Latest California Healthline Stories
High Temperatures, Extreme Drought in California Caused Increase in Smog, Health Risks
After decades of progress toward cleaner air in California, heat and extreme drought over the last year have led to an increase in smog, according to air quality experts. They note that the prolonged dry spells have brought more temperature inversions that trap pollution near the ground, increasing health risks. Sci-Tech Today.
California Officials Say Norovirus To Blame for Illnesses at Bay Area Hotel
On Monday, California officials said the norovirus was responsible for 60 people at the Hotel Sofitel in the Bay Area developing a gastrointestinal illness, of which about 12 were sent to the hospital. According to the San Mateo County Health System, the norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the U.S., with up to 12 million illnesses annually and about 800 deaths. Reuters.
AMA Adopts Policies on Meaningful Use, Licensure
During its Interim Meeting this week, the American Medical Association adopted a policy that calls for the federal government to remove all penalties from the meaningful use incentive program. AMA also adopted a policy supporting the Federation of State Medical Board’s interstate licensing compact. EHR Intelligence, Politico‘s “Morning eHealth.”
VA Secretary Unveils New Reorganization Plan To Boost Veterans’ Access to Agency, Benefits
On Monday, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald announced a reorganization plan designed to help veterans gain easier access to the agency and its benefits. McDonald said the restructuring will be the largest in the department’s history and primarily will focus on customer service. AP/Washington Times.
HHS’ 2015 ACA Enrollment Estimate Lower Than CBO’s Projection
HHS estimates that between nine million and 9.9 million individuals will enroll in plans through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges during the second open enrollment period. The projection is about 30% lower than the 13 million individuals the Congressional Budget Office estimated would enroll in coverage through the exchanges. New York Times et al.
CMS Wants To Cover Yearly Lung Cancer Tests for High-Risk People
CMS has released a draft proposal to cover annual low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening for Medicare beneficiaries at high risk of the disease. The proposal would cover Medicare beneficiaries ages 55 to 74 who have a history of heavy smoking and outlines specific eligibility criteria for radiologists and radiology imaging centers. New York Times et al.
California Researchers Target Health Issues Related to Added Sugars
An analysis of more than 8,000 studies and research papers shows that overconsumption of added sugar can lead to heart disease, liver disease and Type 2 diabetes. Researchers have created a new website to help health departments raise awareness about the health-related dangers of added sugar. KQED’s “State of Health.”
Calif. Hospitals Report Mixed Results Following ACA Implementation
The expansion of health insurance under the Affordable Care Act has led to improved financial results for some California hospitals. However, experts say the full effect of the ACA is not yet clear, as hospitals face future reimbursement cuts and other pressures. U-T San Diego.
Ownership, Performance Data on State Nursing Homes Lacking
Despite state laws aimed at boosting transparency, California consumers lack data on nursing home ownership and performance. Further, some nursing home chains have complex business structures that make it difficult for consumers and government agencies to identify who is running the organization and who should be held accountable. Sacramento Bee.
Sacramento Federal Prosecutors Win $4.9M Settlement Over Medical Device Kickback Scheme
On Thursday, the U.S. attorney’s office in Sacramento announced a $4.9 million settlement with a German medical device manufacturer that allegedly paid kickbacks to doctors. The case against Biotronik was brought by a Sacramento law firm, Kershow Cutter & Ratinoff, in 2009 on behalf of a company sales representative who alleged that doctors were given incentives to use Biotronik devices for their patients. Sacramento Bee.