Martha Roby Meets with Medical Center Enterprise Local Physicians

9/5/2013

Enterprise, Ala. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby met with physicians and hospital administration at Medical Center Enterprise Tuesday, Sept. 5, to discuss issues and concerns surrounding healthcare reform, budget sequestration and their effects on our community. Roby initiated the conversation with local doctors to learn of the unique problems, concerns and questions surrounding current and future legislative issues in healthcare.

Among the issues on the minds of local physicians, healthcare access problems were indicated by the group as a huge concern for our state. Rural communities in Alabama are already at risk with primary care shortages, and indications show this could worsen with increased regulations and decreased reimbursement.

All in attendance also agreed healthcare costs need to be addressed, with physicians, patients, insurance companies and legislators each playing a role in reducing healthcare costs. One resolution the group suggested to control cost included tort reform limiting litigation, keeping physicians from feeling pressured to order more tests or procedures to keep lawsuits away and allowing healthcare costs to decrease.

Roby summed her visit, “So how do all the pieces fit together and work...that is what today is about; today is about you helping me walk in your shoes a little bit to understand the processes, what works; what doesn’t, what maybe you can do, what avenue we can go down that will be beneficial to hospitals and private practices.”

Medical Center Enterprise is a 131-bed progressive, acute care hospital. Hospital services include women's services, emergency services, surgery, physical therapy, family/internal medicine and more for Enterprise, Ft. Rucker, Coffee County and surrounding areas. At Medical Center Enterprise, skilled professionals and technology come together to provide patients with compassionate, patient-centered care. Medical Center Enterprise was named one of the nation's top performers on key quality measures by The Joint Commission.

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