Latest California Healthline Stories
Latino Medi-Cal Beneficiaries Face Disproportionate Barriers to Care
A study by the California HealthCare Foundation finds that Latinos enrolled in California’s Medicaid program have more issues accessing providers than other beneficiaries. In addition, Latinos and Asian-Americans in the program report the highest rates of needing assistance to understand their doctor. AP/Modern Healthcare.
States’ Varying Definitions of Telehealth Can Result in ‘Confusing Environments,’ Report Finds
Variations in state definitions of telehealth and telemedicine create “confusing environments” for users, according to a report by the Center for Connected Health Policy. According to the report, 48 states — including California — and Washington, D.C., have definitions of telehealth or telemedicine written into state law or their respective Medicaid programs. However, the terms often alternate between telehealth and telemedicine, and while there are some similarities, no two definitions are the same. FierceHealthIT.
UC-Davis Researchers Find That Ovarian Cancer Survival Rates Are Higher Than Previously Thought
A new study by UC-Davis finds that the 10-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is higher than previously believed. Lead author Rosemary Cress, with UC-Davis’ Department of Public Health Sciences, said, “The perception that almost all women will die of this disease is not correct.” Medical News Today.
Study Questions Thinking About Health Care ‘Super-Utilizers’
A new study finds that patients with serious illnesses who visit the hospital and emergency department frequently typically do so over a short period of time. The researchers say the findings contradict previous studies that have shown such patients use health care services intensely over the long term. Kaiser Health News, FierceHealthcare.
CVS Caremark To Drop 31 Prescription Drugs From Formulary in 2016
Pharmacy benefit manager CVS Caremark says it will drop coverage of 31 medications — including some commonly used for diabetes and multiple sclerosis, the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra and the antipsychotic Abilify — beginning Jan. 1, 2016. One expert says the practice can often result in more favorable prices from drugmakers. Reuters/New York Times et al.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of August 7, 2015
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Central California Health Care System has hired additional staff to help reduce wait times. Highland Hospital has reversed its decision to close its substance use disorder program following public comments and a recommendation from management.
California Public Health Officials Issue Plague, Valley Fever Warnings
This week, the California Department of Public Health is investigating the first human case of plague in the state since 2006. DPH also has issued a warning to residents about Valley Fever, a potentially fatal disease that has grown more prevalent in recent years. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now” et al.
Reports: Calif.’s Aging Population Could Strain Health Care System
A report by the California HealthCare Foundation projects that the state’s growing aging population could increase demand for health care services, but the effects will be disproportionate depending on service type and location. A separate report suggests community colleges could help train new health care workers to help meet such demand. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Editorial Lambasts California for Lacking Law Requiring Firefighters To Be Certified EMTs
California lacks a statewide requirement for firefighters to have emergency medical training beyond CPR and first aid, which “is a public health hazard,” a Los Angeles Times editorial argues. The editorial notes that state Sen. Isadore Hall III (D-Compton) has “backed away” from “promised legislation to require all California firefighters to maintain current EMT certification,” and is “working to achieve the same goal through a policy change at CalFire, which oversees firefighter training.” The editorial concludes, “Californians shouldn’t have to wonder whether the people responding to their emergency medical calls are properly trained and certified to render the lifesaving care they need.” Los Angeles Times.
Report: Childhood Obesity, Depression Hospitalizations on the Rise in Orange County
Nearly one-third of children in Orange County are overweight or obese, with that figure rising to 50% in low-income cities, according to a new Orange County Community Indicators report. The report also found that two obesity-related diseases — diabetes and heart disease — are on the rise and childhood hospitalizations for major depression have risen 28% since 2003. Orange County Register.