Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Care Sector Tops Lobbying Spending
Since 1999, the health care industry has spent more than any other section on federal lobbying efforts, a study from the independent research group Political Money Line found.
Two Ventura County Hospitals Plan Expansions
In response to population growth and “greater demand for health care,” Simi Valley Hospital and Los Robles Regional Medical Center, both in Thousand Oaks, are planning to expand their facilities, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Underserved Communities Hardest Hit by Dental Shortage, Report Finds
California’s shortage of dentists affects rural, low-income and minority state residents the most, according to a new report from UCSF’s Center for the Health Professions.
Accuracy of Virginia Physician Web Site Questioned
Although Virginia’s new physician Web site requires state doctors to report disciplinary actions taken against them, the Washington Post reports that an “absence of relevant information” and “misrepresentations” in some cases have raised questions about the “completeness and accuracy” of the site.
Supreme Court to Review Social Security for the Disabled
The Supreme Court yesterday agreed to hear a case to decide whether disabled Americans who return to work within 12 months should receive Social Security disability benefits, the AP/Riverside Press-Enterprise reports.
Sutter Hospital Files $6.6M Lawsuit Against Health Net Over Patient Care Payments
Raising the “ante” in an ongoing contract dispute that could affect 250,000 Northern Californian residents, Sutter Health has filed a lawsuit against Health Net, alleging that the insurer owes the hospital system’s Summit Medical Center in Oakland more than $6 million for patient care, the Sacramento Business Journal reports.
House Ends Ban on D.C. Domestic Partners Law
By a 226-194 margin, the House yesterday voted to end a federal ban on the District of Columbia’s domestic partners law, the Washington Post reports.
Ventura County Supervisors Vote to Spend Some Tobacco Settlement Funds on Health Care Programs
Ventura County supervisors yesterday approved spending $8 million of the county’s share of the national tobacco settlement to expand health care programs, “keep[ing] $15.7 million from prior years’ payments in a reserve account for now,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
Scully Raises Concerns About Medicare Overhaul
Members of the House Ways and Means health subcommittee “sparred” yesterday with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Tom Scully over a “popular, bipartisan” bill that would “overhaul” the Medicare contracting system and give care providers “limited regulatory relief,” CongressDaily reports.
Travelers Turning to Internet for Pre-Trip Medical Planning
Travelers to remote destinations are increasingly turning to the Internet for information to help them prepare for potential medical emergencies during their trips, the New York Times reports.