California Healthline: Hospitals

Tri-City CEO Accused of Medical Leave Discrimination

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Steven Daniel Stein -- former senior vice president of legal affairs and chief compliance officer at Tri-City Healthcare District -- has filed a legal claim against the agency alleging that CEO Larry Anderson discriminated against him and at least three other employees who sought medical leave. A Tri-City official called Stein's claim "an attempt to defame and demean" Anderson and "undermine" his accomplishments. U-T San Diego.

Legislation Seeks To Boost Health Care Cost Transparency

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Reps. Michael Burgess and Gene Green have introduced legislation that would require states to establish laws mandating that hospitals publicly disclose the cost of inpatient and outpatient services. The measure also would require health insurers to provide enrollees with estimated out-of-pocket costs for health care services. Becker's Hospital Review, AHA News.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of May 25, 2012

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Workers at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland have voted in favor of representation by the National Union of Healthcare Workers. Rady Children's Hospital San Diego seeks to launch a heart transplant program this year, which could make it the fifth California hospital to offer the surgery for children.

Fewer Infants Exposed to TB at Calif. Hospitals, Investigators Say

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Health officials have lowered their estimate of newborns exposed to tuberculosis at two California hospitals from 35 to 25 infants. The facilities also are testing their workers for the infection. Capital Public Radio's "KXJZ News," AP/Sacramento Bee.

Harold Miller of the Network for Regional Healthcare Improvement Discusses Innovation

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Harold Miller, president and CEO of the Network for Regional Healthcare Improvement, spoke with California Healthline about the importance of pursuing innovative health care improvement strategies that are tailored to local needs.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of May 18, 2012

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Los Angeles Times has obtained internal reports from Metropolitan State Hospital showing lapses in patient care. Santa Clara Valley Medical Center has stopped construction on a support building after workers discovered a cemetery on the hospital grounds.

Study: Privately Insured Kids Have More ED Procedures

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Children with private insurance coverage are more likely to undergo procedures in the emergency department than their uninsured or publicly insured peers, according to a study in the Journal of Pediatrics. Researchers say it remains unclear whether study findings indicate that EDs are withholding care for the uninsured and publicly insured children or overtreating children with private insurance coverage, who typically draw larger reimbursements. Kaiser Health News' "Capsules."

Kaiser, Union Coalition Reach Tentative Contract Deal

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Friday, Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions -- which represents nearly 100,000 Kaiser workers -- announced a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract. The contract includes annual wage increases of 3% for California workers and 2% for workers in all other regions. The tentative deal maintains health care, pensions and retiree benefits and improves dental care, according to the announcement. If the local unions ratify the deal, it would take effect Oct. 1. San Francisco Business Times.

Calif. Lawmakers Reject Plan Curbing Nursing Home, Hospital Checks

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Budget subcommittees in the Assembly and Senate have rejected a budget proposal that would have curbed inspections of hospitals’ and nursing homes’ compliance with state laws. Patient safety advocates are worried that the proposal will resurface. California Watch.

Study: Calif. Hospital Patients Costly to Medicare Program

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Five out of the top 10 hospitals where patients cost Medicare the most money are located in California, according to a Kaiser Health News analysis of data published on the CMS Hospital Compare website. Kaiser Health News' "Capsules."

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of May 11, 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California Department of Public Health has cited Shasta Regional Medical Center for repeated breaches of patient confidentiality in 2011. Children's Hospital & Research Center in Oakland has received $3 million in grant funding that the facility will use for renovations.

Study: Reported Charges Vary Between California Hospitals

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study finds that reported hospital charges for certain treatments vary among California hospitals. However, hospital officials say that the findings are of little value because the charges do not represent what patients actually pay. Ventura County Star.

