California Healthline: Chronic Disease Care

Los Angeles County Unveils New Fellowship To Better Train Doctors To Care for Patients With HIV

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 14:21:00 Z

On Tuesday, Los Angeles County health officials announced a new fellowship to teach doctors at county facilities how to care for patients with HIV. The two-year fellowship will be funded by a $7.5 million grant from pharmaceutical company ViiV Healthcare. Los Angeles Times.

California Researchers Awarded $6M Federal Grant To Create Asthma-Predicting Technology for Children

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 14:11:00 Z

A team of researchers from UCLA and the University of Southern California has been awarded a $6 million grant to help develop technology that can predict children's asthma attacks. The money was awarded by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering as part of the National Institute of Health's $144 million initiative to create sensor monitors for children. Healthcare Informatics, MobiHealthNews.

UC-Davis Researchers Find Pigeons Trainable To Detect Breast Cancer on Radiology Images

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 14:05:00 Z

Researchers at UC-Davis and two other institutions found that pigeons could be trained to identify cancerous masses in tissue slides and mammograms on their first attempt, according to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE. The researchers say the findings could affect how physicians read slides and mammograms to look for breast cancer. Sacramento Bee.

Fountain Valley Officials Approve Ordinance Prohibiting Medical Marijuana Cultivation

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 14:04:00 Z

On Tuesday, the Fountain Valley City Council voted to approve an ordinance banning all cannabis activity and cultivation in the city. Councilmember Mark McCurdy was the only member to vote against the recommendation, citing a concern that it would impede access to medical marijuana for individuals with legitimate medical needs. Orange County Register.

Study: Cancer Outcomes Worse Among Medi-Cal Beneficiaries

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 14:36:00 Z

A new study by researchers from UC-Davis' Institute for Population Health Improvement finds that cancer patients who are enrolled in California's Medicaid program have lower survival rates and are less likely to receive recommended treatments, compared with those who have other types of insurance. Kaiser Health News.

UC-San Francisco Study Highlights Harmful Effects of Sugar

Fri, 30 Oct 2015 13:32:00 Z

Consuming fewer sugary calories can lead to improvements in children's health, according to a study by researchers at Vallejo's Touro University California and UC-San Francisco. For the study, researchers put a group of obese children with at least one metabolic disorder on a sugar-restricted diet and found the kids became full sooner and within 10 days saw improvements in blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and liver functions. Capital Public Radio's "KXJZ News," Contra Costa Times.

San Francisco To Spend Another $1.2M To Combat HIV

Fri, 30 Oct 2015 13:30:00 Z

San Francisco plans to spend an additional $1.2 million to help combat the spread of HIV. The city is using the funding to help support an initiative aimed at getting individuals with HIV into antiretroviral treatment sooner and a program that seeks expand the use of Truvada, an HIV prevention pill. KQED's "State of Health."

L.A. County Launches Effort To Curb Childhood Obesity

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 17:57:00 Z

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has launched a new campaign aimed at curbing childhood obesity by encouraging families to drink water instead of sugary beverages. In addition to the new campaign, health officials are working to boost the nutritional quality of food offered on campuses and including more play time during the school day. Los Angeles Times.

Few Physicians Using Medicare Coordinated Care Benefits, CMS Says

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 14:34:00 Z

CMS data show few providers caring for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions are using federal funding dedicated to efforts to coordinate care. While CMS estimates that about 35 million Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for coordinated care benefits, the agency has received reimbursement requests for just 100,000 beneficiaries so far. Modern Healthcare.

UC-Davis Researchers Awarded $15.5M NIH Grant To Create New Whole-Body Imaging Device

Fri, 09 Oct 2015 13:23:00 Z

NIH has awarded a team of UC-Davis researchers a five-year, $15.5 million grant to build an imaging device that can scan the entire body while reducing scanning time and radiation exposure. The device will combine two technologies -- positron emission tomography and computerized axial tomography, known as PET and CAT scans, respectively -- and officials say it could change the way cancers are monitored and treated. Sacramento Business Journal.

Marin County's Breast Cancer Incidence Rate Declines

Thu, 08 Oct 2015 13:34:00 Z

Breast cancer incidence rates among women in Marin County have fallen at a rate of 1.8% annually since 1998, according to a new report by the Cancer Prevention Institute of California. Lead report author Tina Clarke attributed the decline to women consuming less alcohol, exercising more and other factors. However, the study found no evidence that a 2009 recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for women to have fewer mammograms contributed to the decline. San Jose Mercury News, KQED's "State of Health."

