Latest California Healthline Stories
States Will Receive $14M in Paxil Lawsuit
GlaxoSmithKline will pay $14 million to states to settle allegations that the company blocked generic versions of its antidepressant Paxil. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer, et al.
Senators Discuss Emergency Contraception With Von Eschenbach
Democratic Sens. Patty Murray and Hillary Rodham Clinton say that they still plan to place a hold on the nomination of a new FDA commissioner until the agency makes a decision on Plan B.
Medicare Drug Benefit Affects Pharmacies’ Finances
Delayed reimbursements for medications under the Medicare drug benefit are exacerbating financial problems at some independent pharmacies and could cause some to close. Sacramento Bee.
Most Emergency Department Patients Are Insured, Report Says
A study published by the American College of Emergency Physicians found that uninsured patients account for only 15% of emergency department visits. Los Angeles Times.
Gonorrhea Cases Up Among Black Teens
San Francisco health department officials are urging expanded gonorrhea screenings after the number of reported cases more than doubled among black teens in 2005. San Francisco Chronicle.
Hospital District Deal Will Establish Heart Center, IT System
The Valley Health System hospital district in Hemet will work with a business partner to build a heart surgery center and establish an information technology system that links patient and medical data at the district’s hospitals. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Republican Lawmakers Propose Health Care Restrictions
Republican lawmakers have introduced a number of bills addressing undocumented immigration this session, some of which would bar undocumented immigrants from receiving public health care services. Democrats likely will block most of the measures. Contra Costa Times.
Hospital Infections Increase Patients Deaths, Costs
Costs and mortality rates were seven times higher among patients with hospital-acquired infections than among patients who did not acquire such infections, a Pennsylvania report finds. Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer.
CMS Developing Program To Control Medicaid Fraud
The program will provide oversight of Medicaid providers and also will boost oversight of state “program integrity” operations, including training and best practice guidance. CQ HealthBeat.
TRICARE Cost-Sharing Increases Off the Table for 2006
The Department of Defense has notified TRICARE contractors that increases in health care fees for some military retirees will not occur on Oct. 1 as previously proposed because of widespread resistance. Providence Journal.