Assembly Panel OKs Bill To Limit Hospital Execs' Payouts

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, the Assembly Committee on Local Government approved a bill, by Assembly member Luis Alejo, that would prohibit taxpayer-funded health care districts from offering financial perks to retiring executives that are not offered to other employees. The measure comes after the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System gave its outgoing CEO a $4.9 million retirement and severance package last year. The bill now goes to the full Assembly. Bay Citizen.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of May 4, 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This week, about 4,500 nurses went on strike at seven Sutter Health hospitals in the San Francisco Bay Area in response to proposals made by Sutter during contract negotiations. Stanford Hospital & Clinics has agreed to a three-year HMO and PPO contract with Blue Shield of California.

SEIU Drops Ballot Initiatives as Part of New Agreement With CHA

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Service Employees International Union will stop pursuing two proposed ballot initiatives as part of an agreement with the California Hospital Association. In exchange, CHA will help facilitate the union's organizing efforts. Los Angeles Times' "PolitiCal," Payers & Providers.

Not-for-Profit Hospitals Draw Scrutiny Over Charity Care

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

New rules implemented under the federal health reform law seek to clarify how not-for-profit hospitals must report charity care and provide health care services to low-income patients. However, the rules are not being actively enforced, allowing some not-for-profit hospitals to seek payment from patients who struggle to pay hospital bills. NPR's "Shots."

Health Facilities Get Improvement Boost

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The federal government yesterday issued $722 million in renovation and construction grants to community health centers, including $122 million in grants to California facilities.

Dean Germano, CEO of Shasta Community Health Center in Redding, said his center's $5 million capital grant announced yesterday will pay for about half of a planned $10 million building addition.

"The plans are completed, and we were waiting on a decision from HHS to see if we could do this," Germano said.

Mass. Lawmakers Poised To Launch Health Care Payment Reform Efforts

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Massachusetts lawmakers soon are expected to consider legislation that would overhaul the way health care providers are paid. For example, a legislative committee is advancing a bill that would move all state health care providers to a value-based payment model. Washington Post.

Kaiser Permanente Officials Tout Success of Android App

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This week, Kaiser Permanente officials touted the success of its Android-based mobile phone application, which the insurer released in January. Officials said that the Android app has been downloaded 94,367 times and that the insurer is preparing to release an iPhone version of the app. San Francisco Business Times' "Bay Area BizTalk."

CMS Issues Proposed Rule for Hospital Inpatient Pay Rates

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, CMS issued a proposed rule that would increase inpatient payment rates to hospitals by 2.3% in fiscal year 2013. However, CMS said that other policies in the proposed rule and estimated utilization of inpatient services would lower the increase to 0.9%. In addition, CMS issued a final rule requiring providers and suppliers to include their National Provider Identifier when submitting Medicare and Medicaid payment claims or when applying for program enrollment. FierceHealthcare et al.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of April 27, 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Kaweah Delta Health Care District recently received accreditation to establish medical residency programs. Meanwhile, the California Nurses Association is planning a one-day strike at 10 Sutter Health hospitals to protest a lack of progress in contract negotiations.

Committee Discusses Mental Health, Care Delivery Issues at VA

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During a Senate panel hearing, a former mental health administrator at the Department of Veterans Affairs said that VA's mental health care system has focused more on meeting performance goals than on providing quality care. Washington Post's "Federal Eye" et al.

State Data Show Drop in Patient Deaths After Heart Bypass Surgeries

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

New state data show that deaths following heart bypass surgeries at California hospitals fell 34% from 2003 to 2009. Experts credit a state requirement that hospitals publicly report surgery results, as well improvements in cardiac care. San Francisco Chronicle.

Editorial Calls for Increased Hospital Data Transparency

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Sacramento Bee editorial argues that "improving state hospitals should not entail limiting the amount of legitimate information provided to the public." The editorial adds that although the state must comply with federal patient privacy laws, it should "not hide behind privacy laws, obfuscate and otherwise effuse to release fundamental information." Sacramento Bee.

ED Kiosks Are Effective, but Some Nurses Question Value

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study published last year in the journal Academic Emergency Medicine found that interactive computer kiosks accurately, efficiently and safely expedited the management of woman with uncomplicated urinary tract infections at busy, urban emergency departments. However, a follow-up report by the California HealthCare Foundation found that some triage nurses did not refer eligible patients to the kiosks because they believed the technology disrupted their workflow. InformationWeek.

