MGMA Podcasts

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams sits down with Jennifer Sanchez and Liz Gurley, data experts at MGMA, to kick off a limited series focused on MGMA data — how it’s collected, how it’s used, and how medical groups can apply it with confidence. The conversation starts with one of MGMA’s most widely used — and most frequently misunderstood — datasets: MGMA Provider Compensation. Together, they unpack what DataDive is (and isn’t), how benchmarking really works, why percentiles cause so much confusion, and how leaders can use compensation and productivity data to support providers without turning benchmarks into prescriptions.Episode TakeawaysWhat MGMA DataDive actually is — A national benchmarking platform built from annual survey data across private practices, health systems, and large organizations, designed to help groups compare compensation, productivity, and financial performance against true peers.Why provider compensation data is often misunderstood — MGMA does not tell practices what they should pay or produce; the data provides context and comparison, not mandates or targets.How organizations really use the data — From contract negotiations and physician recruitment to internal KPI tracking, productivity analysis, and leadership decision-making across multiple roles.Why the data lags by a year — and why that matters — Annualized, validated data allows for accuracy, consistency, and meaningful peer comparison, even if it’s not real-time.Percentiles explained without the math headache — The 50th percentile is simply the median, not a goalpost. Half of organizations fall above it, half below it, and neither position is inherently good or bad.There is no “right” percentile — Compensation philosophy varies by organization, specialty, geography, provider tenure, and strategy. Best practice is starting at the median and asking why you fall where you do.Why compensation and productivity must be viewed together — Looking at total compensation without work RVUs, encounters, or collections can lead to misleading conclusions and unproductive conversations.Tools that make benchmarking actionable — Features like the Provider Report Card, pay-to-production plotter, and upcoming Procedural Profile Platform help practices move from raw data to informed discussions and strategy.ResourcesConnect with Liz Gurley on LinkedInConnect with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sanchez-bsha-ppmc

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams sits down with Tara Ossek, Senior Vice President of Recruiting at Jackson Physician Search, and Matt Phillips, Managing Director at City Capital Advisors to examine the growing pressure points reshaping physician partnership models and private practice ownership.Drawing from conversations with physicians and practice leaders across the country, Tara and Matt discuss why recruiting and ownership strategy can no longer happen in separate silos. They break down what today’s physician candidates actually want from partnership, why vague promises around buy-ins and governance are falling flat, and how practices that delay succession and ownership planning risk losing both recruits and long-term stability.Episode takeawaysEarly-career physicians still value partnership, but they evaluate it like a business decision — weighing debt, lifestyle, governance, and risk alongside compensation.Vague language like “great partnership track” no longer resonates; candidates expect specific timelines, costs, expectations, and outcomes.Ownership conversations often happen too late, triggered by looming retirements or recruiting crises rather than proactive planning.Practices can’t maximize retiring partner payouts, keep buy-ins affordable, and reinvest heavily in growth at the same time — trade-offs are unavoidable and must be acknowledged.Confusion arises when practices defer ownership discussions or oversell partnership benefits that don’t align with contract language.Modern ownership structures — including LLCs, MSOs, and hybrid models — offer far more flexibility than traditional models, if practices are willing to reexamine legacy assumptions.A written, transparent FAQ addressing buy-in, timing, economics, governance, and exit scenarios can significantly improve recruiting outcomes.Succession planning and physician leadership development are no longer optional — they are foundational to long-term independence and stability.ResourcesConnect with Tara on LinkedInConnect with Matt on LinkedInJackson Physician Search City Capital Advisors"Is your practice telling the best story it can for physician partner recruitment?" (MGMA Insights Article - RE: Jackson Physician Report) <a href="https://www.mgma.com/articles/the-significance-of-

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams has a wide‑ranging conversation with Pat Kroken — MGMA Fellow, healthcare communications leader, and competitive powerlifter — about resilience, career reinvention, and the unexpected paths that shape leadership in healthcare. From books and community learning to recovering from a life‑altering injury and competing on the world stage, Pat shares stories and lessons that resonate far beyond titles or job descriptions.Episode TakeawaysA lifelong love of reading can become a professional advantage — especially when paired with community discussion and shared perspectives, as seen in the MGMA Book Club.Careers in healthcare don’t always begin with a plan — sometimes they begin with a phone call, transferable skills, and the willingness to say yes.MGMA involvement at the state and national levels can accelerate learning, expand professional networks, and open leadership opportunities early in a healthcare career.The FACMPE provides structure, credibility, and confidence — particularly for professionals entering healthcare from other industries.Resilience is often learned through adversity; trusting the process can be essential when navigating injury, recovery, or major life transitions.Strength training and competitive powerlifting taught discipline, risk‑taking, and mental toughness that translated directly into leadership and career growth.Community learning — whether through book discussions or professional associations — offers insights and perspectives that individual study alone cannot provide.Pushing personal limits, even without a clear end goal, can unlock opportunities and capabilities you never imagined possible.Related Resources Connect with Pat on LinkedInUSA Powerlifting (USAPL) - the organization Pat competed withThe Resilience Factor by Karen Reivich, PhD, and Andrew Shatté, PhDMGMA Book ClubFACMPE certification  MGMA Podcast NetworkEmail us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don’t forget to subscribe to our network wherever y

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams sits down with Melanie Stohl, director of pediatrics for the Pediatric Service Line at M Health Fairview and current chair of the Minnesota MGMA board. Melanie shares her leadership journey — from revenue cycle beginnings to executive-level leadership — and reflects on guiding teams through organizational transition, community crisis, and ongoing change while keeping patients, staff, and mission at the center of the work.Episode takeawaysMelanie Stohl’s career path highlights the power of lifelong learning, including earning her bachelor’s degree later in life and completing a healthcare-focused MBA while leading large, complex teams.Hands-on experience across front desk operations, coding, credentialing, rooming, and leadership roles gave Melanie a system-wide perspective — helping her anticipate downstream impacts and advocate for smarter operational decisions.At M Health Fairview, Melanie oversees pediatric specialty care across roughly 27 specialties and multiple clinic entities, balancing hospital-based and freestanding clinic models.Melanie discusses leading teams through significant organizational change as University of Minnesota Physicians transitioned employment structures, emphasizing transparency, listening, and anchoring teams to the shared mission.During periods of community unrest, daily leadership huddles, open forums, and frequent communication helped create psychological safety — even when leaders didn’t yet have answers.Patient safety and access remained a priority, with teams quickly adapting through virtual visits, alternate locations, and flexible workflows when patients felt unsafe traveling to certain sites.As chair of Minnesota MGMA, Melanie is focused on growing a small but mighty chapter through monthly “power hours,” in-person engagement, and creating space for candid peer-to-peer learning.A consistent theme throughout the conversation is servant leadership — showing up as human first, leader second, and trusting that culture and purpose carry teams through uncertainty.ResourcesConnect with Melanie on LinkedInMGMA Membership and CommunitiesMGMA Education and EventsMGMA Insights Podcast NetworkEmail us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to <a href="mailto:advisor@m

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams sits down with Dave Gans, longtime MGMA leader and historian, and Akash Madiah, MGMA’s acting CEO, to mark a major milestone — 100 years of MGMA. Together, they reflect on MGMA’s origins in 1926, the enduring role of the medical practice administrator, and how the association is positioning itself to support medical practice leaders through the next century of change.Episode TakeawaysMGMA was founded on a simple but powerful idea — medical practice leaders are stronger when they share challenges, data, and solutions rather than operating in isolation.Many of today’s administrative challenges — staffing, overhead, collections, physician–administrator alignment — were already being discussed at MGMA’s very first meeting in 1926.Despite sweeping clinical and technological change, the core role of the practice administrator has remained remarkably consistent for a century.The physician–administrator partnership is central to effective group practice management and remains one of MGMA’s defining principles.MGMA’s impact is deeply personal — members routinely credit the organization’s data, education, and community with helping them improve performance, advance careers, and navigate uncertainty.Conferences and peer networks remain one of MGMA’s most valuable assets, offering real-world insight that goes beyond sessions and speakers.As MGMA enters its second century, the focus is on staying outward-facing — listening to members, evolving content and data, and addressing emerging challenges like AI and administrative burden.The centennial is both a celebration and a call to action — honoring what has endured while actively shaping what comes next for medical practice management.ResourcesConnect with Dave Gans on LinkedInConnect with Akash Madiah on LinkedIn A Century of Progress? - MGMA DataDive article by Dave GansMGMA Annual Conference (Centennial Special)MGMA Data ResourcesMGMA Advocacy Efforts<a href="https://www.mgma.c

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams sits down with Tawnya Capps, CMPE, ACMPE, practice administrator at Colorado Cardiovascular Surgical Associates. In this MGMA member spotlight, Tawnya reflects on nearly 30 years in the same practice — starting at the front desk and eventually stepping into executive leadership. The conversation explores servant leadership, building trust through empathy, the value of professional networking, and what it means to model resilience and confidence for the next generation.Episode takeawaysThere’s power in growing up inside a practice. Having worked in nearly every role — front desk, billing, coding, HR, scheduling, and leadership — Tawnya brings deep operational empathy and credibility to her administrator role.Leadership doesn’t mean distancing yourself from the work. Stepping in to check in patients or cover gaps isn’t symbolic — it’s practical, culture‑building, and reinforces that every role in a practice matters.Careers don’t always start with a master plan. Tawnya’s path into leadership was shaped by curiosity, timing, and opportunity — not a rigid roadmap — underscoring the value of saying yes to learning.Confidence often follows validation. Earning the CMPE and later ACMPE fellowship helped Tawnya recognize that the work she was already doing day in and day out truly mattered and met a national standard.Networking reduces isolation. MGMA conferences and chapter involvement created a sense of community — a reminder that most practice leaders are facing similar challenges, especially in today’s hybrid and high‑pressure environment.Women’s leadership has evolved — and visibility matters. Seeing more women in senior roles helped Tawnya envision herself as a leader and motivated her to mentor others coming up behind her.Family and leadership are deeply connected. As a working mother raising two daughters, Tawnya’s professional resilience and growth were inseparable from her role as a parent and role model.Presence builds trust. Whether in the office, at a conference, or on a board, showing up — consistently and authentically — is a through‑line in Tawnya’s approach to leadership.Related ResourcesConnect with Tawnya Capps on LinkedInColorado Cardiovascular Surgical AssociatesMGMA Certification MGMA Conferences and Events</str

On this episode of the MGMA Business Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams, sits down with Dr. Michael Blackman, Chief Medical Officer at Greenway Health, to explore how artificial intelligence is moving beyond standalone tools and becoming embedded directly into core healthcare technology platforms. Drawing on his clinical background and health IT leadership experience at organizations like Allscripts, McKesson, and now Greenway, Dr. Blackman shares what an “AI by design” approach really means for medical practices — spanning documentation, operations, revenue cycle performance, and team-based care.Episode TakeawaysAI has reached a tipping point in real-world use. While artificial intelligence has existed in healthcare for years, the last 24 months have brought practical, scalable tools — like ambient documentation — that clinicians are actively using in day-to-day practice.Ambient documentation is on track to become standard of care. Dr. Blackman likens today’s ambient documentation tools to the early days of e-prescribing: not yet universal, but increasingly inevitable as accuracy improves and costs decline.Layering tools on top of tools doesn’t work. Adding AI as yet another bolt-on solution can create fragmented workflows and added burden. True value comes when AI is integrated directly into the core platform and designed around how practices actually work.“AI by design” means rethinking the platform, not just the features. Rather than retrofitting legacy EHRs, this approach starts from the ground up — asking what can be automated, where AI adds real value, and how workflows can be simplified end to end.Operational strain touches every part of the practice. From staffing shortages and documentation demands to prior authorizations, patient messages, and claim denials, AI can help reduce friction by automating routine tasks and preventing downstream problems.Better documentation upstream improves revenue cycle performance downstream. AI-assisted documentation and coding suggestions can reduce errors, lower denial rates, and allow billing teams to focus on more complex cases instead of rework.AI is an assistant, not a replacement. Trust-but-verify remains essential. Human oversight ensures safety and accuracy — especially when it comes to orders, medications, and clinical decision-making.Success ultimately shows up in people, not technology. The real measure of AI by design is whether clinicians and staff feel the system is working for them — freeing time, reducing frustration, and allowing them to focus on meaningful work and patient care.Related ResourcesConnect with <a href=

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Host and Sr. Editor Daniel Williams,  sits down with Michelle Wright, strategic advisor and board director with more than 30 years of experience across payers and providers.Michelle shares lessons from her career spanning actuarial science, health plan leadership, provider operations, and board service — offering a candid look at why smart strategies often fail in execution. The conversation explores accountability, governance, and change management in healthcare organizations, emerging compliance and enforcement trends, and Michelle’s deeply personal advocacy work focused on access to care for individuals with profound autism.Episode TakeawaysExecution — not strategy — is where organizations struggle most. Even well-designed strategies falter without clear ownership, follow‑through, and ongoing performance monitoring.Accountability must be explicit. Projects involving AI, revenue cycle, quality, or operations often touch multiple departments, but success depends on clearly defining who owns outcomes from start to finish.Governance is the connective tissue. Effective governance helps organizations document decisions, clarify expectations, and sustain progress beyond individual leaders or initiatives.Change management is consistently underestimated. Leaders often acknowledge its importance but fail to invest the time and structure required to truly change behaviors—especially during periods of stress.Operators and providers aren’t misaligned — they’re under pressure. Close working relationships can create communication blind spots that surface during change initiatives, making listening and translation critical leadership skills.Compliance risk is evolving, not disappearing. Enforcement trends are shifting as regulators increasingly use data analytics and AI to identify patterns, even when underlying rules haven’t changed.AI tools introduce new compliance considerations. Documentation, coding, and workflow automation can unintentionally create risk if organizations don’t monitor how these tools affect claims and clinical records.Access to care for individuals with profound autism remains a systemic gap. Despite significant research funding for autism overall, those with the most severe needs remain underserved in clinical care, research, and policy.ResourcesConnect with Michelle on LinkedInEpstein Becker GreenNational Council for Severe Autism(</strong

This episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast opens with Jeff Smith, CEO of Piedmont Healthcare and MGMA’s incoming board chair, delivering testimony before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. Speaking on behalf of MGMA members, Jeff laid out the real-world consequences of administrative burden — from prior authorization and regulatory pressure to physician burnout, staffing strain, and threats to patient access.Following the opening testimony, Jeff joins host Daniel Williams, Sr. Editor at MGMA, for a wide-ranging conversation that expands on those themes, exploring what policymakers often miss, how payment and workforce challenges are reshaping independent practice, and what it will take to reduce burnout and let physicians — and their teams — focus on caring for patients again.Episode TakeawaysBurnout is no longer theoretical — it’s driving physicians out of practice. In MGMA’s 2026 administrative burden survey, more than half of responding practices reported losing a physician to burnout in the past three years, with over 75% citing regulatory burden as a major contributor.Prior authorization is compounding workforce and access problems. More authorizations and denials increase staff workload, push physicians into unpaid administrative work, and delay or prevent patient care — often leading to higher downstream costs when patients end up sicker in the ER or hospital.Payment policy and administrative skepticism are sending mixed signals to physicians. While E&M codes have increased, physicians feel continuously second-guessed through audits, measures, and utilization controls — undermining the message that they are truly the “quarterbacks of care.”Primary care faces a pipeline problem. Medical students increasingly choose higher-paying specialties, leaving fewer physicians entering family medicine and internal medicine. Without incentives and reduced administrative burden, access gaps will continue to widen.Front desk staff may have the hardest job in health care. Jeff highlights that burnout isn’t limited to clinicians. Front-line staff are expected to be insurance experts, mental health buffers, and patient advocates—all while navigating HIPAA and frequent conflict.Congress is listening—but complexity remains a barrier. During Senate testimony, burnout resonated clearly across party lines. However, programs like MIPS and the Quality Payment Program are often difficult for policymakers to fully grasp, even as they shape daily practice operations.Inadequate Medicare updates threaten independent practice viability. Without inflationary payment adjustments — unlike hospitals — physician practices are squeezed financially, fuelin

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, senior editor at MGMA, welcomes Brian Gietzen, MD, medical director at Legacy Medical Group, for a thoughtful conversation on a care philosophy his practice calls benefits‑based medicine.Dr. Gietzen shares how this approach challenges the limits of rigid guideline‑driven care by reframing clinical conversations around evidence and real‑world relevance. Drawing from his experience in internal medicine and geriatric care across southeast Michigan, he explains how a more contextual, patient‑centered dialogue helps patients better navigate treatment choices, preventive care, and questions around risk — without pressure or assumptions.Key TakeawaysClinical guidelines offer direction, but not always clarity. While they provide a foundation, Dr. Gietzen explains why stopping at guidelines alone can overlook individual priorities, risks and lived realities.Outcomes matter more than checkboxes. Conversations shift meaningfully when success is defined by whether an intervention actually prevents harm — not simply whether a lab value or benchmark improves.Evidence becomes more useful when put in context. Understanding what an intervention was shown to improve, who was studied and how meaningful the benefit was allows for more honest, productive discussions.Screenings land differently when the end goal is explicit. By anchoring decisions in preventing serious outcomes — rather than detecting abnormalities — patients can better weigh options like colonoscopy, stool testing or choosing not to screen.Risk conversations work best when frequency and severity are clear. Explaining how often side effects occur, and how serious they typically are, helps counter fear‑based messaging patients encounter elsewhere.Vaccination discussions improve without performative persuasion. Dr. Gietzen describes how separating personal beliefs from clinical evidence creates space for trust and more balanced decision‑making.This approach scales with curiosity, not complexity. Practices don’t need to overhaul everything at once — starting with areas of genuine interest often yields the greatest early impact.Shared decision‑making doesn’t dilute expertise. Instead, it reframes clinicians as guides — combining evidence, experience and patient values to move forward with confidence.Contact Legacy Medical: LinkedIn | Facebook | Website This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams sits down with Bob Bush, a seasoned healthcare executive and MGMA leader, to explore one of the most overlooked — and perhaps most critical — aspects of medical practice management: succession planning.Drawing from decades of experience, Bob shares practical strategies for identifying future leaders, avoiding operational disruption, and building a sustainable organization. The conversation also touches on leadership development tools, lessons learned from real-world failures, and how proactive planning can prevent chaos when key team members leave.Whether you're leading a large medical group or a smaller outpatient practice, this episode offers actionable insights to help you future-proof your organization.Key Takeaways[05:10] Getting to know Bob Bush Bob shares highlights from his healthcare leadership career, including his role as CEO of a large physician group  Reflections on MGMA involvement, career growth, and lessons learned across leadership roles [05:55] Why succession planning is NOT optional Waiting until a crisis hits (retirement, illness, sudden departure) can paralyze operations  Succession planning should start on day one, not during an emergency [06:27] Succession planning goes beyond leadership roles Critical roles include HR, payroll, IT, and front desk staff  Every “mission-critical” position needs a backup plan [09:03] Lessons from failure: what happens without a plan Real-world example: a physician-led practice collapses operationally when the leader is suddenly absent  No shared access, no cross-training, no backup = total shutdown [12:32] The retirement reality check for leaders Retirement is a 5-year transition process, not a switch you flip  Leaders must plan for purpose, identity, and daily structure post-career [15:35] Practical tools for succession planning (visit the video version of this interview on YouTube to view Bob's screenshares) Build a simple spreadsheet tracking:  Key roles  Potential successors  Risk level of departure [19:46] Identifying future leaders within your organization Use structured tools like the 9-box talent grid Focus development efforts on high-potential, high-performing employees [23:55] From recruiter to practice leader A pivotal career moment led Bob from physician recruiting into

In this special MGMA Insights Podcast episode for Women’s History Month, Daniel Williams, senior editor at MGMA and host of the MGMA Podcast Network, speaks with Cheryl Mongillo, Delores McNair and Paola Turchi, facilitators of MGMA’s Women Healthcare Leaders Resource Group. The dynamic conversation explores the realities of being a woman leader in healthcare today, including mentorship gaps, work-life integration, leadership isolation, vulnerability in the workplace, and the importance of creating trusted peer networks. This episode offers a practical perspective for medical practice leaders looking to strengthen leadership development, build support systems, and create healthier workplace cultures. Key Takeaways[0:52] – Why this conversation matters during Women’s History Month Daniel introduces the episode and frames the discussion around MGMA’s Women Healthcare Leaders Resource Group, one of the association’s most active member communities. The episode sets out to examine what women in healthcare leadership are facing right now and how peer connection can help.[2:08] – Cheryl Mongillo on the pressure facing independent practices Cheryl explains how managing private and independent family practices has become far more complex, requiring leaders to understand population health, care management and regulatory change — not just front-office operations. For practice leaders, this reinforces the need to develop stronger administrative talent pipelines.[3:29] – Delores McNair on bridging clinical and administrative leadership Delores reflects on moving from the clinical side into management and administration, and why that dual perspective helps her mentor others. Her comments highlight a common challenge in medical groups: helping clinically trained professionals grow into business, operational and strategic leadership roles.[5:17] – Paola Turchi on leadership isolation and the need for peer networks Paola shares that leadership can become lonelier the further someone advances. She emphasizes the value of having a trusted group outside one’s organization — essentially a personal advisory board — to provide perspective, problem-solving support and honest feedback.[8:54] – Women leaders are still struggling with work-life demands and missing mentorship Cheryl says one of the biggest recurring themes in the group is the pressure to “do it all” at work and at home. She argues that leaders need to stop treating career and life as an all-or-nothing equation and instead build balance through boundaries, moderation and mentorship.[11:31] – Bridging clinical and administrative leadership perspectives Daniel asks Delores how her experience on bo

