Mgma Small Talk

In this episode of the MGMA Insights podcast, we talk with Jeff Whitehorn, former hospital CEO and current founder and CEO of Whitehorn Coaching and Consulting, LLC. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Jeff shares the critical lessons he learned on the job—lessons that aren’t taught in school. He also discusses the power of experience, the importance of humility, and how storytelling can be a powerful tool for teaching leadership. Jeff provides a preview of his upcoming session at the MGMA Leaders Conference, where he will dive deeper into these essential leadership insights.Key Takeaways:Transition from CEO to Coach: Jeff Whitehorn shares his journey from being a hospital CEO to becoming an executive coach and the importance of continuing to add value and purpose after retirement.Leadership Books That Shaped Jeff’s Career: Jeff discusses the impact of classic leadership books like The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and Good to Great by Jim Collins.Experience a

In the latest episode of the MGMA Mindful Medicine Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Dr. Andrea Sankar, a medical anthropologist and co-author of the newly released third edition of Dying at Home: A Family Guide for Caregiving. Dr. Sankar discusses the evolution of end-of-life care, including the challenges faced by family caregivers and the crucial role medical practices can play in supporting patients and their loved ones during this sensitive time.Key Takeaways:Dr. Sankar's journey into end-of-life care research was shaped by her experiences studying community-based care for the elderly in China and witnessing the challenges of caregiving during the AIDS epidemic.The third edition of Dying at Home reflects the significant changes in end-of-life care, including the increasing prevalence of frail patients living longer and the expanded availability of sophisticated home-based care due to advancements in medical technology and the TEFRA Act.Family caregivers often face significant emotional and physical

In this MGMA Business Solutions Podcast episode, host Daniel Williams welcomes Dr. Bob Murry, Chief Medical Officer at NextGen Healthcare. The discussion explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing provider efficiency and improving patient care. Dr. Murry shares his unique perspective, drawing from his extensive experience in both clinical practice and healthcare IT.Key Takeaways:AI as a transformative tool: Dr. Murry emphasizes AI's role in streamlining provider workflows, particularly through ambient visit documentation, which reduces administrative burdens and improves patient care.Addressing healthcare inefficiencies: AI offers practical solutions to tackle inefficiencies, variability, and inequities in the U.S. healthcare system, leading to enhanced provider efficiency and reduced burnout.Ethical AI implementation: Dr. Murry highlights the importance of transparency, regulation, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the ethical use of AI in healthcare, address potential bias

 In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast, co-hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett dive into the latest trends and challenges in healthcare. From rising workplace insurance costs to the disruptive forces shaping the industry's future, this episode provides valuable insights for medical practice leaders and MGMA members. Key Takeaways and Resources Mentioned:Rising Costs of Workplace Insurance: This Axios article highlights the growing concern over the surging costs of workplace insurance, driven by expensive weight loss drugs and other costly medical treatments. Employers may need to make difficult decisions, such as increasing premiums, deductibles, or co-pays or restricting access to certain treatments.- Healthcare's Next Big Disruptors: This article from Becker's Hospital Review explores the emerging forces poised to shake up the healthcare industry, including the rise of artificial intelligence, the shift towards outpatient care, and the growing importance of healthcare consumerism.- Medica

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Tom Schwieterman, the Chief Medical Officer and VP of Clinical Affairs at Midmark Corporation. The discussion focuses on the critical importance of accurate and consistent blood pressure measurement and how it impacts patient outcomes. With an extensive background spanning software engineering, medicine and business administration, Dr. Tom provides valuable insights into Midmark's innovative approach to enhancing the caregiver-patient experience.Key Takeaways:Dr. Tom's unique background, spanning software engineering, medicine, and business administration, has enabled him to bring a multifaceted approach to improving blood pressure measurement and patient outcomes at Midmark Corporation.Accurate and consistent blood pressure measurement is a critical aspect of patient care, often serving as the first diagnosis and treatment for many individuals, and Midmark's Better BP® initiative aims to address this through a com

In this episode of the Women in Healthcare podcast, host Adrienne Lloyd sits down with Kenyokee Crowell, a seasoned healthcare leader who has held key roles at organizations like the Cleveland Clinic and Highmark Health. Crowell shares her insights on effective physician collaboration, building organizational culture, and navigating career transitions.Actionable Takeaways:Prioritize transparency, trust, and relationship-building when collaborating with physicians to align on patient-centric goalsUnderstand an organization's culture and decision-making processes to drive sustainable change as a senior leaderDevelop a strategic career plan, including a 30-second elevator pitch, to own your growth and advocate for yourselfConsider work-life integration over strict "balance" - find ways to pursue personal interests while remaining professionally engagedBe open to calculated risks and new experiences to expand your skillset and perspective.Resources: Adrienne Palmer LloydConnect with Adrienne on LinkedInTo see oth

