Latest California Healthline Stories
Close Vote, Heated Talk on Physician Employment in Assembly
Should hospitals or health districts be allowed to directly employ physicians? The charged issue crosses party lines, and the Assembly’s recent floor vote showed just how divided it is.
Enrollment Work Group Gets Down to Business
Last week, the Health IT Policy Committee’s recently created Enrollment Work Group held its inaugural meeting. Meeting participants seemed excited and eager to get down to business, but they were realistic about the challenges that lie ahead, especially with such tight deadlines.
Insurance Czar May Gain New Clout in California
With the state’s pending implementation of national health care reform, the role of state insurance commissioner is in position to assume new political power in California.
Officials, Health Care Providers Working To Reduce Patient Readmissions in California
Experts spoke with California Healthline about a recent report from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development that found more than one in three California hospital patients is readmitted within a year.
ARRA Projects Move Ahead for Health IT, Broadband
Although health care reform has moved into the national spotlight, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 continues to develop health care-related projects and grant programs. This update summarizes significant developments over the past few months.
Telemedicine Struggles in Central Valley Amid Hope, Hardship
Despite investments in infrastructure, widespread use of telemedicine has yet to take hold in San Joaquin Valley, an area of California that could benefit greatly from the technology. The Valley’s experience could hold lessons for the rest of the state.
New Payment Method May Help Curb Costs, Improve Care
Payment bundling, an important part of national health care reform, is likely to be an integral part of California’s effort to revamp its health care system. The new tool has the potential to deliver lower costs, more efficient reimbursement and better patient outcomes.
High Court Asks Solicitor General’s Opinion in Medi-Cal Case
If the U.S. Supreme Court chooses to hear California’s arguments in favor of reducing Medi-Cal reimbursements, the court’s ruling could have a significant impact on the entire Medicaid program and, in turn, on how health care reform rolls out across the country.
Santa Clara’s Happy Meal Toy Ban Carefully Watched
A new ordinance in Silicon Valley banning the inclusion of toys with unhealthy kids’ meals is being closely watched around the country. While supporters acknowledge that the ban isn’t the silver bullet to end childhood obesity, they say it is a new weapon in the fight.
Making the Most of Health IT, Health Reform Overlaps
David Lansky, co-chair of the new organization managing the state’s electronic information exchange, and Jonah Frohlich, state HHS deputy secretary for health IT, identify areas where health care reform and health IT might work together for greatest impact in California.