Mgma Small Talk

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett share timely insights on the most pressing issues in healthcare. They cover key takeaways from the MGMA Summit, explore the latest compensation strategies, and highlight innovative trends shaping the connected patient experience. You'll also hear discussion on CMS policy changes, violence in healthcare settings, and how practices can improve engagement and workplace safety. 00:51 Introduction and Podcast Overview02:01 MGMA Stat Poll: Compensation Strategy Insights (MGMA Stat)03:44 Highlights from the MGMA Summit Digital Conference (MGMA Summit)09:42 CMS Rescinds Emergency Abortion Guidance (Fierce HealthCare)11:44 Violence Against Healthcare Workers: A Growing Concern (Chief Healthcare Executive)15:07 The Connected Patient Experience: Embracing Innovation (Med City News)16:38 Conclusion and Upcoming ContentAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwil

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Dea Robinson, a healthcare leader with extensive experience in hospital medicine, consulting, and organizational learning. Dr. Robinson shares her career path, insights on physician burnout, the importance of mentorship, and strategies for building meaningful connections in healthcare.Key Takeaways:[01:02] Dr. Robinson's journey into healthcare [05:43] Mentorship through MGMA[09:34] High engagement and burnout among physicians[14:13] Clinical vs. non-clinical engagement [18:58] The importance of intentional human connection[22:23] The importance of mentorship for professional development[26:07] Guiding younger physician leaders and embedding accountability [29:11] Using the workplace as a learning laboratoryResources:Connect with Dr. Dea Robinson on LinkedInReceive expert guidance through the MGMA Mentor ProgramDr. Dea Robinson's co-authored AJM study: The 5 Rs of Cultural HumilityAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksM

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, host Daniel Williams shares timely updates on key issues facing medical practices. The episode begins with a look at how organizations are managing paid time off (PTO) and why effective PTO policies are vital to workplace culture and employee retention. It then explores the growing integration of behavioral health into primary care, with a focus on collaborative care models. The episode wraps with a spotlight on the phrase “We’ll take care of that,” and how those five words can significantly enhance the patient experience. 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties00:43 Welcome to MGMA Week in Review01:07 Handling Medical Practice Staff's PTO (MGMA Stat)03:38 Integrating Behavioral Health into Primary Care (Axios)05:59 The Power of 'We'll Take Care of That' (Physicians Practice)07:11 Conclusion and Next Week's PreviewAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would

In this episode, host Daniel Williams talks with senior advisor Cristy Good about practical ways to cut costs and boost efficiency in medical practices. They address key challenges like rising labor, tech, and inflation-driven expenses, and explore solutions such as cloud-based tools, smarter scheduling, strategic outsourcing, and cross-training staff. The episode also covers how to avoid overspending and make better use of group purchasing organizations. Cristy offers advice for leaders feeling overwhelmed by vendor costs and explains how MGMA members can get additional support. 00:50 Introduction and Welcome01:21 Today's Topic: Reducing Expenses and Boosting Efficiency02:15 Challenges in Cost Management04:25 Effective Cost-Cutting Strategies09:54 Cross-Training and Scheduling Innovations11:14 Leveraging Group Purchasing Organizations13:12 Conclusion and Contact InformationAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you wou

In this MGMA Insights podcast episode, Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Sunita Sah, a tenured professor at Cornell University and author of Defy. Together, they explore the subtle but powerful psychology behind compliance and informed consent. Drawing from her experiences as a physician and organizational psychologist, Dr. Sah discusses why patients — and even medical professionals — often follow advice they disagree with, and how we can build greater confidence, clarity, and autonomy in healthcare decision-making.[00:04:00] The Scan She Didn’t WantDr. Sah tells a personal ER story that sparked her research into why we comply, even when we know we shouldn't.[00:09:00] The Five Elements of True ConsentA breakdown of capacity, knowledge, understanding, freedom to say no, and personal authorization — and how this differs from compliance.[00:14:00] Why It’s Hard to Speak Up“Insinuation anxiety” is the discomfort we feel when we risk questioning those in power — even when the stakes are high.[00:20:00] Leadershi

