About Emergency Department/Trauma
California’s emergency departments (EDs) provide critical health services to those experiencing trauma, injury, or acute medical conditions. EDs offer comprehensive care, do not require previous authorization, and are open 24/7 year-round. EDs are facing unprecedented patient volume, with a 42% increase in the past seven years. By improving access to care for primary and specialty services, emergency visits can be reduced. More focused state and federal policies will be required to reduce Californians’ health care risks and ensure equitable access to appropriate care levels before people need emergency care.
5 Things To Know: National EMS Week
Celebrate National EMS Week: May 19-25 marks the 50th anniversary of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. Our first responders provide access to quality emergency care, which dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury. We want to recognize both our in-house team members and partners in the community, and the value and accomplishments they contribute to the health of all the populations we serve.
5 Things To Know: San Diego County Survey | San Diego APOT Collaboration | HASD&IC Crisis Stabilization Units | San Diego County Guide and Matrix | MAT Access Points Project
HELP THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO SET BUDGET PRIORITIES: San Diego County is seeking broad, diverse input on its priorities through a short survey to inform the county’s upcoming 2024-26 budget and operational planning process. Key stakeholders are invited to complete the survey on the Engage San Diego County website by March 17. For more […]
5 Things To Know: Study Finds CA Bridge Program is Highly Effective, Funding to Continue; San Diego TB Prevention Education and Community Engagement Summit; San Diego Workforce Partnerships Substance Use Counselor Program; DHCS Publishes Quality Ratings for Managed Care Plans and County Behavioral Health Plans; Medicare Coverage for Behavioral Health Expanded
STUDY FINDS CA BRIDGE PROGRAM IS HIGHLY EFFECTIVE, FUNDING TO CONTINUE: JAMA Network recently published a study highlighting the impact of the CA Bridge Program on opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment in emergency departments (EDs). The study found that 86% of OUD patients received buprenorphine in participating hospitals, with 50% continuing treatment 30 days after […]
Engagement Needed for CHA Survey on Discharge Delays
Recently, CHA sent an email to CEOs asking for their help in completing a survey on discharge delays. Given the importance of this survey, we will be accepting responses for the next couple weeks, so there’s still time to participate. It should only take about one hour to complete.
5 Things To Know: Medi-Cal Enrollment Systems and Disenrollments, White Paper, Supplier Diversity Reports, Overdose Prevention And Outreach, EMS System Plan
MEDI-CAL ENROLLMENT SYSTEMS AND DISENROLLMENTS: The current enrollment system (MyBenefits CalWIN) that hospitals, clinics, schools, and social service providers use to connect San Diegans to CalFresh and Medi-Cal will shut down on June 29. The new system, BenefitsCal, will not be available until July 3. As a result, hospitals will have to use alternate methods for assisting patients with Medi-Cal applications between June 29 and July 3. July 1 is also the first month that Medi-Cal beneficiaries will be disenrolled if they didn’t renew their coverage. Please reach out to Lindsey Wade at lwade@hasdic.org with any questions or concerns.
5 Things To Know: Emergency Medical Services, Kaufman Hall Report, Supplier Diversity Reports, Dementia Care Aware Screening Tool, HCAI Program Eligibility
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES: San Diego County is currently in the process of developing a plan for comprehensive evaluation of the base station hospital system (BSHS) and trauma center catchment area designation (TCCAD). This comprehensive review and evaluation began in January 2023 and is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 31, 2023. The county has hired a consultant, Public Consulting Group, which will collaborate with the county of San Diego, BSHS and TCCAD stakeholders, and the public to ensure all voices are heard as the county works on defining the future of the emergency medical services (EMS) system. More details and key tentative timelines are available on the county’s EMS web page.
Specialty Help for Pediatric ED Patients with Autism
At Rady Children’s Hospital, behavioral health specialists provide proactive behavior support throughout each step of the visit to help patients, their families and health care staff work together for a successful emergency department experience.
Finding Healing Through Art
During the pandemic, Keziah “Kezzy” Olivar started painting portraits of her Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center co-workers as a way to heal. Her project has been so successful that she now has her own gallery on the ED walls.
Addressing the Needs of a Growing Aging Population
As San Diego County’s population ages, so do this demographic’s health needs. Consider that by the year 2030, one in four San Diegans will be age 60 or older. That’s why in 2019, the San Diego Senior Emergency Care Initiative was launched. This first-of-its-kind public-private partnership — spearheaded by the County of San Diego and West Health — is designed to ensure this growing population has access to high-quality, senior-friendly care before.
Celebrating Efforts to Improve Care for Our Aging Population
At our board meeting earlier this month, we heard about the statewide health equity focus that will involve not just HASD&IC but also CHA, the Hospital Association of Southern California, and Hospital Council – Northern & Central California. This important work entails collaboration among the four associations and their member hospitals to ensure care is inclusive and equitable for all. It includes: