Latest California Healthline Stories
New Study Offers Drug Pricing Lessons from Abroad, Urges Changes in U.S.
Authors of a new study on prescription drug pricing techniques used in other countries say it’s time for U.S. policymakers to take action to stem the rise in drug prices — especially for specialty drugs which account for a disproportionate amount of spending.
Another Case Before Supreme Court Could Influence Health Care Reform
In addition to the much-anticipated ruling in King v. Burwell, a Vermont case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court involving an insurance company’s efforts to avoid divulging information also has the potential to have a significant influence on health care reform.
Medicare ‘Doc Fix’ Affects Non-Doctor Providers, Too
The replacement for Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula affects not just physicians, but also nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists and other types of providers. Leaders of several California provider groups say the new law will help improve beneficiaries’ access to care.
State Pressured To Explain Why it Revoked Blue Shield’s Not-for-Profit Exemption
Consumer advocates want to know how state officials came to the decision last year to revoke Blue Shield of California’s status as a tax-exempt not-for-profit health care company. State officials said they can’t explain because of confidentiality laws.
New State Rules for Catheter Procedures May Help Rural Patients, Hospitals
California hospitals have the option under a new state law this year to offer elective cardiac catheter procedures, a change in policy that could save time and money for patients and create new revenue for rural hospitals.
Legislation To Regulate E-Cigarettes Is Facing Stiff Resistance in California
Stefan Didak of the Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association, Tim Gibbs of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, UC-San Francisco professor Stanton Glantz, state Sen. Mark Leno and Zach Shpizner, a vape shop worker in San Mateo, spoke with California Healthline about proposed legislation to regulate electronic cigarettes as a tobacco product and ban vaping in public places.
Telehealth Project Aims To Improve Health Care Access for Inland Empire Tribes
Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, a system serving nine American Indian tribes in the Inland Empire, has rolled out a telehealth project that could serve as a model for tribes statewide.
Demand Up in Calif. for Dental Care Services, Yet Hurdles To Access Remain
More than 2,000 people sought dental care at a no-cost event in Sacramento recently — a sign of the increasing demand for dental care services. Some patients waited hours for care, including those who have had trouble making appointments through Denti-Cal, the state’s dental care program for low-income patients.
Drug Price Transparency Bill Shelved in California, Push Continues
A bill calling for drugmakers to explain high prices for specialty drugs is back on the drawing board in California, but other states and the Obama administration are pushing for more drug pricing transparency.
L.A. County Could Benefit From More Palliative Care Resources, Experts Say
As palliative care comes into its own as a medical subspecialty, payers, providers and consumers in Los Angeles County recognize the benefits while facing a shortage in supply and uneven distribution of services.