Mgma Small Talk

Welcome to the MGMA Insights podcast! Join host Daniel Williams as he sits down with DeDe Kelley, Director of Talent Acquisition at Marsh McLennan Agency’s National HR Consulting Services. In this episode, they discuss the pressing hiring challenges healthcare organizations face in 2025, including leveraging AI, fostering workplace culture in remote settings, and addressing mental health and well-being. With practical strategies for recruitment and retention, this episode offers valuable insights for healthcare leaders navigating a competitive job market.In this Episode:[0:01] Healthcare Hiring Trends for 2025DeDe sets the stage for 2025 with hiring trends influenced by AI, flexibility, and the ongoing evolution of work-life balance in healthcare.[4:14] The Role of Remote Work and TelehealthLearn how remote roles expand the candidate pool, offering opportunities to hire skilled professionals from across the country.[7:36] Integrating AI in RecruitmentDeDe discusses how AI tools are transforming hiring process

Welcome to the MGMA Week in Review podcast! Hosted by Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, and Colleen Luckett, MGMA writer and editor, this episode explores bipartisan efforts to reform pharmacy benefit managers, to the role of AI in clinical care, and key considerations for physicians debating a shift from independent practice, we bring you insights to help navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.Links to Articles DiscussedWarren and Hawley Introduce Bipartisan PBM Bill – Fierce HealthcareStaffing Shortages? Time to Consider Virtual Assistants – Physician’s PracticeEight Key Insights on AI in Clinical Care – Health LeadersSix Questions for Physicians Considering a Transition from Independent Practice – Medical EconomicsMGMA Stat Poll Results – Structured Processes for Technology SelectionStay ConnectedHere are five valuable resources on the MGMA website that can help members enhance their skills and improve their job performance:MGMA DataDive - This benchmarking tool allows professionals to analyze pr

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Veronica Villarreal, Chief Ambulatory Officer at DHR Health Clinics and author of the new book C-Suite Bound: How Self-Discovery Leads to Ultimate Success. Villarreal shares her inspiring journey to the C-suite, offering valuable insights and actionable advice for medical practice leaders aspiring to reach the executive level.Key Takeaways:Defining Moments and the Spark for HealthcareVillarreal's transformative study abroad experience in Morocco opened her eyes to a world beyond her immediate surroundings, inspiring her to focus on making a broader impact. While spending a night in the Sahara Desert, she learned how the guides had picked up multiple languages from tourists over the years. This transformative experience inspired Villarreal to focus her career on making a broader impact. As she reflects, "So that was really what made me realize there's more in this world that I want to experience, there's more that I want

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Michael Blackman, Chief Medical Officer at Greenway Health, to explore how advanced automation and evolving technologies are reshaping the healthcare landscape. Dr. Blackman provides insights into emerging tools like AI-powered documentation, the challenges of adoption, and the potential for healthcare automation to reduce provider burnout and enhance patient care.Key Points with Timestamps[00:00] IntroductionWelcome and reintroduction of Dr. Blackman, a repeat guest on the podcast, and his recent appearance at the MGMA Leaders Conference.[01:41] Dr. Blackman’s Journey in HealthcareTransition from clinical practice to technology, leveraging his dual expertise in medicine and information systems to improve electronic health records (EHR).[04:30] Greenway Health’s Vision for AutomationGreenway’s focus on the ambulatory care space and their goal to empower practices through the “automated healthcare practice.”[06:39]

This MGMA Week in Review podcast covers a range of important healthcare topics, including Advocate Health's achievements in value-based care, the impact of pharmacy chain closures, and strategies to reduce workplace violence in healthcare settings.Key Highlights:Advocate Health Saves $135.7 Million Through Value-Based Care ProgramsSource: Health Leaders article on Advocate Health's success in the Medicare Shared Savings Program and ACO REACHIndependent Pharmacies Fill Gaps Left by Major Chain ClosuresSource: Associated Press article on the rise of independent pharmaciesProactive Strategies to Reduce Violence in Healthcare WorkplacesSource: Chief Healthcare Executive article on insights from Kimberly Urbanek, Endeavor Health System Manager of Public Safety TrainingAddressing Modern Social Epidemics: Loneliness, Burnout, and Social Media ToxicitySource: Physicians Practice article by Neil Baum, MD MGMA Stat Poll Reveals Trends in Patient Wait TimesSource: MGMA Stat poll data CareCreditAre your patients concerne

