Latest California Healthline Stories
Scope of Practice Legislation To Fight Another Day
None of the four bills proposing expanded scopes of practice for health care providers in California this year made it the governor’s desk. At least one state legislator vows to keep trying.
Why California Put the Brakes on a Hospital Merger — and What it Means
A proposed $843 million California hospital merger ended in acrimony, accusations and even a lawsuit. What went wrong, and what does it mean for hospital mergers?
The Next Big Battle Over Obamacare: Another Tax
As employers begin to consider future benefits packages, their attention is turned to the Affordable Care Act’s 40% tax on high-cost health plans. Advocates say the tax will help reduce health care costs by discouraging wasteful spending, while critics say the tax will unfairly raise out-of-pocket expenses for workers.
Accountable Care Organizations, Explained
This model of care is one of the ways created by the Affordable Care Act to reduce health care costs while improving quality of care. You can also watch the accompanying video that explains ACOs.
New Program in Coachella Valley Seeks Affordability in Personalized Primary Care
Putting a new spin on concierge medicine, Eisenhower Medical Center’s new direct primary care model lets patients connect to their doctors via email.
Federal Court Sides With Home Workers
California got the green light to implement an overtime pay requirement for home health workers, possibly in the fall. However, that light turns yellow if the case is appealed to the Supreme Court.
Has the ACA Made Community Health Centers Unnecessary?
Many people view community health centers as a key source of health care for uninsured U.S. residents. With the expansion of health insurance and efforts to increase the number of primary care providers via the Affordable Care Act, are CHCs still needed?
Governor Signs Bill Allowing Mid-Level Practitioners To OK Resuscitative Edicts
California physician assistants and nurse practitioners can approve patient wishes regarding resuscitative measures under legislation approved yesterday by the governor.
Advocates, CMS Warn Providers About Continuing Medicare ‘Balance Billing’
A CMS report says low-income seniors and those with disabilities often are billed for copayments, deductibles and other forms of shared payments, which is against the law.
Survey: Doctors Wary of Quality Metrics
Half of primary care physicians have a negative view of quality-of-care metrics, and they worry that those measures could compromise care, a new survey says.