Morning Breakouts

Latest California Healthline Stories

Oxnard’s VA Clinic Comes Under Fire For Its Wait Times

Dr. David J. Shulkin, the VA health undersecretary, says Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Westlake Village, had correctly identified the problems at Oxnard’s clinic when she referred to having interim directors and problems retaining staff members. “You need permanent leadership in place; you need experienced leadership … so we brought in an experienced leader there. I think you’re seeing that makes a difference,” Shulkin said.

Verity Health System Names Detroit Hospital Official President, COO

“We are delighted to have someone with Andrei [Soran’s] significant leadership experience join us in revitalizing our hospital facilities” in Northern and Southern California, CEO Mitchell Creem said in a statement.

Theranos’ Fate Could Hinge On Thin Line Between Rosy Projections And False Promotion

At worst, if investigators find evidence of hype that crosses the line with the blood-testing startup, its executives could face jail time. Meanwhile, Theranos board member David Boies says he has confidence in CEO Elizabeth Holmes following news of investigations into the company.

UnitedHealth To Exit All But A Few ACA Markets

The insurer’s exchange business was relatively small, but the move draws attention to the industry’s struggle to adjust to the sicker, more costly pool of customers that have dominated the market under the Affordable Care Act.

Congress Should Pressure Insurers To Help Tamp Down Drug Costs, Advisory Panel Recommends

The nonpartisan Medicare Payment Advisory Commission says incentives are needed to encourage insurance providers to push for bigger pharmaceutical discounts and manage prescription use. Meanwhile, according to an AARP survey, older Americans also strongly favor a federal role in negotiating Medicare discounts.

Sick, Injured Homeless Aided By Recuperative Care Centers After Hospitalization

The facilities take in homeless patients who are well enough to leave the hospital but are too weak to be back on the streets. Elsewhere in the state, a pediatric ICU is set to open in Thousand Oaks and three men in Ojai plead guilty to medical marijuana-related charges.