Mgma Small Talk

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

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

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 cros

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 & Les

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 Surescrip

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 leade

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 inste

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

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 bre

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

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 e

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 tr

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. Michel

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: j.leer@som.umaryland.eduJonathan Leer on LinkedInMGMA Leaders Conference InfoUniversity of Ma

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

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

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 essentia

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 T

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 internshi

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 pr