High Demand for Health Care Workers in Sacramento

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Hospital employment is growing twice as fast as overall employment in the Sacramento area, with the industry generating more than 84,000 jobs annually, according to a Hospital Council of Northern and Central California report. Meanwhile, Sacramento health care employers posted the most online job advertisements in March, with registered nurses being the most sought after position, according to a new state Employment Development Department report. Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento Bee.

California Lawmakers To Vote on Bill Addressing Patient 'Capturing'

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

State lawmakers will vote this week on a bill that would reduce insurer payments to hospitals that admit too many out-of-network, privately insured patients. The bill follows reports of aggressive billing practices by Prime Healthcare. California Watch.

Health Care-Associated Infection Rates Dropped in 2010, CDC Reports

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from CDC finds that rates of various health care-associated infections declined in 2010. Meanwhile, HHS has released a nine-point action plan aimed at further reducing health care-associated infection rates by leveraging health information technology and other strategies. Reuters et al.

Sutter Launches Worker Program for Finalizing End-of-Life Care Wishes

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Sutter Health hospitals in the Sacramento region are conducting a campaign to encourage employees and medical professionals to finalize their plans for end-of-life care. Officials say the program will help provide workers with insight into the types of decisions patients must make. Sacramento Bee.

10 Calif. Hospitals Selected for Top 100 U.S. Hospital List

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Ten California hospitals made Thomson Reuters' list of the 100 Top U.S. Hospitals. Scripps Green Hospital, UC-San Diego Medical Center and Sutter Davis Hospital were among the California hospitals selected for the list. U-T San Diego et al.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of April 20, 2012

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Service Employees International Union Local 121RN and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West are planning to picket two Dignity Health hospitals next week. The state Supreme Court will not review an appeals court decision allowing Sutter Health to purchase San Leandro Hospital.

Senate Committee Clears Legislation for Newborn Disease Testing

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California Senate Health Committee has approved a bill that would require screening of newborns for two lysosomal storage diseases. Some health experts are concerned by the bill, saying not enough is known about the diseases and their treatments. Ventura County Star.

CDC Report: Rate of California Home Births Increased by 37%

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new CDC report finds that the number of home births in California increased by 37% between 2004 and 2009. Experts say the increase might be because home births are sometimes less expensive or because women at times associate hospitals with negative experiences. HealthyCal.

UC-San Diego Studies Hospital Interiors During Earthquakes

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

UC-San Diego researchers are studying the effect of an earthquake on structures and items inside of hospitals. Engineers have built an 80-foot furnished facility atop a platform that can shake to simulate an earthquake. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.

Hospital Deal Could Lead to Higher Health Costs in S.F.

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Some San Francisco officials are concerned that a deal between Mayor Ed Lee and the California Pacific Medical Center to build a 555-bed hospital on Cathedral Hill could threaten the city's efforts to control health care costs. Officials say they are worried that some of the cost of the $2.5 billion project could be passed along to residents. San Francisco Chronicle.

Californians Struggle To Find Accurate Medical Pricing

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

It is difficult for California residents to determine the cost of common medical procedures. Although hospitals are required by law to publish average charges for certain procedures, the prices often are not what patients actually pay. Los Angeles Times.

Opinion Piece Stumps for 'Right to Work' Law in Calif.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In an Orange County Register opinion piece, National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation President Mark Mix argues that California should have "a Right to Work law making union affiliation completely voluntary." He notes that such a law would stop the Service Employees International Union Healthcare Workers West from forcing workers at Orange County's Chapman Medical Center to join the union. Mix concludes, "A Right to Work law would make it less difficult for workers to hold union officials accountable and could wake up union bosses to the harsh reality that coerced unionization is not a sustainable model for liberty or for the health of their organizations." Orange County Register.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of April 13, 2012

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

California Pacific Medical Center can obtain permits to build and renovate five San Francisco medical facilities following a vote by the city planning commission. Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and the National Union of Healthcare Workers have reached a three-year agreement covering about 700 workers.

