North Bay Business Journal

Sutter merges Solano, Sacramento physician groups

SOLANO COUNTY – Sutter Health’s Solano medical group is merging with three other Sutter groups, forming one of the largest physician networks in Northern California with almost 500 doctors and 122 other health professionals.

Law: Senate fails to repeal increased 1099 filing provision in health bill

The Senate last week failed to repeal what is shaping up to be an unpopular provision for businesses in the recent health overhaul that will require a massive increase in filing 1099 tax forms.

Health bill carries costs for high-income earners

NORTH BAY – Tax professionals are warning that a series of budgetary changes proposed by the Obama administration along with the recent health overhaul passed in March could spell more complicated filings and increased taxation for high-income individuals.

Employers face tough choices for health plans

NORTH BAY — Throughout the health care reform debate, employers and employees alike were told they’d be able to keep their current health plans, if so desired. With the unveiling of details on the so-called “grandfathering” clause by the Department of Health and Human Services, however, brokers said such a prospect seems slim, and employers will face a series of tough choices regarding what type of plan they choose to offer employees as they attempt to grapple with still-rising costs.

Sutter drops doctor-owned facility

SANTA ROSA — Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa is abandoning plans to include a physician-owned medical center that would have been on the same site as its proposed new hospital near the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts.

Employers try to assess health care impact

NORTH BAY — Employers large and small are scrambling to assess the impact of the massive health care legislation passed in March.

Petaluma hospital district surveying residents on local health care

PETALUMA — Southern Sonoma County residents will be able to assess the quality and accessibility of health care being provided by Petaluma Valley Hospital in an online survey, officials announced.

Behavior, transparency said keys to reducing health costs

SANTA ROSA, NORTH BAY –Employers occupy a vital role in transforming the U.S. health care system, not only as a payer but also with its influence, attendees were told Wednesday at the Business Journal’s annual health care conference.

Curbing costs at heart of health care event; registration closes Friday

NORTH BAY – With, without or despite reform, businesses are finding ways to become more than helpless bystanders to climbing health care costs.

During the Business Journal’s Health Care Solutions that Work event next week, attendees will learn about one such nationally commended strategy – that is more than a wellness program – and hear a comprehensive panel featuring a current assessment of the reform bills, implications for small business and how access to care has and will change.

Deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 6.

Curbing costs at heart of health care event

NORTH BAY – With, without or despite reform, businesses are finding ways to become more than helpless bystanders to climbing health care costs. During the Business Journal’s Health Care Solutions that Work event next week, attendees will learn about one such nationally commended strategy – that is more than a wellness program – and hear a comprehensive panel featuring a current assessment of the reform bills, implications for small business and how access to care has and will change.

Health care conference to focus on solutions for employers, patients, providers

NORTH BAY – In the midst of one of the greatest debates ever on health care, the Business Journal will hold its annual Health Care Conference on Nov. 11 at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek in Santa Rosa.

A keynote speaker and panel of experts will tackle some of the key issues at the heart of this discussion, focusing on information that small businesses, patients and health care providers will need to help reduce costs and improve health in the North Bay.

Registration for the event will be 7:30 a.m., with the program from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $49 per person or $510 for a table of 10, including company name on the table. To register, call 707-521-5264 or go online to www.NorthBayBusinessJournal.com.

Napa clinic adding pediatric center; sees new surge in uninsured

NAPA – In the wake of a sudden 20 percent surge of newly uninsured patients, Napa’s federally qualified health center will soon construct a 3,500-square-foot pediatric center.