Latest California Healthline Stories
Regulation Would Require Medical Device ID System
FDA’s proposal is intended to address problems observing malfunctions in devices after product recalls. New York Times.
The California Nurses Association is organizing nurses in other states and sponsoring a measure on the Nov. 7 statewide ballot that reflects a wider agenda. NPR’s “All Things Considered.” Audio.
Enrollment in Medicare Advantage Plans Increases
Enrollment in private, fee-for-service Medicare Advantage plans increased by 265% from December 2005 through July, but the plans still represent small portion of total enrollment. USA Today.
Health Web Sites Receiving Investments
Traditionally companies have failed to make money from online health care businesses, but some investors, entrepreneurs and analysts believe the market has evolved enough to make it profitable. Washington Post.
Audit Accuses UCSF of Improper Medicare Billing
The HHS inspector general’s office said the University of California-San Francisco must repay $3.9 million it allegedly overbilled Medicare for training dental students. UC officials dispute OIG’s findings. San Francisco Chronicle.
Access to Dental Care, Surgery Limited
Reduced hours for dental surgery at hospitals and low reimbursement for state-sponsored dental insurance has led to long waits for some children and adults in Fresno and San Luis Obispo counties who have tooth decay. Fresno Bee, San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Medicaid Reform Proposal Could Benefit Thompson’s Employer
Former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson’s proposal to reform Medicaid could financially benefit companies that employ him, including some firms with ties to health insurers and state Medicaid programs. Washington Post.
Health Access Program Signed Into Law
Mayor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to create the San Francisco Health Access Program, which will include an employer contribution mandate to help fund health care coverage for the city’s uninsured residents. San Francisco Chronicle.
Hospitals Hire ‘Mystery Shoppers’ for Service Evaluations
The so-called “mystery shopping” services are typically geared to the retail and hotel industries, but increasing competition in the health care industry has led hospital administrators to seek their help. Wall Street Journal.
Ketamine Spurs Improvement in Depression
The anesthetic ketamine can reduce symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression within several hours of infusion, a study finds. Boston Globe et al.