Calif. Hospitals Set To Receive Funds From CMS Settlement

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CMS has agreed to a settlement with about 2,200 hospitals to end lawsuits related to an error in reimbursement rates. More than 200 California hospitals are set to share more than $310 million from the settlement. Los Angeles Times, Modern Healthcare.

Dispute Could Affect Emergency Medical Flights for Children

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A business dispute between two aviation companies could slow emergency helicopter flights to Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The dispute also could affect transportation of physicians and donated organs to various health care facilities throughout Southern California. Los Angeles Times.

CMS Announces First 27 Participants in Medicare Shared Savings Program

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, CMS announced the first participants in Medicare's Shared Savings Program, which provides incentives for health care providers to form accountable care organizations. Two of the first 27 participants in the ACO program are based in California. Modern Healthcare et al.

BLS Report: Health Sector Added 26,000 Jobs in March

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' monthly employment report, the health care sector added 26,000 jobs in March, or 22% of the total number of jobs that the U.S. economy added last month. Hospitals added 8,100 jobs, the report found. Modern Healthcare.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of April 6, 2012

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center and Anthem Blue Cross have reached a tentative deal that would allow the hospital to rejoin Anthem's network. Palomar Health System and CSI Financial Services will give Palomar patients with no insurance or high copayments the option of long-term financing.

San Diego Seeks Ways To Manage Frequent Users of Emergency Services

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

San Diego officials are working to address the frequent use of emergency services by a largely homeless population. According to experts, frequent emergency service users need access to better coordinated health care and more permanent housing options. U-T San Diego.

Opinion Piece Endorses Salinas Valley/Natividad Merger

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a Salinas Californian opinion piece, former Monterey County Health Officer Robert Melton and John Morrison, a hospital and health care consultant, write that Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System should merge with Natividad Medical Center and form a local managed care organization, rather than joining "one of several large national hospital corporations." According to Melton and Morrison, the "best solution" for Salinas Valley residents would be for the hospital to "keep health care dollars and decisions within the community." Salinas Californian.

Tulare County Hospitals Want to Form LIHP

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Senate member Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) is not interested in leaving federal health care dollars on the table.

That's why she introduced a bill last week in the Senate Committee on Health that would enable local hospital districts in Tulare County to gain access to about $4.5 million in federal money over the next 18 months for a local Low Income Health Program (LIHP).

"Under current law, the county's non-participation [in LIHP] precludes hospitals from leveraging the federal dollars that are available under the Medicaid waiver," Fuller said last week in a Senate health hearing. "We can improve health care access with this, particularly in rural areas."

Kaiser Permanente Announces Tie in Hospital Design Contest

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Kaiser Permanente has selected three architecture firms as joint winners of its "Small Hospital, Big Idea" competition, which sought design ideas for a smaller, environmentally friendly Kaiser hospital in Southern California. Mazetti Nash Lipsey Burch; Perkins + Will; and Aditazz, Gresham Smith and Partners were the winning firms. Payers & Providers.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of March 30, 2012

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The final beam has been placed on the frame of the $150 million Temecula Valley Hospital, which is expected to open next year. Meanwhile, California Pacific Medical Center has reached a deal with San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee to build five new medical facilities in the city.

UC-Berkeley Assesses ACO Preparedness of Safety-Net Providers

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

UC-Berkeley surveyed Alameda and Orange county safety-net health care providers to evaluate their readiness to participate in accountable care organizations. The survey examined readiness in multiple categories, including performance reporting. Modern Healthcare, UC-Berkeley survey.

Sutter Health Reports Nearly 28% Drop in 2011 Net Income

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Friday, Sutter Health reported a 2011 net income of $634 million, down 27.8% from its 2010 net income of $878 million. Meanwhile, operating revenue for 2011 grew by 3.4%, from $8.8 billion in 2010 to $9.1 billion in 2011. Sutter officials said the decline in net income stemmed partly from "changes in net unrealized gains and losses from investments." Sacramento Business Journal, San Francisco Business Times.