“Google showed me how to innovate. Art taught me how to do it differently.”On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams sits down with Tucker Bryant, a former Silicon Valley leader turned poet and keynote speaker, to explore what innovation really means in today’s healthcare environment. As the opening keynote speaker for the MGMA Operations Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina (April 12–14), Bryant brings a fresh and unconventional perspective to leadership — blending lessons from technology, art, and poetry to challenge how organizations think about change.Together, Williams and Bryant unpack why imitation is often the biggest risk in an era of powerful tools like AI, how constraints can actually fuel creativity, and what medical practice leaders can do to break out of routine thinking — even in highly regulated, bureaucratic environments. The conversation offers practical frameworks leaders can apply immediately, from “refusing the first answer” to running small, low‑risk experiments that build buy‑in and momentum.Key Takeaways[01:56] The path from Silicon Valley to poetry Bryant shares how studying at Stanford and working at Google exposed him to Silicon Valley’s innovation mindset, while his parallel immersion in poetry and the arts taught him to think creatively, question assumptions, and approach leadership challenges from entirely different angles.[03:27] Why “doing different things differently” matters more than doing the same things better With AI and advanced tools now widely available, Bryant argues that competitive advantage no longer comes from optimization alone — it comes from differentiation. When everyone uses the same tools, standing out requires new ways of thinking, not just better execution.[04:55] The hidden danger of imitation during times of rapid change  Fear of falling behind often drives leaders to copy competitors. Bryant explains why this instinct can lead organizations to look indistinguishable — and why taking “unreasonable” risks may actually be the safest long‑term strategy.[09:40] How to break out of habitual thinking by “refusing the first answer”  One of Bryant’s core techniques for innovation: pause when a familiar problem arises and deliberately consider a second option — even if you don’t use it. Over time, this simple practice expands creative capacity and disrupts entrenched routines.[11:27] Constraints as catalysts, not barriers, to innovation  Drawing from both art and business, Bryant explains how limitations — time, resources, bureaucracy — force leaders to find new tools and approaches, often resulting in more focused and compelling ideas.[16:22

In this episode of the MGMA Business Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and Host Daniel Williams is joined by Amy Otto and Kyle Hadley of LocumTenens.com to explore how transition management can help healthcare organizations maintain continuity of care during periods of staffing change.Together, they unpack why transitions — whether driven by rising subsidies, expiring contracts, workforce shortages, or service line realignment — represent high‑risk moments for patient care, finances, and staff morale. Drawing on real‑world examples from anesthesia and radiology, the conversation highlights how proactive, structured transition management transforms chaos into stability, protects patient access, and positions organizations for long‑term operational success.Key Takeaways[01:50] Rising costs and loss of control often trigger transition discussions Leaders most often explore transition management when facing escalating subsidies, outsourcing dissatisfaction, or limited transparency from practice management groups — especially in critical service lines like anesthesia and radiology.[03:32] Transitions are no longer rare events — they are the new normal  Staffing changes, leadership shifts, and service line realignments are happening across healthcare. Without proactive planning, organizations risk higher costs, staff burnout, and disruptions to patient care.[05:00] Reactive transitions drive higher costs and operational friction  When transitions aren’t managed proactively, organizations experience increased turnover, reduced productivity, credentialing delays, and financial inefficiencies that compound existing workforce stress.[06:12] Effective transition management turns disruption into stability — by design  A structured, customized transition playbook aligns leadership, clinicians, operations, contracting, and credentialing—ensuring patient volumes continue uninterrupted while change happens behind the scenes.[09:14] The discovery phase is the most critical step  Successful transitions begin with upfront evaluation: reviewing staffing models, coverage requirements, contracts, credentialing status, scheduling workflows, and stakeholder impact — before urgency takes over.[14:20] Stabilization requires centralized oversight and clear accountability Streamlined scheduling, onboarding, credentialing, and communication — managed through a single, coordinated process—reduces confusion, shortens timelines, and eases frontline staff burden.[16:14] Data builds trust and reduces anxiety during change  Transparent reporting on coverage, fill rates, patien

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams is joined by Doug Lewis, Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Sentara Health and board member of the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment (AAPPR).This episode explores the continually adapting landscape of physician and provider recruitment — from shifting candidate expectations and family‑centered relocation decisions to compensation strategy, locum tenens pressure, and longer hiring timelines. Drawing on Doug’s frontline recruiting experience and national perspective through AAPPR, this conversation delivers practical insights for medical practice leaders navigating workforce shortages, competition for hard‑to‑recruit specialties, and the need for sustainable, long‑term talent strategies in 2026 and beyond.Key Takeaways[04:15] Recruitment decisions are now family decisions — not just physician decisionsSuccessful recruitment hinges on understanding the needs of spouses, partners, and children — including employment opportunities, schools, community culture, commute times, and lifestyle fit. Practices that ignore the family experience risk losing top candidates late in the process.[08:58] Candidate priorities have shifted from compensation-first to lifestyle-firstWhile pay still matters, physicians increasingly prioritize work‑life balance, flexibility, and nontraditional practice models. Leaders must reassess whether their care models align with today’s expectations.[10:58] Flexible work models like job sharing are growing — but complex to executeJob sharing can attract candidates seeking flexibility, but it requires operational readiness, shared patient panels, and leadership buy‑in. Practices must plan carefully to ensure continuity of care and provider alignment.[13:52] Hiring timelines are getting longer — and communication matters more than everIncreased financial scrutiny, governance layers, and cultural fit assessments are slowing decisions. Recruiters and leaders must “keep candidates warm” through transparent timelines, frequent touchpoints, and a high‑touch experience.[17:19] Compensation strategy must balance fairness, transparency, and sustainabilityCompensation is both art and science. Sustainable models — combining base salary, RVUs, and outcome‑based incentives — help avoid destructive bidding wars while ensuring providers feel valued and fairly paid.[19:15] Locum tenens use reflects deeper workforce challengesRising locums rates continue to outpace permanent compensation, especially in hard‑to‑recruit specialties. Leaders should treat locums as a short‑term bridge, not a long

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams is joined by Steve Gutzler, nationally recognized leadership expert and opening keynote speaker at the 2026 MGMA Financial Conference in Phoenix. This episode explores how emotional intelligence, stress regulation, and self‑leadership determine a leader’s true influence — especially during what Steve calls the “17% moments”: high‑pressure situations when emotions spike, decisions are harder, and leadership reputations are made or broken.Designed for medical practice leaders, financial executives, and MGMA members, this conversation delivers practical strategies for managing emotional hijacking, leading difficult conversations, sustaining resilience during financial pressure, and setting the emotional tone for teams in healthcare’s most demanding environments.Key Takeaways[02:28] What “17% Moments” Are — and Why They Matter More Than Strategy  Steve explains the brain science behind leadership under stress, revealing why leaders are judged less by daily performance (the “83%”) and more by how they respond when pressure peaks.[04:54] Why Healthcare Leaders Are Especially Vulnerable to Emotional Fatigue  Compassion fatigue, constant problem‑solving, and chronic stress drain emotional reserves — increasing the risk of poor decisions during critical leadership moments.[06:20] Recognizing Emotional Hijacking Before It Takes Over Physical warning signs — rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, shallow breathing, sweaty palms — signal when cortisol is overriding rational thinking.[10:55] The 18‑Minute Rule: How Long Emotional Hijacking Really Lasts  Research shows cortisol can dominate the brain for 18–20 minutes. Leaders who delay responses during this window dramatically improve decision quality and communication outcomes.[12:30] Calling a “Timeout” in Real‑World Leadership Conversations  Practical language and techniques for pausing heated meetings, deferring responses, and lowering emotional temperature without damaging trust or authority.[14:20] Managing Others’ Stress Through Empathy, Not Facts  Why listening and labeling emotions is the fastest way to de‑escalate tension — and why data alone often makes conflict worse.[16:33] Leading When Financial Targets Aren’t Met  How leaders can prepare emotionally for difficult conversations about missed numbers, maintain confidence, and lead with calm, courage, and accountability.[21:11] Why Leaders Set the Emotional Thermostat Steve’s closing insight: emotions are contagious, and emotionally intelligent leaders don’t just read the room — they regulate it.Resources

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast — Business Solutions, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams sits down with Casey Benefield, Senior Director of National Account Sales at MGMA BestPrice, and Christy Farrow, Director of Channel Partnerships at HealthTrust.Together, they unpack how MGMA BestPrice, MGMA’s exclusive group purchasing organization (GPO), helps medical practices of all sizes reduce supply and service costs — often by double digits — without disrupting existing workflows or vendor relationships. From understanding what a GPO actually is to exploring real savings opportunities across clinical and non‑clinical categories, this conversation is designed to help medical practice leaders facing rising costs and shrinking margins make smarter purchasing decisions.Key Takeaways [02:19] What MGMA BestPrice is — and why it matters to medical practices MGMA BestPrice is MGMA’s exclusive GPO, powered by HealthTrust, giving MGMA members access to health‑system–level pricing on medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and services.[03:09] What a GPO does and how it solves a real operational problem Group purchasing organizations leverage collective buying power so practices can save thousands annually on everyday essentials — without negotiating individual contracts.[03:58] Who MGMA BestPrice is designed for (hint: it’s not just large groups)Independent practices, multi‑site groups, ambulatory surgery centers, long‑term care, FQHCs, and specialty practices all benefit — regardless of size or spend.[08:59] Where practices see the greatest savings — beyond medical supplies Members save up to 20% across categories including medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, office supplies, IT, waste management, freight, travel, equipment repair, and more.[09:30] The biggest misconception about GPOs — and why it costs practices money Many practices think their distributor is their GPO. In reality, MGMA BestPrice negotiates contracts across distributors, unlocking savings without changing reps, vendors, or ordering systems.[12:03] Why MGMA BestPrice is different from other national GPOs MGMA BestPrice uses a committed, sole‑source model and is backed by HealthTrust — the only top‑three GPO owned and operated by seven health systems.[14:30] How to validate savings before committingPractices can request a free cost analysis comparing their actual 12‑month spend against MGMA BestPrice contracts, showing exact‑match and conversion savings.[20:10] Real‑world impact: $25.3 million saved in one year In 2025 alone, MGMA BestPrice helped more than 4,500 MGMA members save over $25.3 million.<

This week on the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams chats with communication strategist Pamela Barnum, MPA, JD, whose undercover law‑enforcement career and time as a federal prosecutor offer a masterclass in reading people fast. Their conversation dives into those invisible layers of communication: the signals, cues, and micro‑behaviors that shape trust long before words do.Barnum breaks down her 3D Communication Framework (Display, Decode, Deliver), offering actionable strategies to defuse conflict, sharpen communication, improve team connection, and manage the rise in disruptive behavior in healthcare environments. This episode also previews her keynote at next month's MGMA Financial Conference.Key Takeaways[06:08] Understanding the real weight of nonverbal communication Barnum explains why the old “7% rule” is misleading — but why nonverbal cues (tone, cadence, pauses, presence) still drive the majority of how trust is built in clinical and leadership conversations.[08:50] Combatting time pressure and distraction in healthcare settings Barnum highlights behaviors — like checking a watch, reaching for a door, or multitasking — that unintentionally signal disengagement, and how leaders can stay fully present without adding time to already packed schedules.[12:25] The 3D Communication Framework: Display, Decode, Deliver  Learn why healthcare leaders must master these three skills to reduce misunderstandings, strengthen relationships, and influence outcomes during team discussions, patient encounters, or financial presentations.[14:45] How to project calm confidence in emotionally charged moments Practical strategies for slowing down, regulating your tone, and signaling psychological safety when conversations escalate — essential for leaders managing staff issues or patient complaints.[17:03] Leaning into difficult conversations instead of avoiding them  Avoidance leads to repeated problems. Barnum shares tactics for addressing conflict directly yet respectfully — without the inauthentic “compliment sandwich.”[21:09] How experts truly read behavior (and what not to assume) Barnum explains why isolated gestures (like “looking left means lying”) are myths — and why patterns, context, and behavioral shifts are the real indicators of meaning.[24:27] Barnum’s #1 tactic for slowing the moment and de‑escalating conflict A simple, 2–3 second intentional pause — along with controlled breathing — can shift the energy of a conversation, build trust, and prevent escalation.

