Latest California Healthline Stories
California Could Become National Model for Telemedicine
Given California’s size, large percentage of rural residents and policymakers’ willingness to find innovative ways to boost health care quality, the state is well positioned to become a model for telemedicine adoption and use. To seize this opportunity, the state must first alleviate some of the economical, regulatory and behavioral barriers preventing providers from deploying the technology.
Questions on Medi-Cal Funding Remain After Budget Deal
More than $1 billion in payments to health care providers were delayed after the Medi-Cal emergency fund was exhausted after only one month during the budget stalemate. In response, at least two lawmakers plan legislation for next year to increase the Medi-Cal emergency fund.
California Launches New Public Health Department
Supporters of the move to have a distinct state agency assume responsibility for public health operations hope that it will boost the state’s preparedness, but critics worry that it will lead to complacency about public health issues.
Try, Try Again: Health IT on the Agenda in Congress
A new batch of health information technology bills are on the way, but many measures slated to be introduced in the current session of Congress are revived and revised versions of legislation from 2005. What has changed since the last time they were introduced?
What’s Behind All the Bad Press for Health Insurers?
Health insurers say they are getting a bad rap when the real target of the public’s outrage should be rising health care costs. Consumer advocates argue that the two are inextricably linked in the current health care system, and California regulators are stepping up oversight.
On Health Reform, Ask: Where Is the Opposition Coming From?
One of the greatest challenges for any of the proposals to rework California’s health care system is the possibility of a referendum, pushing backers of the efforts to carefully consider whether interest groups will outright oppose a plan, even if they won’t support it.
Will Health Care Reform Lead to a Single-Payer System?
Health care advocates are evaluating reform proposals offered by Gov. Schwarzenegger and leaders of the Assembly and Senate as short-term strategies to address flaws in the health care system, possibly interim steps toward a single-payer health system.
EHR Adoption Efforts Should Focus on Small Practices
A survey of physicians in Massachusetts found that practice size strongly correlated with EHR adoption, as 52% of practices with 7 or more physicians reported using an EHR, compared with just 14% of solo practices.
San Francisco Moves Forward With Health Access Plan
San Francisco leaders say the plan to provide health care access to all city residents will withstand any potential legal changes, and health care advocates see the plan as an important step in health care reform.
Kaiser Transplant Program Could Spur More Oversight
The collapse of an organ-transplant program last month at the largest and one of the most highly regarded HMOs in the country is sending ripples of worry through the health care community.