Latest California Healthline Stories
Report: Hospitals Should Recommend Exclusive Breast-feeding
A study by the California Women, Infants and Children Association finds that the number of new mothers who exclusively breast-feed their newborns after being discharged from the hospital has remained relatively unchanged over the past decade. Oakland Tribune et al.
CMS To Update Medicare Physician Payment Rates
CMS Administrator Mark McClellan said the agency soon would announce changes to the payment rates but did not specify the exact amount of the change. CQ HealthBeat.
Videoconferencing Provides Access to Interpreters
A videoconferencing interpretation system will allow hospitals to link with interpreters at other locations, increase interpreter productivity and connect patients with a wider range of languages. San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle.
Labor Federation Opposes Parental Notification Measure
The California Labor Federation has announced its opposition to Proposition 85, which would require parental notification before a minor could have an abortion. The decision marks the first time the organization has taken a position supporting abortion rights. Los Angeles Times.
Health Officials Examine Feasibility of Insurance Mandates
A health insurance mandate similar to a Massachusetts law signed this year might be difficult to implement in California, but Gov. Schwarzenegger and Democratic candidate Phil Angelides both have said that if elected, expanding health coverage to the uninsured will be a major focus. Sacramento Bee.
Health Care Bills on Legislative Agenda
Gov. Schwarzenegger and lawmakers plan to cover a number of health-related issues, including discounted prescription drugs and children’s health insurance, as the end of the legislation session nears. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.
Legislation Addresses Online Prescribing
Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Jeff Sessions have introduced legislation that would establish criminal penalties for the unlawful dispensation of prescription drugs and permit the federal government to seize property used illegally by online pharmacies. CQ HealthBeat.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans To Create Claims Database
The database will include information about all medical procedures and other care for 79 million members from 20 Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers in 34 states. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Not-For-Profit Nursing Homes Offer Best Care
In addition, a Consumer Reports study found that independent nursing homes provide better care than those managed by companies that operate numerous homes. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Bill Would Delay Medicare Reimbursement Cuts
Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Gordon Smith have introduced a bill that would delay $2.8 billion in Medicare cuts for medical imaging. CQ HealthBeat et al.