UCLA, VA Partner To Improve Veterans' Access to Clinical Trials for Cancer

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 13:44:00 Z

On Wednesday, UCLA and the Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System announced a new partnership to provide veterans with access to clinical cancer trials. The two-year, $440,000 project will enable veterans to enroll in clinical trials being led by UCLA researchers. KPCC's "KPCC News."

Southern California Sees Decline in Obese, Overweight Children

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 13:52:00 Z

A new study by Kaiser Permanente finds that the obesity rate among Southern California children dropped by 1.6 percentage points between 2008 and 2013, while the rate of overweight children in the area fell by 2.2 percentage points. The declines occurred among all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic categories. Orange County Register, Journal of Pediatrics.

Study: Kaiser's Online Refill Tool Helped Boost Medication Adherence Rates Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 13:07:00 Z

Kaiser Health System's online prescription drug refill tool increased medication adherence for the system's diabetes patients, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. For the study, researchers at Kaiser and UC-San Francisco compared medication adherence rates of Type 2 diabetes patients who used the tool with those who did not. They found that those who used the tool reduced their time without their medication by more than 3%. Reuters.

Hispanics at Heightened Risk of Being Diagnosed With Late-Stage Skin Cancer, Researchers Say

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 13:12:00 Z

Researchers say Hispanic U.S. residents are more likely than non-Hispanic white residents to be diagnosed with late-stage skin cancer, which increases the risk of death. A 2014 study conducted by researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City found U.S.-born Hispanics were more likely than non-Hispanic whites to report misconceptions about skin and were less likely to have been screened for the disease or take preventive measures against the sun. KQED's "State of Health."

UCSF Researchers Find Childhood Brain Cancer Survivors More Likely To Experience Recurrent Strokes

Thu, 27 Aug 2015 13:16:00 Z

Childhood brain cancer survivors who have experienced a stroke are twice as likely to have another stroke, compared with stroke survivors who did not have cancer, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Neurology. The study authors, from UC-San Francisco's Benioff Children's Hospital, said the findings could help improve guidelines for follow-up care for childhood cancer patients. San Jose Mercury News.

Study Questions Thinking About Health Care 'Super-Utilizers'

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 15:08:00 Z

A new study finds that patients with serious illnesses who visit the hospital and emergency department frequently typically do so over a short period of time. The researchers say the findings contradict previous studies that have shown such patients use health care services intensely over the long term. Kaiser Health News, FierceHealthcare.

UC-Davis Team Awarded $8.5M CIRM Grant To Treat HIV/AIDS Patients With Lymphoma

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 13:56:00 Z

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded an $8.5 million grant to a team of researchers at UC-Davis who are working on developing treatments for patients who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and lymphoma. Using the grant, the team will conduct a clinical trial using a patient's own blood stem cells and genetically modifying them to improve the immune system. Sacramento Business Journal.

CVS Health, IBM Partner To Boost Chronic Disease Care Management

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 14:20:00 Z

CVS Health and IBM have teamed up to create a system that leverages IBM's Watson technology to help improve care management for patients with chronic diseases. The companies are planning to create a system that can predict health declines, prevent costly and unnecessary interventions and provide more personalized care. USA Today, Washington Post's "To Your Health."

More Men With Prostate Cancer Opt for Monitoring Over Treatment

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 14:53:00 Z

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds rates of active surveillance among men with early stage, localized prostate cancer have increased significantly since 2010. The researchers hope the findings will reopen discussions on the benefits of early detection and screening. Reuters.

ACA Prompts Shift in Hospitals' Approach to Chronic Disease Care

Tue, 07 Jul 2015 14:46:00 Z

The Affordable Care Act's new payment reforms and delivery models have spurred U.S. hospitals to focus on ways to prevent chronic conditions, as opposed to reacting to them. Under the law, hospitals are rewarded or penalized based on their performance for 30-day readmissions, infection control and patient satisfaction levels. Philadelphia Inquirer.

Critics Say Soda Tax Not Working as Billed; Proponents Say It Will Pay Off in Long Run

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 10:00:00 Z

Berkeley residents are not paying more for soda and sugary drinks, according to critics who say that undermines the country's first tax on liquid sugar. Proponents counter that the tax will pay off in the long run.

Assembly Committee Squashes Soda Tax

Wed, 13 May 2015 10:00:00 Z

The Assembly Committee on Health yesterday turned thumbs down to a proposed tax on sugar sweetened beverages in California.

IBM Announces Watson Cancer Research at 14 Health Organizations

Thu, 07 May 2015 14:45:00 Z

IBM has announced that 14 health systems and cancer centers by late 2015 will use its Watson supercomputer in their cancer care efforts. The participants include Monrovia-based City of Hope National Medical Center and the University of Southern California Center for Applied Molecular Medicine. Modern Healthcare et al.

