Mgma Small Talk

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, host Daniel Williams discusses the importance of financial accuracy in healthcare organizations through regular audits of payer payments. He also addresses the challenges faced by women physicians and highlights the role of the MGMA Women's Forum in advancing gender equity in medicine. In recognition of Valentine’s Day, Daniel shares key insights on heart health and practical steps for cardiovascular well-being.Key Topics Covered:The Importance of Regular Audits for Accurate Reimbursement47 percent of medical group practice leaders conduct monthly or quarterly audits of payer payments.Auditing helps detect underpayments, claim denials, and inconsistencies in reimbursements.Suggested actions for healthcare organizations:Implement structured audit processes to compare payer remittances with contracted fee schedules.Use automated auditing tools in revenue cycle management.Conduct retrospective audits of claims to identify patterns of underpayment.Read More Here

CEO of Insight Marketing Group Jennifer Thompson joins the MGMA Insights Podcast to discuss how AI and automation transform medical practices. She shares strategies for improving patient engagement, streamlining operations, and reducing staff burnout. Jennifer will also speak at the MGMA Operations Conference in Las Vegas (March 2-4, 2025) on "Harnessing AI and Automation for Next-Level Healthcare."Key Takeaways:AI is changing how patients find healthcare.AI-driven search engines like ChatGPT and Gemini are replacing traditional Google searches.Optimize website content with FAQs, structured question-answer formats, and voice search compatibility.AI and automation reduce staff burnout.Online scheduling lowers administrative workload.AI-driven appointment reminders decrease no-shows.Chatbots handle patient inquiries and referrals.AI improves practice operations and billing.AI receptionists manage scheduling, intake, and follow-ups.Automated billing and coding tools increase accuracy and reduce claim denials.AI

Accounts receivable management is the backbone of a healthcare practice’s financial health, and a well-run central billing office (CBO) can make all the difference. In this episode of Ask MGMA, host Daniel Williams speaks with MGMA expert Cristy Good about best practices for structuring and optimizing a CBO, including staffing, technology, training, and audits to improve efficiency and reduce claim denials.Key Takeaways:Assessing Claim Volume and Staffing Needs – Analyze historical data to determine the appropriate size and structure for your CBO.Leveraging Technology – Integrated billing and coding software can streamline claims processing and reduce errors.Training and Pre-Submission Scrubbing – Regular training and a strong pre-submission review process help prevent costly claim denials.Conducting Regular Audits – Internal and external audits ensure coding accuracy and compliance with payer requirements.Improving Patient Communication – Clear financial policies and upfront conversations reduce misunderstan

Britt Frank joins the MGMA Insights Podcast to discuss why we get stuck, how our brains create decision paralysis, and small steps to break free. She shares practical strategies to reduce burnout, overthinking, and mental roadblocks—especially relevant for medical practice leaders. Britt will be a keynote speaker at the MGMA Operations Conference in Las Vegas (March 2-4, 2025), where she will dive deeper into overcoming workplace stress and decision fatigue.Key Takeaways:Why We Get Stuck – The gap between knowing what to do and taking action.Overthinking & Decision Paralysis – More choices can create more stress, not clarity.The Power of Micro Yeses – Small actions build momentum and shift the brain into action.Motivation is Overrated – Taking action first creates motivation, not the other way around.Breaking Mental Loops – Shift from “Why am I stuck?” to “What’s my next small step?”The Need for Digital Breaks – Reduce device overload and reset focus with screen-free time.Resources & Links:MGMA Operat

In this episode of the MGMA Women in Healthcare Podcast, host Adrienne Lloyd sits down with Tiffany Gibson, the founder of New Nurse Academy. Tiffany shares her journey from bedside nursing to nursing education and leadership, and discusses the importance of cultivating a "new nurse mindset" to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape. The conversation delves into the issues of burnout, emotional intelligence, work-life integration, and trauma-informed leadership.Key Takeaways:Redefining the "New Nurse" MindsetTiffany's transition from hospital nursing to nursing education allowed her to "fall in love with nursing all over again" and led to the creation of New Nurse Academy. The goal is to help nurses develop a new mindset to thrive in the changing healthcare environment, which is increasingly focused on the bottom line.Addressing Burnout and the Need for Emotional IntelligenceTiffany believes "burnout" is often used as a catch-all term that fails to capture the nuances of the challenges nurses face.She emp

