Mgma Small Talk

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss key healthcare topics, including AI-driven insurance denials, financial strategies for physicians, automation in insurance verification, the importance of employee handbooks, physician productivity trends, and provider compensation insights.Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction and Greetings01:10 AI in Healthcare: Concerns and Impacts (Chief Healthcare Executive)03:10 Smart Tax Strategies for Physicians (Medical Economics)06:42 Automation in Insurance Verification (MedCity News)08:46 Creating an Effective Employee Handbook (Physicians Practice)11:22 MGMA Stat Poll: Productivity Insights (MGMA Stat)14:16 Conclusion and Wrap-UpAdditional Resources MentionedMGMA DataDive: Provider CompensationMGMA 2024 Compensation Report

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Tim Hines, a seasoned marketing executive and author, to discuss how adopting an entrepreneurial "starter mindset" can supercharge the operations of medical practices. Tim shares his personal journey of developing an entrepreneurial spirit and how medical practice leaders can apply these principles to drive innovation and problem-solving, even in highly regulated environments. Tim will be delivering a keynote address at the upcoming 2025 MGMA Operations Conference in Las Vegas. Key Takeaways:The "starter mindset" is about being an agent of change - identifying problems and developing solutions, even within the constraints of a larger organization.Entrepreneurial skills like resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to start new initiatives can be applied by anyone, not just those in startups or those in leadership.Medical practices, whether small or large, face many challenges that can be addressed by embracing an entrepreneur

In this episode of the MGMA Insights podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Leon Moores, a pediatric neurosurgeon, military veteran, and author of the book "All Physicians Lead." Dr. Moores shares his unique perspectives on the critical role of physician leadership in healthcare and provides practical strategies for developing essential leadership skills.Main Points:The Mindset Shift: Recognizing that all physicians are leaders, whether they realize it or notBridging the Gap in Leadership Education: Where physicians can learn and improve their leadership skills beyond medical schoolLessons from the Military: How Dr. Moores's military experience has shaped his approach to leadership in healthcareThe Foundation of Effective Leadership: The importance of credibility and fostering psychological safety on healthcare teamsPractical Strategies: Specific steps physicians can take to enhance their leadership capabilitiesResourcesBooks and Authors:All Physicians Lead by Dr. Leon MooresThe Fearless Organizatio

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss a range of topics affecting the healthcare industry. They begin with UnitedHealth Group's voluntary buyout offers to 30,000 employees amid financial uncertainty and regulatory pressures. The episode also highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy online presence for healthcare practices, featuring insights from Anna Ohler's recent article in Physicians Practice. Leadership success through intentionality is examined through LeRae Quy's Smartbrief article. The hosts discuss the issue of data overload in healthcare, drawing from Jeff Smith's article in Medical Economics. They round off the episode with findings from an MGMA Stat Poll on patient referral management, discussing challenges and strategies for improvement. Tune in for expert insights and practical advice on navigating the complexities of the healthcare industry.00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back01:58 UnitedHealth Group Employee Buyouts (Fier

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with award-winning storyteller, comedian, and motivational speaker Kelly Swanson to discuss the power of storytelling in healthcare leadership. In this conversation, Kelly shares how medical practice leaders can use storytelling to reframe stress, connect with patients and staff, and create a meaningful workplace culture. Storytelling is more than just entertainment—it’s a leadership tool that can shape culture, improve patient and staff engagement, and create a sense of purpose in even the most stressful environments. If you’re a healthcare leader navigating burnout, administrative overload, and patient care challenges, this episode provides actionable insights to help you use the power of storytelling to lead more effectively.Storytelling as a Leadership Tool"Your story shows us who you are without you having to tell us," Kelly explains.A well-crafted story builds trust among staff, patients, and leadership teams.Leaders can use pe