Los Angeles Researchers Work To Improve Detection of Childhood Eye Cancer

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 13:06:00 Z

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles are leveraging advanced genetic analysis to help improve diagnosis and treatment of retinoblastoma, a type of hereditary eye cancer. The researchers are able to use new technology to sequence a child's entire retinoblastoma gene and get a realistic picture of a patient's chances of developing the eye cancer. KPCC's "KPCC News."

Study Shows Sharp Differences With Introduction, Withdrawal of Fructose

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 10:00:00 Z

Patients displayed marked changes in just nine days of a fructose-heavy diet -- and showed a similar reversal of changes when that fructose was withdrawn, a UC-San Francisco pilot study finds.

Kaiser Study Finds Access to Mail-Order Pharmacies, Low Out-of-Pocket Costs Increase Medication Adherence

Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:50:00 Z

A study by Kaiser Permanente researchers found that access to mail-order prescription drugs and low out-of-pocket expenses increased medication adherence among older patients with chronic illnesses. The study was based on data for 130,000 Kaiser members in Northern California and other areas. For example, patients with diabetes and heart problems adhered to medication regimens 90% of the time when they were given a 90-day supply of drugs through a mail-order pharmacy, paid $10 or less in copayments and had out-of-pocket costs of less than $2,000. Payers & Providers.

590K Californians Have Alzheimer's; Many Not Told About Diagnosis

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 13:52:00 Z

A new study from the Alzheimer's Association finds that fewer than half of all Alzheimer's patients had been told about the diagnosis, potentially hindering patients' treatment options. Of the 5.3 million individuals with Alzheimer's disease nationwide, 590,000 live in California. San Francisco Chronicle, Alzheimer's Association study.

Study: Medicaid Expansion Boosts Diabetes Diagnoses

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 18:37:00 Z

New diabetes diagnoses among Medicaid patients increased by 23% in the 26 states that expanded their Medicaid programs, compared with only 0.4% in 24 states that declined to expand their programs, according to a new study published in the journal Diabetes Care. According to experts, the findings show that expanding insurance coverage, especially for low-income individuals, can help boost health outcomes. Modern Healthcare.

California Launches Ads To Discourage E-Cigarette Use

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:07:00 Z

On Friday, the California Department of Public Health unveiled new video advertisements aimed at discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes. The ads warn that e-cigarettes contain nicotine and chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects and that the products are intentionally being marketed to children. However, vaping industry officials argue that their product provide a healthier alternative to cigarettes. Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert."

UC-San Diego Researchers Develop Pen That Could Simplify Glucose Checks for Diabetes

Wed, 04 Mar 2015 18:32:00 Z

UC-San Diego researchers have developed a pen that can measure diabetics' glucose levels by writing on the skin. The device uses "bio ink," which creates a chemical reaction that is read by a wearable sensor. Joseph Wang, head of the project and chair of UC-San Diego's Department of Nanoengineering, said, "This is a proof-of-concept step that could make it easier for diabetics to check their glucose." U-T San Diego.

Calif. Suit Seeks To Allow Assisted Suicide for Terminally Ill Patients

Thu, 12 Feb 2015 15:04:00 Z

Yesterday, a cancer patient and five doctors in California filed a lawsuit that challenges a state ban on assisted suicide, arguing that physician-assisted death for patients with terminal illnesses is not suicide. The suit seeks to exempt doctors from a state ban on assisted suicide for such patients. AP/New York Times et al.

Soda Warning Label Bill Is Back

Thu, 12 Feb 2015 11:00:00 Z

A proposal to print a health warning on sugary drinks in California that generated heated debate last year has been reintroduced in the state Legislature.

Colorado Lawmakers Vote Down Right-To-Die Bill

Mon, 09 Feb 2015 19:28:00 Z

A Colorado House committee on Friday voted 8-5 to reject a proposed law that would have allowed individuals with terminal illnesses to end their lives. Colorado's proposal was modeled after Oregon's right-to-die law. It would have required two physicians to approve the life-ending medication and individuals to prove they are of sound mind when making the decision. Reuters, AP/Modern Healthcare.

Kaiser, Dignity Health To Dole Out Nearly $10M in Community Grants

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 14:24:00 Z

Kaiser Permanente and Dignity Health have announced separate community grant programs to improve chronic disease and cardiac care. Kaiser will award $5.25 million in grants to 17 community clinics, while Dignity Health will distribute $4.3 million among 70 recipients. Payers & Providers.

