Latest California Healthline Stories
CPOE Study Draws Strong Reaction From Medical, IT Community
A March study on computer physician order entry systems in the Journal of the American Medical Association has continued to elicit reaction from the health care and information technology communities, with some stakeholders saying media coverage of the report could slow implementation efforts.
Medem Launches No-Cost Electronic Health Records Service
Medem earlier this month launched no-cost electronic personal health records for the general public, a development that some observers say could spur wider adoption of health care information technology.
Population Increases, More Elderly Residents Challenge California Nursing Homes
A growing population and increases in the number of elderly residents pose unique challenges for California nursing homes. Some advocates have praised the governor’s enactment of legislation to alter the Medi-Cal reimbursement system for nursing homes, but others say that other changes are needed.
Outcome of Health-Related Ballot Measures Has Implications for Future Reform Efforts
Some health policy players say that the outcome of the five health-related ballot measures on the Nov. 2 statewide ballot could inform future efforts to reform health care but differ as to what comes next. Looking at the results, some see increased support for expanding health coverage, while others see voter sensitivity to the state budget deficit and economy.
Clinical Information Technology Systems Play Larger Role in Chronic Disease Care
Efforts are under way in California and nationwide to use clinical information technology to improve care for patients with chronic diseases. But whether IT can help the fragmented health care system save money or improve care remains unclear.
Reaction To Nurse Staffing Rules Generally Favorable
Almost a year after nurse staffing rules took effect in California, the rules are generally positively received in the health care industry, although some groups are concerned about the rules’ impact on hospitals.
California Health Care Spending Below National Average
Distinct economic, political and social conditions in California result in a unique health care marketplace, in which some costs and utilization rates are below the national average, while some outcome measures are above the national average. Some health policy players consider possible explanations.
California Hospitals Reflect Successes, Challenges To Wired Health System
Six California hospitals and health systems made this year’s annual Hospitals & Health Networks list of the 100 “Most Wired” U.S. hospitals. In many ways, these hospitals reflect the incremental progress, and the formidable barriers to the health sector’s adoption of new technologies.