Latest California Healthline Stories
CalTech, City of Hope Partner To Create Smartphone Cancer-Detection Tools
On Tuesday, officials said City of Hope and the California Institute of Technology have signed their first memorandum of understanding to share resources to create a smartphone tool that can determine individuals’ risk of cancer. The three-year agreement will give City of Hope researchers access to CalTech facilities and allow CalTech scientists to use City of Hope’s cancer models. Pasadena Star-News.
Calif. Experts Highlight Importance of Behavioral Health, Big Data
During a recent panel discussion, three California experts — from startup accelerator Rock Health, wearable device maker Misfit and UC-San Francisco — discussed the need for government investment in behavioral health changes, as well as the importance of big data in health care research. Silicon Valley Business Journal.
U.S. Demand for Protective Ebola Gear Contributing to Equipment Shortage in West Africa
U.S. demand for protective Ebola gear is contributing to a strain on supply that is complicating efforts to combat the disease in West Africa. For example, CDC this month has ordered $2.7 million worth of personal protective equipment — which typically consists of chemical suits, face masks, boot covers and hoods — to create its Strategic National Stockpile. Wall Street Journal.
Experts Expect ‘Typical’ Flu Season This Year
The 2014-2015 flu season is off to a slow start, but experts expect it to be a “typical” flu season, with cases peaking in January or February of next year. According to CDC, about 5% to 20% of U.S. residents are infected with some strain of influenza each season, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of complications stemming from the virus. HealthDay.
FDA Unveils New Calorie Count Menu Requirements
FDA has announced new rules that will require restaurants to place calorie counts on their menus in an effort to address obesity in the U.S. The rules will require menus to display calorie counts for foods sold at restaurants with at least 20 locations, as well as vending machines, amusement parks, movie theaters and some foods prepared in grocery and convenience stores. New York Times et al.
HHS Issues Proposed Rule To Close Hospital Coverage Loophole
HHS has released a proposed rule that would require large employers to include hospital coverage in health plans in 2016 to comply with the Affordable Care Act’s minimum coverage standards. The proposed rule comes after consumer advocates claimed a glitch in HHS’ minimum-value online calculator was allowing employers to offer substandard coverage. Kaiser Health News, The Hill.
Calif. Programs Receive Healthy Community Grants Totaling $12.2M
Eight California organizations, programs and counties have received a total of $12.2 million through grants available under the Affordable Care Act to boost community health. The largest grant was awarded to the Los Angeles County Office of Education, which received $3.6 million. HealthyCal.
Calif. Medical Board To Investigate Drugmakers’ Payments to Doctors
The Medical Board of California says it plans to investigate whether drugmakers’ payments to physicians have inappropriately influenced doctors who prescribe psychiatric drugs to children in the state’s foster care system. San Jose Mercury News.
Watchdog Group Urges Brown To Audit Hospitals for Medical Errors
Consumer Watchdog sent a letter to Gov. Brown and two other state officials urging audits of adverse event reporting among hospitals. The letter comes after a report found hospitals likely are underreporting medical errors. FierceHealthcare, Consumer Watchdog release.
Economists Dispute Claims of Looming Physician Shortage
While many medical groups say with certainty that there is a looming doctor shortage in the U.S., some health care economists say there is little evidence to support such claims. Further, some economists say that a small physician shortage would be better than a surplus of doctors and that the system will adjust to meet patient demand. Kaiser Health News.