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams sits down with returning guest Amy Lafko — MGMA consultant, speaker, creator of the People First Method, and author of People First.  Amy shares practical, immediately usable strategies for medical practice leaders navigating 2026’s rapidly shifting regulatory landscape, workforce challenges, and rising emotional strain within healthcare teams.From strengthening adaptability to reinventing onboarding, Amy delivers a toolkit that helps leaders build environments where teams feel supported, patients receive better care, and organizations thrive.KEY TAKEAWAYS (00:53) Amy’s healthcare leadership background shapes her "people first" philosophy — Beginning as a physical therapist and later serving in rehab, hospital, urgent care, and medical group leadership roles, Amy’s firsthand failures and successes inform her mission to help leaders avoid burnout and build thriving teams. (02:00) Adaptability is the #1 leadership skill for 2026 — With regulatory uncertainty and fast‑changing payer environments, leaders must intentionally build their “capacity to adapt.” Adaptability is learnable and essential.(03:36) Productive conflict should be trained at all levels, not just leadership — Teaching frontline staff to resolve issues reduces managerial burden and increases team cohesion. Practices that invest here see faster self‑resolution and fewer escalations.(05:20) Rising frustration is being mistaken for “more conflict” — Most conflicts aren’t actually new; people’s emotional set point is simply higher due to uncertainty. Leaders must help teams regulate emotions to reduce escalations. (08:03) The People First Method flips the traditional patient‑first mindset — Leaders shouldn’t bypass their teams to “get to the patient.” Supporting the team is what ensures outstanding patient care. (10:19) Onboarding must shift from task‑checking to “alignment and inspiration” — Traditional onboarding (e.g., first‑day EMR videos) disconnects new hires. People‑First onboarding welcomes, aligns with values, personalizes training, and boosts long‑term retention.(12:26) Weekly check‑ins using five simple questions transform new‑hire success — Quick meetings built around consistent reflection and support help new hires feel connected, confident, and aligned from day one.(13:53) People‑first cultures start with one deceptively simple factor: willingness — Willingness to invest time up front, to be consistent, and to level‑set leaders across the organization.<

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams sits down with Aaqil Khan, RCM consultant at Collectly, to uncover the “sneaky metrics” hiding inside your revenue cycle. These overlooked indicators can quietly erode patient collections, increase costs, and create friction in the patient financial experience. Aaqil brings deep experience in healthcare administration, Six Sigma process improvement, analytics, and revenue cycle leadership to show practice leaders where the real problems hide — and how to solve them using clearer ownership, automation, better data definitions, and patient‑centric design.Key Takeaways [02:13] Aaqil Khan’s background How he shifted from a planned medical career to healthcare administration and revenue cycle leadership.[08:13] The importance of estimate accuracyBad estimates create bill shock and lower collection rates.[09:32] Why critical revenue cycle KPIs fall through the cracksCompeting priorities, systems issues, and fragmented ownership.[15:01] "Sneaky metrics" and patient collection rate pitfalls“Good” numbers hide deeper conversion problems.[17:40] Impactful patient experience and payment reform Patient experience and frictionless payments directly influence collection performance and loyalty.[21:47] The hidden story inside patient AR days and patient inquiry volumeA diagnostic metric you’re probably overlooking.[26:15] Looking aheadThe future of digital payments, automation, and behavioral analytics for patient financial engagementResources Contact Aaquil on LinkedInCollectly MGMA Revenue Cycle Management Resources“All the Queen’s Horses” documentary on Amazon Prime (Local scandal of Rita Crundwell mentioned in Aaquil's introduction) This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients are frustrated. And you're losing revenue

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and Host Daniel Williams welcomes Christy Bray, MHA, CPRP‑DEI, Chief Customer Officer at PracticeLink and host of the Workforce Wisdom podcast. As MGMA kicks off 2026 with a month‑long focus on workforce issues — recruitment, retention, culture, and onboarding — Christy brings decades of experience in physician and provider recruitment to share what’s changed, what’s trending, and what today’s medical practice leaders must do to stay competitive.From early‑career job search behavior and shrinking talent pools to recruitment marketing, job board strategy, DEI’s role in matching candidates to communities, and the impact of technology and AI, Christy offers tactical and strategic insights that can immediately help MGMA members strengthen their workforce pipelines.KEY TAKEAWAYS“Recruitment finds you.” – Christy Bray on her path into the field[01:56] Christy shares her origins in orthopedics, sports medicine, and hospital leadership — and why most recruiters arrive via nontraditional paths.The biggest change: Candidates commit much earlier[03:26] Residents and fellows now begin searching 12–18 months before completion — and some even sign on match day, cutting traditional recruitment windows dramatically.Why every job must be posted — and posted correctly[08:50] Christy explains why job visibility, keyword optimization, and clear role descriptions are essential for search engines and AI‑driven job discovery.Targeted outreach beats the “shotgun approach”[09:58] Mass‑messaging “10,000 people” leads to unsubscribes. Christy outlines how to curate small, qualified candidate pools — and measure success through open rate, CTR, and text‑to‑contact options.Recruitment is a long game — and budget fears slow down patient access[10:56] With the talent pool “shrinking rapidly,” practices must prepare for longer vacancies and avoid hesitating on locums support.Essential 2026 trends: uncertainty, reduced teams, and tech‑forward recruiting[12:40] Hiring teams are “stretched,” some dismantled entirely. Geo‑targeting, small high‑ROI advertising tactics, and hybrid old/new recruitment strategies (postcards + digital ads) are key.Strategic plans start with a workforce inventory[14:44] Christy’s pantry analogy: Practices must know their provider counts, ages, FTE loads, and retirement risks. Many older clinicians work at “1.5 to 2.5 FTE,” meaning replacement calculations require multiplying needs.DEI certification isn’t per

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and Host Daniel Williams chats with Jessica Minesinger, founder and CEO of Surgical Compensation and Consulting, about some of the most pressing challenges facing medical practice leaders in 2026. From physician shortages and recruitment hurdles to compensation transparency and organizational culture, Jessica shares actionable strategies to help practices attract and retain top talent while fostering trust and engagement.If you’re a medical practice leader looking to start the year strong, this conversation is packed with insights you can put into practice today.Key Takeaways[02:19] Physician Shortage and Its Impact Why bridging the gap between physicians and employers is critical to addressing supply-and-demand challenges in healthcare. [07:07] Recruitment Roadblocks in 2026 Common pitfalls in physician recruitment—such as over-reliance on guaranteed compensation—and how to avoid them. [12:39] Aligning Fit Beyond Compensation The importance of upfront conversations about work-life balance, leadership opportunities, and organizational culture to ensure long-term retention. [16:50] The Vulnerable Transition Period Why the shift from guaranteed salary to productivity-based models can lead to dissatisfaction—and how proactive planning can prevent it. [19:55] Communication is Culture How transparency and frequent dialogue about compensation strengthen trust and engagement within your organization.[21:50] Back to Basics: Common Sense in CompensationEngaging with the "Golden Rule"—administrators should think about whether they'd be comfortable with the compensation package offered. [23:43] MGMA Data Trends for 2026 Insights from MGMA’s latest research: patient encounters are up, RVUs are stagnant—what this means for compensation strategies. Resources Contact Jessica on LinkedInSurgical Compensation and ConsultingMGMA & Jackson Physician Search Research Report (2025)MGMA DataDiveMGMA Conferences This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients are frustrated. And you're losing revenue to no-shows. There's a better way. GoTo Connect for Healthc

In this special New Year’s Eve episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams looks back at three of the most impactful conversations from 2025. These highlights focus on the biggest challenges and opportunities facing medical practice leaders today:Finding and keeping good people through strategic recruitment and retention.Choosing tools and technology that solve real problems without adding complexity.Supporting clinician and staff well-being to prevent burnout and improve care.Whether you’re revisiting these discussions or hearing them for the first time, you’ll find actionable insights to help you build a stronger, more resilient practice in 2026. We here at MGMA wish you a very happy new year!Key Highlights[01:05] Liz Mahan on Strategic Recruitment and Retention Liz Mahan from Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment (AAPPR) explains why recruitment is more tactical than process-driven and how practices can create a strategic playbook to attract and retain top talent. She shares practical tips for identifying the ideal candidate, aligning recruitment with organizational culture, and planning timelines to reduce turnover. [08:33] Julia Rosen on Building Sustainable Tech Infrastructure Julia Rosen, Senior Vice President of IT at MGMA, discusses how practices can avoid chasing tech buzzwords and instead focus on solving real problems like documentation burden. She offers advice on managing legacy systems, migrating data effectively, and implementing cybersecurity strategies to protect patient information. [16:29] Dr. Michael Blackman on AI and Reducing Burnout Dr. Michael Blackman, Chief Medical Officer at Greenway Health, explores how AI tools can serve as assistants rather than replacements, helping clinicians reduce documentation time and improve accuracy. He explains how ambient documentation solutions work and why adopting technology wisely can ease pressures that lead to burnout. Related Resources Liz Mahan, Julia Rosen, & Michael Blackman on LinkedIn.AAPPR Recruitment ResourcesGreenway Clinical AssistMGMA Human Resources InsightsMGMA Tech

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams talks with Carol Ittig, MBA, FACMPE, Practice Administrator at Children’s Orthopedics and Scoliosis Surgery Associates in St. Petersburg, Florida. Carol shares her journey from healthcare administration student to influential leader, and how adopting a go-giver philosophy has shaped her approach to leadership, mentorship, and innovation.Key Takeaways [03:35] Carol’s Path to Healthcare Leadership Carol’s career pivot and how early experiences in patient care sparked her passion for health care leadership. [07:35] Why Networking is Non-Negotiable How leveraging MGMA and other professional networks enabled Carol to launch new initiatives like research programs and a foundation. [07:49] The Power of Mentorship Lessons from her mentor Debbie Mitchell — setting boundaries, embracing authenticity, and saying yes to growth opportunities.[10:49] The Go-Giver Philosophy in Action Carol explains the five laws from The Go-Giver and how they translate into leadership in medical practices. [18:12] Solving Payer Challenges Through Collaboration How Carol’s orthopedic billing listserv uncovered a nationwide claims denial issue — and the steps taken to resolve $50,000 in denied claims.[21:07] AI and Prior Authorization: What Leaders Need to Know Insights into emerging AI-driven payer edits and practical tips for navigating prior authorization hurdles.[27:49] Navigating MGMA Resources Efficiently Carol’s “secret sauce” for staying informed about MGMA programs without getting lost in the website. Resources & Links MentionedCarol Ittig on LinkedInOrthopedic Executives Association (AOE)CHORTHO Cares FoundationThe Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David MannMGMA Membership MGMA Mentor ProgramIf you're interested in joining the MGMA Book Club, reach out to Daniel at [email protected]. This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients are frustrated. And you're losing revenue to no-shows. There's a better way. GoTo Connect for Healthcare is a unified, AI-powe