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Claude Royster, Vice President and General Manager of Health and Wellness at Care Credit. They discuss how Care Credit can help medical practices and their patients navigate the complexities of healthcare financing, especially as annual deductibles and FSA resets approach. Royster shares insights on the importance of educating patients on their financial options and the role practices can play in facilitating those conversations.Key Takeaways:Patients often underestimate their annual healthcare costs, which can lead to delayed or foregone care. Care Credit aims to educate patients on the lifetime costs of healthcare and provide financing options to make care more accessible."We have continued to work towards educating both patients and providers, but also really give products that give that optionality to patients to be able to make choices now and get the care that they need when they need it."Practices can partner wi

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli, co-president and CEO of Cooper University Healthcare. Dr. Mazzarelli shares his insights on the unique challenges facing the healthcare industry, the role of technology in enhancing patient care and operational efficiency, and Cooper's approach to building resilience in a changing landscape. From addressing burnout and staffing shortages to exploring digital transformation, this conversation offers valuable perspectives for healthcare leaders navigating the evolving industry.Key Takeaways:Addressing Burnout and Staffing Challenges:Dr. Mazzarelli discusses the post-pandemic "war for talent" and strategies to recruit and retain healthcare workers, including innovative wellness programs and creating more engaging work environments.Leveraging Technology for Efficiency:Cooper University Health Care is using tools like virtual nursing and AI-powered systems, such as Dragon Ambient Experience (DAX), to

Welcome to this week’s MGMA Week in Review Podcast! Hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett break down the most important stories in healthcare management. This episode covers the latest ransomware threats targeting healthcare, practical advice for onboarding new physicians, strategies for managing workplace conflict, and preparing your medical practice for 2025.Episode Highlights:Ransomware Attacks and Healthcare VulnerabilitiesColleen unpacks the findings from the 2024 Q3 Cyber Threat Report by Corvus, revealing a 12.8% rise in ransomware attacks targeting healthcare in Q3. Key vulnerabilities include outdated VPNs and lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA).Resource: HIPAA Journal: Ransomware Groups Exploiting VPNs for Initial AccessTransitioning from Residency to PracticeDaniel discusses key takeaways from the AMA on supporting physicians as they transition into practice, including goal setting, mentorship, and comprehensive onboarding.Resource: AMA: Transitioning to PracticeBiden Administration’s Pro

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams interviews Kelly Smith, an experienced practice management coach and consultant. Kelly shares her journey from working in medical oncology to becoming a dedicated coach for healthcare professionals. Together, they discuss the importance of work-life balance, the value of compassionate workplace cultures, and her actionable framework for increasing productivity and profits.Episode HighlightsKelly’s Journey to Healthcare: From an accidental start in medical oncology to a successful career in practice management and coaching.The Role of Coaching: How hiring a coach transformed Kelly’s mindset and approach to professional challenges.Work-Life Balance: Insights into overcoming professional burnout and aligning personal values with workplace roles.Creating Compassionate Workplaces: The significance of fostering empathy, trust, and open communication in healthcare environments.Productivity Framework:Step 1: Build a culture of wellness to create a sup

Welcome back to the MGMA Consultants Corner Podcast! In this episode, host Daniel Williams sits down with returning guest Doral Jacobsen, FACMPE, CEO of Prosper Beyond and an MGMA Consultant. Together, they discuss practical strategies for successful payer contracting, insights from the MGMA Leaders Conference, and the recovery efforts following unprecedented flooding in Asheville, North Carolina. This episode is packed with actionable tips and heartfelt reflections on how healthcare practices can navigate challenges and foster resilience.Main Points Covered:The Road to Successful Payer Contracting:Highlights from Doral's MGMA Leaders Conference presentation on payer contracting, including strategies for readiness, optimization, and effective negotiation.Insights on using transparency data and leveraging psychological techniques, such as humor, to ease negotiation tension.Practical advice for practices feeling overwhelmed by the contracting process.Humor and Human Connection in Negotiations:How small, humaniz

