Latest California Healthline Stories
Drug Benefit Help Line Offers Inadequate Answers
CMS telephone operators who answer Medicare prescription drug benefit questions often provide incorrect information, a report finds. Washington Post et al.
Contamination Reports Under Investigation
The Department of Health Services has launched an investigation into reports that a nurse at Scripps Memorial Hospital was improperly sterilizing bariatric surgery instruments, a situation that might have resulted in some patients who underwent surgery being exposed to hepatitis or HIV. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Drug Ads Often False, Misleading
Prescription drug advertisements often include false or misleading information, and FDA has not adequately addressed the issue, a report finds. AP/Bergen Record.
State Investigates Kaiser Kidney Transplant Program
The Department of Managed Health Care is investigating problems in the Kaiser Permanente kidney transplant program, including allegations that paperwork errors and staffing problems led to delayed transplants for some patients. San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times.
More Doctors Decline To Participate in Managed Care
The rate of U.S. physicians who do not participate in managed plans increased to 11.5% in 2004-2005, according to a new report. AP/Houston Chronicle.
Proposed TRICARE Fee Increases To Be Rejected
Sen. Lindsey Graham said that a committee likely will reject a Department of Defense proposal to increase TRICARE fees for some military retirees. CongressDaily, CQ HealthBeat.
Bill Seeks To Bar Sale of Ultrasound Machines
Assembly members will debate legislation that would prohibit the sale of ultrasound machines for private, home use because of concerns that overuse of the machines could harm fetuses. AP/Contra Costa Times.
Five Counties Act on Health Care Issues
Officials in Contra Costa, Fresno, Santa Clara, Sonora and Stanislaus counties have acted on health care-related issues, including budget proposals and hospital services. Contra Costa Times et al.
Amendment to Association Health Plan Bill Considered
Sen. Olympia Snowe said that she might introduce an amendment that would require association health plans to include benefits currently mandated by two-thirds of states. CQ HealthBeat, CongressDaily.
Hospitals Receive Safety Award
Twenty-two California hospitals received awards for high-quality patient care and use of evidence-based medicine. Sacramento Bee, Leapfrog Group release.