Report: California Spends Least per Person on Diabetes Prevention

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 15:36:00 Z

A new report finds that California spends the least amount of money per person on diabetes prevention programs of any state. Specifically, the report notes that the state in fiscal year 2012-2013 spent just three cents per person on such efforts, all of which came from federal grants. Kaiser Health News, California State Auditor report.

California Lawmakers To Introduce New Right-To-Die Legislation

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 15:22:00 Z

Several Democratic state senators plan to introduce a bill that would give Californians with terminal illnesses the right to seek life-ending medication from their doctor. The bill would require interpreters for non-English speakers and would give providers legal immunity for participating. AP/Sacramento Bee, San Jose Mercury News.

UCLA Study Finds Many Men Get Unnecessary Prostate Cancer Treatment

Tue, 02 Dec 2014 13:59:00 Z

Nearly half of men over age 66 who are diagnosed with slow-growing prostate cancer and have a life expectancy of less than 10 years receive treatment, such as surgery or radiation, despite national guidelines against such measures, according to a study by UCLA researchers. The National Cancer Institute recommends against aggressive treatment for such individuals and instead calls for "watchful waiting" or "active surveillance." KPCC's "KPCC News."

CalTech, City of Hope Partner To Create Smartphone Cancer-Detection Tools

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:57:00 Z

On Tuesday, officials said City of Hope and the California Institute of Technology have signed their first memorandum of understanding to share resources to create a smartphone tool that can determine individuals' risk of cancer. The three-year agreement will give City of Hope researchers access to CalTech facilities and allow CalTech scientists to use City of Hope's cancer models. Pasadena Star-News.

UC-Merced Takes Grassroots Approach To Reducing Obesity

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 11:00:00 Z

University researchers from several academic disciplines will work directly with community members and organizations to better understand the barriers to healthy eating in underserved communities in a program based at UC-Merced.

More States Passing Laws Allowing Terminally Ill Patients To Access Experimental Treatments and Devices

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 18:45:00 Z

Arizona residents earlier this month approved a referendum that permits patients with terminal illnesses to access experimental treatments and devices, making the state the fifth in the country to adopt a "right-to-try" law in 2014. Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan and Missouri also passed right-to-try laws in 2014. Kaiser Health News' "Insuring Your Health."

Tobacco Tax Proposal Set To Rise Again

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 11:00:00 Z

After a number of failed legislative attempts and two narrow ballot-measure losses, the proposal to raise the tobacco tax is officially back at $2 a pack.

Is Berkeley's New Soda Tax a Tipping Point or an Outlier?

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 11:00:00 Z

Proponents say the definitive victory for the nation's first tax on sugary beverages is the beginning of a movement that will grow and spread. Big soda representatives say it's an insignificant anomaly.

California Researchers Target Health Issues Related to Added Sugars

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:53:00 Z

An analysis of more than 8,000 studies and research papers shows that overconsumption of added sugar can lead to heart disease, liver disease and Type 2 diabetes. Researchers have created a new website to help health departments raise awareness about the health-related dangers of added sugar. KQED's "State of Health."

Voters Pass Soda Tax in Berkeley, Reject Similar Measure in S.F.

Wed, 05 Nov 2014 15:22:00 Z

Yesterday, Berkeley passed the country's first soda tax, with about 75% of voters backing the measure. Meanwhile, a similar tax in San Francisco failed to gain the two-thirds' majority required to pass, with only 54.5% of voters backing it. KQED's "State of Health" et al.

Calif. Should Enact 'Right to Death' Law, Editorial Argues

Mon, 03 Nov 2014 14:49:00 Z

A Los Angeles Times editorial argues that California should enact a law "allowing physicians to help terminally ill patients end their lives 'by some painless means.'" The editorial states, "Many people do not want their final days to be marked by the loss of physical and mental abilities, the inability to draw full breaths or weeks spent in a haze of painkillers -- or worse, in pain that palliative care does not fully alleviate," adding, "Right to death laws do not impose death on the very sick. Rather, they allow people who face imminent death to do so peacefully and without agony." Los Angeles Times.

Study: Smoking Kills More in California Than AIDS, Diabetes

Mon, 20 Oct 2014 14:17:00 Z

A study by UC-San Francisco's Institute for Health and Aging and School of Nursing finds that the number of smoking-related deaths in California outpaces deaths from AIDS, diabetes and other health conditions. In addition, the health care costs related to smoking increased from $15.8 billion in 1999 to $18.1 billion in 2009. San Francisco Examiner et al.

