Mgma Small Talk

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Kate Warnock and Maja Vojnovic from Forcura to explore the challenges medical practices face in post-acute care documentation and coordination. The conversation reveals insights from a recent survey that highlights the administrative burdens practices experience and offers innovative solutions to streamline workflows. Forcura is also sponsoring an upcoming MGMA webinar titled, "Reducing Physician Practice Administrative Burden." Timestamps:[0:50] - Introduction [06:52] - Time Drain of Documentation[11:11] - System Fragmentation[12:19] - Satisfaction Crisis and Opportunity for Improvement[13:48] - Hidden Billing Opportunities[16:38] - Practical Solution for Simplifying Documentation Management[17:58] - Practice Efficiency with New TechnologyResources:Visit the Forcura website Learn more about Forcura CircleMGMA Webinar: "Reducing Physician Practice Administrative Burden," July 31 at 1:00 PM ET - Register HereForcura + F

In this Ask MGMA episode, hosts Daniel Williams and Cristy Good tackle a question that often trips up medical practices: Can a provider turn away a patient because of the patient’s insurance or the billing method? They lay out the ethical stakes, compliance rules, and legal pitfalls of selective scheduling. Drawing on CMS guidance and professional standards, Cristy outlines fair-billing best practices and share practical tips for leaders who must balance RVU goals with equal access to care.Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the Ask MGMA Podcast 01:20 – Ethics and Billing: Can Providers Refuse Patients? 03:22 – Ethical Concerns and Compliance Implications 04:12 – Official Guidelines on Patient Selection 06:27 – Best Practices for Ethical and Compliant Billing 07:53 – Final Thoughts and ResourcesResources:ASHA Ethical GuidelinesOutsources StrategiesPMC ArticleAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appea

In this special Fourth of July edition of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett share timely healthcare insights alongside some holiday cheer. They start with a major policy development: a Senate-approved tax bill that could cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid—posing serious implications for hospitals, rural providers, and medical groups. The episode also covers how bathroom cleanliness can shape patient perceptions, new MGMA poll results on wait times, and a forecast of where inpatient and outpatient care are headed over the next decade. The episode closes with an overview of a new ACP proposal to reform risk adjustment and promote health equity. Timestamps00:50 – Welcome and Happy 4th of July! 01:29 – 4th of July Plans and Weekend Fun 02:11 – Healthcare News: Legislative Updates (Chief Healthcare Executive) 05:06 – The Importance of Clean Bathrooms in Medical Offices (Physicians Practice) 07:37 – Patient Wait Times: A Growing Concern (MGMA Stat) 10:04 – Future of Health

In this MGMA Insights podcast episode, host Daniel Williams discusses behavioral health integration with clinical health psychologist and consultant Dr. Jonas Bromberg, Psy.D, of Crossroads Health Consulting. Dr. Bromberg explains how medical practices can incorporate mental health support and bridge the gap between physical and emotional healthcare. The conversation explores strategies for implementing behavioral health services, understanding the mind-body connection, and reducing mental health treatment stigma. Through research and practical examples, Dr. Bromberg shows how integrating behavioral health can improve both patient outcomes and practice efficiency. The discussion covers implementation strategies, billing considerations, and the importance of treating mental health as a core component of patient care. Key Takeaways:[01:10] - Dr. Bromberg's Background[05:20] - Understanding Behavioral Health Integration[09:27] - Mind-Body Connection in Healthcare[14:00] - Clarifying Terminology: Behavioral Healt

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast, host Daniel Williams talks with the leaders behind MGMA’s Early Careerist Resource Group — a supportive space for emerging healthcare leaders to connect, grow, and navigate the challenges of stepping into their first leadership roles.Guests Agnes Edukere, MHA (Melody Health), Melinda Mastel, MBA, MS, FHFMA, CMPE, PMP (Medical College of Wisconsin), and Tori Cordova, BS-HCM, CPPM, CPC, COC, CHONC (Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center) discuss how the group came together, the real-world topics they explore, and why peer-level support is so valuable.You’ll hear practical insights for early-career professionals, including tips they wish they had known starting out, and how the group fosters leadership, networking, and confidence-building in a low-pressure environment.The next Early Careerist Group meeting is Tuesday, July 8 at 3:00 PM EDT via Zoom. Register at mgma.com/events.Episode Timestamps:00:50 – Introduction and Overview02:06 – Meet the Panelists05:01 – Und