Welcome to the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams, senior editor at MGMA, and Colleen Luckett, editor and writer at MGMA. In this episode, we cover the eventful Senate confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the increasing representation of women in medical schools, the advancements in generative AI and precision medicine, a heartwarming community support program at Cleveland Clinic, and the critical role of workplace happiness in employee retention and engagement.Articles Covered:Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Senate Confirmation HearingRFK Jr. faced tough questions from both Democrats and Republicans about his stance on vaccinations, healthcare access, and Medicaid.Senators raised concerns about his anti-vaccine rhetoric, vague responses on Medicaid, and ethical issues surrounding his financial ties.More Women Entering Medical School Than Men for Sixth Straight Year: [Link to article] Women now represent 51% of total medical school enrollment, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote gende

Welcome to the MGMA Mindful Medicine Podcast! In this episode, host Daniel Williams is joined by Michelle Zellner, founder of Better Beings, health and happiness strategist, author, and corporate wellness trainer. Michelle shares her inspiring journey and provides invaluable insights on prioritizing self-care for healthcare professionals. Together, they discuss creating sustainable habits, recognizing early signs of burnout, and fostering a healthier mindset to balance professional and personal demands.Key Takeaways:Self-Care Redefined: Self-care goes beyond surface-level activities like spa days. It’s about consistently meeting the fundamental needs of your “human,” including rest, nutrition, movement, and emotional care.Building Sustainable Habits: Michelle emphasizes starting small with realistic goals and embracing incremental progress instead of chasing instant results.The "BOSS" Method: Learn Michelle’s framework for self-reflection:B: Be still, quiet, and breathe.O: Observe your thoughts and energy wit

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Colleen Luckett is joined by Kelley Rice, MBA, FACMPE, practice administrator at Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, in Tennessee. Kelley explores the challenges and opportunities in advancing equitable pregnancy care. She highlights systemic barriers that patients face and discusses practical strategies for healthcare leaders to bridge gaps in care and improve maternal outcomes.Key Topics DiscussedUnderstanding the systemic barriers to equitable pregnancy care.Practical ways healthcare organizations can address disparities in women's health.Kelley’s insights into creating inclusive, patient-centered care models.The importance of leadership and team collaboration in driving equity initiatives.Real-world examples of initiatives that have improved maternal health outcomes.Resources and LinksMGMA Article: Advancing Equitable Pregnancy Care Amid Systemic BarriersLearn More About Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC: Visit WebsiteMGMA Practice Resources: MGMA Practice S

Join Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett, editors at MGMA, as they dive into the latest healthcare news and insights. From the impact of executive orders on global health to the imperative for streamlining revenue cycles, this episode covers a range of topics that are shaping the future of the industry.Key Highlights:President Trump's Executive Order on WHOHealthcare's 2025: Revenue Cycle ImperativeMaternal Health Awareness Day InterviewMGMA Stat (Cyber Attacks)Cyber Security PlaybookSelf Monitoring DevicesConclusion:In this episode, Daniel and Colleen explore the evolving landscape of healthcare, from global health policies to revenue cycle optimization and patient engagement. Stay tuned for more insights and resources to help you navigate the ever-changing healthcare industry. Inflation is squeezing medical practice budgets, but as the exclusive GPO of MGMA members, we can help your practice save up to 20% on medical and non-medical supplies without sacrificing quality. MGMA BestPrice is your secret weapon

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Frank Herrington, Senior Director of Sales at MGMA Best Price. MGMA BestPrice is an exclusive group purchasing organization (GPO) that provides MGMA members access to discounted pricing on essential medical, surgical, pharmaceutical, and business services. Frank shares how MGMA members of all sizes can benefit from the program and the significant savings opportunities available.Key Takeaways:MGMA BestPrice is a free, no-risk program that leverages the collective buying power of MGMA members to negotiate lower pricing on a wide range of products and services. "MGMA BestPrice provides contract pricing for medical, pharmaceutical, surgical equipment, office supplies, IT products, travel services, shipping, shredding, and more," Frank highlights. "It helps organizations reduce costs and improve operational efficiency."MGMA BestPrice works with a variety of medical practices, from primary care to specialty groups, as well as ambu