Proponents of S.F. Soda Tax Tout Mexico's Success

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 14:42:00 Z

Proponents of a San Francisco ballot measure that would levy a 2-cents-per-ounce tax on soda and other sugary beverages are pointing to the success of Mexico's 10% tax on sugary drinks. Preliminary data show that purchases of taxed sugary drinks in Mexico decreased by 10% in the first quarter of 2014, compared with the first quarter of 2013. San Francisco economist Ted Egan estimates that if Proposition E is approved, San Franciscans would reduce their soda consumption by 31% and that the tax would raise $35 million to $54 million annually for children's nutrition and physical education programs. San Francisco Chronicle.

Soda Tax Fight in Berkeley, S.F. Could Have Nationwide Implications

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 14:43:00 Z

The outcome of November ballot proposals to tax sugar-sweetened beverages in Berkeley and San Francisco could have implications throughout the country. Experts say that if the cities approve the soda tax, it could reignite similar measure throughout the U.S. but that if the proposals fail in the liberal cities, it could discourage other cities and states from even trying. Politico.

Telehealth Can Reduce Costs, Improve Chronic Disease Management, Study Finds

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 19:32:00 Z

Telemedicine can help cut costs and improve care management for patients with chronic illnesses but adopting a uniform approach to telemedicine services would not be effective, according to a study published in the journal Telemedicine and e-Health. For example, congestive heart failure was best managed by long-term telemonitoring, while stroke was most effectively treated via telestroke methods that prompt early interventions. FierceHealthIT.

California Has Fifth-Lowest Obesity Rate in U.S., Study Finds

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:58:00 Z

A new study finds that California has the fifth-lowest obesity rate in the country, at about 24%. However, researchers say rates of some chronic health conditions -- such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension -- likely will increase if obesity rates in the state stay the same. Los Angeles Times' "Science Now" et al.

Should Palliative Care Be Reformed?

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 10:00:00 Z

We asked stakeholders and legislators about proposals in Congress and the California Legislature seeking to change the way health care systems deal with palliative care.

Alameda County Pairs Health Coaches With Patients To Manage Diabetes, High Blood Pressure

Fri, 29 Aug 2014 13:16:00 Z

Under a two-year pilot program, Alameda County is pairing health coaches with patients in an effort to manage their chronic conditions and reduce health care costs. The county's initial group of eight health coaches underwent a five-month training session focused on diabetes and hypertension management and began working with patients at Highland Hospital in March. The pilot program is funded by a $200,000 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant. San Francisco Chronicle.

Calif. Senate OKs Diabetes Action Plan

Wed, 27 Aug 2014 10:00:00 Z

The state Senate passed a bill calling for state officials to create a diabetes assessment and action plan that could lay the groundwork for future legislation by establishing the disease's cost to the state.

Report: Calif. Policies To Fight Tobacco Related Cancer Falling Short

Mon, 25 Aug 2014 15:02:00 Z

A new report by the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network finds that California is falling short in its efforts to prevent tobacco-related cancer, including Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation programs, tobacco use prevention funding and tobacco tax and price increases. KFBK News et al.

Can the ACA Solve Staggering Prescription Drug Prices?

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 13:12:00 Z

Many Americans believe the ACA should act as a salve for all things that ail the nation's health care system. In light of the ongoing debate over the high cost of Gilead's new hepatitis C treatment, what is the law doing to hold down prescription drug prices?

Medicare To Pay Physicians To Provide Care Coordination Services

Mon, 18 Aug 2014 14:33:00 Z

Starting in January 2015, Medicare will begin paying physicians a monthly fee to coordinate the care of beneficiaries with chronic illnesses. Physicians will receive a $42-per-month fee for each patient with at least two chronic conditions who enrolls in a care management plan. New York Times.

Berkeley City Council Approves No-Cost Medical Marijuana for Low-Income Residents

Wed, 13 Aug 2014 13:21:00 Z

Berkeley City Council members have passed an ordinance requiring medical marijuana dispensaries to make 2% of their product stock available to low-income individuals at no-cost. The ordinance defines low-income as individuals with annual incomes below $32,000 a year, or families of four with annual incomes below $46,000. Washington Times, Sunshine State News.

More Live Organ Donations Needed To Address Gap in California

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 14:04:00 Z

In California, there are more individuals waiting for organ donations than there are organs available for transplant. Stakeholders argue that more live donors are needed -- particularly for kidney donations -- in order to fill the gap, but they disagree on the best method for increasing live donations. San Francisco Chronicle.

UC-Davis Nursing School Given Initial Approval for $2.1M PCORI Grant To Improve Diabetes Care, Management

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 12:51:00 Z

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute has given initial approval for a three-year, $2.1 million grant for UC-Davis nursing school to examine new ways to improve health for patients with diabetes. For example, the study would test different approaches to better manage care, such as mobile technology and nurse coaches. Sacramento Business Journal.