Inland Empire Hospitals Grapple With Chronic Bed Shortage

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

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.

More Than 100 Nurses Protest Hospital Executives' High Pay

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, more than 100 registered nurses rallied outside the California Hospital Association's Sacramento headquarters to protest the high wages of hospital executives. Organizers from the California Nurses Association-National Nurses United said the protest targeted the "increased austerity programs by wealthy corporate hospital chains while handing out lavish pay packages to the top 1% of hospital executives." Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal's "SBJ Morning Roundup."

Claims Processing Efficiency Project To Expand in Calif.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Blue Shield of California and the Hospital Association of Southern California say their joint project to improve claims processing efficiency has been successful and will be expanded to other portions of the state. The pilot project, known as the Partnership in Operational Excellence and Transparency, has cut the claims cycle time from 32 days to 28 days. Payers & Providers.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of March 23, 2012

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Daughters of Charity Health System has taken steps to join Ascension Health Alliance, and the systems hope to finalize an agreement by the end of the year. Blue Shield of California is considering a proposal from UCLA that could settle a long-standing contract dispute.

Telepharmacy Startup Gets Investment From CHCF

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California HealthCare Foundation has invested in Pipeline Healthcare Solutions, a telepharmacy startup firm. CHCF's investment aims to help bring the benefits of telepharmacy to rural and safety-net hospitals in the state. InformationWeek.

Editorial: Don't Delay Ventura Hospital Project Any Further

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Ventura County Star editorial argues that Ventura County officials should "move ahead with the project to build a replacement wing at the Ventura County Medical Center" even though the Board of Supervisors "failed Tuesday to muster the votes necessary to approve a project labor agreement ... on the $250 million undertaking." Ventura County Star.

Canadian Study Links Higher Payments, Better Outcomes

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Higher-spending Canadian hospitals produced better patient outcomes than those that spent less, according to a recent Journal of the American Medical Association study. Researchers found that the higher-spending hospitals often were academic medical centers in urban communities with greater use of evidence-based care, skilled nursing and critical care staff, more intensive specialist services and advanced technology. The researchers noted that higher spending in U.S. hospitals might not guarantee the same benefit. Bloomberg et al.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of March 16, 2012

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Registered nurses at six Tenet Healthcare hospitals have approved a new contract giving them a 13.5% pay hike over four years. Meanwhile, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors failed to approve a project labor agreement for a construction effort at Ventura County Medical Center.

Panel Strips Authority of Mt. Diablo Health District, Board

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, the Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission voted 6-1 to eliminate the authority of the Mt. Diablo Health Care District and strip its five elected board members of their oversight responsibilities. Under the reorganization plan, the district will turn over its property tax revenue and limited duties to Concord. Contra Costa Times.

Kim Dempsey of NCB Capital Impact Discusses Ways To Boost Capacity of Community Clinics

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Kim Dempsey, director of innovation and strategy at NCB Capital Impact, spoke with California Healthline about recommendations for improving the operations of community health centers.

House Could Vote on IPAB Repeal Legislation Soon

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As early as next week, the U.S. House could vote on a measure that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board set up under the federal health reform law. The bill also would set a $250,000 cap on punitive damages in malpractice suits, limit lawyer fees and establish other ways to rein in lawsuits against physicians. According to Republicans, the bill would reduce health spending by $50 billion over 10 years. The Hill's "Healthwatch."

Report: Health System Quality Varies Among Calif. Communities

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Commonwealth Fund report finds that communities vary in health system quality, with higher income areas mostly outperforming lower income areas. Santa Rosa and San Mateo ranked in the top 10 U.S. regions for health system performance. Los Angeles Times et al.

Hospital Costs for Life-Saving Care Rising in Northern Calif.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Hospital costs associated with complicated life-saving procedures are increasing faster than costs for routine care in Northern California. According to a Sacramento Bee review of data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, the number of hospital stays in the region that cost $1 million or more increased by 700% over the past 10 years, from 430 in 2000 to nearly 3,000 in 2010. Health experts and hospital officials said they expect continued growth in high-cost hospital treatments, due in part to the care needs of the state's aging population. Sacramento Bee.