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams reconnects with Tony (Anthony) Schirer, executive director of Cheyenne OBGYN and long-time MGMA member. Tony shares his journey into healthcare, the evolving role of technology in medical practices, and practical strategies for tackling staffing challenges in rural settings. The conversation also explores MGMA membership benefits, mentorship programs, and the value of professional networking.Key Takeaways03:55 From Finance to Healthcare Leadership Tony explains how his career began in hospital finance and evolved into practice administration, driven by regulatory changes like the Stark Act.07:39 Technology’s Impact on Healthcare From early spreadsheets to EHRs and now AI, Tony reflects on the tools that have transformed operations and patient care.11:00 Recruiting in Rural Communities Why hiring clinicians for Cheyenne takes patience, creativity, and understanding family needs — and why it took 18 months to fill key roles. 12:45 Building Team CultureHoliday bonuses, potlucks, and post-holiday gatherings as strategies to show staff they’re valued. 15:17 Staffing Pain Points Challenges in finding qualified front-desk staff and medical assistants, and why local training programs matter. 17:27 Remote Work in Healthcare Tony shares real-world examples of hybrid and remote roles, including triage nurses and billing staff, and the compliance considerations involved.23:55 The Power of MGMA Membership Networking, advisory boards, and the MGMA Book Club as tools for professional growth and mentorship. 26:24 Why Mentorship Matters Tony’s call for more proactive outreach to new members and ideas for strengthening MGMA’s mentoring program. Resources Contact Tony on LinkedIn. MGMA Membership BenefitsJackson Physician SearchEmail Daniel Williams at [email protected] if you'd like to join the MGMA Book club.  This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients are frustrated. And you're losing revenue to no-shows. There's a better way. GoTo Connect for Healthcare is a unified, AI-powered communication platform built to support your HIPAA compliance, streamline scheduling, reduce staff bur

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams sits down with Paola Ballester, MD, pediatric hospitalist, medical director for utilization management, and senior physician advisor at a large, freestanding academic children’s hospital and regional pediatric referral center. Dr. Ballester is also the co-founder of EasyPA, an AI-driven platform designed to streamline prior authorization processes. Together, they explore how medical practices can tackle administrative burdens, leverage technology, and prepare for upcoming regulatory changes — all while improving patient access to care.Key Takeaways02:45 Dr. Ballester’s Unique Journey From insurance claims adjuster to pediatric hospitalist — how her background shaped her expertise in utilization management and revenue cycle.06:27 The Pain Points of Prior Authorization Why delays in prior auth lead to patient suffering and staff frustration, and why the current system is broken. 08:01 Introducing EasyPA How an AI-powered platform can detect prior auth requirements, reduce denials, and generate appeal letters and peer-to-peer talking points. 11:37 The “220-Minute Case” A real-world example of administrative burden: 19 email threads, 14 team members, and multiple failed appeals for one procedure.22:19 Preparing for Regulatory Changes CMS’s new rules (57F) will require electronic prior auth by Jan 1, 2027 — what practices need to know now. 17:22 Choosing the Right Tech Tools Practical advice for administrators and clinicians on evaluating AI solutions and understanding your own data before investing.24:22 Leadership and Representation Dr. Ballester’s advice for women in healthcare leadership: owning confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and defining success. 26:35 Life Beyond Medicine How being a basketball mom keeps Dr. Ballester grounded and why setting boundaries matters for work-life balance. Resources & LinksEasyPA Reach out to Paola Ballester, MD, on LinkedInCMS Rule 57F - Details on upcoming electronic prior authorization requirements.MGMA prior authorization resources This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients ar

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, sits down with Jimmie Richmond, MPH, CHFP, CMPE, CPC, Financial Analysis Consultant at Banner University Medical Center. Jimmie is both a longtime MGMA member and a volunteer on MGMA’s new Human Resources & Compliance Advisory Board.Daniel and Jimmie explore the modern challenges facing medical practices — from unbilled revenue recovery to workforce shortages, patient access, remote work, and how leaders can weave compassion, communication, and connection into their operations. They also discuss the power of professional community through MGMA’s Book Club and advisory boards, offering listeners actionable insights to strengthen both their teams and their financial performance.Key Takeaways:• 1:53 — The “Unbilled Revenue” Problem: Why It Happens & How to Fix It Jimmie explains how his team identifies root causes of unbilled revenue in the EMR—an issue that directly impacts margins. He highlights the need for cross-functional collaboration between finance, revenue cycle, and providers.• 5:27 — A Career Built on Connection, Persistence, and Service From call centers to surgery centers to financial analysis, Jimmie shares how listening skills and empathy became core leadership tools.• 9:01 — Book Club as Leadership Training: Why MGMA Members Should Join Daniel and Jimmie discuss how MGMA’s Book Club builds leadership skills, encourages vulnerability, and helps members solve real-time workplace problems.• 12:55 — Finding Your Place in MGMA: Scholarships, Certification, and Fellowship Jimmie recounts how MGMA’s education, grants, and benchmarking tools helped advance his career—and how the fellowship journey validated his expertise.• 18:05 — Why a Finance Professional Joined the HR & Compliance Advisory Board Jimmie explains how financial analytics intersects with HR and compliance, and why multidisciplinary perspectives matter for better decision-making.• 20:20 — The Pressures Facing Practices Today: Patient Access, Staff Retention, & Provider Burnout Jimmie outlines the post-COVID challenges he sees across the system and why compassion must be a core leadership competency.• 22:13 — Making Remote Work… Actually Work: Tools, Touchpoints, and Trust As a fully remote financial consultant for a Phoenix-based practice, Jimmie offers tactical advice for communication rhythms, collaboration tools, and building team cohesion from afar.• 22:54 — How Leaders Can Recruit Talent in a Competitive Landscape Remote work can widen talent pools—if leaders invest in connection, scheduling discipline, and inclusive communication practices.Resources Mentioned:</st

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams speaks with Allen Alongi, MBA, PMP, SSGB, Physician Practice Manager at Northside Hospital in Marietta, Georgia, and one of the newly appointed members of MGMA’s Human Resources and Compliance Advisory Board. Allen shares his journey from patient to healthcare leader; his passion for writing, reading, and mentorship; and strategies for building resilient teams in a challenging healthcare environment. This conversation offers practical solutions for medical practice leaders and MGMA members looking to strengthen their teams, improve operations, and foster professional growth.Key Takeaways:01:21 Allen’s Role at Northside Hospital Learn how Allen oversees multiple clinics, manages P&L, and drives strategic initiatives focused on retention and patient experience. 04:42 A Personal Healthcare Journey Allen’s diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes at age 14 and how it inspired his career in healthcare leadership.06:08 Career Path & Lessons Learned From academic medicine to physician practice management, Allen shares insights on staffing challenges and operational excellence. 09:05 Connecting with MGMA How MGMA resources and certification programs became a cornerstone for Allen’s professional development and decision-making. 11:05 Writing for MGMA Allen discusses his published articles on mentorship, feedback loops, and practical clinic solutions—and why writing matters for leadership. 12:36 Allen's Passion for Writing Stemmed from his Love of ReadingAllen talks classic literature and various writing roles throughout his career. 19:28 Book Recommendations & Lifelong Learning Allen and Daniel talk about some leadership reads, plus details on MGMA’s book club for members.25:07 Maximizing Mentor-Mentee ProgramsActionable advice for getting the most out of mentorship programs, including preparation, engagement, and growth strategies.Resources Mentioned:Allen’s MGMA Articles"Mentor up: How to be a great mentee and drive your own growth""Feedback for impact: Using employee and patient insights to drive operational improvements""Practical solutions to combat burnout in ambulatory clinics"Other MGMA Resources<a href="https://www.mgma.com/acmpe-cert

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams speaks with Justin McMartin, Director of Product Innovation at Surescripts, about one of the most important developments in U.S. healthcare interoperability: TEFCA and Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs). They dig into what TEFCA is (and isn’t), how QHINs operate, what Surescripts is doing as a newly approved QHIN, and — most importantly — how practice leaders can use these tools to improve clinical decision-making, streamline workflows, reduce prior authorization pain, and support value-based care.Justin’s insights translate a deeply technical topic into clear, practice-oriented guidance that helps healthcare administrators understand what’s changing, how it impacts their clinicians, and what steps they should take now.Key Takeaways Justin’s background & the evolution of Surescripts beyond e-prescribing 00:58 — From EHR implementation during Meaningful Use to building national data exchange networks.What Surescripts offers medical practices today 02:45 — Eligibility, medication history, real-time benefit tools, clinical messaging, record locator/exchange.TEFCA explained: Why it exists and what it solves 04:59 — Preventing fragmented, state-by-state frameworks by establishing a single national standard.QHINs & the Sequoia Project’s role as RCE 06:08 — How QHINs govern secure, standardized data exchange nationwide.How Surescripts participates: InterConnect & QHIN approval 07:33 — Surescripts’ new QHIN subsidiary and what it means for practice connectivity.Scope of data available: Billions of clinical documents exchanged 08:39 — How Carequality volume and TEFCA adoption are converging.What TEFCA adds to existing practice workflows 10:33 — Access to CCDAs across care settings, improving completeness at the point of care.Practical use cases for clinicians and practice managers 12:33 — ED episodes, chronic disease management, and value-based care coordination.Why practices hesitate: Awareness, education, and workflow clarity 14:54 — Adoption barriers and how vendors can support practices.Action steps for practice leaders 17:44 — Review InterConnect resources, understand state exchanges, and incorporate patient feedback on data access.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeSurescriptsThe Sequo

In this inspiring bonus episode of the MGMA Podcast, recorded live at the 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando, Senior Editor Daniel Williams sits down with Delores McNair—speaker, mentor, and longtime MGMA leader—who brings her trademark energy and authenticity to a conversation about leadership, mentorship, and human connection in healthcare.Delores McNair shares what fuels her continued engagement with MGMA, from mentoring and speaking to leading the MGMA Book Club community. She reflects on the power of authentic leadership, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and why MGMA conferences offer more than education—they build connection.Highlights from this episode:How mentorship through MGMA helps leaders grow and give backThe value of authentic leadership and building a personal brandLessons from the MGMA Book Club and continuous learningNetworking vs. connecting: why real relationships matterReflections on MGMA’s 1920s-themed gala and the joy of communityIf you’re passionate about healthcare leadership, professional development, and authentic connection, this conversation will leave you inspired.Subscribe to the MGMA Podcast for more interviews with healthcare innovators and leaders shaping the future of medical practice management.#MGMA #HealthcareLeadership #LeadersConference #Mentorship #AuthenticLeadership #MedicalPracticeManagement This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients are frustrated. And you're losing revenue to no-shows. There's a better way. GoTo Connect for Healthcare is a unified, AI-powered communication platform built to support your HIPAA compliance, streamline scheduling, reduce staff burden, and help your team do more with less. Because when communication works, care works. Learn more and get a personalized demo.