Calif. Supreme Court: Home Health Workers Cannot Sue Alzheimer's Patients Over Injuries

Tue, 05 Aug 2014 12:13:00 Z

On Monday, the California Supreme Court ruled that home health workers cannot sue for injuries caused by patients that they have been hired to care for, as long as the employee was informed that there was a risk of such injuries. In the decision, Justice Carole A. Corrigan wrote, "Those hired to manage a hazardous condition may not sue their clients for injuries caused by the very risks they were retained to confront." Los Angeles Times, AP/San Francisco Chronicle.

Amputation Rate 10 Times Higher for Poor Patients, UCLA Study Finds

Tue, 05 Aug 2014 10:00:00 Z

UCLA researchers say low-income individuals with diabetes in California are at much greater risk to have limbs amputated than wealthier people with same disease.

New Access to HIV Care, New Difficulties in Affordability

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 10:00:00 Z

The Affordable Care Act offers new coverage opportunities for thousands of HIV-positive Californians who previously were ineligible for private insurance or Medi-Cal. However, the coverage comes with a new set of complexities and often higher prices.

California Disease Outbreaks Come Amid New Evidence of Vaccine Safety

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 13:37:00 Z

Californians opting out of immunizations contributed to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases this year, according to state health officials who point to new research indicating vaccines generally are safe and do not pose long-term health threats.

Latinos Face High Rates of Chronic Diseases, Barriers to Treatment

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 15:18:00 Z

A new study by the National Council of La Raza finds that 60.5% of Latino residents in California and other states have been diagnosed with a chronic disease, but many face obstacles to receiving treatment for such conditions. Los Angeles Daily News, NCLR report.

Costs of Diabetes Epidemic High in Los Angeles Homes, Hospitals

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 10:00:00 Z

With rising diabetes rates in Los Angeles County resulting in increased hospitalization costs and decreased health of residents, health care providers and advocates are focusing on prevention and screening at home and in the community.

Intel-GE Care Innovations Launches Institute in Roseville To Set Standards for Remote Care Management

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 13:47:00 Z

Intel-GE Care Innovations has launched an institute in Roseville that aims to set remote care management standards and provide validation for programs that adequately provide such services. The institute will be designed and headed by Al Lewis, a disease management and research expert and the founder and president of the Disease Management Purchasing Consortium in Massachusetts. Sacramento Business Journal.

No Warning Labels on Sugary Drinks; Assembly Committee Rejects Proposal

Wed, 18 Jun 2014 10:00:00 Z

One of the high-profile health bills in Sacramento this year -- a plan to put health risk warnings on the sides of soda cans and other sweetened drinks sold in California -- passed the Senate but failed to get out of committee in the Assembly.

UCSD, Humana Form Accountable Care Partnership

Mon, 16 Jun 2014 14:15:00 Z

UC-San Diego has partnered with Humana to provide accountable care to Humana Medicare Advantage policyholders in the San Diego area. Under the agreement, clinical analytics and population health management tools will be used to manage chronic diseases and promote health and wellness. Health IT Analytics.

29M U.S. Residents Have Diabetes, CDC Says

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 21:20:00 Z

A new CDC report finds that more than 29 million U.S. residents have diabetes, up from the CDC's 2010 estimate that 26 million residents had diabetes. The report also finds that one in four individuals are not aware they have diabetes and that 86 million adults -- more than one-third of U.S. adults – have prediabetes. Non-Hispanic black, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native adults are about twice as likely as non-Hispanic white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes. HealthyCal.

Calaveras County Recruits Volunteer Community Health Workers To Help Manage Chronic Conditions

Tue, 10 Jun 2014 13:03:00 Z

Calaveras County Public Health Services is launching no-cost workshops to train county residents to serve as community health workers to help adults with chronic illnesses -- such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis or depression -- learn how to self-manage their conditions. Officials said they are looking for volunteers with experience handling chronic conditions and who can commit to holding two workshop series annually for local residents. Stockton Record.

Soda Warning Bill Barely Clears Hurdle

Thu, 05 Jun 2014 10:00:00 Z

The state Senate's passage last week of a bill calling for warning labels on sugary drinks is one in a long line of attempts -- some successful, some not -- to pass legislation to ease the rising rates of obesity and diabetes in California.

Study Could Bolster Soda Warning Bill

Thu, 05 Jun 2014 10:00:00 Z

High levels of sugar are not the only problem in soda and other sweetened drinks -- but also the type of sugar in those drinks, according to a study from University of Southern California researchers.