Health Care Lobbying in California Tops List in Record Year

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Health care issues generated $35.7 million in lobbying last year in California, leading the way to a record year. Lobbyists earned more money from more clients in California in 2011 than ever before, according to the secretary of state.

Report Details Ways To Bolster Safety-Net Hospitals

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, the Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performance Health System released a report offering recommendations for how policymakers can alter reimbursement to safety-net hospitals once provisions of the health reform law take effect. The report was prepared by Manatt Health Solutions. Modern Healthcare.

Exemptions Included in SEIU's Proposed Ballot Measures Raise Queries

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Service Employees International Union has proposed two ballot measures that aim to limit hospital billing and boost charity care. However, critics note that the measures would exempt hospitals where many union members work. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.

Health Care Districts Spending Less on Aiding Uninsured Residents

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Certain publicly operated health care districts are spending more of their reserves on administrative expenses than on care resources for uninsured residents. Critics say the districts may no longer be the best option for improving care in communities. Bay Citizen.

State Instructs Modesto Clinic To Cease and Desist Operation

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs said a cease-and-desist order has been delivered to The Living Center clinic for drug and alcohol treatment in Modesto, which has operated for three months without a license. The clinic lost its license because state rules do not allow such facilities to continue operating if the building is sold to a different owner. The Living Center building was sold in December 2011. According to ADP, the clinic also is being investigated for complaints regarding patient treatment. Modesto Bee.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of March 9, 2012

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health cited Patton State Hospital and Atascadero State Hospital for not protecting staff from patient assaults. Downey Regional Medical Center announced that it has emerged from Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings.

Calif. Hospital Had Financial Links to Vendors, Audit Finds

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new state audit finds that Salinas Valley Memorial Health System paid $21 million over five years to firms in which its CEO and board members had financial interests. According to the audit, there were 11 cases in which board members received stocks and other payments from vendors doing business with the hospital system and two cases that might have been in violation of the law. Hospital officials said they would implement the auditors' recommendations. Los Angeles Times, AP/Sacramento Bee.

State Unveils New Web Tools To Let Patients Compare Care

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development has launched four new Web tools designed to help consumers compare hospitalization and utilization rates for various health conditions around the state. The tools allow users to examine trends for common health procedures -- such as hysterectomies and spinal fusions -- and compare them with indicators of hospital quality developed by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Stockton Record.

S.F. Bay Area Medical Home Pilot Program Sees Positive Results

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Since launching a patient-centered medical home pilot program in 2010, John Muir Health has seen a 43% drop in hospitalizations and a 14% drop in emergency department visits. Medical home programs seek to address the cost of treating patients with chronic illnesses. Contra Costa Times.

Group Seeks To Boost Stroke Care in San Joaquin County

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Mary Nicholson, a stroke survivor, has been working through her not-for-profit organization Healings in Motion to improve the quality of stroke care available in San Joaquin County. The not-for-profit group aims to boost awareness through education and outreach and to encourage the county's acute-care hospitals to become certified stroke centers. Stockton Record.

California Hospitals Seek To Treat Fewer Patients Under Federal Overhaul

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

California hospitals are trying to keep patients out of their facilities in preparation for new federal health reform law rules. The law provides higher reimbursements for hospitals with better patient outcomes and penalizes facilities for preventable readmissions. Los Angeles Times.

Blue Shield Forms ACO With Newport Beach Health Groups

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, Blue Shield of California announced that it will partner with Newport Beach-area health groups Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and Greater Newport Physicians to establish an accountable care organization. Starting July 1, the new ACO will provide bundled payments to Hoag and Greater Newport in an effort to reduce the cost of health premiums for 11,000 Blue Shield enrollees. The ACO will operate for at least three years. Payers & Providers.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of March 2, 2012

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This month, Visalia's Kaweah Delta Medical Center will debut a program that uses telehealth tools to connect with neurologists at California Pacific Medical Center. Shriners Hospitals soon will begin sending physicians to Tijuana rather than transporting Mexican patients to its Los Angeles facility.

