Latest California Healthline Stories
Study Looks at Barriers to Health Care for the Homeless
Insured homeless individuals report fewer barriers to outpatient care and better adherence to prescription drug regimens than their counterparts without coverage, according to a University of California-San Francisco study released Tuesday.
States Prepare to Address Health Care in 2001
As states begin new legislative sessions, many are gearing up to consider a variety of health care-related issues.
New eHealth Gadgets Aim to Better Monitor Patients
The health care industry is “on the cusp of a staggering change,” with new technological innovations poised to bring about a “digital transformation of the U.S. medical system,” according to Washington Post staff reporter Craig Stoltz.
Senators Seek to Renew Testing Provision for Children’s Drugs
Sens. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) and Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) are proposing reauthorization of a law that grants an additional six months of patent protection to drug companies that test drugs meant for children on children, the Hartford Courant reports.
Health Officials Approve Plan to Replace S.F. General
San Francisco health commissioners on Monday unanimously approved a plan to replace San Francisco General Hospital with a new $465 million medical center, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Employee Sues Sutter over ‘Misuse’ of Medi-Cal Funds
Skilled nursing facility employee Sharon Daniels on Monday filed a class action lawsuit against Sutter Health, charging the hospital chain with misuse of Medi-Cal funds, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Private, Not-for-Profit Hospitals Need to Increase Levels of Charity Care
Alameda County private, not-for-profit hospitals are failing to provide enough care for the county’s uninsured residents, and community members must hold them “more accountable to meeting public needs,” Dan Cloak, chair of Vote Health, writes in an Oakland Tribune op-ed.
Sutter, Blue Cross Break ‘Angers’ CalPERS and DMHC
Both the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and the Department of Managed Health Care are considering measures to protect patients in the wake of last week’s break between Sutter Health and Blue Cross of California, the Sacramento Business Journal reports.
California Budget Project Report Looks at Spending Trends
The California Budget Project, an independent fiscal and policy analysis organization, has released a report detailing how the state has spent its $21.6 billion in General Fund expenditure growth from 1998-99 to 2000-01.
USDA Report Says High-Carb, Low-Fat Diets Most Effective
Although most diets initially can help people lose weight, “only moderate-fat, high-carbohydrate regimens” appear to “keep the pounds off for good,” the Washington Post reports.