Latest California Healthline Stories
More Than Half of Calif. Residents Are Surprised by Medical Bills
A new survey by TransUnion Healthcare finds that 57% of California respondents are surprised by the amount of their medical bills. In addition, just 28% said they had been given a cost estimate before undergoing care, but about 48% said it was easy to find such information. Payers & Providers, TransUnion Healthcare survey.
Santa Monica Approves New E-Cigarette Restrictions
On Tuesday, the Santa Monica City Council approved a measure to increase regulation of e-cigarettes. The regulations, which will subject e-cigarettes to the same regulation as normal cigarettes, will ban the products from bars, clubs and restaurants. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Moody’s Upgrades California’s Credit Rating
On Wednesday, Moody’s upgraded California’s credit rating to Aa3 — the state’s highest level since 2001 — citing the state’s budget process and implementation of a rainy day fund. However, California still falls below the average credit rating among states, which is Aa1. Los Angeles Times.
UCSF, S.F. VA Medical Center Study Finds Head Injuries Are Linked to Dementia in Older Veterans
A new study by researchers at UC-San Francisco and the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center finds that veterans who have experienced concussions, skull fractures and bleeding inside the skull are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia. Lead author Deborah Barnes said the study took into account depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions. Reuters.
15 Medical Professionals Indicted by Orange County Grand Jury Over Workers’ Compensation Scam
On Monday, the Orange County grand jury released an indictment alleging that 15 California medical professionals took part in a $25 million workers’ compensation scam that used kickbacks and the sale of a certain cream to defraud the government. Three of the professionals named in the indictment also are charged in the death of a 5-month-old boy who might have died after ingesting the cream. Orange County Register.
President of Calif. Retirees’ Association Argues That CalPERS Has Faced ‘Misplaced Criticism’
In an opinion piece, George Linn — president of the Retired Public Employees’ Association of California — argues that retirees’ pensions have received “misplaced criticism” in the state, adding, “The continuous blame being placed on [retirees] and CalPERS needs to stop.” Far from being a drain on the economy, Linn writes that the state would lose about $30.4 billion of economic activity if CalPERS was eliminated. Los Angeles Daily News.
Congress Working To Develop Unified VA Health Care Bill
After approving separate bills, the House and Senate now are working to develop a unified measure to increase and improve veterans’ access to health care. Meanwhile, a new report shows that more than 1,000 veterans might have died and about $845 million in medical malpractice claims has been paid out because of improper practices at VA health centers. AP/ABC News et al.
Bill To Boost Medi-Cal Access to Medical Interpreters Advances
The California Senate Appropriations Committee is considering an Assembly-approved bill that would create a system to increase Medicaid beneficiaries’ access to interpreters at doctor offices and hospitals in the state. The measure is identical to a bill vetoed last year by Gov. Brown. New America Media.
Calif. Senate Panel Advances Bill To Restrict Guns for Mentally Ill
The California Senate Public Safety Committee has passed a bill that would allow law enforcement officers to request temporary restraining orders to prevent individuals who are suspected of having mental health issues or who are potentially violent from purchasing guns. Gun advocates say the measure “goes too far” and would face a court challenge if signed into law. KFBK News et al.
FDA Pilot Program Taps EHR, Claims Data To Track Product Safety
An FDA pilot program, called Mini-Sentinel, leverages medical claims and electronic health record data to track the safety of FDA-regulated products. Several large health care organizations throughout the U.S. — including Aetna, Humana and Kaiser Permanente — have partnered with FDA on the pilot. Health Data Management, “FDA Voice.”