In this episode of the MGMA Weekend Review, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss major trends affecting independent medical practices, including the rise of AI tools that lessen administrative burdens and combat physician burnout. Additionally, they explore the potential impacts of the U.S. House's recently passed Medicaid cuts, urging listeners to stay informed and advocate for their needs. 00:50 Introduction and Weekly Catch-Up02:09 AI in Medical Practices (Healthcare IT News)05:26 Managing Stress and Burnout (MGMA Stat)08:08 Virtual Care: The Future of Healthcare (Medical Economics)12:06 Medicaid Cuts and Their Impact (Healthcare Dive)16:07 Conclusion and Sign-OffAdditional 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 subscribe to our network wherever you

Author and psychotherapist Britt Frank returns to the MGMA Insights podcast to discuss her new book, Align Your Mind. She and host Daniel Williams explore the power of "parts work," how to navigate the inner critic, manage stress during high-pressure times, and lead yourself with more clarity and compassion. Key Takeaways:00:45 — Welcoming back Britt Frank; Introduction to her new book, Align Your Mind; book availability at local and national retailers.02:15 — Why "Align" Your Mind, Not "Fix" It: Britt compares mental health to tire or spinal alignment — a shift in thinking about how we manage ourselves.06:10 — Introduction to "Parts Work": Understanding the mind as a system of different parts and voices; practical everyday examples (e.g., "part of me wants to relax, part of me wants to work").09:10 — How to Build a Relationship with Your Inner Critic: Instead of fighting it, validate it ("That's a little bit true") to deactivate stress responses.13:30 — Real-World Mindfulness: Daniel shares his retreat disap

In this episode of the Ask MGMA Podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Christy Good dig into one of the most urgent issues medical practices are facing: payer downcoding and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in reimbursement decisions. Discover why evaluation and management (E/M) claims are being reduced without medical record review, how automated systems are affecting your revenue, and what actions you can take to identify, track, and appeal unjustified downcodes. Whether you're feeling the impact already or want to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation offers practical tips and valuable resources to support your team.Key Highlights0:53 – Welcome & Topic Overview Daniel and Christy introduce the episode and the rising issue of AI-driven downcoding.1:53 – What is Payer Downcoding? Christy explains how downcoding works, what’s changed with AI, and why it goes against CMS guidelines.3:19 – How AI Flags Claims An inside look at how AI uses historical data to decide what gets downcoded — a

In this episode of the MGMA Weekend Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss a range of pressing healthcare industry topics. The episode starts with an in-depth look at the proposed GOP budget plan that could significantly cut Medicaid funding, putting millions of Americans at risk of losing healthcare coverage. This is followed by a discussion on the harmful effects of medical gaslighting on patients, as revealed by a comprehensive Rutgers Health report. The hosts also delve into current healthcare staff turnover trends and highlight the importance of personalized mental health care during Mental Health Awareness Month. The episode concludes with a forward-looking piece on the FDA's plans to integrate AI in its drug review process by 2025.00:50 Introduction and Hosts Welcome01:28 Debate Over GOP's Proposed Medicaid Cuts (Chief Healthcare Executive)03:49 Impact of Medical Gaslighting on Patients (Medical Economics)06:59 MGMA Stat Polling Results on Staff Turnover (MGMA Stat)09:18 Gene

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Helen Falkner, Regional Vice President of Recruiting at Jackson Physician Search, and Dr. Miechia Esco, Chief Medical Resource Officer at Locum Tenens.com. Based on a groundbreaking report titled "Is Medicine Still a Calling?", the discussion explores physician satisfaction, purpose, and strategies for maintaining passion in healthcare.Key Takeaways:01:47 – Why the Report Was Created Dr. Esco explains the systemic challenges in healthcare that led to the central question: Is medicine still a calling?02:55 – Purpose and Provider Retention Helen Falkner discusses how a sense of purpose directly impacts physician well-being, engagement, and retention.06:39 – Why Passion Fades Over Time Dr. Esco explores how administrative demands dilute a clinician’s original motivation for entering medicine.08:20 – Four Keys to Organizational Alignment Helen outlines four ways healthcare organizations can align with providers’ values: co