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Katie Holcomb, Product Marketing Manager at Surescripts, to discuss the vital role of interoperability in healthcare. Katie provides insights into Surescripts' mission to simplify healthcare data exchange and reduce clinician burnout. Tune in to learn about the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs), and how these innovations are transforming patient care.Key Takeaways:Top three benefits of connecting to a QHIN as a clinician or medical practice: 1) Greater access to clinical information2) Reducing clinician and medical practice staff burnout3) More time with your patientsTop four ways connecting to a QHIN is different than the clinical data you may have access to today: 1) Expanded participation and reach in accessing clinical data2) The requirement that you have to GIVE information in order to GET information3) Ensuring network integrity4) Better patient

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, Daniel and Colleen dive into a range of important healthcare topics and trends, including:Axios article on states regulating AI in healthcareBecker's interview with Dr. Mia Yang on the overlooked role of caregiversGallup poll on rethinking succession planningInnovative Healthcare article on reducing energy consumption in radiologyMGMA Connection magazine article "Future Proof Your Practice" by Tina DamicoMGMA Analytics cloud-based data analytics toolWe Want to Hear From You:Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover, an expert you would like us to interview, or if you'd like to appear on an MGMA podcast. Email us at:Daniel Williams: dwilliams@mgma.comRyan Reaves: rreaves@mgma.comColleen Luckett: cluckett@mgma.comThank you for tuning in to the MGMA Podcast Network. Please subscribe and leave us a review. See you next time! MidmarkFounded in 1915

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes journalist, author and public speaker Celeste Headlee to discuss themes from her book Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving. Headlee shares her personal experiences and surprising insights from her research along with practical strategies for finding balance and reclaiming one's sense of self.Key Takeaways:Sharing her personal journey into addressing burnout, Headlee discusses the parallels between the demands of journalism and the medical field while noting the common links of burnout in journalism and healthcare.As Headlee researched burnout, she encountered a series of "epiphanies" that challenged her long-held beliefs about the necessity of work for human fulfillment and well-being.Headlee's research uncovered evidence that for most of human history, people worked far fewer hours than the modern-day norm, with some cultures celebrating extended periods of rest and leisure.While technology itsel

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast, hosts Daniel Williams, Colleen Luckett, and Christy Good discuss several key topics in the healthcare industry. The hosts cover the rising costs of malpractice insurance, the financial burden of cancer screenings, strategies for effective leadership in the C-suite, and updates on important Medicare reform bills in Congress.Major Takeaways:Malpractice insurance premiums have increased for 68% of medical groups, with an average rise of 11%. The insurance industry is adopting AI to improve risk assessment and underwriting decisions.Christy Good emphasizes the importance of a dual focus on quality of care and risk management to mitigate legal risks, including adhering to evidence-based practices, continuous monitoring of outcomes, and open communication.The annual cost of cancer screenings in the US is estimated at $43 billion. Experts advocate for more cost-effective screening strategies and improved access to ensure all individuals receive early detection serv

In the latest episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Liz Mahan, Director of Professional Development and Solutions at the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment (AAPPR). Mahan shared her expertise in creating a strategic provider recruitment playbook that helps medical practices find and retain the right physicians for their organizations. Her background in theater arts management prepared her for the challenges of healthcare staffing, where she transitioned to in-house physician recruiting and eventually joined AAPPR to share her insights with the broader medical community. Mahan will host a session discussing how to develop a provider recruitment playbook at the upcoming MGMA Staffing Conference on August 15-16 in Burlington, Mass. Key Takeaways:Mahan emphasizes the concept of "recruit attention" - the idea that retention should be a top priority from the very start of the recruitment process. Practices must consider a provider's lifestyle preferences, valu

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams interviews Don Balasa, JD, MBA, the CEO and legal counsel of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). They discuss the evolving role of medical assistants in healthcare, the legal challenges they face, and the future growth of the profession.Main Takeaways:Medical assistants have expanded their roles from primarily clinical and administrative tasks to specializing in either clinical or administrative work while still needing education in both areas.The AAMA protects the rights of medical assistants, offers certification, and provides education and advocacy for the profession.Legal challenges for medical assistants include delegating advanced tasks, scope of practice variations by state and profession, and the rise of telemedicine.Medical assistants can help practices navigate staffing shortages by pursuing upward mobility and utilizing their education and credentials.The future of medical assisting is bright, with projected growt

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss key issues and insights for medical practice leaders. The episode covers the following topics:- Succession planning for medical practices, including lack of progress and best practices. Colleen notes that "just over a one in three medical group leader, so like 36%, to be exact, have a succession plan for leadership positions."- The importance of psychological safety in the workplace and its impact on team performance.- A new initiative in L.A. to address challenges in assisting the unhoused population.- The potential downsides of providing immediate access to medical test results to patients.- Leadership lessons from the TV series "Ted Lasso" and how to embrace curiosity, not judgment, in medical practice leadership.The hosts provide direct quotes, insights, and resources to help medical practice leaders solve problems and improve their organizations.Resources Mentioned:- MGMA Stat poll article on succession

