Latest California Healthline Stories
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of June 27, 2014
The Santa Clara Valley Medical Center has launched a $25 million fundraising campaign to create a Women and Children’s Center at the facility. Scripps Research Institute faculty leaders are objecting to a proposed merger or takeover of the facility by the University of Southern California.
Whooping Cough Cases in L.A. County Surpass 350
Los Angeles County has reported 354 confirmed and probable whooping cough cases so far this year, up from 295 cases reported in all of 2013. County public health officials also are investigating 356 potential cases and are urging residents to make sure their vaccinations are up to date. Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Times.
Rejection of California Endowment Funding for Medi-Cal Renewals Was ‘Bad Call,’ Editorial Argues
A Los Angeles Times editorial argues that state lawmakers made a “bad call” when they rejected $6 million in funding from the California Endowment that was meant to help low-income state residents renew their health coverage under Medi-Cal. The editorial adds that lawmakers should advance a bill, by state Sens. Ed Hernandez and Mark Leno, that would accept the California Endowment’s funding offer. Los Angeles Times.
Desert Healthcare District Program Did Not Result in Healthier Residents Than Other Areas, Data Show
A Desert Healthcare District program designed to promote exercise and healthy eating in Palm Desert has not made area residents any healthier than residents in other parts of the Coachella Valley, according to data compiled by the Health Assessment Resource Center. In addition, residents in the district fared worse than residents in other nearby areas on some health benchmarks, including heart disease rates. Desert Sun.
A new study led by UC-San Francisco School of Medicine researchers finds that obstetricians and gynecologists in the U.S. face challenges to counseling pregnant patients about potential environmental hazards, such as exposure to certain chemicals. The providers were found to lack adequate medical education and training, evidence-based guidelines and communication tools. Reuters.
Outpatient Care Prices Higher at Hospitals Than at Independent Providers, Analysis Finds
In 2011, prices for hospital outpatient procedures, such as routine blood tests and cancer screenings, varied widely and were much higher than the prices that independent physicians and clinics charged, according to a recent National Institute for Health Care Reform analysis. The findings showed price variances for $68 million in claims involving routine procedures such as colonoscopies, blood work and physical therapy. Modern Healthcare.
Study: Feds Should Align ACA Open Enrollment Period, Tax Season
A new study published in Health Affairs suggests that moving the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges to align with tax season would be particularly helpful to low-income consumers because they could learn about their subsidy eligibility and use their refunds to purchase coverage. Modern Healthcare‘s “Vital Signs” et al.
Industry Divided on Bill To Let Patients Opt Out of Mail-Order Rx
Several insurers and pharmaceutical companies have come out against a bill that would allow about one million California patients to opt out of insurers’ mail-order prescription requirements. The bill’s supporters argue that it will improve patients’ access to medication and communication between patients, pharmacists and physicians. Payers and Providers.
Some Calif. Pharmacies Do Not Offer Written Translations of Rx Labels
Health advocates say that many pharmacists in California do not offer written translations of prescription drug labels and instructions, which could put residents who speak limited or no English at risk. However, industry groups say that providing such instructions could make pharmacies liable for patient harm. HealthyCal.
Unexpected Drop in Health Care Spending Causes 2.9% Decline in GDP
The Department of Commerce reports that overall gross domestic product declined by 2.9% in the first quarter of 2014 because of an unexpected decline in health care spending, as well as other factors. Health care spending dropped by 1.4% in Q1 2014, far lower than government statisticians’ estimated 9.9% increase. New York Times‘ “The Upshot” et al.