The status quo is unacceptable — overall maternal mortality consistently ranks among the top causes of death among women ages 20 to 44 in the United States, and the rate has steadily increased since the 1990s.
The specialty of anesthesiology has been working to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality through best practices and use of quality metrics.
Last year when other Medi-Cal providers (like OBGYNs and doulas) were given a rate increase for their services, community health workers were left out.
As the California legislature begins discussions about how to streamline the state’s budget, we hope they will consider allocating money for this essential service.
The WIC food assistance program is needed and effective. However, there are multiple barriers to accessing services.
By modernizing how health data is shared with local WIC agencies, we can increase program enrollment, enhance care coordination with health care providers and improve the health of high-risk, underserved populations.
Millions of Californians feel they can’t afford to address their health needs, whether through medication, doctor’s visits or insurance coverage.
California’s new Office of Health Care Affordability recently proposed capping medical spending growth at 3 percent. This would limit how much things like insurance premiums or the cost of medical services could rise every year.
Victims of Crime Act funding is the largest funding source for victims’ services throughout California and the country. But it’s in jeopardy.
If California doesn’t allocate additional funds, grants to victim service providers will face a devastating 30 percent cut.
It’s common for people with disabilities to have trouble accessing health care, but this problem is often overlooked. These challenges can affect people as they move from pediatric to adult care, and also as they age.
I’ve seen how disability and health intersect, both in my academic studies and through my own lived experiences as a person with disabilities.
Improving access to high-quality primary care is one of the best things we can do to improve health in America. The consolidation and corporatization of primary care is delivering the greater access and lower costs consumers are demanding.
Yet long-term, this approach may be harming, not improving, health equity.
As a practicing physician for more than 20 years and the son of two immigrant parents, patients often ask me whether applying for Medi-Cal health care coverage will affect their ability to stay in this country.
Medi-Cal has expanded to include every low-income California resident regardless of immigration status. When my patients ask me if they should apply for Medi-Cal, I can now assure them it is safe.
California’s ambitious journey to reshape health care through the multiyear Medi-Cal reform effort known as California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) represents a profound leap forward.
As someone with more than 30 years of experience in health care information technology, here are the strategies I believe can make CalAIM a success.
Domestic violence is a problem that exists in all communities irrespective of culture, religion, sexual orientation, income or immigration status.
Yet, despite its prevalence, we are facing federal budget cuts for programs that help domestic violence survivors and try to prevent future abuse.