Welcome to this week's MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett. This episode dives into timely healthcare topics, including updates on telehealth policies, the value of family caregivers, trends in revenue cycle management (RCM), outpatient time burdens, and policy changes affecting the uninsured. Stay tuned for insightful discussions and direct links to resources.Key Points Discussed:Telehealth ExtensionFederal approval of a one-year extension for telehealth prescriptions of controlled substances such as OxyContin and Xanax.Advocacy efforts by MGMA and other groups stress the importance of sustainable, long-term telehealth policies.Remaining pandemic-era telehealth waivers and the legislative push for two- to five-year extensions.The Role of Family Caregivers in HealthcareFamily caregivers contribute over $600 billion in unpaid care annually.Challenges include burnout, stress, and insufficient support.Advocacy for treating caregivers as integral members of the healthcare te

Welcome to the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA. In this episode, Daniel sits down with Dr. Miechia Esco, Chief Medical Resources Advisor, and Amelia Vietri, Senior Vice President and Partner at LocumTenens.com. Together, they dive into innovative strategies for tackling healthcare staffing shortages, improving clinician retention, and enhancing patient care—especially in underserved rural areas. This episode addresses the critical challenges of clinician burnout, the evolving role of telehealth, and how advanced practice providers (APPs) can reshape the healthcare landscape.Major Takeaways:1. Key Challenges and Opportunities in Locum Tenens MedicineFlexibility and Autonomy: Dr. Esco highlighted how locum tenens medicine offers clinicians the opportunity to create customized schedules, helping to mitigate burnout and improve work-life balance.Tailored Solutions for Diverse Environments: The model supports various specialties and environments, including rural, u

In this episode of the MGMA Ask an Advisor Podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Christy Good dive into the importance of network utilization KPIs and how they can be leveraged to enhance patient satisfaction and operational efficiency. They discuss the critical metrics to track, the benefits of monitoring network utilization, and strategies for implementing cost-effective solutions, even for smaller practices.Key Points:Understanding Network Utilization KPIs: Appointment wait times, referral patterns, resource allocation, and care coordination are key metrics that directly impact patient satisfaction.Identifying the Right Metrics: Practices should focus on KPIs that directly influence patient experience, such as appointment availability, referral completion rates, and post-discharge follow-ups.Benefits of Monitoring Network Utilization: Tracking appointment availability and wait times can improve access to care, while monitoring referral patterns and care transitions can enhance care coordination and reduce fra

In this week’s episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, Senior Editor Daniel Williams and Co-host Colleen Luckett bring you the latest updates and insights from the healthcare industry. Here's what you can expect:Highlights:National Nurse Practitioner Week:Celebrating the contributions of Nurse Practitioners (NPs), with inspiring stories of resilience and innovation, including NPs stepping up during emergencies in Wyoming, Alaska, and North Carolina.Growth of the Physician Assistant Workforce:A record number of newly certified PAs in 2023 reflects a growing and diversifying healthcare workforce, helping to address physician shortages.Return to Pre-COVID Staffing Levels:Clinical staffing levels are improving, yet rising patient demand continues to pressure healthcare teams. Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs) are playing a significant role in bridging the gap.Combating Toxic Productivity:An article from the Harvard Business Review sheds light on the culture of overwork and its impact on well-being, urging l

Welcome to the MGMA Insights Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA. In this episode, Daniel is joined by Susan Montminy, Director of Risk Management and Analytics for Caveris. With over 30 years of experience in patient safety and healthcare leadership, Montminy discusses key issues from Caveris's recent white paper, Hidden in Plain Sight: Exposing the Drivers of Diagnostic Error. Montminy shares her insights into the complexities of diagnostic errors, particularly within the high-stakes environment of emergency departments, and explores the role of teamwork, communication, and leadership in mitigating these errors.Key Takeaways:Diagnostic Errors Defined: Montminy uses the National Academy of Medicine's definition, describing diagnostic error as a failure to establish a timely and accurate diagnosis or failure to communicate it to the patient.Emergency Departments as High-Risk Zones: Due to their fast-paced, chaotic environments, emergency departments are the source of about 28% of diagnos

