vice president of the American Hospital Association said the study does not make clear what is behind the variation in quality. Bloomberg/Worcester Telegram.
Medical Center Plans Transfer of Acute Care Beds
UC-San Diego officials plan to operate the emergency department at its Hillcrest hospital without surgical backup or intensive care after transferring acute care beds to another campus. State law prohibits free-standing EDs, but medical center officials hope state law will be approved to permit such facilities. San Diego Union-Tribune.
UnitedHealth Executive Works To Improve Firm’s Public Image
Lois Quam, who oversees the company’s Medicare and Medicaid businesses, said she will highlight UnitedHealth’s health initiatives and strengthen relations with government officials, consumer groups and media organizations. Wall Street Journal.
Report Looks at Health Benefits in California
Jill Yegian, director of the health insurance program at the California HealthCare Foundation, discusses findings of a CHCF report addressing employer health benefits, including adoption of health savings accounts and disease management programs. Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.
Electronic Records Plan Could Highlight Problems
Five large U.S. companies have announced that they will offer an interoperable electronic health record system, a project that likely will show the problems related to creating an EHR system, the editorial states. Los Angeles Times.
Community Clinics Experiencing Increasing Patient Demand
San Diego County’s safety-net clinics are feeling increased pressure because of a growing population and hospitals in the county providing less charity care. San Diego Business Journal.
Questions Remain About Governor’s Reform Plan
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger next month is expected to unveil his health care reform plan during his State of the State address. Aides say the governor has yet to decide on the form his proposal will take. Sacramento Bee et al.
Discount Generic Prescription Plans Introduced in California
Seniors who have reached the coverage gap in the Medicare drug benefit might gain the most from retailers’ discount programs on generic medications. Customers do not need insurance, only a physician’s prescription, to purchase the lower-cost drugs. Fresno Bee.
Medi-Cal Director Stepping Down
Stan Rosenstein will leave his position at the Department of Health Services after a decade as director of Medi-Cal to open a Sacramento office of Health Management Associates, a national consulting firm. Sacramento Bee.
Sutter Opens Retail Clinic as Other Firm Shutters Operation
Sutter plans to open five more walk-in medical clinics in Rite Aid stores in the next two months. Meanwhile, Wellness Express has closed its four retail clinics after it could not raise additional funding. Sacramento Bee, Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.