Latest California Healthline Stories
Details Emerge on Government Pandemic Flu Response Plan
President Bush this week is expected to approve the government’s national pandemic influenza response plan, a draft of which details how federal officials would detect and respond to an outbreak and continue functioning through a potential 18-month crisis. Washington Post et al.
CMS Proposes Reduced Reimbursements for Cardiac Devices
The proposed rule could reduce reimbursements for stents by more than 30% and could reduce reimbursements for defibrillators by as much as 20%, according to analysts. Wall Street Journal et al.
State Senator Opposes Changes to Workers’ Compensation Law
Opponents of workers’ compensation reforms in California rely on limited data to advocate changes to the law that could reduce savings by employers, Sen. Charles Poochigian (R-Fresno) writes in an opinion piece. San Jose Mercury News.
California Healthline Highlights Recent Hospital News
Alameda Medical Center considers lay offs; Tri-City Medical Center releases proposed spending plan for ballot measure
Massachusetts Health Plan Might Not Work as National Model
Some are questioning whether a Massachusetts health insurance mandate could work as a national model, in part because Massachusetts has a lower rate of uninsured residents, with about 10% of the population lacking health insurance, compared with an uninsured rate of about 18% nationwide. Boston Globe et al.
Sutter Health Reports Increased Profits in 2005
Sutter Health reported a 3% increase in net profit and a 5% operating margin for 2005. San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee.