Latest California Healthline Stories
Scripps Health Recruits Renown Cardiologist
Dr. Eric Topol said he hopes to bring work on two NIH-funded studies to Scripps after he transitions to the institute in January 2007. San Diego Union-Tribune, Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Black Seniors ‘Fare Worse’ Than White Seniors
A study found that the largest racial disparity in health occurred among participants who had experienced heart problems and that health plan performance or geography are not accountable for disparities. Boston Globe et al.
HHS To Audit State Medicaid Transportation Services
Medicaid programs can lose as much as 30% to 50% of nonemergency transportation spending to fraud and abuse, according to a health care consultant. Washington Times.
Four CDC Officials To Receive Cash Awards
The officials will receive Presidential Rank Awards, which include cash awards that likely will range from $22,000 to $58,000. Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Tumor Biology Might Account for Racial Discrepancies
A study found that black women have lower 10-year survival rates than white or Hispanic women, in several different treatment scenarios. New York Times et al.
State Officials Examine Workers’ Compensation System
State officials are planning to enforce new rules to penalize abuse of the review process, but insurers and employers say the penalties might be excessive. San Francisco Chronicle.
Kaiser Ads Help Boost Membership
Kaiser Permanente believes name recognition can help persuade consumers to choose one health plan over another. Fresno Bee.
Many Believe Uninsured Should Serve as Top U.S. Priority
U.S. adults cited reducing the number of uninsured residents, reforming Medicare and reducing out-of-pocket health care costs as issues that should be prioritized. Wall Street Journal.
Consumer-Driven Plans Reduce Costs, Raise Questions
Employees and dependents enrolled in consumer-driven plans spend less on health care than those in traditional plans, partly by reducing unnecessary care but also by forgoing necessary care, a study found. Washington Post.
Advertisement Supports Public Financing Measure
The campaign in favor of Proposition 89 launched an advertisement that says the measure will curb “lies, distortions and half-truths” in political advertising, something an analysis of the ad says is “overstated.” Sacramento Bee.