In this episode, Sr. Editor and host of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Daniel Williams, MBA, MSEM, sits down with Macy Dotty, Clinic Director of Interventional Pain, Neurology, Urology, and Visiting Specialists at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby, Minnesota — and one of MGMA’s 2025 Future Five Award winners.Macy shares her unconventional entry into healthcare during the early days of COVID, how growing up in rural Minnesota shaped her leadership approach, and how her team cut wait times from 54 days to just over 10 without adding staff. She also reflects on what it means to be honored as a Future Five leader and what excites her most about the future of healthcare.This episode is full of actionable insights for medical practice leaders, especially those working in rural and resource-constrained environments.Key TakeawaysStarting a Healthcare Career During the Pandemic Built Adaptability and Resourcefulness (05:43) Macy entered healthcare in the spring of 2020 with no traditional onboarding, learning instead through immersion, curiosity, and creative problem-solving — skills that continue to shape her leadership.How a “Small but Mighty” Critical Access Hospital Serves a Large Rural Region (15:18) CRMC sits in a town of 2,300 but serves 50,000–60,000 patients across rural Minnesota, performing more than 10,000 surgeries a year. Macy explains why patients drive past larger systems to receive care there.Managing Seasonal Patient Shifts: Coordinating Care for Snowbirds (17:23) Macy outlines how her team tracks which patients winter in other states, ensures continuity of care, prevents unnecessary follow-up outreach, and keeps partner providers informed.Cutting Wait Times from 54 Days to 10 with Data, Templates & Team Alignment (21:05) Rather than adding staff, Macy’s team redesigned provider schedules, room utilization, and workflows — dramatically expanding access and improving patient outcomes.Leadership That Drives >99th Percentile Engagement Scores (24:56) Macy prioritizes visibility, staff autonomy, psychological safety, and genuine personal connection. Her approach empowers teams to solve problems and care for patients more effectively.Innovation + Policy Awareness Will Shape the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders (26:54) Future leaders must embrace creative problem-solving, partnership-building, technology, and an active understanding of state/local legislation impacting care delivery.Bonus: A Disney First-Timer? Planning Orlando Travel as a Minnesotan (28:09) Macy hopes to turn her upcoming Orlando trip into her fiancé’s first-ever Disney

In this bonus episode of the MGMA Podcast, recorded live at the 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando, Senior Editor Daniel Williams speaks with Maryann Kawaksheh, who traveled all the way from Qatar to attend.Maryann shares her remarkable journey from Alabama to Qatar, where she helped build a greenfield hospital from the ground up. She discusses the similarities and differences between U.S. and international healthcare systems, how benchmarking and MGMA membership have been vital to her work abroad, and why networking is her biggest takeaway from the Leaders Conference.Key themes from this episode:Building a women’s and children’s hospital in QatarThe role of benchmarking and MGMA resources in global healthcare leadershipSimilarities in ambulatory care challenges across countriesHow AI is shaping healthcare leadership while emphasizing the human connectionWhy ongoing leadership training and networking are essential for growthIf you enjoy this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe to the MGMA Podcast for more insights from healthcare leaders across the globe.#MGMA #HealthcareLeadership #LeadersConference #AIinHealthcare #GlobalHealthcare This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients are frustrated. And you're losing revenue to no-shows. There's a better way. GoTo Connect for Healthcare is a unified, AI-powered communication platform built to support your HIPAA compliance, streamline scheduling, reduce staff burden, and help your team do more with less. Because when communication works, care works. Learn more and get a personalized demo.

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Mitchell Ramsey, CHFP, CRCR, TMS Clinical Coordinator at Psychiatry Associates of Tallahassee and one of MGMA’s 2025 Future Five Award honorees. Mitchell shares how his journey from lacrosse coach to mental health professional shaped his empathetic, patient-first approach to care. He discusses innovations in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment, improving patient intake systems, navigating payer relationships, and the broader movement to destigmatize mental health care. This episode offers actionable insights for practice leaders looking to improve coordination of care, streamline administrative processes, and strengthen patient engagement.Episode Takeaways(02:58) From Coaching to Caregiving: A Path to Mental Health Mitchell describes his unique journey from coaching lacrosse to pursuing mental health care after realizing the power of psychological support in athletic performance.(04:56) Inside the TMS Clinic He breaks down what transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is — an FDA-approved neuromodulation therapy for depression, OCD, and other conditions — and shares how his small but dedicated team operates within a larger psychiatric practice.(07:43) Transforming the Patient Intake & Onboarding Experience Mitchell details how he redesigned his clinic’s intake process — shifting from a standardized script to a storytelling-based, empathy-driven approach that helps patients feel understood and supported from the start.(09:56) Building Better Payer Relationships He explains how open communication and proactive collaboration with insurers reduced prior authorization delays from two to three weeks down to a few days, demonstrating how strong provider–payer relationships improve access to care.(11:07) Data-Driven Advocacy for Mental Health Mitchell shares how his team’s partnership with BrainsWay, a TMS device manufacturer, has contributed to expanding FDA approval for broader age ranges — underscoring how community practices can influence national treatment accessibility.(12:58) Community Partnerships Through NAMI Mitchell’s collaboration with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) ensures that patients who can’t afford care still receive peer-to-peer mental health support, embodying a comprehensive approach to community wellness.(15:33) The Future of Mental Health Care He envisions a continued reduction in stigma, deeper integration of mental health across all specialties, and more ope

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, sits down with Tony Stajduhar, President, and Neal Waters, Regional Vice President of Recruiting, Jackson Physician Search, to discuss insights from the new research report From Contract to Connection: How Authentic Relationships Foster Early Career Physician Loyalty and Retention.The conversation explores how healthcare leaders can strengthen physician relationships beyond the recruitment phase — from pre-boarding and onboarding to long-term engagement. Tony and Neal share actionable strategies to close the gap between administrative expectations and physician realities, emphasizing culture, communication, and connection as key drivers of retention and satisfaction.Key TakeawaysBridging the Expectation Gap (1:39) Nearly 60% of physicians leave their first job within three years, yet administrators expect six-year tenures. This misalignment reveals a critical need for better communication and expectation-setting during recruitment and onboarding.Spotting Red Flags Early (3:57) Engagement is a strong indicator of longevity. Lack of participation in staff events, community involvement, or peer engagement can signal an at-risk physician.Generational Shifts in Retention (09:44)Newer physicians approach employment differently than past generations. They expect employers to prove that a practice is worth their long-term commitment, rather than assuming loyalty from the start.The Power of Pre-boarding (11:09) Relationship-building begins before day one. Consistent communication — such as assigning mentors, sending local updates, or small welcome gestures — keeps new hires connected and prevents cold feet during long start-date gaps.Compensation Gets Them In, Culture Keeps Them There (18:10) Financial packages may attract candidates, but organizational culture — where physicians feel heard, valued, and connected — is what sustains engagement.Establishing Feedback Loops That Work (22:25) Effective feedback systems pair structured mentorship (monthly check-ins) with informal peer relationships, ensuring physicians have safe spaces to share concerns before they escalate.Culture as a Retention Engine (25:34) A thriving culture is personal, not transactional. When physicians feel known as individuals — not employee numbers — they’re more likely to stay and invest in the organization’s success.Action Step for Leaders (29:19) Administrators should “put themselves in physicians’ shoes,” understanding their personal and professio

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, senior editor at MGMA, welcomes Idalis McPhail, practice administrator at Fairfax Pediatric Associates and one of MGMA’s 2025 Future Five Award winners. With a background that spans from bedside nursing to executive administration, McPhail shares her journey of bridging clinical and administrative leadership, fostering unity across departments, and implementing evidence-based safety and workflow improvements. Listeners will gain practical insights into building communication, strengthening patient experience, and leading change in long-standing healthcare organizations. Key Takeaways[02:34] – Recognition and Mentorship Idalis describes the surprise and excitement of receiving her MGMA Future Five Award and how MGMA resources and mentorship accelerated her professional growth as a new practice administrator.[05:11] – Career Evolution: CNA to Administrator Her transition from clinical roles to leadership positions taught her the importance of empathy, teamwork, and leadership’s impact on both patient outcomes and staff morale.[06:09] – Inside Fairfax Pediatric Associates Fairfax Pediatric Associates—serving Northern Virginia for nearly 60 years—includes three locations, 80 staff, and offers care ranging from pediatrics to ADHD and mental health services as part of the Trusted Doctors network.[09:30] – Speaking a Common Language: Clinical Meets Administrative McPhail explains how she united departments by defining the patient experience as a shared goal—covering every touchpoint from insurance verification through follow-up care.[11:23] – Leading a Culture of Safety Her infection-control initiative began with observation and staff education. By focusing on the “why” behind safety standards, McPhail built buy-in and accountability, reducing employee sick days and patient cross-contamination.[13:50] – Sustaining Quality through Engagement Monthly “secret shopper” audits keep infection-control practices consistent, reinforcing awareness without creating a punitive culture.[17:14] – Mentorship and Collaboration Across Roles Transitioning from nurse manager to administrator required humility, curiosity, and asking direct reports for insight. McPhail emphasizes showing how operational decisions affect patient outcomes to motivate staff from all backgrounds.[19:33] – Redefining Impact: Taking Care of the Caregivers Moving into administration expanded McPhail’s impact—now supporting both patients and the 80 employees who care for them through operational efficiency, fiscal stability, and workplace

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, interviews Sean Nguyen, MHA, the 2025 Harwick Innovation Award winner and System Director of the Interventional Pain Service Line at Ochsner Health. Nguyen shares how his “One Reason for Visit” model revolutionized multidisciplinary care for patients with back pain by breaking down silos, improving patient access, and creating a coordinated, scalable system across a 45-hospital network. He also reflects on his Louisiana roots, how his experience with FEMA during Hurricane Katrina shaped his healthcare leadership, and how collaboration drives sustainable innovation.Tune in to learn how Nguyen’s approach can help your practice enhance care coordination, streamline scheduling, and improve patient satisfaction — no matter your size or specialty.Key Takeaways[01:36] – Winning the Harwick Innovation Award Sean shares the story behind receiving the Harwick Innovation Award and credits his Ochsner team’s collective effort in transforming care delivery.[03:11] – About Ochsner Health’s System-Wide Reach Sean provides an overview of Ochsner Health’s 45-hospital system, spanning Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, emphasizing the organization’s focus on innovation, collaboration, and excellence in care.[05:40] – Roots in Louisiana and a Passion for Community Growing up “down the bayou” in Houma, Louisiana, as the son of Vietnamese immigrants, Sean learned the value of family and community. After Hurricane Katrina, his work with FEMA in recovery and behavioral health inspired his career in healthcare leadership. [11:22] – Breaking Down Silos in Patient Care Nguyen explains how fragmented care for patients with back pain led to the development of the “One Reason for Visit” model — streamlining access and ensuring consistent triage regardless of specialty or location. [15:46] – Implementation: Building Collaboration Across Systems Sean details how his team partnered with Epic and clinical leaders to connect decision trees across specialties, standardize initial visits, and gain clinician buy-in through transparent communication and trust-building.[20:45] – Buy-in, Measurable Results, and Patient Impact The initiative reduced wait times, expanded same-day availability, and boosted patient satisfaction. Nguyen also notes culture change as one of the most meaningful outcomes, as teams embraced shared goals over silos.[29:35] – Scaling the Model to Chronic Disease Management Sean outlines opportunities to apply the “One Reason for Visit” framework to chronic conditio

