By PAMF, Health Net agreement not set for 2002
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) issued a status report last week on contracts with health insurance companies for 2002. PAMF includes the Palo Alto Medical Clinic and Camino Medical Group, and is an affiliate of Sutter Health. Both medical groups have HMO and PPO contracts in place for 2002 with Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Lifeguard and PacifiCare, as well as agreements with other preferred provider organizations and smaller health plans.
As of Aug. 14, PAMF had not reached an agreement with Health Net. The medical group’s officials expressed hope that Sutter Health and Health Net would reach an agreement before the current contract expires Dec. 31.
For information about choosing health plans, log on to www.pamf.org/physicians/healthplans.html or www.caminomedicalgroup.org.
Celiac disease conference at Stanford
The Stanford Health Improvement Program is sponsoring a volunteer-run conference on celiac disease, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 8, in the Fairchild Auditorium at Stanford University. Celiac disease is a gastrointestinal intolerance for gluten, a food source found in wheat, barley, oats and rye. In addition to a full day of lectures from leading experts, the conference for patients and professionals will offer a diagnostic blood test as well as samples of foods celiacs can safely eat. The cost is $45 before Aug. 24, and $55 thereafter, and includes a gluten-free continental breakfast, lunch and snacks.
Because of limited screening capabilities, persons must sign up before Aug. 24 to receive the diagnostic blood test at no cost. Those interested only in having their blood drawn don’t have to attend the conference or pay registration fees. Stanford medical researchers are also seeking blood sample donations from those already diagnosed with celiac disease. Those previously diagnosed need not preregister to donate samples.
To register, log on to www.celiac.com or contact Martha Deutsch at 726-9562 or marthadeutsch@hotmail.com.
Personal, family emergency prep. talk
Lynn Brown, coordinator for the Mountain View Office of Emergency Services, is slated to speak on personal and family preparation for a large-scale emergency, such as an earthquake or fire, 7-8:30 p.m., Sept. 13, in the El Camino Hospital cafeteria. Topics included are survival kits, simple home modifications and neighborhood organization. El Camino Hospital is located at 2500 Grant Road, Mountain View. Registration is required. Call (800) 216-5556.
Center for Healing and Wellness seeks child-care volunteers
The Center for Healing and Wellness is seeking volunteers to care for children under the age of 4 years, so that their parents or guardians can attend support groups for those dealing with chronic illnesses. The center is located at 2235 Grant Road, Suite 6, Los Altos. To volunteer, call Juliet Correia, executive director, at 625-1987.
