Latest California Healthline Stories
CalPERS Taps UnitedHealth To Run Its Prescription Drug Business
Controlling costs was a big consideration in awarding the nearly $4.9 billion contract to OptumRx, a unit of the insurance giant.
Zoom, a medical group and insurer, is targeting millennials in Oregon and Washington with quick, accessible care as well as fitness, yoga and cooking classes.
California’s Medical Board Declares Neutrality On Proposed Doctor Disclosure Law
In exchange for steering clear of the fight, the board that oversees California’s physicians requested amendments to a bill that would require doctors and other medical practitioners to inform patients if they are on probation.
Sharing Your Doctor With A Group
With “shared appointments,” patients can get more time with less-harried providers, enjoy mutual support and see better outcomes. But the approach has its skeptics.
FDA Retreats From Recall Of Scope-Cleaning Machines Tied To Outbreaks
After a wave of sometimes-deadly superbug infections, the agency last year ordered a recall of Custom Ultrasonics machines used to disinfect medical scopes. Now, with little explanation, it is backing off.
Hospital Discharge: It’s One Of The Most Dangerous Periods For Patients
Bad coordination and communication can put patients at risk as they’re discharged from a hospital.
Finally, Long Overdue Progress In Hospital Seismic Safety
After a long period of doubt, California hospitals have made strides toward meeting the state’s stringent earthquake retrofitting requirements — but nearly 10 percent of hospital buildings are still at high risk.
Insurance Commissioner Puts Aetna And Humana In Hot Seat Over Merger Deal
Executives from Aetna and Humana defended their proposed $37 billion tie-up in a hearing conducted by Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. Consumer groups warned it would lead to higher premiums and restricted access to care.
Medicare Delays Plans For New Star Ratings On Hospitals After Congressional Pressure
The “overall hospital quality” rating is designed to help consumers who are sometimes confused by the variety of quality measures that the government already provides. But members of Congress had asked for the delay because of concerns that the methodology for the stars was not accurate.
Bill Would Expand Hospital Reporting On Executive Pay
The Assembly’s health committee Tuesday approved legislation that would require hospitals and affiliated medical groups to report the compensation of all executives making $250,000 or more a year.