Latest California Healthline Stories
Calif. Wildfires Cause Anxiety, Exacerbating Health Conditions
Many Californians who have been evacuated from their homes amid two wildfires burning south of Sacramento and north of San Francisco are experiencing anxiety and other mental health issues that could exacerbate existing chronic conditions. In addition, many residents left their homes so quickly that they were unable to bring needed medications. KQED’s “State of Health,” Fortune.
FBI: Web-Connected Medical Devices Could Pose Risk
The FBI last week issued an alert about potential cybersecurity risks related to devices that automatically connect to the Web, such as insulin dispensers and wireless heart monitors. The FBI in the alert notes potential vulnerabilities that can result in intentional tampering with the devices and theft of personal information. Further, the FBI cautions that unprotected medical devices used in home health care, including those used for transmitting personal monitoring data or time-dispensing medicines, are a “ripe target” for cybercriminals. Health Data Management.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force on Monday published draft guidelines recommending a daily, low-dose aspirin regimen for certain individuals with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. According to the task force, men and women between 50 and 59 years old should take aspirin daily to help prevent heart attack and stroke. In addition, the draft guidelines suggested that a daily aspirin can help prevent colorectal cancer if taken for at least 10 years. Wall Street Journal.
ACA’s Readmissions Program Could Be Penalizing Certain Hospitals
A new study finds the Affordable Care Act’s Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program could be disproportionately penalizing facilities that treat more patients with low incomes, less education and more chronic conditions. The researchers suggest that the program consider additional patient factors to close the gap between the best- and worst-performing hospitals. Washington Post‘s Federal Eye” et al.
ACO Program Fails To Generate Savings for Federal Government
Government records show that the Accountable Care Organization program last year resulted in a net loss of about $3 million to the Medicare trust fund after bonus payments. Analysts say that the government faces challenges in realizing Medicare savings with ACOs due to design flaws and how Medicare sets expectations for savings. Kaiser Health News.
Growth of L.A. Aging Population To Pose Health Care Challenges
A new report out of the University of Southern California finds that Los Angeles County’s aging population is expected to grow significantly in the next 20 years, particularly among Latinos. Such growth likely will have health implications and could increase barriers to care. The findings could indicate a national trend. HealthyCal et al.
Poll: Californians Divided Over Undocumented Health Care
A poll commissioned by the Los Angeles Times and the University of Southern California Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences finds that California voters are split on whether undocumented immigrants should be eligible for low- or no-cost coverage through Medicaid or a similar program. Los Angeles Times.
Bills To Increase Oversight of Foster Kids’ Rx Use Sent to Brown
California lawmakers have approved three bills that aim to reduce the amount of psychiatric medication prescribed to children in the state’s foster care system. State Sen. Jim Beall — an author of all three bills — said, “Drugs should only be the final alternative after all other treatment options, such as therapy and counseling, are exhausted.” Woodland Daily Democrat, Beall release.
Hispanics at Heightened Risk of Being Diagnosed With Late-Stage Skin Cancer, Researchers Say
Researchers say Hispanic U.S. residents are more likely than non-Hispanic white residents to be diagnosed with late-stage skin cancer, which increases the risk of death. A 2014 study conducted by researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City found U.S.-born Hispanics were more likely than non-Hispanic whites to report misconceptions about skin and were less likely to have been screened for the disease or take preventive measures against the sun. KQED’s “State of Health.”
Dignity Health Unveils $220M Systemwide Facelift
On Monday, officials at Dignity Health announced that it plans to spend $220 million over the next 16 months to complete a systemwide “facelift” to make its hospitals more comfortable and welcoming. Among other things, the overhaul will include refurbishing patient rooms, adding mobile phone-charging stations, no-cost Wi-Fi in patient rooms, new inspirational artwork and “wellness walls” encouraging healthy behavior. San Francisco Business Times‘ “Bay Area BizTalk.”