Kaiser Permanente Aims To Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 30%

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Kaiser Permanente wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020, using 2008 levels as a baseline. Kaiser plans to conserve energy and invest in renewable and clean energy. San Francisco Business Times, Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.

Lawmakers Hold Hearing on Hospital Billing Under Reform

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

At a special hearing in Los Angeles on Friday, leaders of the California Legislature's health committees discussed hospital billing practices under the federal health reform law and their effect on patient care. Sen. Ed Hernandez -- who convened the hearing with health providers, insurance company officials and patients -- said the issue would become more important when the law's individual insurance mandate takes effect in 2014. KPCC's "KPCC News."

Dental Problems Showing Up as Emergencies

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study being released today by the Pew Foundation found that 83,000 emergency department visits in California in 2007 were due to preventable dental problems. That rate of dental emergencies is likely growing quickly, according to Shelly Gehshan, director of the national Pew Children’s Dental Campaign.

"It is the wrong service, in the wrong setting, at the wrong time," Gehshan said.

"These are people who come in with dental pain, and they're desperate. The emergency room can't cure that, so they don't really get the problem taken care of."

Senate Holds Hearing on Prime Healthcare's Billing, Medical Practices

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Members of the Senate Committee on Health recently held a hearing to question officials from Prime Healthcare Services about their billing and medical practices. The hearing came one day after Prime announced the resignation of its CEO Lex Reddy. Los Angeles Times et al.

Prime Healthcare Announces Resignation of CEO Lex Reddy

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, California-based hospital chain Prime Healthcare Services announced that Lex Reddy has resigned from his post as Prime's president and CEO and that Prem Reddy, Prime's owner and board chair, will serve as interim CEO. The notice comes as the FBI and state legislators are investigating the company's billing practices. California Watch.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of February 24, 2012

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Orange County is being investigated by the California Department of Public Health after the facility reported a surgical error. A status report on San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital shows that construction on the two-story, 37,500 square-foot facility is 80% complete.

Supreme Court Declines To Rule on Medi-Cal Reimbursement Suit

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to rule on a lawsuit considering whether Medi-Cal beneficiaries and providers can sue over reimbursement cuts. The justices said a lower appellate court should re-examine the case. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.

Pre-Reform Pressures Mount for California Hospitals

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

California hospitals, already under significant financial pressure in 2012, may have to contend with two proposed state ballot initiatives that would increase charity care provisions for some hospitals and limit what hospitals can charge patients. We asked stakeholders to weigh in on the initiatives.

San Diego Health Care Jobs Will Increase, Forecast Says

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

San Diego County's employment rate will see moderate but accelerating growth through 2013, in part because of more hirings in the health care sector, according to the latest projections from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. Growth in area health care jobs will be fueled largely by the implementation of the federal health reform law, the report predicts. U-T San Diego.

UCLA School of Public Health Receives $50M Donation

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, the UCLA School of Public Health announced that it received a $50 million donation from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Director and UCLA professor Jonathan Fielding and his wife Karin Fielding. The gift is the largest donation ever given to UCLA. The School of Public Health will be renamed the UCLA Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now."

Many Hospitalizations Avoidable With Primary, Preventive Care

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

New data released by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development show that 335,000 adult hospitalizations could have been prevented in 2009 if residents had better access to primary health care and prevention programs. California Watch.

More Hospitals Asking Patients To Pay Before Receiving Routine Care

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

More hospital emergency departments are asking patients with non-urgent ailments to pay an upfront fee before they can receive medical care. Some hospital executives say the fees help reduce ED overcrowding and improve overall efficiency. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.

HHS To Delay Deadline for Complying With New Medical Coding System

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced that HHS will begin the process to delay the deadline by which certain health care providers must start using ICD-10 diagnosis and procedure codes. HHS has yet to announce a new timeline for ICD-10 compliance. Wall Street Journal's "Health Blog" et al.