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Sharon Woodworth, a healthcare sector leader at HED and assistant professor at UCSF, who has over 12 million square feet of healthcare facility design experience. Sharon shares her insights into creating spaces that enhance patient care, operational efficiency, and sensory perception, all while tackling the challenges posed by rising costs and evolving needs in healthcare. From flexible pod designs to the future role of AI in architecture, Sharon discusses how thoughtful design can improve both patient and provider experiences in healthcare settings.Key Points and Takeaways:The Impact of Design on Patient Care and ExperienceSharon explains how healthcare design goes beyond aesthetics, aiming to make spaces feel welcoming and supportive for patients while remaining highly functional for clinicians. By considering factors like lighting, temperature, and even the view from a patient’s room, designers can create environments that su

Welcome to the MGMA Insights Podcast, where we bring expert insights to help medical practice leaders and MGMA members navigate the challenges of the healthcare industry. I’m Daniel Williams, your host and Senior Editor at MGMA. Today, we have a returning guest, healthcare consultant and author Owen Dahl. Owen’s latest book, Humanizing Lean Leadership in Healthcare, published by MGMA, is the focal point of this episode. We’ll discuss how Lean principles can be adapted to foster a human-centric approach in medical practices, tackling staff engagement, efficiency, and patient outcomes.Key Topics Covered:The motivation behind Humanizing Lean Leadership in Healthcare and how it fills a content gap in Lean literature.How organizations can integrate Lean tools while keeping a strong focus on culture and human engagement.The parallels between Lean implementation and adapting to AI in the workplace.Practical examples of culture-driven success in medical practices using Lean principles.Details about Owen Dahl’s Lean S

Introduction: Welcome to this special edition of the MGMA Week in Review podcast. Host Daniel Williams covers the 2024 presidential election results and their potential impact on healthcare. Please note this episode was recorded on the afternoon of November 6, and the numbers shared may have changed by the time you listen to this recording. Daniel takes you through the key points from a Becker's Hospital Review article that explores the implications of Donald Trump’s victory for healthcare leaders.Episode Highlights:1. Trump Secures the Presidency by Winning Key Battleground StatesAs of November 6, Trump surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win, securing 277 votes to Kamala Harris's 224. Note: These numbers may have changed by the time you listen to this recording.Trump successfully reclaimed Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, states he had lost in the 2020 election.2. Election Turnout and Voting StatisticsApproximately 83.7 million early votes were cast nationwide, surpassing the turnout in 2020.Trump won ov

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams is joined by Sula Coria-Garza, Director of Health Information and Technology Services at People’s Community Clinic. Sula, an MGMA member and long-time listener of the MGMA podcast, shares her insights on advancing health IT in a nonprofit healthcare setting. As they discuss innovations in healthcare technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and the evolving role of networking for healthcare leaders, Sula offers practical advice on overcoming current challenges and harnessing new technologies to benefit patients and staff alike.Episode Highlights:The Role of Technology in HealthcareSula describes how People’s Community Clinic has integrated health IT tools to streamline operations and improve patient communication, emphasizing the importance of immediacy and accessibility through portals and real-time messaging.Quote: "Everything you just described [communication portals, text updates] is pretty much the foundation of our health center."Integra

 Welcome to the MGMA Ask An Advisor Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, and joined by Cristy Good, Senior Advisor at MGMA. In this episode, we address one of the pressing challenges for medical practices: structuring on-call compensation effectively. This conversation dives into common models, compliance considerations, balancing workloads, and managing provider burnout. Medical practice leaders will find practical solutions and strategies to ensure fair, transparent, and market-aligned on-call practices, helping mitigate potential issues within their teams.Key Takeaways:On-Call Compensation Models:Daily Stipend: A common approach offering a fixed daily rate, typically ranging from $1,000 to $1,500.Hourly Compensation: Payment based on active hours, providing flexibility but requiring close time tracking.Productivity-Based Pay: Aligns compensation with volume or service type but can lead to variable income.Minimum Guarantee: Ensures a base pay with a potential bonus for exceeding on-cal