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams, senior editor at MGMA, and Colleen Luckett, editor and writer at MGMA, discuss the latest healthcare news and trends. They cover the Supreme Court's review of the Affordable Care Act's preventive services mandate, the rise of virtual nursing, and the growing use of AI in healthcare decision-making.Key Takeaways:The Supreme Court has agreed to review a challenge to the ACA's requirement for insurers to cover specific preventive services at no cost, which could limit access to crucial services like cancer screenings and HIV prevention medications.Virtual nursing programs are becoming a game-changer in healthcare staffing, with the potential to significantly shift traditional nurse-patient ratios and provide more flexibility for experienced nurses.AI tools have surpassed EHR usability as the top tech priority for medical leaders i n 2025, with key goals including automating documentation, improving patient interactions, and enhancing oper

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions podcast, we welcome back Dr. Alex Ding, Associate VP for Physician Strategy and Medical Affairs at Humana. Dr. Ding dives into the findings of the MGMA-Humana AI Adoption Report, discussing how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare by reducing clinician burnout, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing patient outcomes. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on AI's evolving role in healthcare, its ethical implications, and the opportunities it creates for practices embracing value-based care.Key Takeaways:AI Adoption and Early Success:AI is in its early stages for many organizations, with about one-third of practices adopting tools focused on operational efficiency and clinical support.Practices in value-based care settings show greater adoption rates.Access the MGMA-Humana AI Adoption Report here.Reducing Burnout with Ambient AI:Ambient AI, such as virtual scribes, is helping alleviate clinician burnout by streamlining documentation pr

In this episode of the Ask MGMA podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Cristy Good discuss strategies for sizing a central billing office (CBO) to ensure efficient accounts receivable (AR) management and claims processing. Christy, an MGMA expert, shares key insights and best practices to help medical practices determine the right staffing, technology, and processes to optimize their CBO operations.Key Takeaways:1. Assessing Current Volume and ComplexityEvaluate historical data on claim volume and billing procedures to determine appropriate staffing levels.2. Leveraging TechnologyIntegrate billing and coding software with the practice's EHR system to streamline claims processing and reduce errors.3. Training and Monitoring StaffProvide ongoing training to billing and coding personnel to stay up-to-date on regulatory changes and ensure quality control.4. Pre-Submission Claim ScrubbingImplement a robust pre-submission claims review process to catch and correct errors before submission.5. Regular AuditsPerform both

Welcome to the MGMA Week in Review podcast, where we dive into the latest news and insights impacting healthcare leaders. In this episode, we cover a powerful call to protect Medicaid, a guide on behavioral finance for physicians and dentists, the rise of no-show fees, states' moves to reform certificate of need laws, and the data dilemma costing health systems millions.Main Items and Resources:Families USA and 344 Organizations Urge Congress to Protect Medicaid (MedCity News)Behavioral Finance: A Guide for Physicians and Dentists as Business Owners (Physicians Practice)No-Show Fees Gain Traction in Medical Practices (MGMA.com/Stat)States Move to Curb Certificate of Need Laws to Boost Hospital Bed Capacity (Healthcare Dive)The Data Dilemma: How Fragmented and Inaccurate Data is Costing Health Systems Millions (HealthLeaders)Additional Resources:MGMA Data DiveMGMA EventsOncology Patient No-Show Policy, member-exclusive tool Connect with Us!If you'd like to share your thoughts, ask a question or appear on a pod

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Ruth Gotian, a leading expert in mentorship and the Chief Learning Officer at Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Gotian discusses the transformative impact of mentorship, the key elements of successful mentoring relationships, and how organizations can build thriving mentorship programs.Key Takeaways:The Benefits of MentorshipMentored individuals earn more, get promoted more often, and experience lower rates of burnout compared to those without mentors.Mentorship can increase self-efficacy, leading to greater confidence in pursuing new opportunities.Mentoring relationships can enhance loyalty and retention within an organization.Rethinking the Traditional Mentor-Mentee DynamicThe traditional view of a mentor as a senior, experienced individual is outdated. The contemporary approach is to build a diverse team of mentors, including peers and even those junior to you.Successful mentoring relationships are built on mutual curiosity, a

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes back Liz Mahan, the Director of Professional Development and Solutions at the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment (AAPPR). Mahan dives deep into AAPPR's 2024 Benchmarking Report, exploring the key trends and challenges facing physician and provider recruitment in the coming years. From the ongoing physician shortage to the evolving needs of the next generation of healthcare providers, this episode offers insights and practical strategies for medical practice leaders and MGMA members.Key Takeaways:The Physician Shortage Persists: Mahan emphasizes that the physician shortage is not going away anytime soon, and organizations need to be proactive in their recruitment and retention efforts.Shifting Priorities for Younger Providers: Newer generations of physicians and providers are seeking more flexibility, work-life balance, and a strong cultural fit, requiring recruiters to adapt their strategies.Importance of Pro

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams speaks with Regina Rogoff, the retired CEO of People’s Community Clinic in Austin, Texas. With over 20 years of healthcare leadership and a prior career in legal aid, Regina has dedicated her professional life to serving underserved communities. The discussion highlights Regina’s transformative leadership at People’s Community Clinic, her insights into challenges and successes in healthcare management, and her plans for retirement.Resources and LinksLearn More About People’s Community ClinicVisit People’s Community Clinic to explore their mission, programs, and impact.Regina Rogoff’s Retirement AnnouncementRead the Austin American-Statesman article: Regina Rogoff Retiring from People’s Community Clinic2014 Best CEO Award – NonprofitView details of Regina’s recognition: Austin Business Journal Best CEO AwardsClosingThis episode honors the legacy of Regina Rogoff, a leader who has dedicated her career to creating meaningful change in healthcare

In this episode of the MGMA Insights podcast, Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Anjali Rajpal, a leading cosmetic dentist and founder of Beverly Hills Dental Arts. Dr. Rajpal shares her journey into healthcare, her passion for art and mindfulness, and how she is redefining the patient experience through a holistic, patient-centered approach.Main Points:Dr. Rajpal's Path to Dentistry: Blending Medicine, Art, and a Passion for Hands-On WorkCreating a Unique Dental Practice: Incorporating Art, Mindfulness, and a Soothing EnvironmentPrioritizing Patient-Centered Care: Building Trust, Leveraging Technology, and Minimizing Pharmaceutical InterventionsThe Power of Mindfulness: Dr. Rajpal's Personal Journey and Integrating it into Her PracticeDeepak Chopra's Influence: Insights from Serving on a Panel with the Renowned Mindfulness AdvocateSources and Resources Mentioned:Beverly Hills Dental ArtsDeepak ChopraCedars Sinai Medical CenterWatch the interview on YouTube here CareCreditAre your patients concerned about out

In this final MGMA Week in Review episode of 2024, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss key healthcare stories, including strategic planning mistakes, the killing of a healthcare CEO, and the latest data on nurse compensation trends. As the year comes to a close, this episode provides valuable insights and perspectives to consider as the industry looks ahead.Topics and Links:Don't Make These Strategic Planning Mistakes from Physicians PracticeIndictment of Luigi Mangione for Killing of United Healthcare CEO from Becker's Hospital Review2025 Nurse Compensation Trends from MGMA StatThe Impact of Long COVID on Employment from Medical EconomicsPBM Lobby Fights Back Against Reforms in End-of-Year Healthcare Package from Fierce HealthcareThis is our year-end episode of the week in review podcast and we wish you all a safe and happy holidays and new year. CareCreditAre your patients concerned about out-of-pocket costs? Is your practice looking for a way to help address those concerns and improve the pat

Welcome to Mindful Medicine, where we explore the intersection of mindfulness, health, and transformative experiences. In this episode, Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA and host of the MGMA Insights Podcast, speaks with Dr. Mimi Zieman—an OB/GYN, adventurer, and author of the memoir Tap Dancing on Everest. Dr. Zieman’s story takes us from her beginnings in New York City to her pivotal role as the expedition doctor on an unaided climb of Everest. She shares profound insights into the healing power of nature, the courage to embrace the unknown, and lessons from her multifaceted career in medicine, writing, and beyond.Key Discussion Points (with Timestamps):[00:01:00] Introduction to Dr. Mimi ZiemanDr. Zieman’s background as an OB/GYN, author, and adventurer, and her unique journey from New York City to the peaks of Everest.[00:02:30] Discovering a Love for MountainsHow a college field biology lab in Colorado sparked her lifelong passion for the mountains and adventure.[00:05:30] Highlights from Dr. Zieman