Latest California Healthline Stories
California’s New Health Information Exchange Hires CEO
Carladenise Edwards, former health IT coordinator for the state of Georgia and health IT adviser in Florida, is the new president and CEO of Cal eConnect and will manage California’s $38.8 million federal grant for health information exchange.
ARRA Projects Move Ahead for Health IT, Broadband
Although health care reform has moved into the national spotlight, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 continues to develop health care-related projects and grant programs. This update summarizes significant developments over the past few months.
Telemedicine Struggles in Central Valley Amid Hope, Hardship
Despite investments in infrastructure, widespread use of telemedicine has yet to take hold in San Joaquin Valley, an area of California that could benefit greatly from the technology. The Valley’s experience could hold lessons for the rest of the state.
Making the Most of Health IT, Health Reform Overlaps
David Lansky, co-chair of the new organization managing the state’s electronic information exchange, and Jonah Frohlich, state HHS deputy secretary for health IT, identify areas where health care reform and health IT might work together for greatest impact in California.
California’s Medi-Cal Automation System May Get a Reboot
The computer systems that manage California’s human services programs — including Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program — are nearing the end of their useful lives. Legislators are trying to figure out how the cash-strapped state can pay for new ones.
Government Making Progress on Federal Stimulus Provisions
Since early March, the federal government has made significant progress in awarding grants and implementing various provisions of the federal economic stimulus package.
Federal Officials Seek Input From States on Health Reform
Officials from CMS and HHS delivered a consistent health reform message last week at the National Conference of State Legislatures Spring Forum in Washington, D.C.: “We’re all in this together and the more we can help each other, the better.”
California Moving Ahead With Efforts To Boost Adoption of Electronic Health Record Systems
Robin Affrime of the Redwood Community Health Coalition, Carmella Castellano-Garcia of the California Primary Care Association and Speranza Avram of CalHIPSO share their thoughts on CalHIPSO’s mission.
‘Defining Moment’ for Health Information Exchange in California
Last week, California officials tapped a private, not-for-profit organization to lead efforts to develop a statewide health information exchange. Although there still isn’t unanimity on how to proceed in some areas, the group’s co-chairs are looking forward.
Stimulus Programs Aim at Health IT Problems
Hoping to avoid future problems and educate the public about current challenges, the federal government is aiming stimulus funding at a couple of offshoot efforts in the national campaign to move the health care industry into the digital age.