Latest California Healthline Stories
Latest Hospital Injury Penalties Include Crackdown On Antibiotic Resistant Germs
Medicare reduced payments to 769 hospitals in the program, punishing facilities that have high rates of patient injuries, including infections, blood clots, falls and bed sores. This year, federal officials also added the prevalence of two dangerous bacteria.
California Hospitals Improve Infection Rates But Threat Remains
Hospital-acquired infections kill 100,000 U.S. patients every year and cost $20 billion.
Grilled About Deadly Superbug Outbreaks, Execs At Scope Maker Olympus Take Fifth
Lawyers who deposed top company officials in a civil case say they declined to answer questions about their failure to warn American hospitals of infection risks. Industry giant Olympus also is the subject of a criminal probe.
The Throwaway Scope: A Way To Ditch Superbugs?
Small manufacturers are betting that disposable medical scopes will slash the risk of infection during procedures. Some doctors are skeptical of the cheaper models.
Without ACA Guarantees, 52 Million Adults Could Have Trouble Buying Individual Plans
More than a quarter of adults under the age of 65 have health problems that could lead to a denial of insurance if they were on the individual market and the health law’s protections were revoked under the overhaul planned by Republicans, according to research by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Insurers’ Flawed Directories Leave Patients Scrambling For In-Network Doctors
Many consumers find that doctors listed in their plan’s directories aren’t accepting new patients, charge large concierge fees or may not even be in the network. Regulators don’t check.
Price Poised To Protect Doctors’ Interests At HHS
As a Republican congressman, orthopedic surgeon Tom Price introduced bills to protect doctors’ financial interests.
Grab Bag Of Goodies In 21st Century Cures Act
A breakdown of winners — and a few losers — in the sprawling Cures Act approved by the House.
Senate Approves Landmark Mental Health Bill As Part Of 21st Century Cures Act
The U.S. Senate passed a landmark bill to help millions of Americans suffering from mental illness.
Doctors And Hospitals Say ‘Show Me The Money’ Before Treating Patients
As patients’ share of medical bills has grown with the rise in deductibles, copays and coinsurance, providers have become laser focused on getting payments up front.