California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of February 17, 2012

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

State officials have halted construction at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center after hospital officials repeatedly changed building plans. Meanwhile, two Stockton hospitals have passed site surveys to become designated as preferred destinations for certain heart attack patients.

Judge Rejects Dismissal of Nursing Strike Lawsuit

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Friday, a federal judge rejected the California Nurses Association's motion to dismiss a lawsuit that Kaiser Permanente filed against the union. The suit alleged that CNA violated a no-strike clause in its contract when it participated in a one-day strike in September 2011. The judge said the contract is "ambiguous" but declined to find that Kaiser lacks the right to file the suit. Sacramento Business Journal.

Panel Reaches Deal on Extension of Payroll Tax Cut, Medicare 'Doc Fix'

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Late last night, a congressional committee approved a 10-month deal to extend a payroll tax cut and delay scheduled cuts to Medicare physician payments. The "doc fix" would be offset through cuts to certain hospital payments and a public health fund. New York Times et al.

Health System Announces Data Breach at O.C. Hospitals

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, St. Joseph Health System announced that the health records of 21,300 patients might have been accessible through Internet search engines because of faulty security settings on internal computers at Orange County's Mission Hospital and St. Jude Medical Center. Officials said the compromised data did not include Social Security numbers, addresses or financial information. Orange County Register.

Calif. Analysis Finds Care Quality Gap Between Rural, Urban Regions

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Hospital data released by California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development show that health care quality often is better in urban areas than in rural areas. However, researchers said they did not compile enough data to draw conclusions about the trend. Payers & Providers.

DHCS, UC-Davis Team Up for Public Health Overhaul Study

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California Department of Health Care Services recently announced a $4.25 million agreement with UC-Davis Health System's Institute for Population Health Improvement to study techniques implemented by 17 public hospital systems for cutting costs and improving health outcomes for Medi-Cal patients. If proven successful, the techniques could serve as models for hospitals across the U.S. California Watch.

SEIU-UHW Says Ballot Initiatives Seek To Stop 'Hospital Price Gouging'

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Service Employees International Union said two ballot initiatives it supports are designed to restrict what hospitals can charge for care. However, the Hospital Association of Southern California said that the initiatives will not curb high health costs. KPCC's "KPCC News."

EMSA Says State Law Negates Riverside Ambulance Rule

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The state Emergency Medical Services Authority last month said that California law overrules Riverside's policy requiring non-emergency ambulances to apply for franchise agreements to operate in the city. For 40 years, the city has restricted "retail" ambulances by requiring them to prove there is a need for their services in Riverside. However, Howard Backer -- director of EMSA -- said, "The justification for 'need and necessity' cannot be used by the city of Riverside to limit the provision of ambulance services." Riverside Press-Enterprise.

Patient Satisfaction Linked to Higher Costs, Mortality

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A UC-Davis study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine on Monday finds that the most-satisfied patients are more likely to be hospitalized, have higher health care costs and are more likely to die than less-satisfied patients. The study is believed to be the first to warn that focusing on patient satisfaction could have unexpected adverse effects. Sacramento Bee.

Editorial: Blue Shield Right To Seek Lower Costs From UCLA

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Los Angeles Times editorial supports Blue Shield of California's goal of cost containment that led the insurer to suspend its relationship with UCLA medical centers "in a dispute over the cost of treating patients there." According to the editorial, Blue Shield said the rates for services at certain UCLA hospitals are nearly twice as high as they were five years ago. The editorial notes, "Blue Shield is right about one thing: The health care industry is on an unsustainable path, and every segment must start focusing on cost control." Los Angeles Times.

State Officials Seek Ways To Cut Costs Associated With Mobile Hospitals

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

State officials are discussing strategies for reducing costs associated with three mobile hospitals that were purchased in 2006 for use in emergency situations. If officials cannot agree on a cost-cutting plan, they may dispose of the mobile hospitals. Sacramento Bee.