Latest California Healthline Stories
Protecting California’s Seniors From Surprise Hospital, Nursing Home Bills
Lawmakers approve a bill to help Medicare patients with “observation care” costs.
Hospital Surprise: Medicare’s Observation Care
You’re in a hospital and think you’re admitted. Maybe not. Many Medicare beneficiaries are surprised to learn that even after spending a couple of days, they are receiving observation care, which Medicare considers an outpatient service, so the seniors’ costs can be more than expected.
Doctors Raise Concerns For Small Practices In Medicare’s New Payment System
The government is laying out plans to use payment incentives to promote higher quality care, but physicians say the new system may be hard on solo practices and small groups.
FAQ: Hospital Observation Care Can Be Costly For Medicare Patients
A guide to help Medicare patients receiving observation care.
Price Hike For One Diabetes Drug Costs CalPERS Millions
The drug Lantus is among a new generation of diabetes medications that is difficult for governments — and consumers — to afford.
Under a new law, you could get money back if you were charged out-of-network prices after going to a medical provider who is listed in your health plan’s network.
Government-Protected ‘Monopolies’ Drive Drug Prices Higher, Study Says
Researchers at Harvard University examined thousands of studies to determine why drug prices have climbed and what might be done about it.
Public Health Officials Struggle To Identify Sepsis Before It Becomes Deadly
Consumer campaigns, hospital rules and some new state laws seek to increase awareness about the lethal disease.
California Lawmakers Aim To Tackle Rural Health Challenges
Two measures seek to ease patients’ transportation woes and doctor shortages.
Gas Relief Drops, Often Added To Medical Scopes, May Pose Danger
In a small study, Minnesota researchers found that the infant drops used to increase visibility during procedures may create a “perfect habitat” for bacteria and make scopes harder to clean.