WAUKESHA, Wis – The Roberts Group, a full-service health care marketing agency, recently held an agency gathering to present and discuss how the new health care reform will likely affect the industry. The discussion focused on the positive and negative of the legislation for health care organizations. In addition, Barbara W. Thompson, president and CEO of The Roberts Group, encouraged employees to voice their opinions to local representatives and educate themselves about health care reform.

“As an agency that provides services strictly to the health care industry, we felt it was important to discuss what the health care bill might mean for our clients and the agency,” says Thompson. “Although many of our clients will not know the extent of the impact of the legislation on their bottom line for a few years, many will start to see an increase in costs that could directly affect businesses, like ours, that service the industry.”

The agency discussion looked at some of the positives and negatives for health providers. Because all American citizens and legal immigrants will be required to purchase insurance, providers likely will see an increase in more insured patients. On the negative side, the changes in reimbursement methods that Medicare is looking into will lead to major changes in how health care is delivered and paid for. Currently, medical providers receive heavily reduced payment for treating Medicare and Medicaid patients. With even more reductions to Medicare and Medicaid payments on the way, hospitals and physicians likely will see the problems with third-party payments and government red tape continue to increase.

“The reality is that many health care providers likely will have to make some changes in how they do business,” says Thompson. “Moving forward, we will continue to consult our clients and provide top-notch customer service, as well as stay on top of new business opportunities. We plan to continue offering employees the best benefits we can manage, along with a healthy work environment.”

About The Roberts Group
The Roberts Group is a full-service agency providing strategic marketing direction, creative communication tools and exceptional customer service for health care organizations for more than 28 years. As experts in how consumers and physicians choose health care, The Roberts Group helps its clients increase patient volumes and revenues, proving the value of marketing. This is achieved by applying research-based insights, diagnostic marketing tools and vast experience to drive successful campaigns.