Latest California Healthline Stories
Mental Health Recurring Theme at Conference
Starting with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, who set the tone on the first day, mental health care and its role in the evolving health care system emerged as a recurring theme last week at the Association of Health Care Journalists’ annual conference in Atlanta.
Federal Health IT Activity Continues in First Quarter of 2012
Federal health IT efforts continued in the first quarter of 2012, with the release of proposed rules for Stage 2 of the meaningful use incentive program and the appointment of Todd Park as the country’s new chief technology officer.
Funding Ending for Model Oral Health Plan for L.A. Kids
Funding expires this summer for a low-income children’s dental program in Los Angeles that has become a model for preventive oral health care. The program takes aim at the most common chronic pediatric disease — tooth decay — that affects overall health.
New Leader, New Plan, New EHR Initiative for Cal eConnect
The success of California’s health information exchange depends in part on the coordination and guidance of Cal eConnect and its energetic new CEO, Laura Landry. She said California is “on the verge of a breakthrough” in health information exchange.
Misuse of Prescription Painkillers Becoming More Widespread Among Young Californians
Tom Lenox of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Michael Plopper of Sharp HealthCare Behavioral Health Services, Sherrie Rubin of the not-for-profit organization HOPE and Robert Wailes of the California Medical Association’s board of trustees spoke with California Healthline about prescription drug misuse.
Where Would Consumers, Insurers Land if ACA Is Struck Down?
If the Supreme Court strikes down part or all of the Affordable Care Act, what might it mean for consumers who support the changes promised in reform? And what might it mean for insurers who were promised millions of new customers?
Community Rallies To Keep Kern Residency Program on Track
When the biggest hospital in Kern County decided to cut back its family practice residency program, the rural community reacted quickly and loudly, forcing the Bakersfield hospital to reinstate the program to its previous level.
Experts: Medicaid Expansion Will Stand; Mandate’s Fate Unclear
Legal and health policy experts were divided in their predictions about how specific challenges to the Affordable Care Act may play out in the Supreme Court, but all agreed that substantive changes to the law could have profound effects in California.
Inland Empire Hospitals Grapple With Chronic Bed Shortage
With a chronic shortage of hospital beds, Inland Empire hospitals are expected to be sheltered from fiscal pressures from the federal health reform law, and at least one hospital has plans to expand instead of making cuts.
Report Shows Health Disparities in Valley ZIP Codes
An in-depth study of Central Valley neighborhoods indicates that social determinants such as poverty, exposure to environmental hazards and lack of fresh food predict the health and life expectancy of residents.