Health

California-based Kaiser Permanente has launched what it calls the world's largest privately-funded electronic health records system. Kaiser says the medical history of more than eight-and-a-half million members in nine states is now stored electronically. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

Human cases of a type of tuberculosis associated with cattle are on the rise in San Diego County. UCSD researchers suspect the culprit may be the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products from Mexico. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

 Health Care Providers File Suit to Block Medi-Cal Cuts

A coalition of California's most powerful health care providers is suing the state to block cuts to the Medi-Cal program. The ten percent cut in the rate Medi-Cal pays providers is scheduled to take effect in July. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

 Kids Who Eat Out Have Higher Chance of Becoming Obese

San Diego State University researchers say kids have a higher chance of becoming fat if they regularly eat at a relative or neighbor's house. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

 Health Insurers Awaiting Orders on Which Policies to Reinstate

California health plans are still waiting to find out which policies they have to reinstate. Last week, the Department of Managed Health Care says 26 policies were cancelled illegally. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

 Advocates Want Increased Benefits for Permanently Disabled Workers

Advocates for injured workers are pushing a measure that would increase benefits to Californians who suffer permanently disabling injuries on the job. Governor Schwarzenegger has vetoed similar bills the last two years in a row. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

 Deadline This Week For State Initiative to Decriminalize Marijuana

A measure that would decriminalize marijuana in California faces a deadline later this week. Supporters need to turn in more than 433,000 signatures to qualify the initiative for the November ballot. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

A new nonprofit institution plans to build a $115 million stem cell research facility in San Diego that would open by 2010.

 Health Insurers Fight to Block Bills Requiring Added Coverage

Health insurance companies are crying foul over a number of bills moving through the California Legislature. The measures would require insurers to add coverage for a variety of medical services. Health plans warn the mandates would drive up costs. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

 28 Cancelled Health Insurance Policies Reinstated

The California Department of Managed Health Care says it will reinstate the insurance policies of 28 people whose coverage was wrongly terminated. Regulators say they're continuing to investigate insurance company practices. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

 Feds Grant San Diego County $2 Million to Counsel Wildfire Victims

San Diego County has received a $2 million federal grant to continue providing mental health services to survivors of the October wildfires. The County has been offering special help ever since the disaster. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

 Living With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable neurological disease that affects 400,000 Americans. But MS is not considered a fatal disease. In fact, many people with MS live long, productive lives. We talk about what its like to live with MS, and what research is being done to find a cure.

 California Breast Cancer Research Program Launches $23 Million Initiative

Breast cancer research in the state will be getting a major boost. The publicly-funded California Breast Cancer Research Program is launching a $23 million initiative. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

 Assembly Approves Legislation on Health Policy Cancellations

Two measures aimed at changing the way health insurers cancel policies have cleared their first hurdle in the California Assembly. Supporters say the bills would reign in a practice that's gotten out of hand. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

 UCSD Clinical Trial Underway to Help Obese Children Lose Weight

American children are fatter than ever. The Centers for Disease Control says between 1980 and 2000, the percentage of children who were overweight doubled in the U.S. The agency says today, more than nine million American kids are obese. A clinical trial is underway to see whether a particular type of surgery is a safe way for severely obese children to lose weight. KPBS Health Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

A new report says nursing home care in California hasn't improved in recent years, despite an influx of money from the state. The UC San Francisco study says nursing homes have largely used the new funding to pad their bottom lines. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

 California Bill Would Require Insurers to Justify Policy Cancellations

A bill in the California Assembly would require companies that sell long-term care insurance to justify policy cancellations. Currently, insurers simply have to tell state regulators about their decisions. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

 California's Largest Health Insurer Narrows Its Coverage Scope

California’s largest health insurer says it will no longer reimburse hospitals for additional care that stems from preventable medical errors. Anthem Blue Cross says it hopes the policy will force hospitals to cut down on mistakes. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

A new study from the University of California finds Latino and African Americans are under-represented in the ranks of the state's doctors. The report comes from researchers at UC San Francisco. Reporter Kelley Weiss has the story.

A new report estimates more than eight Californians die every day due to a lack of health insurance. The report comes from the non-profit advocacy group Families USA. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.