Mgma Small Talk

Welcome to the MGMA Insights Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA. In this episode, Daniel is joined by Susan Montminy, Director of Risk Management and Analytics for Caveris. With over 30 years of experience in patient safety and healthcare leadership, Montminy discusses key issues from Caveris's recent white paper, Hidden in Plain Sight: Exposing the Drivers of Diagnostic Error. Montminy shares her insights into the complexities of diagnostic errors, particularly within the high-stakes environment of emergency departments, and explores the role of teamwork, communication, and leadership in mitigating these errors.Key Takeaways:Diagnostic Errors Defined: Montminy uses the National Academy of Medicine's definition, describing diagnostic error as a failure to establish a timely and accurate diagnosis or failure to communicate it to the patient.Emergency Departments as High-Risk Zones: Due to their fast-paced, chaotic environments, emergency departments are the source of about 28% of diagnos

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Sharon Woodworth, a healthcare sector leader at HED and assistant professor at UCSF, who has over 12 million square feet of healthcare facility design experience. Sharon shares her insights into creating spaces that enhance patient care, operational efficiency, and sensory perception, all while tackling the challenges posed by rising costs and evolving needs in healthcare. From flexible pod designs to the future role of AI in architecture, Sharon discusses how thoughtful design can improve both patient and provider experiences in healthcare settings.Key Points and Takeaways:The Impact of Design on Patient Care and ExperienceSharon explains how healthcare design goes beyond aesthetics, aiming to make spaces feel welcoming and supportive for patients while remaining highly functional for clinicians. By considering factors like lighting, temperature, and even the view from a patient’s room, designers can create environments that su

Welcome to the MGMA Insights Podcast, where we bring expert insights to help medical practice leaders and MGMA members navigate the challenges of the healthcare industry. I’m Daniel Williams, your host and Senior Editor at MGMA. Today, we have a returning guest, healthcare consultant and author Owen Dahl. Owen’s latest book, Humanizing Lean Leadership in Healthcare, published by MGMA, is the focal point of this episode. We’ll discuss how Lean principles can be adapted to foster a human-centric approach in medical practices, tackling staff engagement, efficiency, and patient outcomes.Key Topics Covered:The motivation behind Humanizing Lean Leadership in Healthcare and how it fills a content gap in Lean literature.How organizations can integrate Lean tools while keeping a strong focus on culture and human engagement.The parallels between Lean implementation and adapting to AI in the workplace.Practical examples of culture-driven success in medical practices using Lean principles.Details about Owen Dahl’s Lean S

Introduction: Welcome to this special edition of the MGMA Week in Review podcast. Host Daniel Williams covers the 2024 presidential election results and their potential impact on healthcare. Please note this episode was recorded on the afternoon of November 6, and the numbers shared may have changed by the time you listen to this recording. Daniel takes you through the key points from a Becker's Hospital Review article that explores the implications of Donald Trump’s victory for healthcare leaders.Episode Highlights:1. Trump Secures the Presidency by Winning Key Battleground StatesAs of November 6, Trump surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win, securing 277 votes to Kamala Harris's 224. Note: These numbers may have changed by the time you listen to this recording.Trump successfully reclaimed Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, states he had lost in the 2020 election.2. Election Turnout and Voting StatisticsApproximately 83.7 million early votes were cast nationwide, surpassing the turnout in 2020.Trump won ov

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams is joined by Sula Coria-Garza, Director of Health Information and Technology Services at People’s Community Clinic. Sula, an MGMA member and long-time listener of the MGMA podcast, shares her insights on advancing health IT in a nonprofit healthcare setting. As they discuss innovations in healthcare technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and the evolving role of networking for healthcare leaders, Sula offers practical advice on overcoming current challenges and harnessing new technologies to benefit patients and staff alike.Episode Highlights:The Role of Technology in HealthcareSula describes how People’s Community Clinic has integrated health IT tools to streamline operations and improve patient communication, emphasizing the importance of immediacy and accessibility through portals and real-time messaging.Quote: "Everything you just described [communication portals, text updates] is pretty much the foundation of our health center."Integra