In this episode, host Daniel Williams speaks with Dave Jenkins, healthcare executive at Cone Health and adjunct faculty at Winston-Salem State University. Jenkins shares his journey into healthcare leadership, the operational dynamics at Cone Health, and the evolving challenges in behavioral health. He dives into the critical role of technology, workforce engagement, and leadership development—offering valuable insights for anyone aspiring to lead in today’s healthcare environment.  00:50 Introduction and Guest Welcome02:00 Dave Jenkins' Career Pathway02:57 Overview of Cone Health04:15 Day-to-Day Operations at Cone Health05:33 Challenges and Opportunities in Healthcare06:50 Leadership Principles and Approaches08:39 Addressing Behavioral Health Needs11:23 Workforce Engagement and Staffing13:45 Involvement with MGMA15:25 Educator Role at Winston-Salem State University17:14 Future Trends in Healthcare Administration18:52 Advice for Aspiring Leaders20:01 Conclusion and FarewellResources:MGMA Fellowship ProgramCon

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett cover key healthcare headlines, from the ongoing shortage of medical assistants and tips to close staffing gaps, to the leadership lessons in crisis response and fallout from the Change Healthcare cyberattack. They also share findings on nurse retention from McKinsey’s latest survey and close with a nod to National Nurses Week. 00:49 Introduction and Hosts01:36 MGMA Stat Poll Results (MGMA Stat)05:08 Healthcare Leadership in Crisis (Physicians Practice)09:12 HHS Restructuring and Interoperability (MedCity News)11:30 United Health Cyber Attack Fallout (New York Times)15:16 National Nurses Week and Leadership (Health Leaders Media)17:29 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 you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to

This episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast features Robin Fagala, Practice Manager at Conway OBGYN in Arkansas. Discussing her groundbreaking advocacy for maternal health, Fagala shares her journey of addressing critical healthcare challenges, securing increased Medicaid reimbursements, and ultimately helping to secure a $17 million federal grant to improve maternal health outcomes in Arkansas. Episode Highlights: Healthcare Career and Professional Background01:22 Robin's 26-year healthcare journey03:32 Conway OBGYN practice overviewMaternal Health Crisis in Arkansas07:12 Maternal mortality rates and challenges11:28 Lack of Medicaid-accepting OB/GYN providers14:53 Financial impact on healthcare providersAdvocacy and Data-Driven Problem Solving13:11 Using MGMA Data Dive platform15:17 Developing comprehensive documentation16:53 Persistent communication with state leadersReimbursement and Healthcare Policy14:53 Detailed analysis of OB/GYN procedure code reimbursements15:17 Presenting financial sustainabil

In this episode of Ask MGMA, Daniel Williams and Cristy Good explore how medical practices can align their teams and leadership around a shared purpose by developing clear mission, vision, and values (MVV). They introduce MGMA’s new MVV Checklist and Culture Playbook, designed to help practices navigate change, improve engagement, and retain top talent.Key Highlights:00:54 – Introduction to the Ask MGMA podcast and today's focus on mission, vision, and values (MVV)02:35 – What are MGMA Playbooks and why they’re a key resource for practice leaders04:32 – Overview of the MVV Checklist: Why it was created and who it benefits06:26 – The first two steps of the MVV process: Preparation and stakeholder input08:00 – The importance of involving staff and stakeholders early in shaping MVV08:52 – How to incorporate MVV into operations, training, and employee evaluations10:27 – Future impact: How tools like the checklist can shape resilient, high-performing medical teams11:47 – Final thoughts from Cristy and Daniel on us

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss the critical issue of burnout among healthcare administrators and clinicians, stressing the importance of a mindset shift to combat repetitive negative thinking (RNT). They highlight insights from Steve Brewer's article on burnout and Barbara Frederickson's positive psychology research. The episode also delves into ways to improve the patient experience through communication, technology, and culture, alongside a discussion on the impacts of recent healthcare policies. Additionally, the podcast covers strategies for effective physician onboarding and recruitment, providing actionable tips and resources from MGMA members and experts.Key Highlights:00:53 — Introduction and Podcast Overview01:34 — Healthcare Leadership and Burnout (MGMA Article)05:35 — Improving Patient Experience (Physicians Practice)09:11 — Healthcare Policy Concerns (Medical Economics)12:25 — Onboarding New Physicians (AMA Article)15:22 — Phys

