Latest California Healthline Stories
DPH Announces First-of-its-Kind Partnership for Cancer Registry
On Monday, the California Department of Public Health announced a partnership with several health care organizations to collect data for the state’s cancer registry. The project will allow physicians to report real-time data from an initial group of 10 hospitals to help track cancer trends. Health IT Analytics, DPH release.
False Claims Laws Allow Some States To Recover Millions in Fraudulent Medicaid Payments
Many states have been using false claims laws to recover fraudulent Medicaid payments. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, which allows a state in certain circumstances to recover a share of the federal government’s false claim payout in addition to the state’s recovered Medicaid payout, provided states with more incentive to establish their own false claims laws. For example, Maryland — which passed a false claims law in 2011 — recovered $39.8 million in fiscal year 2014, and Indiana has recovered more than $165 million as a result of whistleblower cases filed under its false claims act since 2009. Modern Healthcare.
Panel Recommends Screening Adults for Depression
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has proposed recommending that primary care providers screen adults for depression. The proposal would expand its 2009 recommendation that adults receive screenings in physician offices when staff-assisted depression care is available. USPSTF gave the proposed recommendation a “B” grade, meaning that, if approved, insurers must cover the screenings at no cost to patients. Reuters.
CMS Plans To Streamline Medicaid Demonstration Waiver Renewals
CMS says it will implement a “fast-track” federal review process for Medicaid demonstration waivers in response to mounting criticism of the current procedure for renewing waivers. CMS has created a new unit for reviewing Section 1115 waivers and has increased staffing. Modern Healthcare.
Report: Medical Home Demonstration Fails To Meet Goals, Savings
A RAND analysis finds a $57 million demonstration project targeting federally qualified health centers did not improve care quality or reduce costs at the facilities. Despite the results, some experts argue that medical homes are still worthwhile and that the success of the project should not be judged by one study. Kaiser Health News.
Peer Approval of E-Cigarettes Could Increase Use Among Calif. Teens
A new study by University of Southern California researchers finds that positive “social perceptions” of electronic cigarettes among peers could lead to higher use of tobacco products among teenagers. Los Angeles Times‘ “Science Now,” Forbes.
Covered California 2016 Premiums Will Increase by an Average of 4%
Yesterday, Covered California unveiled rates for coverage starting in 2016, showing that consumers will face a 4% average premium increase. The rates vary by region, with changes ranging from a 10% decrease to a 23% increase. The rates now are subject to public comment and review by state regulators. Los Angeles Times et al.
CMS Releases New Star Ratings on Hospital Compare Site
Updated data on CMS’ Hospital Compare website show 336 hospitals received five star ratings — up from 251 in April — but nearly 600 hospitals received just one or two stars. The updated data are based on Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey results for the reporting period from October 2013 to September 2014. Healthcare Finance.
Health Researchers Use Smartphones To Conduct Studies
Health care researchers, including those from Stanford University, are using specialized applications on Apple’s iPhones to allow study participants to submit data daily. Researchers say smartphones are a great source of data for research because individuals carry them every day and can use the devices’ microphone, motion sensors and touchscreen to collect data. AP/Long Beach Press-Telegram.
UC-San Diego Scientists Applaud Alliance With La Jolla Institute for Boosting Immunology Research
UC-San Diego scientists Gary Firestein and Shu Chien applauded the university’s new alliance with La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology. The scientists said that the institute offers deep insight into the science in the immune system, while UC-San Diego provides clinical expertise and translational medicine. San Diego Union-Tribune.