Latest California Healthline Stories
CalPERS Committee to Examine Savings Proposals
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System health benefits committee will meet tomorrow in Sacramento to vote on measures intended to “shor[e] up the plans’ reserves,” which could “approach zero” by the end of 2001 under the current system, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Consumers Rely on ‘Informal’ Information, AHRQ Survey Finds
When choosing health care providers, the American public is more likely to rely on recommendations from family, friends and health professionals than on standardized quality indicators, according to a joint survey released today by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Ventura County, Community Memorial Hospital Enter Truce
Community Memorial Hospital and Ventura County appear to have entered a truce, “quietly” beginning talks to end a seven-year “hospital war” and join together on several issues, the Los Angeles Times reports.
House Offers $107 Billion Budget Compromise
Hoping to end the stalemate over year-end budget bills, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) Friday proposed spending $107 billion on federal education, labor and health programs in 2001, the Washington Times reports.
Hacker Accessed Patient Records at Washington Hospital
A computer hacker accessed large portions of the University of Washington Medical Center’s computer network earlier this year and downloaded admissions records for 4,000 cardiology patients, MSNBC.com reports.
California Sets the Trends for Hospital Design
USA Today examines how California hospitals — among the first in the nation to “ponder their role in 21st century medicine” –are preparing for the future.
’60 Minutes’ Reports on Catholic Hospitals, Reproductive Health Services
The impact of Catholic hospitals and hospitals that merge with Catholic health systems on women’s reproductive health care was the subject of CBS’ “60 Minutes” last night, with the show debating whether women’s health care is compromised by Catholic hospitals’ religion-based policies.
Immunization Campaign Targets Low-Income Families
The Clinton administration today will launch a campaign to increase the immunization rates among low-income children, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Drkoop.com, Medical Advisory Systems Launch Partnership
Medical information firm Medical Advisory Systems and the ehealth site drkoop.com have formed a three-year partnership to link the Web site’s users with MAS’ travel assistance and clinical trial referral programs, the Annapolis Capital reports.
Employers Face Health Insurance Hikes in 2001?
While consumers nationwide will face “double-digit increases” in health care costs next year –the “biggest surge” in medical inflation since the early 1990s — employers will likely “absorb” most of the “hefty” rise in cost to retain key employees in a tight labor market, the New York Times reports.