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett cover five top stories impacting medical group leaders this week. Topics include the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the ACA’s preventive services mandate, new data on clinician job satisfaction and turnover risk, operational insights on patient encounter volume, expert advice on building a non-punitive workplace culture, and the increasing importance of layered cybersecurity in healthcare. Whether you're in the C-suite or managing daily workflows, this episode delivers strategic updates and real-world insights to keep you informed and prepared.Timestamps:00:50 – Welcome and Introduction 01:57 – Breaking News: Supreme Court Upholds ACA Preventive Services Mandate (Healthcare Dive) 04:24 – Clinician Workforce Survey: Job Satisfaction vs. Retention (LT.com Study) 07:24 – Managing Patient Encounter Volume (MGMA Stat) 10:30 – The Importance of a Non-Punitive Workplace Culture (Health Leaders Media) 13:36 – Layered Cyb

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Rana McSpadden, a medical practice consultant from SVMIC, to dive deep into the critical world of cybersecurity for healthcare organizations. With rising threats and sophisticated hacking techniques, this episode provides medical practice leaders with essential strategies to protect their patient data, maintain operational continuity, and build a culture of digital security. McSpadden will speak more on this topic during the upcoming 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference. Key Takeaways: [06:08] - Cybersecurity as a Whole-Organization Responsibility [07:30] - Evolving Cybersecurity Threats to Medical Practices [16:45] - HIPAA and Cybersecurity Compliance [18:40] - Practical Protection Strategies [20:41] - Insurance and Financial Preparedness [21:35] - Emerging Cybersecurity Trends to WatchResources:HHS Voluntary Cybersecurity Program - visit hereOCR Security Risk Analysis Initiative - read hereConnect with Rana McSpadden on LinkedIn2025 M

In this Ask MGMA episode, Senior Editor Daniel Williams and Senior Advisor Cristy Good  explore the legal and ethical issues around using security cameras in medical practices. They cover camera placement rules, HIPAA risks, audio recording concerns, compliance best practices, and why legal consultation is critical. Practice leaders also get actionable steps and key resources to stay compliant. 00:50 Introduction to the Ask MGMA Podcast01:56 Understanding Security Camera Placement in Healthcare02:46 Audio Recording and Compliance Risks03:41 Defining PHI and Compliance Steps04:58 Third-Party Vendors and Compliance05:35 Signage and State Laws07:18 Key Steps for Practice Leaders08:11 Resources and Final ThoughtsAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com 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 advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscrib

In this MGMA Week in Review episode, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett break down key healthcare headlines, including CMS hospital penalties, new research on the speed and cost-effectiveness of video consultations, and how AI and consumer tech are reshaping care delivery. Plus, practical tips for keeping medical practices on schedule and why being likable at work may impact your career. Full article links are available in the show notes. 00:50 Introduction and Episode Overview01:58 CMS Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program (Chief Healthcare Executive)03:57 The Benefits of Video Consultations (Medical Economics)06:48 The Great Disruption in Healthcare (Real Clear Health)09:31 Running on Time: Improving Patient Experience (Physicians Practice)12:37 The Importance of Likability at Work (SmartBrief)15:01 Conclusion and FarewellAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an episode. If

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Kate Daniels, Senior Director of Franchises, Associations and Buying Groups, and Hyrum Gray, Solution Consulting Manager from Oracle NetSuite. They dive deep into how medical practices can transform their operations by embracing modern technological solutions, addressing critical challenges in healthcare administration, and streamlining complex business processes. Key Takeaways:[06:36] - Manual Processes Barrier[10:14] - Unified Platform Benefits[13:18] - Change Management Strategy[15:39] - Implementation Best Practices[17:37] - Technology Adoption Advice[20:49] - Community LearningResources:Learn more about Oracle NetSuite - visit hereAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com 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 advisor@mgma.com. Don't

