Latest California Healthline Stories
Bush To Visit Minnesota To Discuss Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors, Release Study
President Bush plans to visit Minneapolis today to discuss prescription drug coverage for seniors, a “reflection of the potent political appeal of an issue that could help decide who controls Congress next year,” the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Health Plan of the Redwoods’ Financial Information Raises Some Questions
In financial statements filed in bankruptcy court, Health Plan of the Redwoods said it owes $38.7 million to medical providers but has $52.6 million in assets, figures that are “far more” than initial estimates, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports.
Five small community groups in Orange County will form a coalition to conduct the first countywide study of the health issues faced by their more than 44,000 elderly Asian and Pacific Islander members, the Orange County Register reports.
The California Pharmacists Association yesterday took legal action to force the Department of Health Services to release a report on the cost to pharmacies of dispensing prescription drugs to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
Coalition Airs Radio Ads in Opposition to Proposed Reductions for Tobacco Prevention Programs
A coalition of health care advocacy groups on Tuesday began a radio advertising campaign to bolster public opposition to a fiscal year 2002-2003 budget proposal by Gov. Gray Davis (D) and lawmakers that would reduce funds for tobacco prevention programs and use future tobacco settlement funds to help cover the state’s estimated $23.6 billion deficit, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery No Better Than Placebo, NEJM Study Finds
Arthroscopic knee surgery results in no more improvement than placebo surgery, raising questions about whether the $5,000 procedure should be performed at all, according to a new study, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Nevada Attorney General Issues $50,000 Liability Cap for Las Vegas Trauma Center MDs
At least one orthopedic surgeon has agreed to return to work at the trauma center at Las Vegas-based University Medical Center, and several others are reconsidering their resignations, following a decision by state Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa (D) to temporarily cap legal damages in malpractice cases at $50,000 if physicians return to the center.
Eckerd Settles Florida Attorney General’s Claims on Marketing Practices, Will Change Policies
Eckerd Corp. on Wednesday settled claims from the Florida Attorney General’s office that it uses its retail stores’ prescription pick-up log to help pharmaceutical companies market drugs, the St. Petersburg Times reports.
Senate Committee Postpones Vote on Prescription Drug Patent Law Reform
Democrats on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee yesterday postponed a vote on a bill that would increase access to lower-cost generic drugs and decided to resume negotiations with Republicans, who support legislation more favorable to brand-name pharmaceutical companies.
Contra Costa AIDS Consortium Considers Plan To Shift Funds To Maintain Case Management Services
The Contra Costa HIV/AIDS Consortium today will likely agree on a budget that will shift funds from some areas, such as home health services, to maintain the current funding level for case management services, the Contra Costa Times reports.