Lafayette-Based Schumacher Group Lays Off 41 Employees

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL) -- At least 41 people are looking for new jobs after Lafayette-based Schumacher Group laid off two percent of its workforce, according to officials from the company.

In a letter sent to employees obtained by our news partners at KATC TV-3, the company announced it is cutting its Patient Financial Management Services division.

The move is "essential due to a reorganization of the company's Revenue Cycle Services, as well as overall underperformance of the cost center," according to Vice President of Human Resources Diane Broussard.

A release sent to members of the media Wednesday stated,

As a result of the changing healthcare environment, Schumacher Group is adjusting and adapting its business strategy accordingly. The constriction of our local medical billing division and the related layoffs represent 2 percent of our total current workforce. This change is necessary so we may remain more focused on our primary mission -- treating the 4 million+ patients a year we serve with exceptional medical care

"Schumacher Group understands that this may be a difficult transition and has made arrangements to provide counseling services," Broussard wrote in the letter.

The positions were eliminated May 1, but employees will continue being paid their regular base salary until May 31.