DHCS Discloses Medi-Cal Mailing Mixup
The California Department of Health Care Services disclosed that it mistakenly mailed more than 2,600 Medi-Cal benefits identification cards to the wrong recipients.
Archived California Healthcare News
In Brief: DHCS Discloses Medi-Cal Mailing Error; OSHPD Expands Hospital Financial Data
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Jan 2, 2013
Several Healthcare Laws Take Effect
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Jan 2, 2013
California has enacted a variety of new healthcare related to ring in 2013. Many regulate insurance in anticipation of the rollout of major provisions of the Affordable Care Act in the coming months.
One of the most significant bills is AB 1470. It creates a new agency, the California Department of State Hospitals. It transfer the jurisdiction of state mental health facilities to this new agency from the California Department of Mental Health.
Health Net Cuts Tenet From Network
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Jan 2, 2013
Woodland Hills-based health insurer Health Net has dropped six Southern California hospitals operated by Tenet Healthcare from its provider network.
Prime’s Non-Profit Makes Deals
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Jan 2, 2013
The not-for-profit affiliate of Ontario-based hospital operator Prime Healthcare Services completed two separate deals earlier this week that adds facilities to its portfolio in Texas and California.
Ten Hospitals Fined For Medical Errors
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Jan 2, 2013
The California Department of Public Health levied a dozen administrative penalties against 10 hospitals late last month for medical errors that either cost patients their lives or put them in grave danger.
Survey Says ACOs Are Continuing Growth
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Dec 17, 2012
During 2012, more than 150 accountable care organizations participated in Medicare Shared Savings Initiatives, serving over 2.4 million Medicare beneficiaries. As many as 500 new ACOs are slated to serve Medicare during 2013. In the private health plan population, accountable care arrangements are proliferating with companies like Aetna and Cigna building national accountable care networks through provider collaborations.
Alexian Brothers Opens Up ERs
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Dec 17, 2012
The Alexian Brothers hospital system in Illinois has modified its website to allow patients to reserve spots in its emergency rooms.
Branstad Takes Middle View On ACA
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Dec 17, 2012
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has taken an unusual middle ground for implementing the Affordable Care Act in his state, promoting what he calls a hybrid approach working in conjunction with the federal government.
Medicaid Wall Beginning To Crack
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Dec 17, 2012
Progress has been made on the issue of Medicaid expansion this month. A mandate was passed down by the Obama administration and some governors have spoken out in surprising ways about their stances on expansion.
In Brief: Minnesota Blues Names New CEO; Cardinal, Aetna Team On Oncology
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Dec 17, 2012
Minnesota Blues Names New CEO
Michael J. Guyette has been appointed chief executive officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.
In Brief: CDPH Moves To Decertify Facility; Sutter Health Names CEO For Health Plan
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Dec 12, 2012
CDPH Moves To Decertify Residential Facility
The California Department of Public Health has taken action against another state agency, the Department of Developmental Services, by decertifying its Sonoma Developmental Center – the first step in disaqulifying it from participating in the Medi-Cal and Medicare programs.
Kaiser Links ADHD To Oxygen Loss
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Dec 12, 2012
A new study by researchers affiliated with Oakland-based Kaiser Permanente has discovered a link between oxygen deprivation just prior to birth and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder later in childhood.
Allstate Wins $7M From Chiropractor
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Dec 12, 2012
Allstate Insurance Co. won a civil judgment of more than $7 million this week against a Long Beach-based chiropractor who collected payments from the insurer after allegedly filing false imaging claims.
A Snapshot Of COPD In California
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Dec 12, 2012
More than 1 million Californians suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with a large portion of the cases in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas.
Anthem Moves To Coordinate Care
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Dec 12, 2012
Anthem Blue Cross of California is introducing a coordinated care program in conjunction with two Southern California providers.
Michigan Pushes For Healthcare Morals Clause
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Dec 10, 2012
A new law that has passed both the Senate and House in Michigan is one of the newest to tackle the issue of whether or not providers and insurers should be required to offer a service if it goes against their religious or ethical beliefs.
Suture Express Files Antitrust Suit
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Dec 10, 2012
Overland Park, Ks.-based Suture Express has filed suit against Cardinal Health and Owens & Minor, claiming the medical supply giants have engaged in antitrust activities.
Indiana Physicians To Be Graded
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Dec 10, 2012
More than 750 physicians throughout Indiana will have their quality scores posted on the Indiana Health Information Exchange as part of an effort to provide greater provider transparency.
In Brief: Sebelius Stands Firm On Medicaid Expansion; RLH Equity Invests In Chartis Group
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Dec 10, 2012
Sebelius Stands Firm Against Partial Medicaid Expansion Under ACA
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has declined a request from governors of 11 states to allow them only partial expansions of the Medicaid program under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
In Brief: Saint John\'s CEO Ousted; Prime Fined For Patient Breach
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Dec 5, 2012
Saint John’s Health CEO Ousted
Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica abruptly ousted its chief executive officer and several of its board members in a shakeup last week.