In this episode of Ask MGMA, host Daniel Williams is joined by Cristy Good to break down staffing strategies in primary care—comparing what works in value-based care versus fee-for-service models. They dive into how staffing ratios shift between these models, how technology and care teams play a role, and why benchmarking matters. Cristy also shares practical tips for preventing burnout and walks through actionable steps for practices moving toward value-based care. Stick around for a rapid-fire round of myth-busting to separate fact from fiction in staffing trends. 00:51 – Introduction and Welcome 02:04 – Staffing Benchmarks: Value-Based Care vs. Fee-for-Service 05:20 – Role of Technology in Care Delivery 05:50 – Benchmarking and Measuring Staffing Effectiveness 07:44 – Preventing Burnout Through Smarter Staffing 08:44 – Steps for Transitioning to Value-Based Care 11:19 – Rapid-Fire Myth Busting: What Practices Get Wrong 12:12 – Final Thoughts and Where to Start Additional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA Event

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett highlight key developments shaping healthcare in 2025. They recap powerful moments from the recent MGMA Summit—including a moving story from a trauma survivor—and share the latest data on provider compensation and procedural trends. Also in focus: the strong healthcare job growth reported in May, a closer look at rising operating costs, strategies to improve patient engagement, and the growing impact of federal budget cuts on public health funding. Tune in for timely insights and practical takeaways for medical practice leaders. 00:50 Introduction and Host Welcome01:27 Highlights from the Summit Conference (MGMA Summit)03:32 MGMA Data Team Announcement (MGMA DataDive)05:28 Healthcare Job Market Update (Medical Economics)08:18 Rising Operating Costs in Healthcare (MGMA Stat)10:46 Strategies for Strengthening Patient Engagement (Physicians Practice)14:40 Impact of Federal Budget Cuts on Public Health (Chief Healthcare

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Aaron Reinke, MD, a board-certified family physician and director of clinical informatics. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence and technology are transforming healthcare delivery. With a background in engineering and medicine, Dr. Reinke shares insights into reducing administrative burdens, improving patient interactions, and leveraging AI tools like Microsoft Dragon Copilot to help physicians rediscover the joy of practicing medicine. Key Takeaways: Rural Healthcare Technology Challenges [05:11]Limited internet connectivity can impact telemedicineAging populations may be initially suspicious of new technologiesRequires transparent communication about AI and technology toolsPhysician Burnout Mitigation [08:37]Technology can reduce hours spent on administrative tasks after workAI helps physicians focus on healing and human connectionAllows more time for meaningful patient interactionsAdministrative Burden

In this episode of Ask MGMA, host Daniel Williams and co-host Cristy Good delve into the complexities of panel size management for medical group practices. They discuss the importance of capacity planning, workforce utilization, care team strategy, and burnout prevention. The episode includes practical insights into panel attribution, right-sizing based on risk and resources, workload distribution, and the role of technology in optimizing care. Cristy also shares tips on measuring and monitoring key metrics to ensure successful implementation of panel management strategies.00:51 – Introduction and Welcome01:22 – Understanding Panel Size Management04:12 – Right Sizing with Risk and Resources05:38 – Distributing Workload Across Care Teams06:42 – Optimizing Schedules for Panel Management07:38 – Aligning Compensation with Panel Size10:12 – Key Metrics and Checkpoints11:12 – Final Thoughts and ResourcesAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwill

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett share timely insights on the most pressing issues in healthcare. They cover key takeaways from the MGMA Summit, explore the latest compensation strategies, and highlight innovative trends shaping the connected patient experience. You'll also hear discussion on CMS policy changes, violence in healthcare settings, and how practices can improve engagement and workplace safety. 00:51 Introduction and Podcast Overview02:01 MGMA Stat Poll: Compensation Strategy Insights (MGMA Stat)03:44 Highlights from the MGMA Summit Digital Conference (MGMA Summit)09:42 CMS Rescinds Emergency Abortion Guidance (Fierce HealthCare)11:44 Violence Against Healthcare Workers: A Growing Concern (Chief Healthcare Executive)15:07 The Connected Patient Experience: Embracing Innovation (Med City News)16:38 Conclusion and Upcoming ContentAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwil

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Dea Robinson, a healthcare leader with extensive experience in hospital medicine, consulting, and organizational learning. Dr. Robinson shares her career path, insights on physician burnout, the importance of mentorship, and strategies for building meaningful connections in healthcare.Key Takeaways:[01:02] Dr. Robinson's journey into healthcare [05:43] Mentorship through MGMA[09:34] High engagement and burnout among physicians[14:13] Clinical vs. non-clinical engagement [18:58] The importance of intentional human connection[22:23] The importance of mentorship for professional development[26:07] Guiding younger physician leaders and embedding accountability [29:11] Using the workplace as a learning laboratoryResources:Connect with Dr. Dea Robinson on LinkedInReceive expert guidance through the MGMA Mentor ProgramDr. Dea Robinson's co-authored AJM study: The 5 Rs of Cultural HumilityAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksM

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, host Daniel Williams shares timely updates on key issues facing medical practices. The episode begins with a look at how organizations are managing paid time off (PTO) and why effective PTO policies are vital to workplace culture and employee retention. It then explores the growing integration of behavioral health into primary care, with a focus on collaborative care models. The episode wraps with a spotlight on the phrase “We’ll take care of that,” and how those five words can significantly enhance the patient experience. 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties00:43 Welcome to MGMA Week in Review01:07 Handling Medical Practice Staff's PTO (MGMA Stat)03:38 Integrating Behavioral Health into Primary Care (Axios)05:59 The Power of 'We'll Take Care of That' (Physicians Practice)07:11 Conclusion and Next Week's PreviewAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would

In this episode, host Daniel Williams talks with senior advisor Cristy Good about practical ways to cut costs and boost efficiency in medical practices. They address key challenges like rising labor, tech, and inflation-driven expenses, and explore solutions such as cloud-based tools, smarter scheduling, strategic outsourcing, and cross-training staff. The episode also covers how to avoid overspending and make better use of group purchasing organizations. Cristy offers advice for leaders feeling overwhelmed by vendor costs and explains how MGMA members can get additional support. 00:50 Introduction and Welcome01:21 Today's Topic: Reducing Expenses and Boosting Efficiency02:15 Challenges in Cost Management04:25 Effective Cost-Cutting Strategies09:54 Cross-Training and Scheduling Innovations11:14 Leveraging Group Purchasing Organizations13:12 Conclusion and Contact InformationAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you wou

In this MGMA Insights podcast episode, Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Sunita Sah, a tenured professor at Cornell University and author of Defy. Together, they explore the subtle but powerful psychology behind compliance and informed consent. Drawing from her experiences as a physician and organizational psychologist, Dr. Sah discusses why patients — and even medical professionals — often follow advice they disagree with, and how we can build greater confidence, clarity, and autonomy in healthcare decision-making.[00:04:00] The Scan She Didn’t WantDr. Sah tells a personal ER story that sparked her research into why we comply, even when we know we shouldn't.[00:09:00] The Five Elements of True ConsentA breakdown of capacity, knowledge, understanding, freedom to say no, and personal authorization — and how this differs from compliance.[00:14:00] Why It’s Hard to Speak Up“Insinuation anxiety” is the discomfort we feel when we risk questioning those in power — even when the stakes are high.[00:20:00] Leadershi

In this episode of the MGMA Weekend Review, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss major trends affecting independent medical practices, including the rise of AI tools that lessen administrative burdens and combat physician burnout. Additionally, they explore the potential impacts of the U.S. House's recently passed Medicaid cuts, urging listeners to stay informed and advocate for their needs. 00:50 Introduction and Weekly Catch-Up02:09 AI in Medical Practices (Healthcare IT News)05:26 Managing Stress and Burnout (MGMA Stat)08:08 Virtual Care: The Future of Healthcare (Medical Economics)12:06 Medicaid Cuts and Their Impact (Healthcare Dive)16:07 Conclusion and Sign-OffAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com 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 advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you