Patients With Chronic Illnesses Paying More for Specialty Drugs, Advocacy Group Says

Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:57:00 Z

The California Chronic Care Coalition -- which represents patients with complex medical conditions such as epilepsy, lupus and multiple sclerosis -- says that chronic disease patients are being discriminated against because they are having to pay a higher percentage of the overall cost for specialty prescription drugs. However, officials with the California Association of Health Plans say the higher cost-sharing is an effort to keep health insurance premiums down, adding that the Affordable Care Act caps patients' out-of-pocket spending. Capital Public Radio's "KXJZ News."

Senate Approves Soda Warning Bill

Fri, 30 May 2014 10:00:00 Z

Legislation to require a health-risk warning label on soda and other sugary drinks sold in California passed a floor vote yesterday in the state Senate.

Podiatry Gets Vote as Medi-Cal Benefit

Wed, 28 May 2014 10:00:00 Z

The California Assembly yesterday unanimously approved a bill to reinstate podiatric services as a Medi-Cal benefit.

Soda Warning Bill Passes Committee; Plan To Insure Undocumented Does Not

Tue, 27 May 2014 10:00:00 Z

A bill to provide health coverage to the state's undocumented population stalled in committee last week, but another high-profile health bill seeking warning labels on sweetened beverages advanced.

Almost One-Third of Hospital Patients in California Have Diabetes, Study Says

Thu, 15 May 2014 10:00:00 Z

The dramatic rise in diabetes translates into a $1.6 billion annual hospitalization cost in California, according to a new UCLA study.

Pilot Program at Oakland Hospital Cuts HIV/AIDS Readmissions Almost in Half

Tue, 13 May 2014 10:00:00 Z

The medical home model has shown strong results in Alameda County's pilot HIV/AIDS program, including a 44% decline in readmissions at Highland Hospital in Oakland.

Advocates Claim Civil Rights Violations of Chronically Ill From Benefit Design

Fri, 09 May 2014 10:00:00 Z

High coinsurance costs in specialty tiers are keeping lifesaving medications out of reach of consumers with some chronic illnesses, according to patient advocacy groups.

Calif. School-Based Care Not Keeping Up With Demand, Report Finds

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:53:00 Z

A report by researchers at California State University-Sacramento's School of Nursing finds that there are not enough certified school nurses to adequately treat the increasing number of students in the state who have chronic illnesses or other special health needs. EdSource, Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health blog post.

CDC: Autism Diagnoses Have Increased by 30%

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 19:36:00 Z

The number of children diagnosed with autism reached one in 68 in 2010, a 30% increase over 2008 levels, according to a CDC report released Thursday. Coleen Boyle, director of CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, said the increase could result from better identification of autism spectrum disorders. Washington Post's "To Your Health."

Infant Free of HIV After Treatment at Long Beach Hospital

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 20:12:00 Z

During an AIDS conference on Wednesday, experts said an infant with HIV who was treated with aggressive antiretroviral drug therapy at Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach appears to no longer have the disease. The therapy was started four hours after birth, and after six days the virus no longer was detected. Los Angeles Times' "Science Now."

California Is Eighth-Least Obese State in the U.S., Gallup Poll Finds

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 15:33:00 Z

A new Gallup poll finds that California is the eighth-least obese state in the U.S. According to the poll, the 10 least-obese states had significantly lower rates of cancer, diabetes, depression and high blood pressure than the 10 most-obese states. Sacramento Business Journal et al.

Rady, UC-San Diego Partner With Scripps To Treat Cancer Patients at New Proton Therapy Center

Wed, 19 Feb 2014 13:46:00 Z

During the grand opening ceremony for a new $220 million proton therapy center, Scripps Health is expected to announce a new affiliation with Rady Children’s Hospital and UC-San Diego Health System that will allow providers to treat their own cancer patients in the new facility. The first cancer patient was treated at the center on Feb. 12. U-T San Diego.

UCLA Researchers Develop Heart Failure 'Risk Calculator'

Thu, 30 Jan 2014 20:16:00 Z

UCLA researchers have created a "risk calculator" to determine heart failure patients' chance of survival for up to five years. The calculator aims to help providers determine how aggressively to treat such patients. The researchers used data on 2,255 heart failure patients to create the calculator. HealthyCal.

Quality Report Cards on Calif. Insurers, Providers Released

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 16:10:00 Z

Yesterday, the California Office of Patient Advocate released its annual report cards examining how well HMOs, PPOs and various medical groups in the state meet standards of health care quality. The report finds that most HMOs rank poorly in the long-term treatment of patients with asthma and diabetes. Los Angeles Times et al.

