Mgma Small Talk

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Chris Franklin, President of LocumTenens.com, and Allison Sawyer, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, to unpack recent research on clinician workforce trends. The conversation reveals surprising findings about job satisfaction, retention and what truly motivates today's healthcare professionals. This topic will be featured in the upcoming MGMA webinar, "Cracking the Clinician Code: Insights To Attract & Retain Top Talent Today."Key Takeaways:03:32 Surprising Statistics06:09 Top Retention Factors11:55 Generational Insights17:19 Retention Risk18:28 Improving Work Environment15:13 Critical WarningResources:MGMA Webinar - "Cracking the Clinician Code: Insights To Attract & Retain Top Talent Today"- July 29th at 1:00 PM ET (11:00 AM MT) - Learn more and register hereLocomTenens.com and Advisory Board Study - Survey Insights: What to Know About the Clinician Workforce Today Additional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksM

In this MGMA podcast episode, host Daniel Williams talks with Dr. Christopher Kodama, MD, MBA, founder of EverSpark, about managing disruptive physician behavior. They define what disruptive behavior looks like in healthcare settings, discuss its impact on practice culture, and outline actionable strategies for addressing it—covering preparation, conversation techniques, and follow-up. Dr. Kodama also previews his upcoming session at the MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando.Main Points: 00:50 – Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:38 – Dr. Kodama's Background and Career Journey 05:13 – Understanding Disruptive Physician Behavior 06:36 – Defining Disruptive Behavior 08:20 – Identifying Disruptive Dynamics in Practice 11:53 – Approaching the Difficult Conversation 17:44 – Follow-Up and Mitigating Risk 20:23 – Conclusion and Upcoming Conference DetailsAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an episode

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett share the latest healthcare industry news, including proposed changes to Medicare payments, healthcare consumer experience trends, and an Emmy-nominated medical drama. Plus, they highlight a leadership story from MGMA Connection Magazine and spotlight MGMA’s Women Healthcare Leaders Resource Group.Key Takeaways:00:50 Welcome and Introduction01:25 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Updates (Medical Economics)04:14 The Importance of First-Time Energy in Patient Care (Physician’s Practice)06:12 Authenticity in Medical Dramas (Chief Healthcare Executive)08:07 Healthcare Communication and Consumer Satisfaction (Smart Communications 2025 Healthcare Benchmark Report)11:31 Inspiring Leadership Journey (MGMA Connection Magazine)13:16 Conclusion and Call for ContributionsAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Phill Tornroth, Vice President of Engineering at Elation Health. Together, they explore the revolutionary impact of AI on primary care, discussing how technology can reduce clinician burden, streamline workflows and bring human-centered design to healthcare technology. Elation Health received two awards from the 2025 Best in KLAS: Software and Services report: one for Small Practice Ambulatory EMR/PM and another for EMR-Centric Virtual Care Platforms.  Key Takeaways:05:46 Clinical-First Strategy09:15 Note Assist Innovation11:37 Actions Feature14:19 User-Friendly AI Design16:41 AI's Potential in Healthcare20:39 Validated User ExperienceResources:Visit the Elation Health website to learn moreLearn more about Elation Note AssistLearn more about Elation Actions2025 Best in KLAS: Software and Services reportConnect with Phill Tornroth on LinkedInAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast, host Daniel Williams talks with Linda Carroll, a certified medical practice executive and co-facilitator of MGMA’s AAPI Healthcare Leaders Resource Group. The discussion explores Linda’s work and life in Alaska, the value of resource groups, and the importance of culturally responsive leadership. Linda shares how telehealth is bridging gaps in rural care and how MGMA communities help foster mentorship, connection, and visibility for Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders in healthcare.Timestamps:[00:50] – Introduction and Host Welcome[01:24] – Meet Linda Carroll: Experience and Background[01:54] – Life in Alaska: Winter and Work[03:53] – Linda's Journey into Healthcare[07:03] – Healthcare in Anchorage: Challenges and Innovations[11:26] – MGMA Resource Groups: An Overview[12:06] – AAPI Healthcare Leaders Resource Group[16:39] – Cultural Conversations and Shared Experiences[22:30] – Upcoming Events and Final ThoughtsResources:MGMA Member Resource Groups

On this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett dive into key updates shaping medical group practices. They explore how healthcare leaders—especially Chief Nursing Officers—are becoming central to advocacy efforts, examine the mounting pressures on rural hospitals, and break down how real estate decisions can either support or stall private practice growth. Plus, they share new MGMA Stat poll results on operational costs and preview insights from the latest issue of MGMA Connection magazine on the future of independent practices.Timestamps and Resources:00:50 – Welcome to MGMA Week in Review01:26 – The Importance of Policy and Advocacy in Healthcare (Health Leaders Media) 03:37 – Upcoming Government Affairs Webinar (Government Affairs Webinar) 04:35 – Challenges Facing Rural Hospitals (Beckers Hospital Review) 06:55 – MGMA Stat Poll Insights (MGMA Stat) 09:11 – Real Estate Considerations for Medical Practices (Medical Economics) 12:03 – What’s Next for Medical Pra

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