 Welcome to the MGMA Ask An Advisor Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, and joined by Cristy Good, Senior Advisor at MGMA. In this episode, we address one of the pressing challenges for medical practices: structuring on-call compensation effectively. This conversation dives into common models, compliance considerations, balancing workloads, and managing provider burnout. Medical practice leaders will find practical solutions and strategies to ensure fair, transparent, and market-aligned on-call practices, helping mitigate potential issues within their teams.Key Takeaways:On-Call Compensation Models:Daily Stipend: A common approach offering a fixed daily rate, typically ranging from $1,000 to $1,500.Hourly Compensation: Payment based on active hours, providing flexibility but requiring close time tracking.Productivity-Based Pay: Aligns compensation with volume or service type but can lead to variable income.Minimum Guarantee: Ensures a base pay with a potential bonus for exceeding on-cal

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight, Daniel Williams, senior editor at MGMA, sits down with Adam Pople, HRMC, FMC, FACMPE, practice administrator at Cape Girardeau Surgical Clinic. Adam shares his experiences and insights from attending the MGMA Leaders Conference, discussing the key challenges he faces in his role and the strategies he employs to drive success and innovation in medical practice management.Main Points:Leveraging the MGMA Leaders Conference: Adam discusses his goals for attending the conference, including networking, learning new tools and strategies, and staying up-to-date on industry changes. He highlights an impactful session on addressing the psychology behind staff and physician burnout.Navigating Scarce Resources and Burnout: As a seasoned practice administrator, Adam identifies the critical challenges of managing limited funds amidst declining reimbursements and rising costs, as well as the ongoing issue of employee burnout. He emphasizes the importance of creative problem-solv

Welcome to the latest episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett. In this episode, we delve into critical topics shaping the healthcare landscape just days before the U.S. election. Daniel and Colleen discuss the healthcare policies proposed by major candidates, upcoming Medicare and Medicaid changes, and urgent issues surrounding opioid addiction treatments. Additionally, we explore the latest cybersecurity threats and the increasing role of AI in medical practice management. These insights offer healthcare leaders timely knowledge to help navigate current challenges and prepare for the months ahead.Major Takeaways:Election Tension & Healthcare Policy:With the election just around the corner, Daniel and Colleen explore policy stances of the primary candidates, focusing on healthcare issues. Colleen highlights a tool from the Kaiser Family Foundation that compares the health records and proposals of the major candidates, emphasizing ACA-related changes, Medic

Welcome to the MGMA Insights Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams. In today’s MGMA Member Spotlight, we feature Tulika Vohra, Director of Operations at University Physicians Associates in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tulika’s career path is unique, as she transitioned from real estate to healthcare, bringing a fresh perspective to medical practice administration. Throughout her journey, she’s leaned on professional development, earning certifications like ACMPE and Lean Six Sigma, and engaging deeply with MGMA’s resources and community. This episode covers Tulika’s inspiring career evolution, valuable insights on certification benefits, and strategies for career advancement. Join us to uncover key takeaways for healthcare leaders seeking growth and improvement.Key Takeaways:Transition to Healthcare: Tulika shares her journey from real estate to healthcare, noting, “In my past life, I was a real estate agent...I just found [healthcare] really fascinating and loved working with [the HR] team.”Professional Development an

Welcome back to the MGMA Insights Podcast. This week, Senior Editor and host Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Tej Singh, Medical Director of Vascular Surgery at Intermountain Health, Peaks Region in Colorado. Dr. Singh, a recognized leader in healthcare billing innovation, shares his expertise on the transformative impact of time-based billing for surgeons. In this episode, Dr. Singh discusses how time-based billing helps reduce physician burnout, improve revenue cycles, and integrate AI to streamline healthcare billing and compliance. Tune in to understand why time-based billing is becoming essential for medical practices aiming to enhance billing accuracy, increase efficiency, and capture revenue for non-clinical work.Key Takeaways:Understanding Time-Based Billing: Dr. Singh explains how time-based billing captures a surgeon’s non-clinical work—such as reviewing imaging, coordinating with other physicians, and pre- and post-clinic tasks. This approach, introduced by the AMA in 2021, allows surgeons to acc

