Latest California Healthline Stories
WSJ Examines Electronic Health Record Access Issues for Teens
The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday examined how federal and state laws regarding access to adolescents’ medical files are affecting the development of electronic health records.
Nursing Schools Turning Away Hundreds of Applicants
Bay Area colleges and universities are “turning away hundreds” of qualified nursing students because of limited spaces in programs, the Oakland Tribune reports.
Congress Might Approve Legislation To Allow Prescription Drug Reimportation This Year
Increased “discontent” about high prescription drug costs might prompt the passage of legislation by the end of the year that would allow the purchase of lower-cost medications from other nations, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Decline in Membership Raises Concerns Among Creditors of Bankrupt Health Plan
Watts Health Foundation has lost more than 1,000 members per month since it filed for bankruptcy protection on May 31, raising concerns among its creditors about its prospects to continue operations, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Sacramento Bee Examines Advertisement Addressing Prescription Drug Ballot Measures
The Sacramento Bee on Tuesday published an analysis of a television advertisement paid for by pharmaceutical companies recommending that state residents vote in favor of Proposition 78 and against Proposition 79 on the Nov. 8 statewide ballot.
Newspapers Examine Medicare Lobbying Efforts, Prescription Drug Benefit, Other Issues
Several newspapers on Tuesday published articles on Medicare.
Consumer Group Cites Schwarzenegger Health Care Policies in Call for Boycott of Target
California Consumers United has launched a Bay Area radio campaign calling for consumers to boycott Target stores, citing the retailer’s contributions to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and the possible effects on health care of the governor’s proposals, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer Often Delayed, Study Finds
Four in 10 women reported to their physicians symptoms of ovarian cancer at least four months before being diagnosed, according to a study of California Medicare beneficiaries published Monday in the online edition of the journal Cancer, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Medicare Drug Benefit Includes Asset Limits To Qualify for Additional Financial Assistance
The Sacramento Bee on Monday examined the eligibility requirements for additional financial assistance under the Medicare drug benefit, which will provide prescription drug coverage to beneficiaries beginning Jan. 1, 2006.
Boston Globe Examines Efforts by Hospitals To Address Disparities in Care for Minorities
The Boston Globe on Monday examined the “growing effort by hospitals to help non-whites manage their illnesses.”