Latest California Healthline Stories
Health IT Initiatives Less Likely To Be Hijacked, Officials Say
Health IT systems are less susceptible to the kind of hijacking that put San Francisco’s computer systems in limbo for nine days last month, according to health officials. Security regulations in HIPAA guard against it, they say.
HMOs Enter Homestretch Before New Language Law Takes Effect
California HMOs are gearing up for a new language assistance law that takes effect in six months. Health plans must provide translated materials and interpretation services to any member who needs it in whatever language or form.
Effort Urges Seniors With Chronic Conditions To Change Habits
Sparked by a grant from the Council on Aging, a three-year Healthier Living initiative hopes to help older Californians with chronic conditions take control of their health through behavior changes.
New Report Puts $38 Billion Price Tag on Alcohol Abuse in California, Urges New Taxes
Assembly member Jim Beall, Michele Simon of the Marin Institute, Edward Stringham of San Jose State University, and Fried Wittman of UC-Berkeley discussed the financial toll of alcohol with California Healthline.
Dental Advocates Fear Dentist Exodus From Denti-Cal
California dentists are increasingly questioning their involvement in Denti-Cal, the state’s dental and oral care program for Medi-Cal recipients. Lower reimbursement rates are part of the problem, but dentists say the program’s uncertainty and mountains of paperwork also are factors.
California Hospitals Consider Environment in Projects To Comply With Seismic Safety Rules
Anna Gilmour Hall of Healthcare Without Harm, John Kouletsis of Kaiser Permanente and Walter Vernon, a consulting engineer, discuss efforts by hospitals to build environmentally friendly facilities.
Adult Day Health Care Centers Stretched Thin, Cuts or No Cuts
Even if Medi-Cal cuts are denied in court, statewide programs providing health care services for frail elderly and disabled people — especially programs in rural areas — might have a hard time making ends meet.
California Lacks Health Professionals Other Than Doctors, Nurses
A new survey shows that a shortage of allied health professionals barely registers on the public radar. The California State University system is gearing up to address those shortages and fill new training needs.
California Officials Advance Efforts To Rein In Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Firms
Bonnie Sorensen of the Department of Public Health, Linda Avey, co-founder of a genetic testing company, Gail Javitt of Johns Hopkins University and Matthew Daynard of the Federal Trade Commission discuss genetic testing for consumers.
Report on Funding for Single-Payer Health Care Welcomed
Critics and fans of single payer health coverage both claim that a report by the Legislative Analyst’s Office predicting massive amounts of red ink strengthens their argument. Both sides agree that while the issue may be moot for now, it will rise again.