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Julie Mobley, the founder of Gemstone Consulting and the practice administrator at Coleman Internal Medicine in North Alabama. Julie is set to speak at the upcoming MGMA Operations Conference in Las Vegas, where she will be addressing the topic of navigating patient financial responsibility.Key Takeaways:Julie shares her diverse healthcare journey, including her background in speech pathology, software testing, and eventually transitioning into healthcare administration.Julie has been an MGMA member for 10 years, initially introduced to the organization through her work with an EMR company.As a practice leader, Julie emphasizes the importance of effective communication, emotional intelligence, and understanding personality differences to foster strong team dynamics.Managing a remote chronic care management team presents unique challenges, which Julie addresses through quarterly in-person meetings and leveraging a physician-led

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, host Daniel Williams discusses the importance of financial accuracy in healthcare organizations through regular audits of payer payments. He also addresses the challenges faced by women physicians and highlights the role of the MGMA Women's Forum in advancing gender equity in medicine. In recognition of Valentine’s Day, Daniel shares key insights on heart health and practical steps for cardiovascular well-being.Key Topics Covered:The Importance of Regular Audits for Accurate Reimbursement47 percent of medical group practice leaders conduct monthly or quarterly audits of payer payments.Auditing helps detect underpayments, claim denials, and inconsistencies in reimbursements.Suggested actions for healthcare organizations:Implement structured audit processes to compare payer remittances with contracted fee schedules.Use automated auditing tools in revenue cycle management.Conduct retrospective audits of claims to identify patterns of underpayment.Read More Here

CEO of Insight Marketing Group Jennifer Thompson joins the MGMA Insights Podcast to discuss how AI and automation transform medical practices. She shares strategies for improving patient engagement, streamlining operations, and reducing staff burnout. Jennifer will also speak at the MGMA Operations Conference in Las Vegas (March 2-4, 2025) on "Harnessing AI and Automation for Next-Level Healthcare."Key Takeaways:AI is changing how patients find healthcare.AI-driven search engines like ChatGPT and Gemini are replacing traditional Google searches.Optimize website content with FAQs, structured question-answer formats, and voice search compatibility.AI and automation reduce staff burnout.Online scheduling lowers administrative workload.AI-driven appointment reminders decrease no-shows.Chatbots handle patient inquiries and referrals.AI improves practice operations and billing.AI receptionists manage scheduling, intake, and follow-ups.Automated billing and coding tools increase accuracy and reduce claim denials.AI

Accounts receivable management is the backbone of a healthcare practice’s financial health, and a well-run central billing office (CBO) can make all the difference. In this episode of Ask MGMA, host Daniel Williams speaks with MGMA expert Cristy Good about best practices for structuring and optimizing a CBO, including staffing, technology, training, and audits to improve efficiency and reduce claim denials.Key Takeaways:Assessing Claim Volume and Staffing Needs – Analyze historical data to determine the appropriate size and structure for your CBO.Leveraging Technology – Integrated billing and coding software can streamline claims processing and reduce errors.Training and Pre-Submission Scrubbing – Regular training and a strong pre-submission review process help prevent costly claim denials.Conducting Regular Audits – Internal and external audits ensure coding accuracy and compliance with payer requirements.Improving Patient Communication – Clear financial policies and upfront conversations reduce misunderstan

Britt Frank joins the MGMA Insights Podcast to discuss why we get stuck, how our brains create decision paralysis, and small steps to break free. She shares practical strategies to reduce burnout, overthinking, and mental roadblocks—especially relevant for medical practice leaders. Britt will be a keynote speaker at the MGMA Operations Conference in Las Vegas (March 2-4, 2025), where she will dive deeper into overcoming workplace stress and decision fatigue.Key Takeaways:Why We Get Stuck – The gap between knowing what to do and taking action.Overthinking & Decision Paralysis – More choices can create more stress, not clarity.The Power of Micro Yeses – Small actions build momentum and shift the brain into action.Motivation is Overrated – Taking action first creates motivation, not the other way around.Breaking Mental Loops – Shift from “Why am I stuck?” to “What’s my next small step?”The Need for Digital Breaks – Reduce device overload and reset focus with screen-free time.Resources & Links:MGMA Operat