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, sits down with Michelle Mainord, Practice Administrator at Cookeville Gynecology in Tennessee and winner of the 2025 ACMPE Forum Representative of the Year Award. Michelle shares her remarkable journey from nurse to administrator, the lessons learned in leadership, and how mentorship and certification programs like ACMPE strengthen the future of healthcare management.Listeners will gain insights into how medical practice leaders can balance professional development, mentorship, and the day-to-day demands of running a practice — all while building community and advancing excellence in healthcare management.Episode Takeaways[02:09] — Connecting in Person: Why MGMA Conferences Matter Daniel and Michelle chat about the excitement of attending the MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando (held Sept. 28-Oct. 1), the energy of being surrounded by peers, and the difference between virtual connections and face-to-face learning. Michelle reflects on attending the MGMA Private Practice Conference in Minnesota earlier this year. [05:14] — Cookeville, Tennessee: A Regional Hub for Women’s Health Michelle introduces listeners to Cookeville. At Cookeville Gynecology, her team provides specialized care for patients who often travel an hour or more for services. She describes the pride of working in a regional practice that blends small-town connection with big-city standards of care. [6:19] — From Nurse to Administrator: Bridging the Clinical and Business Sides of Healthcare Michelle shares her transition story from clinical nurse to administrator, explaining how cross-training and empathy between front- and back-office teams foster stronger, more efficient practices.[7:34] — Launching and Growing a Physician-Owned Practice Hear how Michelle helped build Cookeville Gynecology from a single-physician practice to a thriving six-provider clinic serving more than 20,000 patients across a 14-county region.[8:08] — Bridging the Front and Back Office Divide  Michelle reflects on the transition from nurse to administrator, noting that tension often exists between clinical and front-office teams. She explains how her clinical background helped her bridge that gap, foster collaboration through cross-training, and guide change with empathy and understanding. [09:48] — Seeing Both Sides of the Practice Michelle explains how working on both the clinical and administrative sides has strengthened her communication and leadership. She shares how understanding each team’s perspective helps staff connect their daily work to the practice’s financial health and overall success.<strong

Welcome to MGMA Insights, the podcast for medical practice leaders. In this episode, host Daniel Williams speaks with Jonathan Leer, Senior Director of Clinical Business Operations at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.Recorded ahead of the MGMA Leaders Conference, their conversation highlights the evolving role of academic medicine, including leadership development, physician recruitment and retention, research and clinical trials, grant management, and resource management amid shrinking reimbursements.Key Moments:00:00 – Introduction and Jonathan Leer's background01:07 – Defining academic medicine and the tripartite mission04:14 – Research and clinical trial highlights06:32 – Public health focus on carbon monoxide safety07:39 – Expanding academic practices into communities12:18 – Leadership, recruitment, and resource management in academic medicine28:00 – How to connect with Jonathan LeerResources:Email: [email protected] Leer on LinkedInMGMA Leaders Conference InfoUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine WebsiteCDC Carbon Monoxide Safety This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients are frustrated. And you're losing revenue to no-shows. There's a better way. GoTo Connect for Healthcare is a unified, AI-powered communication platform built to support your HIPAA compliance, streamline scheduling, reduce staff burden, and help your team do more with less. Because when communication works, care works. Learn more and get a personalized demo.

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Rihan Javid to explore how medical practices can balance artificial intelligence with human expertise. Dr. Javid shares insights from his work with EDGE and Rinova AI, where he helps practices leverage remote talent and AI-powered agents to reduce costs, improve billing accuracy, and enhance patient care.The conversation covers how AI can automate repetitive administrative tasks, the limits of technology in patient interactions, and the importance of maintaining empathy and trust in healthcare. Listeners will also hear real-world examples of AI’s role in revenue cycle management and the long-term potential of AI agents.Key Takeaways:(03:27) - Introduction to Dr. Javid’s background: From law to psychiatry to healthcare operations, and how this experience informs his approach to AI in medical practices(06:38) - The billing challenge: Why healthcare billing is so complex and costly, and how practices struggle to retain top coding and billing staff(08:21) - Where AI excels vs. where humans are essential: Repetitive coding and data tasks are ideal for AI, while human interaction remains irreplaceable for patient-facing roles(09:35) - Defining AI agents: How AI agents simulate human workflows, log into EHRs, code notes, and reconcile payments—dramatically cutting processing times(13:15) - Cost savings potential: How practices can reduce billing expenses from 5% of revenue to less than 1%, saving tens of thousands of dollars per physician each year(15:42) - Preserving empathy and trust: Why AI cannot replace the doctor-patient relationship and the importance of human connection in healthcare(17:08) - Final advice for practice leaders: Adopt AI thoughtfully—integrating tools like billing agents without losing the essence of patient-centered careResourcesVisit the EDGE websiteVisit the Rinova AI website to learn moreWatch a Rinova Agentic AI Insurance Verification DemoConnect with Dr. Rihan Javid on LinkedIn This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients are frustrated. And you're losing revenue to no-shows. There's a better way. GoTo Connect for Healthcare is a unified, AI-powered communication platform built to support your HIPAA compliance, streamline scheduling, reduce staff burden, and help your

In this episode of the MGMA Podcast, Senior Editor Daniel Williams sits down with Linda Carroll of Aurora Maternal Fetal Medicine in Alaska, recorded live at the 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando. Linda shares her unique perspective on traveling from Alaska to connect with peers, the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare leadership, and how resource groups like the AAPI Leaders Group provide space for meaningful conversations. She also discusses the realities of delivering care across rural Alaska, balancing Telehealth with in-person visits, and why networking is the most valuable takeaway from MGMA conferences.What you’ll hear in this episode:Challenges and rewards of delivering maternal-fetal care across AlaskaWhy cultural awareness is vital for healthcare leadersHow peer networks provide support in leadership rolesInsights from MGMA’s resource groups and breakout sessionsThe role of conferences in building community and balance for leadersResources:MGMA Leaders Conference: https://mgma.com/leadersMGMA Podcast: https://www.mgma.com/podcastsEmail us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts. This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients are frustrated. And you're losing revenue to no-shows. There's a better way. GoTo Connect for Healthcare is a unified, AI-powered communication platform built to support your HIPAA compliance, streamline scheduling, reduce staff burden, and help your team do more with less. Because when communication works, care works. Learn more and get a personalized demo.

In this episode of the MGMA Podcast, we sit down with Rana McSpadden, FACMPE, CHPC, CPC, a consultant with the Medical Practice Services department of SVMIC, to explore the growing risks of ransomware and cybersecurity threats in medical practices. With more than 25 years of healthcare experience, Rana brings expertise in compliance, cybersecurity, patient experience, and practice operations to the discussion.What You’ll Learn:Why ransomware attacks on medical practices are becoming more frequentCommon gaps in healthcare security risk analysis that leave practices vulnerableThe dangers of incomplete malware removal and repeat ransomware attacksHow AI tools like ChatGPT can create cybersecurity risks in healthcareWhat PHI you should never put into public AI systemsReal OCR settlement case studies from practices that experienced breachesKey Takeaway: Many practices have not completed thorough, enterprise-wide security risk analyses—making them prime targets for threat actors. Leadership from the top is essential for building effective cybersecurity programs.📍 Recorded live at the MGMA Leaders Conference 2025 in Orlando, FL🎯 Perfect for: Healthcare administrators, practice managers, medical group leaders, compliance officers, and IT professionals in healthcare settingsEmail us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts. This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients are frustrated. And you're losing revenue to no-shows. There's a better way. GoTo Connect for Healthcare is a unified, AI-powered communication platform built to support your HIPAA compliance, streamline scheduling, reduce staff burden, and help your team do more with less. Because when communication works, care works. Learn more and get a personalized demo.

In this episode of the MGMA Podcast, Seb Terry discusses how he turned a personal list of 100 life goals into a global movement. He explains the science of goal setting, the importance of kindness in achieving results, and practical strategies busy professionals can use to find purpose and satisfaction in both work and life. Hosted by Daniel Williams. Key Timestamped Moments:04:38 – Seb’s turning point: From drifting to defining a life of purpose06:38 – The science of goal setting and why most people fail (and how to succeed)13:00 – The most meaningful item Seb ever checked off his list15:01 – How “100 Things” became a global movement and inspired others17:01 – Advice for overwhelmed professionals: Micro-steps and self-kindness19:17 – How kindness and connection drive real achievementResources & Links:Seb Terry’s 100 Things Movement: https://100things.com/MGMA Leaders Conference: https://mgma.com/leaders“The Top Five Regrets of the Dying” by Bronnie Ware: https://bronnieware.com/regrets-of-the-dying/Seb Terry’s Book “100 Things: What’s on Your List?”: https://www.amazon.com/100-Things-Whats-Your-List/dp/0733626823Seb Terry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebterry/Seb Terry’s Keynote Speaking: https://sebterry.com/The Castle (Australian film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118826/Chopper (Australian film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0221073/MGMA Podcast: https://www.mgma.com/podcastsEmail us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts. This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients are frustrated. And you're losing revenue to no-shows. There's a better way. GoTo Connect for Healthcare is a unified, AI-powered communication platform built to support your HIPAA compliance, streamline scheduling, reduce staff burden, and help your team do more with less. Because when communication works, care works. Learn more and get a personalized demo.