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Tracy Schwartz, the Vice President of Operations at Ascension Medical Group in Texas. Tracy shares her healthcare career journey, from starting as a medical assistant to rising through the ranks and becoming a key leader. Schwartz discusses the unique challenges the healthcare industry faces and the strategies Ascension Medical Group is implementing to not only address these issues but also retain top talent.Key Takeaways:Tracy Schwartz's career progression from medical assistant to VP of Operations at Ascension Medical GroupThe importance of work-life balance, flexibility, and understanding employee needs in the healthcare industryReasons for employee turnover, including people leaving for non-healthcare jobs and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemicAscension Medical Group's approach to improving the onboarding process and supporting new hiresThe focus on leadership development as a critical factor in retaining associates

Welcome to another episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast. In this episode, host Daniel Williams sits down with Jojy Schless, the Director of Operations at Geneva Eye Clinic. Jojy brings a wealth of experience in practice culture, staff retention, customer service, and leadership coaching. This episode delves into Jojy's unique career journey, the culture at Geneva Eye Clinic, and her passion for leadership development.Key Topics Discussed:Jojy's diverse background and path to her current role in healthcare operationsThe structure and focus of Geneva Eye Clinic, a small, independent multi-specialty ophthalmology practiceJojy's efforts to transform the practice's culture from one of "intimidation" to one aligned with the physicians' vision of high-quality care and work-life balanceJojy's passion for leadership development, mentoring, and helping team members reach their full potentialJojy's work-life balance strategies, including her podcast "The Deconstructed Woman"Resources and encouragement for other

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 news and insights for medical practice leaders and MGMA members.Major TopicsBipartisan legislation to improve healthcare cybersecurity after a ransomware attackThe need for more institutional support for physicians treating addictionThe importance of flexible goal setting for personal and professional growthThe resurgence of nurse self-scheduling in healthcareKey TakeawaysHealthcare Cybersecurity Act:Introduced by Senators Jackie Rosen, Todd Young, and Angus King, this act aims to coordinate cybersecurity efforts between government agencies to protect patient data and healthcare systems.Support for Physicians Treating Addiction:Physicians lack the necessary training, resources, and administrative support to effectively treat addiction, leading to frustration and an uphill battle."We're expected to manage complex addiction cases, but without proper

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Sarah Clark, owner of Sarah Clark Consulting, as she dives into the crucial aspects of improving patient experience and increasing profits within medical practices. This discussion explores practical strategies to help medical practice leaders tackle common challenges and elevate their operations.Major Takeaways:The 4 Ps to Success: Process: Streamlining administrative workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce patient wait times.People: Investing in staff training and development to improve patient interactions and satisfaction.Paperwork: Simplifying documentation processes to minimize errors and improve compliance.Patients: Focusing on patient-centric care to boost overall satisfaction and loyalty.Key Strategies for Enhancing Patient Experience: Implementing robust feedback systems to understand patient needs and expectations.Utilizing technology to facilitate better communication and streamline appointment scheduling.Increasi

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams speaks with Sharon Sagarra, MBA, FACMPE, owner of Sagarra Medical Consulting, and an MGMA Consultant. Sharon shares her extensive experience in healthcare management and provides actionable strategies for medical practice leaders to optimize compensation and benefits plans for their employees. Her insights are particularly relevant for those attending the upcoming MGMA Staffing Conference, where she will present on this very topic. Practical Takeaways for Medical Practices 1. Develop a Comprehensive Budget Maintaining a detailed budget is essential for managing financial challenges such as rising minimum wages and decreasing insurance reimbursements. "Make sure you're doing a budget. I was surprised the last two practices I was at did not have a budget," Sagarra emphasizes. A comprehensive budget helps practices monitor expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and allocate resources efficiently​2. Streamline Operations and Utilize Group P

Welcome to another episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast with hosts Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, and Colleen Luckett, Editor and Writer at MGMA. In today's episode, we tackle some pressing issues facing medical practice leaders. We delve into the recent Medicare physician cuts, explore strategies to boost employee morale through modern benefits enrollment, discuss the rising costs of drug supplies and IT expenses, and highlight key findings from Press Ganey's patient experience report. We'll also touch on the concept of administrative harm and its impact on healthcare. Let's dive into these critical topics and uncover solutions that can help you navigate these challenges effectively.Major Takeaways:Medicare Physician Cuts:CMS has proposed a 2.8% decrease in Medicare physician fees for 2025, sparking concern among physician groups. Anders Gillberg, Senior VP of Government Affairs at MGMA, criticizes the proposal as "critically short-sighted."The American College of Rheumatology highlights a 29%

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Delores McNair, Division Administrator at Duke University School of Medicine, and Bryana Blanco, Nursing Development Specialist at AdventHealth. Together, they discuss the MGMA Mentorship Program, their personal healthcare journeys and the importance of mentorship in career development.Healthcare Journeys:Delores shares her inspiring journey from temp worker to healthcare administrator, emphasizing the crucial role that mentors played in her career progression. Highlighting the value of MGMA resources for early-career professionals, Bryana describes her experience as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic and her transition into healthcare administration.About the MGMA Mentorship Program:Delores and Bryana discuss their experiences with the MGMA Mentorship Program, highlighting its effective structure, flexibility, and the meaningful professional relationships it fosters. The program provides the following benefits to MGMA