Latest California Healthline Stories
Crawford Pleads Guilty in Conflicts of Interest Case
Former FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford pleads guilty to charges of false reporting and conflicts of interest related to stock ownership. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer et al.
Benefits Outweigh Potential Risks of Eating Fish
One study finds that the health benefits of moderate fish consumption significantly outweighed the potential risks, while another concludes that that scientific evidence on health benefits and potential risks of fish consumption remain preliminary or inconclusive. Washington Post et al.
Medicare Quality Pilot Program Planned
Small- or medium-sized physician practices in California, Arkansas, Massachusetts and Utah will be eligible for bonus payments for reporting data on quality measures. CongressDaily.
Adverse Reactions Result in 700K ED Visits Annually
The most common adverse reactions among ED patients involved accidental overdoses and allergic reactions, a study finds. AP/Washington Times et al.
FDA Approves Diabetes Treatment
FDA approved Merck’s Januvia, a once-a-day pill, for use by itself or in combination with other oral drugs to treat type 2 diabetes. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer.
Premium Rates Rise Faster Than Income
Health insurance premiums increased at the slowest rate since 1999, but the increase still is more than twice the rate of inflation. Helena Independent Record et al.
California Hospitals Rank Nationally
The Leapfrog Group’s list of 50 top adult hospitals included eight facilities in California, while four pediatric specialty hospitals in California were included on the list of top performers in that category. San Francisco Business Times.
County Board Approves King/Drew Proposal
The proposal asks federal officials to maintain federal funding for one year, in addition to $50 million to pay for transition costs. Los Angeles Times, AP/Los Angeles Daily News.
Medical Group Agrees To Cancel Exclusivity Contracts
The settlement will permit physicians to participate in the Chinese Community Health Care Association and Brown & Toland Medical Group, in an attempt to preserve access to health care for Chinatown residents in San Francisco. San Francisco Chronicle.
Pilot Offers Online Patient Info to Rural Physicians
The clinical message service pilot in Ukiah is the first such project to be tested in a rural area. Santa Rosa Press Democrat.