In Brief: Sutter, Scripps Named To Best Systems List; DHCS Releases Medi-Cal Enrollment Demographics
Scripps Health, Sutter Division Among Best Hospital Systems In Country
Scripps Health in San Diego and Sutter Health's Sacramento/Sierra Region were among those named the top hospital systems in the country by Truven Health Analytics.
They received the accolades based on what the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Truven called “balanced, systemwide clinical performance.” A total of 15 health systems were cited out of more than 300 surveyed.
According to Truven, those hospital systems named to its list had a 2% lower mortality rate; 3% fewer health complications; 8% fewer adverse health events; and a 10% shorter length of stay than average.
"These systems have strong leadership and clinical excellence. And they are, or stand to become, outstanding partners with employers and other stakeholders in setting goals for improving community health,” said Jean Chenoweth, Truven's senior vice president for performance improvement.
“Recognitions such as this are some of the most meaningful because they signify all the extraordinary work we put into practice that help us enhance the quality and safety of patient care,” said Sutter regional president James Conforti.
DHCS Releases Medi-Cal Demographic Data
Of the nearly 1.9 million people enrolled in the Medi-Cal program via the Covered California health exchange, women and Latinos were strongly represented, according to data from the Department of Health Care Services.
Altogether, 53% of those who were deemed likely eligible for enrollment in Medi-Cal are women. And 39% were all or partly Hispanic, Latino or Spanish in origin. That compares to about 28% Latino enrollment via commercial plans offered through the Covered California exchange.
Another 22% of would-be enrollees are Asian; 9% are African-American, and 6% are considered mixed race. One percent are Native American or Alaska Native; and 14% are classified as “other.”
Enrollees are also very young. A total of 29% are under the age of 18, and 48% are under the age of 26.
More than a third of enrollees reside in Southern California counties, according to DHCS data through the end of February. Enrollment from Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diago Counties totaled more than 644,000.
The more sparsely population rural counties, despite often having higher poverty rates and uninsured than other portions of the state, had limited new Medi-Cal enrollments. Alpine and Sierra Counties had fewer than 100 enrollees apiece. Trinity, Mono, Modoc, Mariposa and Lassen Counties reported fewer than 500 enrollees apiece. Amador, Plumas, Inyo, Del Norte, Colusa and Glenn Counties were below 1,000 enrollees apiece.
The agency has not yet released updated county data.
“This is not the finish line, but it is a very good beginning,” wrote Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee as part of a recent entry on his blog.
