The Obama Factor in PR
by Leslie Levine

Last week, I asked my peers in the industry how President Obama's first year in office has impacted the practice of PR. Many people kindly weighed in.
Here's what they had to say:

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Global recession has produced dramatic changes in health care, bringing this year, bringing with it unexpected opportunities. Last year the medical travel health benefit option reached a crossroads, and this year it promises to take a bold new direction. Analysts predict an economic recovery in the coming year, and according to a report by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, this could spur a sustainable 35% annual growth rate for the medical tourism industry.

As healthcare in the United States has been changing rapidly over the past few decades, so has the manner in which health-care has been provided, billed, and paid for. There is an increasing need for Americans to reach beyond domestic borders to the international community for certain medical procedures, treatment, and care at more affordable costs. This impacts not only consumers and their physicians, but also employers, benefit plan payors, administrators, and other industry stakeholders-including America’s hospitals. This article provides a framework for discussion points for physician-patient communications regarding medical tourism.

Permission granted by The Journal of Medical Practice Management, Greenbranch Publishing, 800-933-3711, www.mpmnetwork.com