Latest California Healthline Stories
Delivery, Newborn Care Varies at California Hospitals
The type of delivery and newborn care provided at hospitals in California varies widely, according to new data from the California Hospital Assessment and Reporting Taskforce, or CHART. Among other things, the data show that women are more likely to have a cesarean section and are less likely to exclusively breast feed at low-performing hospitals than at high-performing hospitals. KQED’s “State of Health.”
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of December 12, 2014
St. Joseph Health intends to settle with the Department of Justice over allegations that the hospital system billed Medicare for using implantable defibrillators in ineligible patients. Hundreds of nurses at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center went on a two-day strike over low wages and allegedly poor working conditions.
Study: Number of Medical Student-Run Clinics on the Rise
A recent study by researchers from UC-San Diego and other institutions found that the number of student-run, no-cost medical clinics at U.S. medical schools has nearly doubled, increasing from 110 in 2005 to more than 200 this year. The study found that more than half of medical students work at such clinics, even though half of medical schools do not offer academic credit for the work. HealthDay/Philadelphia Inquirer.
HHS: About 1.4M U.S. Residents Have Enrolled in Health Coverage Through Federal Insurance Exchange
HHS on Wednesday released data that show about 1.4 million U.S. residents have chosen health plans through the Affordable Care Act’s federal exchange since the second open enrollment period began on Nov. 15. According to HHS, 48% of the enrollees were new customers, while 52% were consumers renewing coverage. The Hill.
Gilead Faces Lawsuit Over High Price of Hepatitis C Drug
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has filed a lawsuit against Gilead Sciences over the “exorbitant” price of its $1,000-per-pill hepatitis C drug Sovaldi. The lawsuit seeks class-action status on behalf of any U.S. resident or entity who purchased Sovaldi or has not been able to get the drug. Reuters et al.
Report: Four California Hospitals Among Best Cardiovascular Facilities
A report by Truven Health Analytics finds that four hospitals in California are among the top 50 across the U.S. for cardiovascular care. The hospitals report low rates of complications and readmissions. Sacramento Bee, Truven Health Analytics report.
California Cities Ranked for Health and Safety, Active Lifestyles
Several California cities were included in a recent WalletHub report that ranks U.S. cities based on economic, health and safety metrics. Meanwhile, a separate WalletHub report ranks cities — including many in California — for residents’ active lifestyles. OC Weekly‘s “Navel Gazing” et al.
CDC’s 2012 Anti-Smoking Campaign Cost Just $480 per Quitter
A CDC analysis finds that a four-month anti-smoking campaign — which was funded by the Affordable Care Act — cost $48 million, or $393 per year of life gained. Health care experts say the effort’s cost is significantly lower than the $50,000 per year of life gained generally considered cost effective. Washington Post‘s “To Your Health.”
Covered California Reports Issues With Insurance Renewal Process
Yesterday, Covered California officials said that sign-ups during the exchange’s second open enrollment period are exceeding those during the first month of enrollment last year. However, officials also reported that consumers seeking to change or renew their health coverage are facing some issues. Los Angeles Times et al.
Scripps Researchers Seek To Find Out Why Young, Healthy People Suddenly Die
On Wednesday, the Scripps Translational Science Institute announced a new clinical trial that aims to identify the causes behind sudden-death victims whose autopsies provide little insight. The researchers say that by performing “molecular autopsies” — taking tissue samples from such victims over the coming months and sequencing their DNA — the San Diego County medical examiner and area researchers could find the root cause when young, healthy individuals suddenly die. Los Angeles Times.