 In this special episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Steve Dickens, the recipient of MGMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Leaders Conference in Denver. They dive deep into Steve’s remarkable journey with MGMA, discussing his career highlights, mentorship, and the evolution of the organization. With more than 20 years of experience, Steve shares valuable insights for medical practice leaders, emphasizing the importance of resilience, mentorship, and staying adaptable in an ever-changing industry.Key Takeaways:The MGMA Journey: Steve reflects on his time with MGMA, describing it as the “ultimate MGMA experience,” having moved through the ranks from local chapter involvement to becoming a national leader. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and relationships, which have been pivotal in shaping his career and personal growth.Seismic Changes in Healthcare: Steve discusses the “seismic changes” he has witnessed in MGMA and healthcare over the years. He encourages le

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast, host Daniel Williams is joined by Cristy Good, Senior Advisor at MGMA, for a timely discussion on disaster preparedness and the invaluable resources available to medical practices. This episode addresses questions from MGMA members on navigating the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural disasters. Cristy shares expert advice on relocating medical practices, ensuring continuity of care, and accessing critical MGMA resources that can help practice leaders during challenging times.Key Takeaways:Ask MGMA Resources: MGMA offers a free member benefit through the “Ask MGMA” service, where practice leaders can submit their toughest questions, ranging from daily operations to disaster management. These questions are answered by MGMA subject matter experts, such as Cristy Good.Disaster Preparedness: Cristy responds to a member’s query about relocating a medical practice due to hurricane damage. She emphasizes the importance of having a disaster preparedness plan i

Welcome to the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA. In this special episode, we feature a dynamic panel of healthcare leaders recognized as MGMA's 2024 Future Five Award recipients. These outstanding professionals are in the first five years of their healthcare careers and are already making a significant impact. The panelists—Kyle Hussey, Jonathan Renzi, Anastasia Delaney, Disha Sawhney, and Samantha Baker—share their inspiring journeys and offer insights into healthcare innovation, patient-centered care, leadership, and operational efficiency. This episode explores the unique challenges of rural healthcare, telehealth advancements, service line development, and the evolving regulatory environment.Key Takeaways:Kyle Hussey (Chief Operating Officer, Colorado Surgical Affiliates):Kyle discusses his transition from the telecom industry to healthcare and the importance of creating sustainable service lines. He emphasizes the balance between financial goals, operational

Welcome to another episode of the MGMA Consultants Corner Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA. In today’s episode, Daniel sits down with Jonathan Tamir, Principal Consultant of Tamir Healthcare Advisors, who brings a unique perspective on the intersection of healthcare and business management. Jonathan shares insights from his extensive experience in healthcare administration and consulting, with a focus on improving operational efficiency, understanding financial health, and preparing practices for investor readiness. Whether you're a small practice or a large healthcare organization, this episode provides practical strategies to boost your practice’s financial performance.Major Takeaways:Transition from Wall Street to Healthcare: Jonathan discusses his unique journey from Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins and trading at Morgan Stanley to healthcare administration, bringing corporate efficiency principles into the healthcare space.Administrative Fellowship Importance: Jonathan 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, Daniel and Colleen bring you the latest updates on key health metrics, strategies for combating burnout in healthcare, and new tools from MGMA to improve practice efficiency. Tune in as they cover the most important topics from life expectancy improvements to innovative solutions for healthcare professionals facing burnout.Major Takeaways:Positive Health Trends in the U.S. (reported by Axios):Life Expectancy: Increased to 77.5 years in 2022, rebounding from 76.4 years in 2021.Overdose Deaths: Decreasing in 2023 and continuing into 2024 due to factors like reduced social isolation and the availability of Naloxone.Cancer Survival Rates: Increased survival rates for all cancers combined (up to 69%), with breakthroughs in treatments for blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic cancers.Obesity: The obesity rate has leveled off after a decade of increases, although

