Latest California Healthline Stories
A UC-San Francisco study finds that men are 68% less likely to develop a deadly form of prostate cancer if they exercise vigorously and adhere to healthy diets, compared with those who do not exercise or eat healthy diets. Senior study author June Chan said, “This study underscores the ongoing need for more effective prevention measures and policies to increase exercise, improve diet quality and reduce tobacco use in our population.” Payers & Providers.
Calif. Developmental Disabilities Centers React to Shooting
Yesterday, 14 people were killed and 21 were injured in a mass shooting at Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, a facility that provides development disabilities services. In response, eight separate regional centers across the state temporarily closed “out of an abundance of caution.” Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert” et al.
More Than 20 Calif. Facilities Among Leapfrog’s ‘Top Hospitals’ Lists
More than 20 California facilities were included in the Leapfrog Group’s annual lists of the best children’s, rural and urban hospitals. The lists recognize hospitals that meet certain patient safety, care quality and efficiency standards. Healthcare DIVE et al.
U.S. Health Care Spending Increased by 5.3% in 2014, Report Finds
A new CMS analysis finds that health care expenditures increased by 5.3% last year, marking the fastest growth rate since President Obama took office. The report shows total U.S. health care spending in 2014 grew to $3 trillion, driven by coverage gains under the Affordable Care Act and rising prescription drug prices. Washington Post‘s “Wonkblog” et al.
Sens. Looks To Amend Bill To Dismantle ACA; Obama Threatens Veto
Democratic and Republican senators have introduced amendments to a budget reconciliation measure that would dismantle the Affordable Care Act by repealing some of the law’s major provisions. The amendments address funding for Planned Parenthood, as well as the sale of firearms. The Hill‘s “Floor Action” et al.
Study Finds 25% of California Preteens, Teens Lack Access to Water During School Lunch
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found 25% of preteen and teenage California students report not having access to water during lunch despite a state law requiring schools to provide drinking water at no-cost during mealtimes. The study, which was conducted by UCLA researchers, was based on data from the 2012 and 2013 California Health Interview Survey. California Health Report.
Santa Barbara County Health Department Notifying 260 Patients of Data Breach
On Wednesday, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department announced that it is notifying 260 patients whose health records were improperly accessed by a Health Care Center staff member. The department said the staffer accessed the information electronically for an unauthorized academic research project. AP/Washington Times.
Guide Aims To Help Californians With HIV Select Exchange Plans
Five California groups have released a guide to help individuals with HIV, hepatitis C, hepatitis B and those considering pre-exposure prophylaxis select health plans through Covered California. The guide includes considerations, such as what plan levels to select, and an analysis of 12 plans’ drug formularies. Frontiers Magazine.
Industry Experts Question Accuracy of Online Estimators for Health Care Costs
Online health care cost estimators increasingly are being offered by health insurers as patients shoulder a bigger share of their medical costs, but some industry experts say more can be done to improve the accuracy of such tools. David Newman, director of the not-for-profit Health Care Cost Institute, said the billing and reimbursement process can make it very difficult for online estimators to accurately predict costs. In addition, Newman noted that online calculators typically provide a cost estimate for one specific procedure, while a health care visit can end up incorporating multiple tests and treatments that the patient will then be billed for. Kaiser Health News/NPR’s “Shots.”
Breast Cancer Screening Rates Are Higher in Medicaid Expansion States, Study Finds
The number of low-income women screened for breast cancer has increased over the past few years, partly because of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, according to a study presented Monday at the Radiological Society of North America’s annual meeting. The study found that low-income women in states that had expanded Medicaid were 25% more likely to have been screened for breast cancer than those in non-expansion states. In non-expansion states, mammography rates among low-income women decreased from nearly 70% in 2008 to about 65% in 2012. HealthDay/U.S. News & World Report.