In this episode of the MGMA Women in Healthcare Podcast, host Adrienne Lloyd sits down with Tiffany Gibson, the founder of New Nurse Academy. Tiffany shares her journey from bedside nursing to nursing education and leadership, and discusses the importance of cultivating a "new nurse mindset" to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape. The conversation delves into the issues of burnout, emotional intelligence, work-life integration, and trauma-informed leadership.Key Takeaways:Redefining the "New Nurse" MindsetTiffany's transition from hospital nursing to nursing education allowed her to "fall in love with nursing all over again" and led to the creation of New Nurse Academy. The goal is to help nurses develop a new mindset to thrive in the changing healthcare environment, which is increasingly focused on the bottom line.Addressing Burnout and the Need for Emotional IntelligenceTiffany believes "burnout" is often used as a catch-all term that fails to capture the nuances of the challenges nurses face.She emp

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, we cover the eventful Senate confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the increasing representation of women in medical schools, the advancements in generative AI and precision medicine, a heartwarming community support program at Cleveland Clinic, and the critical role of workplace happiness in employee retention and engagement.Articles Covered:Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Senate Confirmation HearingRFK Jr. faced tough questions from both Democrats and Republicans about his stance on vaccinations, healthcare access, and Medicaid.Senators raised concerns about his anti-vaccine rhetoric, vague responses on Medicaid, and ethical issues surrounding his financial ties.More Women Entering Medical School Than Men for Sixth Straight Year: [Link to article] Women now represent 51% of total medical school enrollment, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote gende

Welcome to the MGMA Mindful Medicine Podcast! In this episode, host Daniel Williams is joined by Michelle Zellner, founder of Better Beings, health and happiness strategist, author, and corporate wellness trainer. Michelle shares her inspiring journey and provides invaluable insights on prioritizing self-care for healthcare professionals. Together, they discuss creating sustainable habits, recognizing early signs of burnout, and fostering a healthier mindset to balance professional and personal demands.Key Takeaways:Self-Care Redefined: Self-care goes beyond surface-level activities like spa days. It’s about consistently meeting the fundamental needs of your “human,” including rest, nutrition, movement, and emotional care.Building Sustainable Habits: Michelle emphasizes starting small with realistic goals and embracing incremental progress instead of chasing instant results.The "BOSS" Method: Learn Michelle’s framework for self-reflection:B: Be still, quiet, and breathe.O: Observe your thoughts and energy wit

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Colleen Luckett is joined by Kelley Rice, MBA, FACMPE, practice administrator at Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, in Tennessee. Kelley explores the challenges and opportunities in advancing equitable pregnancy care. She highlights systemic barriers that patients face and discusses practical strategies for healthcare leaders to bridge gaps in care and improve maternal outcomes.Key Topics DiscussedUnderstanding the systemic barriers to equitable pregnancy care.Practical ways healthcare organizations can address disparities in women's health.Kelley’s insights into creating inclusive, patient-centered care models.The importance of leadership and team collaboration in driving equity initiatives.Real-world examples of initiatives that have improved maternal health outcomes.Resources and LinksMGMA Article: Advancing Equitable Pregnancy Care Amid Systemic BarriersLearn More About Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC: Visit WebsiteMGMA Practice Resources: MGMA Practice S

Join Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett, editors at MGMA, as they dive into the latest healthcare news and insights. From the impact of executive orders on global health to the imperative for streamlining revenue cycles, this episode covers a range of topics that are shaping the future of the industry.Key Highlights:President Trump's Executive Order on WHOHealthcare's 2025: Revenue Cycle ImperativeMaternal Health Awareness Day InterviewMGMA Stat (Cyber Attacks)Cyber Security PlaybookSelf Monitoring DevicesConclusion:In this episode, Daniel and Colleen explore the evolving landscape of healthcare, from global health policies to revenue cycle optimization and patient engagement. Stay tuned for more insights and resources to help you navigate the ever-changing healthcare industry. Inflation is squeezing medical practice budgets, but as the exclusive GPO of MGMA members, we can help your practice save up to 20% on medical and non-medical supplies without sacrificing quality. MGMA BestPrice is your secret weapon

