Latest California Healthline Stories
Study Finds No Harm In Allowing Surgeons-In-Training To Work Longer Shifts
Researchers found little difference in patient outcomes or satisfaction after placing restraints on medical residents’ working conditions in the past decade. Officials have previously sought to prevent inexperienced doctors from making mistakes caused by fatigue.
Will A California Regulator Halt The Centene-Health Net Deal?
Three pending multi-billion dollar health insurance acquisitions are facing wary resistance from Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, who might nix at least one of them.
California Voters Will Have Their Say On Drug Prices
Heated battle expected over November ballot proposal to curb state’s prescription drug costs, as pharmaceutical industry opens its pocketbook to defeat the measure.
Hospitals Employ Email ‘Empathy’ To Help Doctors And Patients Keep In Touch
A better way to communicate with patients and track their progress?
Health Insurers Grilled Over Merger
State officials had some pointed questions for health insurers last week during a hearing on the proposed sale of Health Net to Centene.
Supreme Court Union Ruling Could Have Significant Effect on Health Care System
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in a case challenging mandatory dues for labor unions could have significant repercussions in state and national health care systems, experts contend.
Heavy Use Of CT Scans Raises Concerns About Patients’ Exposure To Radiation
CT scans, which are administered more than 85 million times a year, are an important diagnostic tool, but just one can be equivalent to 200 X-rays. Some doctors warn that health providers are not considering possible consequences when ordering the tests.
Hospitals Required To Keep Caregivers In The Loop
California is one of several states to pass laws intended to involve caregivers in discussions when patients are hospitalized or discharged.
Expensive Drugs in 2016 Crosshairs
Lawmakers, policymakers and California voters are poised this year to move past dismay and discussion about rising prescription drug prices. With a new law on the books in California and a petition approved for the statewide ballot, dismay may give way to action.
Health Reform May Change Workers’ Roles
A new study from UC-San Francisco predicts new health care jobs in California spurred by an aging population and changes in a reforming health care system.