Survey: U.S. Latinos Report That Costs, Diabetes Are Their Top Health Care Concerns

Thu, 23 Jan 2014 13:55:00 Z

Thirty-one percent of Latino immigrants said they had a serious problem paying for health insurance in the last year, and more than 25% said they had a serious problem paying for health care bills and prescription drugs, according to a new survey from NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health. Meanwhile, the Latino survey respondents said that diabetes is the most concerning health issue for them and their families. KPCC's "KPCC News."

Alzheimer's Disease Could Cost Orange County $19M in Lost Productivity by 2030, Report Says

Mon, 13 Jan 2014 20:16:00 Z

An Alzheimer's Association of Orange County report predicts that by 2030 Alzheimer's disease could cost Orange County $19 million annually in lost productivity among family caregivers. The report found that a majority of such caretakers provide care at no cost and most of them have to start work late, leave early or take additional time off. Orange County Register.

Will Mexico's Soda Tax Spur California?

Thu, 09 Jan 2014 11:00:00 Z

A new tax on sugary drinks and high-calorie foods in Mexico is sparking optimism among health advocates who hope California is ready to follow suit.

San Diego County's 10-Year Public Health Initiative Shows Early Progress

Mon, 23 Sep 2013 09:00:00 Z

Live Well, San Diego! is a 10-year public health project that calls on a wide range of community stakeholders to make changes both within and outside of the health care delivery system to reduce the burden of chronic disease. Three years in, county health officials are preparing to demonstrate the program's effectiveness.

Study: Automated Calls May Help Manage Hypertension

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 13:47:00 Z

Automated phone calls could help individuals control their hypertension, according to a new Kaiser Permanente study published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension. Nearly 32% of the 32,000 Kaiser members who received automated phone calls had their condition under control after a month, compared with 23.7% of the 32,000 members who did not receive such phone calls. Payers & Providers.

Autism Advocates Praise Covered California's Expected Policy Change

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 13:16:00 Z

The California health benefit exchange board's meeting today is expected to include a policy change that autism advocates say could help many children who need applied behavior analysis therapy.

Ruling's Effect on Autism Coverage

Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:02:00 Z

An appeals court recently decided that the state cannot deny autism coverage to state employees based on licensure, and that ruling could hold an important precedent for autism advocates.

Experts: ACA May Interrupt Short-Term HIV Care, but Long-Term Changes Worth It

Mon, 09 Sep 2013 10:00:00 Z

The Affordable Care Act will bring changes for thousands of Californians with HIV/AIDS, including possible interruptions in care. But the long-term benefits of reform will outweigh short-term hiccups, according to experts.

Palo Alto To Begin Installing 52 External Defibrillators

Thu, 22 Aug 2013 13:24:00 Z

This month, Palo Alto will begin to install 52 automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, in police cars and at public places, such as City Hall, libraries, parks and soccer fields. In April, the Palo Alto City Council voted to spend $92,000 to purchase 37 AEDs, but the city was able to acquire 52 through a competitive bidding process, according to public safety officials. San Jose Mercury News.

Kaiser To Pay $9M To Settle Lawsuit Over Autism Therapy

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 13:38:00 Z

Kaiser Permanente will pay $9 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that alleged that the health plan illegally refused to cover behavioral therapy for children with autism before the enactment of a state law required them to do so. Kaiser will establish a fund to reimburse any class members who paid out-of-pocket for the therapy prior to the state law. Any remaining funding will go toward autism research. Sacramento Business Journal.

Low-Income Preschoolers' Obesity Rates Declined in Calif., 18 Other States, CDC Report Finds

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 13:35:00 Z

Obesity rates among low-income preschoolers declined in at least 19 U.S. states -- including California -- and territories between 2008 and 2011, according to a CDC report released Tuesday. Meanwhile, the report found unchanged obesity rates in 21 states and territories and increases in obesity rates in Colorado, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Washington Post.

Study Finds Sugary Drinks Could Contribute to Obesity in Pre-Schoolers

Tue, 06 Aug 2013 14:04:00 Z

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics finds that sugar-sweetened beverages put children from birth to age 5 at risk for obesity. About 10% of the 9,600 children included in the study drank one or more servings of sugar-sweetened beverages daily. Mark DeBoer -- lead author and a researcher at the University of Virginia's department of pediatrics -- said that when the children reach age 5, "those who consistently drank sugar-sweetened beverages were the heaviest group." KQED's "State of Health."

Central Valley Tries Anti-Obesity Tactics

Mon, 05 Aug 2013 10:00:00 Z

The Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Project partners with community organizations and residents to challenge policies and environments that don't support a healthy lifestyle.