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Frank Herrington, Senior Director of Sales at MGMA Best Price. MGMA BestPrice is an exclusive group purchasing organization (GPO) that provides MGMA members access to discounted pricing on essential medical, surgical, pharmaceutical, and business services. Frank shares how MGMA members of all sizes can benefit from the program and the significant savings opportunities available.Key Takeaways:MGMA BestPrice is a free, no-risk program that leverages the collective buying power of MGMA members to negotiate lower pricing on a wide range of products and services. "MGMA BestPrice provides contract pricing for medical, pharmaceutical, surgical equipment, office supplies, IT products, travel services, shipping, shredding, and more," Frank highlights. "It helps organizations reduce costs and improve operational efficiency."MGMA BestPrice works with a variety of medical practices, from primary care to specialty groups, as well as ambu

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 healthcare news and trends. They cover the Supreme Court's review of the Affordable Care Act's preventive services mandate, the rise of virtual nursing, and the growing use of AI in healthcare decision-making.Key Takeaways:The Supreme Court has agreed to review a challenge to the ACA's requirement for insurers to cover specific preventive services at no cost, which could limit access to crucial services like cancer screenings and HIV prevention medications.Virtual nursing programs are becoming a game-changer in healthcare staffing, with the potential to significantly shift traditional nurse-patient ratios and provide more flexibility for experienced nurses.AI tools have surpassed EHR usability as the top tech priority for medical leaders i n 2025, with key goals including automating documentation, improving patient interactions, and enhancing oper

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions podcast, we welcome back Dr. Alex Ding, Associate VP for Physician Strategy and Medical Affairs at Humana. Dr. Ding dives into the findings of the MGMA-Humana AI Adoption Report, discussing how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare by reducing clinician burnout, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing patient outcomes. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on AI's evolving role in healthcare, its ethical implications, and the opportunities it creates for practices embracing value-based care.Key Takeaways:AI Adoption and Early Success:AI is in its early stages for many organizations, with about one-third of practices adopting tools focused on operational efficiency and clinical support.Practices in value-based care settings show greater adoption rates.Access the MGMA-Humana AI Adoption Report here.Reducing Burnout with Ambient AI:Ambient AI, such as virtual scribes, is helping alleviate clinician burnout by streamlining documentation pr

In this episode of the Ask MGMA podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Cristy Good discuss strategies for sizing a central billing office (CBO) to ensure efficient accounts receivable (AR) management and claims processing. Christy, an MGMA expert, shares key insights and best practices to help medical practices determine the right staffing, technology, and processes to optimize their CBO operations.Key Takeaways:1. Assessing Current Volume and ComplexityEvaluate historical data on claim volume and billing procedures to determine appropriate staffing levels.2. Leveraging TechnologyIntegrate billing and coding software with the practice's EHR system to streamline claims processing and reduce errors.3. Training and Monitoring StaffProvide ongoing training to billing and coding personnel to stay up-to-date on regulatory changes and ensure quality control.4. Pre-Submission Claim ScrubbingImplement a robust pre-submission claims review process to catch and correct errors before submission.5. Regular AuditsPerform both

Welcome to the MGMA Week in Review podcast, where we dive into the latest news and insights impacting healthcare leaders. In this episode, we cover a powerful call to protect Medicaid, a guide on behavioral finance for physicians and dentists, the rise of no-show fees, states' moves to reform certificate of need laws, and the data dilemma costing health systems millions.Main Items and Resources:Families USA and 344 Organizations Urge Congress to Protect Medicaid (MedCity News)Behavioral Finance: A Guide for Physicians and Dentists as Business Owners (Physicians Practice)No-Show Fees Gain Traction in Medical Practices (MGMA.com/Stat)States Move to Curb Certificate of Need Laws to Boost Hospital Bed Capacity (Healthcare Dive)The Data Dilemma: How Fragmented and Inaccurate Data is Costing Health Systems Millions (HealthLeaders)Additional Resources:MGMA Data DiveMGMA EventsOncology Patient No-Show Policy, member-exclusive tool Connect with Us!If you'd like to share your thoughts, ask a question or appear on a pod