Opinion
California’s healthcare system is broken—and the solution is right in front of us.
Patient advocate image by d.ee_angeloOPINION – The Whole Child Model seeks to address the entire body of needs that affect a child’s well-being.
Posts Tagged: health care
Patient advocate image by d.ee_angeloOpinion
SB 770 paves the way for massive tax increases
Image by lenetstan via shutterstockA proposal moving its way through the Legislature seeks to eliminate Medicare in California and pave the way for massive tax increases on California workers and employers.
Opinion
Critical, timely info on medications means better quality care
A doctor and her patient have a consultation over medical care. (Photo: Andrei_R, via Shutterstock)OPINION: As health care delivery evolves thanks to advances in data sharing and technology, it’s important that health systems harness the availability of these new tools to improve transparency, information dissemination and communications between doctor and patient, allowing them to better work together to make vital health decisions.
Opinion
California’s seniors need expanded health care options
A nurse confers with a patient at the patient's home. (Photo: SeventyFour, via Shutterstock)OPINION: California has attracted residents for centuries, and for good reason. Since the Gold Rush in the mid 19th century, millions of people have gravitated to the opportunities offered across our great state. Whether it be chasing dreams of fame in Hollywood, following the technology development in Silicon Valley, or spending time in our unique climate, Americans have looked to us to lead.
News
California setting up statewide medical data-exchange grid
Doctors examining digital health data for their patient. (Photo: Ienetstan, via Shutterstock)The health information exchange, or HIE, has received little public attention. But it would cover 40 million people in California’s 58 counties, and would in part quickly inform emergency room doctors and nurses of a patient’s medical history, e.g., a preexisting condition, before her care.
News
California voters will face a ballot heavy on health care
California Flag. Coronavirus Covid 19 in U.S. State. Medical mask isolate on a black background. Face and mouth masks for protection against airborne infections in USA, AmericaWhen Californians go to the polls later this year, they will confront contentious health care choices. Voters will weigh whether to overturn a state law that bans flavored tobacco products and will likely consider increasing the cap on medical malpractice awards. They may also vote on proposals that effectively legalize psychedelic mushrooms and regulating dialysis clinics.
News
PPIC: Amid pandemic, Medi-Cal enrollments rise
Offices of Covered California, a health insurance portal for California's portion of the Affordable Care Act. (Photo: TonelsonProductions, via Shutterstock)In California, we have seen steady increases in Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) enrollment since April 2020, with caseloads about 9% larger in January 2021 compared to January 2020. Expanded Medi-Cal coverage is responsible for much of the decline in the uninsured rate.
Opinion
Prioritizing vaccines? Think of public transit workers
A worker gives directions as motorists wait in lines to get the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine in a parking lot at Dodger Stadium in L.A. (Photo: Ringo Chiu, via Shutterstock)OPINION: As the leader of the association representing California’s public transit agencies and the head of the state’s largest union representing public transit workers, we strongly urge Gov. Newsom and state and local health officials to provide priority access to the COVID-19 vaccine to public transit workers.
Opinion
Health care challenge: Helping patients suffering chronic pain
A hospital patient experiencing pain . (Photo: jeep5d, via Shutterstock)OPINION: Although science and innovation are the cornerstones of the California economy, patients living with chronic pain have been largely left behind when it comes to significant medical breakthroughs. Beyond opioids, which can be effective but are also addictive, the choices that patients have available to treat pain remain limited to non-clinical options that only provide so much relief.
Opinion
Teledentristy assumes key role amid pandemic
A remote consultation involving upcoming dental surgery. (Photo: verbaska, via Shutterstock)OPINION: The pandemic has created plenty of insecurity, but one bright spot has been the integration of technology into our daily lives. Through video conferencing and other technologies, we have been able to keep meetings with coworkers and reduce the isolation of quarantine by providing a face-to-face connection with family and friends.