Latest California Healthline Stories
Virtual Health Tools Could Save Nearly $10B Annually
The use of virtual health tools in primary care could save nearly $10 billion annually by automating tasks, replacing labor with technology and shifting more responsibility to patients, according to a new report from Accenture. Experts say the use of such technology also could help address growing primary care provider shortages. FierceHealthIT, Healthcare Informatics.
Obama Unveils Proposal To Combat Heroin, Rx Opioid Misuse
Yesterday, President Obama announced a plan to address a national “epidemic” of heroin use and prescription drug misuse. Among other things, the plan calls for federal agencies to identify barriers to accessing medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders and to train health care providers on how to properly prescribe opioids. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Developmental Disability Program Funding Efforts Could Be Stalled
Efforts to identify new funding for California developmental disability programs appear to have stalled and might not be considered until next year. The funding issue was intended to be addressed in two special legislative sessions this year. Los Angeles Daily News.
California Hospitals Improve Seismic Regulation Compliance
An Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development report that nearly 91% of the state’s 2,976 acute care hospital buildings are compliant with seismic infrastructure rules, up from about 45% in 2002. OSHPD says 270 buildings are undergoing infrastructure upgrades. Payers & Providers.
California’s New ‘Right-To-Die’ Law Faces Challenges, Delays
While Gov. Brown signed California’s new physician-assisted death law earlier this month, it cannot take effect until 91 days after the current special sessions end. That means the law cannot go into effect until April at the earliest. Meanwhile, opponents are gathering signatures to repeal the law. Washington Post et al.
Calif., Other States Nab $22.9M for Community Mental Health Clinics
This week, the Obama administration announced it will provide $22.9 million in planning grants to 24 states, including California, to launch a two-year trial program for community mental health clinics. California will receive $982,373, which can be used to prepare applications. The Hill, HHS release.
S.F. Community Health Authority Fined $30K by DMHC
The California Department of Managed Health Care has fined the San Francisco Community Health Authority over the mishandling of payments for provider claims. The $30,000 fine was issued after a routine audit in 2012 found a programming error in a new claims system. The agency later found that SFCHA’s plan to address the error failed to provide information on why claims were adjusted or denied in 8% of cases examined. In addition, the agency found that SFCHA failed to properly settle disputed claims in 20% of cases. Payers & Providers.
1,500 Kaiser Mental Health Clinicians Authorize Strike
About 1,500 mental health clinicians — including therapists, psychiatric social workers and psychologists — at Northern California Kaiser Permanente have voted to strike over contract negotiations. The workers are represented by the National Union of Healthcare Workers. They have been working for more than four years without a contract. Oakland Tribune.
Advocates Urge FDA To Probe Electronic Cigarette Claims
Several health advocacy groups have called on FDA to investigate claims by electronic cigarette manufacturers that the products help individuals to quit smoking regular cigarettes. In a letter sent last week to Janet Woodcock, director of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the groups noted that a Truth in Advertising review of 150 e-cigarette manufacturer and seller websites stated that the products helped regular cigarette users to quit smoking. However, the groups said that FDA first has to approve such claims before manufacturers and sellers can legally use them to market the products. The Hill.
Calif.-Based Collective Health Raises $81M, Partners With Anthem and Blue Shield of California
On Tuesday, California-based Collective Health, a provider of employer-based insurance tools, announced it has raised $81 million in a funding round led by Google Ventures and other existing investors. Collective Health also has partnered with Anthem and Blue Shield of California. New York Times‘ “DealB%k,” HIT Consultant.