Latest California Healthline Stories
Rating System Proposed for Duals Demonstration Program
CMS plans to post online quality performance data for health plans participating in the Obama administration’s dual eligibles demonstration program while it collects data for a new star-rating system, according to an agency letter. In the letter, CMS said the rating system will operate similar to its other online rating systems. Among other things, plans under the program will be rated on chronic condition management and health outcomes, policyholder experiences, prevention services — such as screenings, tests and vaccines — and safety of care provided. Modern Healthcare.
FDA Orders Recall of Some Medical Scope Cleaning Machines
FDA has ordered medical device maker Custom Ultrasonics to recall 2,800 machines used to disinfect certain medical scopes that have been linked with recent superbug outbreaks. Earlier this year, two California hospitals reported cases of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, or CRE, after performing procedures with a duodenoscope. AP/Modern Healthcare, Los Angeles Times.
CMS Finalizes New Medicare Joint Replacement Payment Model
CMS has finalized a new Medicare payment model for hip and knee replacements that will give providers one flat fee for the procedures instead of multiple payments for each individual service they provide related to the replacements. CMS says the model aims to encourage hospitals to improve quality and lower costs. AP/Sacramento Bee et al.
95 Calif. Hospitals Named ‘Top Performers’ by Joint Commission
Today, the Joint Commission recognized 1,043 hospitals — including 95 in California — as “Top Performers” for achieving high performance on key quality measures. Meanwhile, 10 California hospitals have been named “Top Performers” for all five years of the program. Biloxi Sun Herald et al.
UC-San Francisco To Help Create New Institute Targeting Dementia With $177M Grant
On Monday, UC-San Francisco announced that the university along with Trinity College Dublin and the University of Dublin have been awarded $177 million to create the Global Brain Health Institute, which will aim to help developing countries better understand and care for patients with dementia. The grant is largest single program grant ever awarded by the Atlantic Philanthropies, the organization created by Duty Free Shoppers Founder Chuck Feeney. San Francisco Business Times‘ “Bay Area BizTalk,” Kaiser Health News.
Report: 2012 Reforms Appear To Have Lowered Workers’ Comp Costs
A report by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau finds that a 2012 law aimed at lowering costs under California’s workers’ compensation program appears to have reduced medical costs and shifted a higher share of payments to primary care providers. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” WCIRB report.
Study: California’s Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening Shows Positive Results in First Five Years
California’s three-step newborn screening model for cystic fibrosis has shown high efficiency and sensitivity, with a low number of false positives, according to a study published in Pediatrics. The analysis, which was written by researchers at the California Department of Public Health, states that in the first five years the program identified 345 cases cystic fibrosis and missed 28 cases. Medscape.
California Groups Studying How To Improve Health of Caregivers
California groups increasingly are studying how caregivers’ health is affected by caring for family members who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. For example, researchers at UC-San Diego’s Department of Psychiatry are studying how two educational programs that emphasize self-care can help prevent depression and heart disease among caregivers. HealthyCal.
Rules To Prevent Foodborne Illness Outbreaks Finalized
On Friday, FDA finalized rules that aim to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks by strengthening the agency’s oversight of the country’s produce and imported food industries. The final produce safety rules aim to reduce contamination risks by setting standards for how fruits and vegetables are grown, harvested and stored. The rules require farmers to test irrigation water quality, train workers on best practices for health and hygiene, and monitor wildlife that may encroach on growing fields. Wall Street Journal, AP/Washington Times.
CDC Says More Than 2.2% of U.S. Children Ages Three to 17 Have Been Diagnosed With Autism
More than 2.2% of U.S. residents ages three to 17 have been diagnosed with autism, according to a CDC report released Friday. According to the report, about 1.25% of U.S. residents ages three to 17 were diagnosed with autism from 2011 to 2013. USA Today.