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with David N. Gans, MGMA’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Dave reflects on his decades-long career with MGMA, his role in shaping the organization’s history, and his pioneering work in benchmarking and data-driven decision-making for medical practices. He also shares practical advice for medical practice leaders facing today’s most pressing challenges — from workforce shortages to financial pressures — and reminds us that at the heart of every innovation is the patient.Whether you’re navigating the complexities of group practice management or looking for inspiration from one of the field’s most trusted voices, this episode offers invaluable insights and problem-solving perspectives.Key Takeaways[03:26] Dave reflects on receiving the MGMA Lifetime Achievement Award and the legacy of past recipients.[06:00] A deep dive into MGMA’s origins in 1926 and Dave’s role as an organizational historian.[06:39] How a student internship in 1979 launched Dave’s lifelong career with MGMA and a parallel career in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps.[14:10] The evolution of MGMA’s benchmarking and survey data—why “good data yields good decisions” remains a guiding principle.[16:44] Real-world example of how one practice in Salt Lake City used MGMA data to transform performance and outcomes.[19:45] Dave’s philosophy on mentorship, collaboration, and why investing time in others always pays dividends.[23:24] Advice for today’s practice leaders: embracing innovation, applying AI responsibly, and never losing sight of the core mission—delivering high-quality patient care.[27:01] A glimpse into Dave’s adventurous side, including his 27th European cycling trip and reflections on lifelong learning.Resources & LinksLearn more about the 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando and register to attend Dave Gans’ recognition ceremony.Explore MGMA’s data and benchmarking resources.Read Dave Gans’ contributions: MGMA articles, podcasts, and books. Additional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA Stat<a href="https://www.m

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams speaks with Jon R. Ewing, Chief Operating Officer at the Women’s Clinic in Jackson, Tennessee, and MGMA’s 2025 Legislative Liaison of the Year. Jon shares how he unexpectedly entered legislative advocacy, the importance of bridging policy and practice, and what medical group leaders need to know about engaging with lawmakers.From TennCare reimbursement challenges to looming physician shortages, Jon breaks down complex legislative issues into practical takeaways for medical practice leaders. His insights underscore why advocacy isn’t just politics — it’s problem-solving for the future of healthcare.Key Takeaways[02:34] Jon describes the shock of learning he’d been named MGMA’s Legislative Liaison of the Year.[04:35] The role of local media in Jackson, Tennessee, and how healthcare organizations connect with their communities.[06:08] Jon’s Arkansas roots, trout fishing background, and early exposure to medicine through his father’s small-town practice.[09:08] How Jon transitioned from biology graduate to healthcare administration and eventually practice leadership.[11:18] The “voluntold” moment that launched his career as a legislative liaison and the importance of mentorship in advocacy.[13:33] Why neutrality and bipartisanship are essential when representing healthcare issues to lawmakers.[20:35] A real-world example: explaining TennCare’s low reimbursement rates to Tennessee legislators.[25:00] Strategies for engaging legislators effectively — finding common ground, leading with empathy, and making issues personal.[26:36] The looming physician shortage and Medicare expansion — why leaders must think several “chess moves” ahead.[29:07] How MGMA National supports state liaisons with updates, training, and peer collaboration.[31:49] Jon’s challenge to future leaders: step into advocacy roles, mentor others, and be an authentic voice for healthcare improvement.Resources & Links Mentioned in the EpisodeMGMA Leaders Conference (Sept. 28 – Oct. 1, 2025, Orlando, FL) Register hereMGMA Government Affairs – Learn more about how MGMA advocates on behalf of medical group practices and how you can get involved: MGMA Government AffairsProjected Physician Shortage Data – AAMC Report on the 2030 physician shortage forecast: AAMC Physician Workforce Proj

On this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams speaks with Rob Fershtman, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships at U.S. Career Institute. With more than a decade of experience helping healthcare organizations strengthen their pipelines for Certified Medical Assistants and other essential roles, Fershtman shares strategies for addressing staffing shortages, creating flexible education pathways and building long-term retention in medical practices. Key Takeaways:[05:41] - Identifying workforce gaps: How rural healthcare organizations are struggling to recruit talent and why early-stage career roles, like medical assistants, are critical to closing the gap.[08:14] - What US Career Institute offers: An overview of the accredited programs and degrees, with a focus on entry-level healthcare pathways and medical assistant training.[10:40] - Real-life success stories: How individuals from diverse backgrounds (oil riggers, hairstylists) transitioned into healthcare careers and thrived with support from their employers.[12:15] - Didactic + clinical training model: Why combining online coursework with hands-on clinical instruction creates the most effective outcomes for medical assistant preparation.[17:20] - Open-book learning and retention: How cognitive load theory and open-book quizzes improve knowledge retention and prepare students for certification exams.[25:20] - Partner-driven customization: How organizations can tailor the learning sequence and clinical checklists to align with their unique needs and workflows.[28:08] - MGMA CMA program partnership: How practices can access U.S. Career Institute programs directly through MGMA to build and sustain their CMA pipelines.Resources:Visit the U.S. Career Institute websiteMGMA Clinical Medical Assistant Certification, Powered by U.S. Career Institute - Learn MoreConnect with Rob Fershtman on LinkedInMGMA Membership - Learn More and Register2025 MGMA Leaders Conference: Sept 28-Oct 1 in Orlando, FL - Register HereAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA Events<a href="h

Futurist, author, and Hall of Fame speaker Crystal Washington joins this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast. Crystal shares her expertise on generative AI and its practical applications for healthcare leaders. As an upcoming keynote speaker at the MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando (September 28 - October 1), Crystal breaks down the AI landscape, debunks common myths, and provides actionable strategies for medical practice leaders navigating technology adoption without getting overwhelmed.[02:35] - Becoming a futurist: Crystal explains her path from hospitality management to consulting for global brands, and how she developed her futurist mindset.[06:25] - Grounding AI in reality: Artificial intelligence has been around since the 1950s; generative AI is simply the newest wave, not an oracle.[07:49] - Generative AI hype vs. reality: Crystal cautions leaders to separate engineering insights from corporate hype and stock-price-driven narratives.[10:12] - Healthcare leaders and limited time: Practical advice on dedicating even 10–15 minutes a day to keep informed without feeling overwhelmed.[11:31] - Problem-first adoption: Why leaders should identify their top three challenges before chasing new technology solutions.[12:56] - What to expect from her keynote: Leaders Conference attendees can look forward to fun, interactive, and pragmatic ways to use AI in daily life and in healthcare operations.Resources:MGMA Leaders Conference 2025: Learn more and registerMGMA Membership: Access tools, communities and educational opportunities - Learn more and registerCrystal Washington — Visit crystalwashington.comAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts. This episode is sponsored by GoTo.

In this debut episode of the MGMA Early Careerist podcast, host Melinda Mastel speaks with Shay Eskew, Vice President of Sales at Kodiak Solutions, Ironman athlete, and burn survivor. Shay shares his remarkable journey from a childhood accident that changed his life, to building a career in healthcare, writing a bestselling book, and embracing challenges in athletics and leadership. Tune in for insights on resilience, risk-taking, building community, and finding purpose—plus practical advice for early careerists navigating their own paths.8 Key Moments:00:00 – Introduction & Meet Shay Askew01:10 – Shay’s Unplanned Path into Healthcare03:10 – Childhood Accident & Burn Survivor Story05:15 – Recovery, Shriners Hospital, and Finding Purpose10:00 – Sharing His Story: Speaking, Rotary, and Writing a Book16:00 – Embracing Challenges: Ironman, Global Adventures, and Mindset25:00 – Leadership, Mentorship, and Advice for Early Careerists34:00 – Book Recommendations, Final Advice, and How to Connect with ShayResources:MGMA for Early Careerists (resources)Melinda Mastel (MGMA resource groups)Shay Eskew (website)Shay Eskew (LinkedIn)Book: What the Fire Ignited by Shay Eskew (Barnes & Noble)Book: Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing (Amazon)Shriners Hospitals for Children (Official Site)Rotary International (Official Site)The Human Performance Project – Illinois ChapterThe Human Performance Project – Bird’s Eye View ProjectAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at <a href="mailto:dwilliam

In this episode of MGMA's Women in Healthcare podcast, host Adrienne Lloyd talks with Hayley Boling, CEO of Bowling Vision Center and Insight Surgery Center, about the realities of leadership, the importance of empathy and accountability, and the everyday moments that shape strong teams. They discuss mentorship, support networks, and the value of authenticity in healthcare and beyond.00:03 — Introduction and Guest Background02:12 — Creating a Culture of Accountability with Empathy17:02 — Being a Woman Leader in Healthcare27:52 — Finding Mentors and Building Support Networks36:31 — Key Leadership Lessons: Progress Over Perfection42:27 — Closing Thoughts and Thank YouYour Host:Adrienne Palmer Lloyd, MHA, FACHECEO/Founder, Optimize HealthcareMGMA Consultant | Certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach | Lean/Six Sigma ExpertCONNECT WITH Adrienne!🌐 LinkedIn 🌐 Optimize Healthcare 📧 Email Adrienne 📅 BOOK A CALLCONNECT WITH Haley! 🌐LinkedInMGMA Resources:MGMA Leaders Conference 2025: Learn more and registerMGMA Membership: Access tools, communities and educational opportunities - Learn more and registerMGMA Podcasts This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients are frustrated. And you're losing revenue to no-shows. There's a better way. GoTo Connect for Healthcare is a unified, AI-powered communication platform built to support your HIPAA compliance, streamline scheduling, reduce staff burden, and help your team do more with less. Because when communication works, care works. Learn more and get a personalized demo.

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Carolyn Bruebaker Moore, MBA, FACMPE, Vice President of Operations at PeaceHealth Medical Group in Oregon. Carolyn will be speaking at the upcoming MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando (Sept. 28 – Oct. 1, 2025), where her session, "Build Your Own Operational Leadership Development Program," will give practice leaders practical tools to strengthen leadership pipelines. In this conversation, Carolyn shares her healthcare journey, how she identified a leadership training gap, and how she created an inclusive program that equips supervisors, managers, and directors to grow into stronger, more confident leaders. Listeners will learn about the program’s structure, retreats, challenges, and rewards—and how they can adapt these lessons within their own organizations. [04:50] Carolyn’s healthcare journey: Carolyn discusses her 21 years in leadership, her transition from academic medicine to nonprofit care and how MGMA has supported her growth[08:22] Identifying a leadership gap: Why existing resources weren’t enough and how she developed a tailored operational leadership program[10:10] Program goals: Helping leaders recognize competency gaps, build confidence, and elevate performance across peer groups[11:48] Retreat structure: Quarterly half-day training retreats that blend reflection, bonding activities, and peer-to-peer learning[17:37] Inclusive participation: All supervisors, managers, and directors are included in the program to build consistency across leadership levels[18:54] Overcoming challenges: Time investment, survey design, and building trust through anonymous feedback[22:43] Biggest rewards: Promoting leaders from within and seeing measurable growth in confidence, performance, and advancement[25:10] Don’t miss Carolyn’s session: "Build Your Own Operational Leadership Development Program" at the MGMA Leaders Conference in OrlandoResources:MGMA Leaders Conference 2025: Learn more and registerMGMA Membership: Access tools, communities and educational opportunities - Learn more and registerConnect with Carolyn Bruebaker Moore on LinkedInVisit the PeaceHealth Medical Group website to learn more This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone cal

Join host Daniel Williams on the MGMA Insights Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Alpesh Amin, Associate Dean for Clinical Transformation at UCI Health. Dr. Amin previews his upcoming session at the 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando while sharing practical strategies for leveraging digital health and virtual care. Learn how to optimize ambulatory space, improve patient access and expand clinical capacity without building new facilities. [4:07] - Redefining Ambulatory Space Optimization[6:30] - Implementing E-Consults for Specialist Access[9:28] - Using Remote Monitoring to Reduce Hospital Length of Stay[10:45] - Leveraging Parking Lot Check-ins and Virtual Platforms[13:35] - Treating Healthcare as a Team Sport[17:11] - Embracing Technology Across All Age Groups[18:47] - Goal-Setting and Team BuildingResources:2025 MGMA Leaders Conference - September 28 - October 2 in Orlando, FL - Register HereLeaders Session: "Ambulatory Space Optimization with Digital Health Transformation" Tuesday, Sept. 30 @ 1:00 PMUCI Health - University of California, Irvine Health SystemAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts. This episode is sponsored by GoTo. Your staff is buried in phone calls. Patients are frustrated. And you're losing revenue to no-shows. There's a better way. GoTo Connect for Healthcare is a unified, AI-powered communication platform built to support your HIPAA compliance, streamline scheduling, reduce staff burden, and help your team do more with less. Because when communication works, care works. Learn more and get a personalized demo.