Welcome to another episode in our Leaders Conference 2024 series, where we bring you sounds and insights from MGMA’s annual event, held in Denver from October 6-9, 2024. In this episode, Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, speaks with Laura Weeks from HelpUCompli. Laura shares her expertise on essential compliance issues such as HIPAA privacy, Stark and kickback laws, and OSHA regulations. Tune in to learn how healthcare practices can stay compliant, avoid common pitfalls, and prepare for audits by employing proactive strategies and thorough documentation.Major Takeaways:Key Compliance Challenges: Laura outlines the major compliance challenges facing healthcare practices today, including HIPAA, Stark and kickback regulations, and OSHA standards, offering advice on how to navigate these complexities.Importance of Documentation: Laura emphasizes that while adhering to compliance regulations is important, documenting these actions is equally crucial to safeguard practices during audits and investigations.Pro

Episode Summary:In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams is joined by Tom Rossi, Dirk Jansson, and Mark Dotson from Jackson Physician Search to discuss a new joint research study between Jackson Physician Search (JPS) and the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). This research, conducted in 2024, provides deep insights into physician leadership and recruitment challenges, including the motivations behind physicians seeking leadership roles and how healthcare organizations can better identify, recruit, and support them.The conversation centers on the following key research findings:Physician Interest in Leadership Roles: The study highlights the growing desire among physicians to take on leadership positions, driven by the need for greater influence in organizational decision-making and community impact.Organizational Benefits of Physician Leadership: Healthcare systems are increasingly recognizing the value of having physicians in leadership roles. The discussion foc

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Paul White, psychologist and co-author of The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace with Dr. Gary Chapman. Dr. White shares his journey from focusing on family-owned business dynamics to helping organizations like the Mayo Clinic and St. Jude's Children's Hospital improve workplace cultures through authentic appreciation. They discuss how fostering a culture of appreciation can reduce turnover, improve team morale, and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. Dr. White also explains the difference between employee recognition and authentic appreciation, emphasizing the importance of making appreciation personal and meaningful.Listeners will gain insights into:How to identify the appreciation languages of team membersThe tangible benefits of authentic appreciation in healthcare settingsPractical steps leaders can take to build a more appreciative workplaceDr. White’s key advice on starting small but with meaningf

In this week’s episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett dive into highlights from the 2024 MGMA Leaders Conference and key takeaways from World Mental Health Day. The episode offers insights for healthcare leaders on improving workplace culture and supporting mental health initiatives.Key Points:World Mental Health Day (October 10): The theme this year was "My Mental Health at Work," focusing on the disconnect between employer and employee perceptions of mental health. Studies show that 55% of employees feel their mental health is not accurately perceived by their employers. Learn how leaders can take steps to foster open conversations and provide support through employee assistance programs.988 Mental Health Crisis Hotline: Colleen highlights the introduction of this new nationwide mental health crisis hotline, discussed in a session at the MGMA Leaders Conference. Raising awareness of 988 and integrating behavioral health into primary care are crucial steps for healthc

This episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast features Karen Bowman, the recipient of the ACMPE Forum Representative of the Year Award. Karen, with over 30 years of experience in healthcare administration, currently leads Gastrointestinal Associates of Cleveland in Tennessee. In this episode, she shares her career path, the significance of the ACMPE award, and her passion for helping others achieve certification and fellowship.Join us as we discuss her achievements and how she supports medical practice leaders through ACMPE’s certification process.Key Takeaways:A 30-Year Career in Healthcare AdministrationKaren Bowman’s career spans over three decades in healthcare administration. “I’ve been a healthcare administrator for more than 30 years,” she shares. Initially working in reception and billing, Karen quickly moved into management roles, eventually becoming the administrator at Gastrointestinal Associates of Cleveland. Reflecting on her role, she emphasizes teamwork: “We all have to fill in and make sur