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Steve Brewer, Chief Operating Officer of GI Associates, to explore a critical issue facing healthcare professionals: the psychological impact of burnout. Through an in-depth conversation, Brewer shares insights from his personal experience and research, challenging how we traditionally approach and discuss workplace stress and mental well-being.Key Takeaways:0:01:36 - Personal Journey: Steve Brewer discusses his firsthand experience with burnout in healthcare leadership0:09:48 - Neurological Impact: Chronic stress physically changes brain chemistry, strengthening negative neural pathways0:14:19 - Broaden and Build Theory: Positive emotions can expand awareness and build emotional and social resources0:17:48 - Positivity Cycle: Small acts of kindness can create a chain reaction of positive interactions0:22:22 - Leadership Self-Care: Fewer than 50% of healthcare leaders take steps to support their own resiliencyActionable Takeaway

In this episode of the MGMA Podcast, Daniel Williams, Senior Editor, sits down with Dawn Plested, an MGMA consultant, and contributor to the MGMA book Advanced Strategy for Medical Practice Leaders: Operations Management Edition. In the discussion, Dawn talks about the importance and impact of administrative structures in medical practices. Dawn also discusses the significance of leadership styles, considerations for choosing organizational structures, and the need for regulatory compliance.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:52 Importance of Administrative Structures03:12 Leadership's Role in Shaping Structures05:55 Choosing the Right Organizational Structure08:08 Strategic Staffing Considerations13:59 Implementing Health Information Systems18:34 Financial Management Strategies21:49 Enhancing Patient Engagement and Satisfaction24:47 Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management27:19 Key Takeaways and ConclusionAdditional Resources:Connect with Dawn Plested on LinkedInMGMA Books (Dawn is a contributor to the M

In this week's MGMA Week in Review, hosts Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, and Colleen Luckett, Editor and Writer at MGMA, discuss significant developments in the healthcare industry. Key topics include proposed updates to the HIPAA security rule, essential dos and don'ts for adopting a direct primary care model, the importance of digital communication in building patient trust, the rise of 'care now, pay later' financing options for medical debt, and state legislation to limit AI in insurance claims processing. The episode provides expert insights, policy updates, and actionable advice for healthcare leaders navigating these pressing issues.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:35 HIPAA Security Rule Updates (Chief Healthcare Executive)03:24 Direct Primary Care Insights (Physicians Practice)06:41 Improving Patient Trust with Digital Communication (MedCity News)10:04 Care Now, Pay Later: Medical Debt Solutions (HealthcareDive)13:16 AI in Healthcare: Legislation and Concerns (Health Leaders Media)15:53 Concl

What does successful RCM outsourcing look like in 2025? In this episode, Daniel Williams speaks with Chuck Rackley and Marvin Luz of Greenway Health about the evolution of revenue cycle outsourcing — from transactional support to fully integrated partnerships that deliver performance, accountability, and improved patient financial experiences.Chuck and Marvin share best practices for evaluating outsourcing partners, measuring ROI and compliance, and aligning technology to reduce denials and boost efficiency. They also provide guidance for practices hesitant to outsource and explain how to maintain transparency, visibility, and control throughout the process.Key Discussion Points[01:30] Marvin and Chuck share their career backgrounds in healthcare RCM[03:00] How RCM outsourcing has shifted toward strategic, tech-enabled partnerships[05:45] Why confusing and delayed patient statements impact satisfaction and collections[07:00] What to evaluate when selecting an outsourcing partner: expertise, transparency, tech

Guest: Lauren Howard, CEO, Clinical Operations Group | CEO, LBee Health | Founder, ElleTwo Host: Daniel Williams, Senior Editor, MGMASummary: In this episode, Lauren Howard shares how her personal experience with burnout inspired the creation of virtual mental health resources. She discusses why toxic work cultures persist, how remote work reshaped expectations, and what healthcare leaders can do to better support their teams.Key Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:16 Lauren Howard's Journey and Inspiration03:14 The Birth of LB Health and EllTwo05:03 Mental Health Services Expansion07:08 Pandemic's Impact on Burnout and Isolation09:26 Workplace Dynamics and Employee Well-being13:48 Reflections on Work-Life Balance18:06 Conclusion and Resources