Mgma Small Talk

Welcome to the MGMA Women in Healthcare Podcast, where host Adrienne Lloyd sits down with Jenny Reese, a leader and innovator in healthcare administration, to discuss leadership strategies in today's rapidly evolving medical landscape. In this episode, Jenny shares insights into problem-solving for medical practice leaders, with a focus on effective team management, adapting to industry changes, and fostering a culture of transparency and growth within healthcare organizations.Key Takeaways:Leading with Transparency: Jenny emphasizes the importance of clear communication and transparency in leadership roles, especially when navigating challenges like staffing shortages or policy changes.“In times of uncertainty, clarity is your best tool to keep teams focused and motivated.”Adapting to Industry Shifts: The healthcare industry is constantly evolving. Jenny discusses strategies for adapting to changes such as hybrid work models, increased reliance on technology, and shifts in patient expectations.Fostering a Co

Episode Description:In this episode of the MGMA Insights podcast, we speak with Annamarí Dietrichson, Division Vice President of Care Experience at HCA Healthcare Colorado, about her innovative approach to combating burnout in the healthcare industry. Drawing on her unique background and extensive experience, Dietrichson introduces us to the Thrive Method—a comprehensive framework designed to help healthcare professionals manage stress, maintain healthy habits, and reclaim their passion for patient care. Discover how to thrive in your healthcare career without burning out.Key Takeaways:The Evolution of Patient Experience: Dietrichson discusses the shift from patient satisfaction to a holistic care experience that includes the entire workforce.Introduction to the Thrive Method: Learn about the six key areas of the Thrive Method—Thoughts, Healthy Habits, Rest and Resilience, Intentionality, Vigilance, and Empowered Energy—that can help healthcare professionals prevent burnout.Practical Tips for Healthy Habits:

In this week's episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, co-hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett explore critical topics affecting healthcare today. From the evolving role of AI in public health to the ongoing challenge of physician burnout, Daniel and Colleen discuss how healthcare leaders can address these pressing issues. They also cover strategies for improving team dynamics in in-person, remote, and hybrid work environments.Topics Discussed:WHO's AI in Public Health Readiness ToolkitColleen discusses the World Health Organization's (WHO) release of its AI in Public Health Readiness Assessment Toolkit. The toolkit emphasizes the importance of infrastructure, workforce development, and ethical principles as healthcare organizations integrate AI into their systems.Source: MobiHealthNews, "World Health Organization releases AI in public health readiness toolkit"Improving Patient Experience by Going Back to the BasicsDaniel reviews an article from Medical Economics that focuses on enhancing patient exp

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with renowned speaker and author Riaz Meghji. Meghji is the author of the book Every Conversation Counts: The Five Habits of Human Connection that Build Extraordinary Relationships. Meghji explores the power of authentic human connection in the context of the hybrid work environment and also discusses the challenges faced by medical practice leaders. His upcoming keynote address for this year's MGMA Leaders Conference aims to inspire the audience with the transformative potential of a single conversation and the importance of showing up to serve others.Key Takeaways:The Importance of Authentic Connection:  Meghji discusses his journey in writing "Every Conversation Counts" and the need for leaders to prioritize genuine human connection, even in the face of overwhelming responsibilities.Addressing Empathy Fatigue: While delving into the concept of "empathy fatigue" and how it impacts medical professionals, Meghji offers strategies for

In this episode of the MGMA Insights podcast, we are joined by Dr. Roger Gerard, management consultant and author of Lead with Purpose: Reignite Passion and Engagement for Professionals in Crisis. Dr. Gerard shares his insights on the growing issue of commodification in healthcare and offers actionable strategies for leaders to restore purpose and autonomy among healthcare professionals. Discover how leading with purpose can transform your organization, improve patient care, and foster a positive and collaborative work culture.Key Takeaways:Commodification of Healthcare Professionals: Dr. Gerard discusses how the standardization and legal regulations in healthcare have led to a loss of autonomy for professionals, impacting both morale and patient care.Leading with Purpose: Learn about Dr. Gerard's leadership philosophy that emphasizes respect, autonomy, and collaboration with healthcare professionals.Five Promises for Leaders: Dr. Gerard outlines five critical promises that leaders should make to their teams

In this week’s episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett dive into the latest articles and trends impacting healthcare. From the ongoing issue of nurse burnout linked to EHR systems to the critical steps healthcare organizations can take to boost cybersecurity and the pressing question of who will fill the growing number of open healthcare jobs, this episode covers key topics that are shaping the future of healthcare.Key Takeaways:Nurse Burnout and EHR Systems: A recent report by KLAS Research reveals that nearly one-third of nurses experiencing burnout cite their EHR as a significant contributor. Despite efforts to improve these systems, many nurses report slow response times, unplanned downtimes, and unreliable systems as the main culprits. Moreover, 40% of these nurses are considering leaving their organizations within the next two years. Learn more about the report and the potential solutions to address this critical issue.Source: Healthcare Dive Article on Nurse Burn

In this episode of the MGMA Insights podcast, we talk with Jeff Whitehorn, former hospital CEO and current founder and CEO of Whitehorn Coaching and Consulting, LLC. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Jeff shares the critical lessons he learned on the job—lessons that aren’t taught in school. He also discusses the power of experience, the importance of humility, and how storytelling can be a powerful tool for teaching leadership. Jeff provides a preview of his upcoming session at the MGMA Leaders Conference, where he will dive deeper into these essential leadership insights.Key Takeaways:Transition from CEO to Coach: Jeff Whitehorn shares his journey from being a hospital CEO to becoming an executive coach and the importance of continuing to add value and purpose after retirement.Leadership Books That Shaped Jeff’s Career: Jeff discusses the impact of classic leadership books like The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and Good to Great by Jim Collins.Experience a

In the latest episode of the MGMA Mindful Medicine Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Dr. Andrea Sankar, a medical anthropologist and co-author of the newly released third edition of Dying at Home: A Family Guide for Caregiving. Dr. Sankar discusses the evolution of end-of-life care, including the challenges faced by family caregivers and the crucial role medical practices can play in supporting patients and their loved ones during this sensitive time.Key Takeaways:Dr. Sankar's journey into end-of-life care research was shaped by her experiences studying community-based care for the elderly in China and witnessing the challenges of caregiving during the AIDS epidemic.The third edition of Dying at Home reflects the significant changes in end-of-life care, including the increasing prevalence of frail patients living longer and the expanded availability of sophisticated home-based care due to advancements in medical technology and the TEFRA Act.Family caregivers often face significant emotional and physical

In this MGMA Business Solutions Podcast episode, host Daniel Williams welcomes Dr. Bob Murry, Chief Medical Officer at NextGen Healthcare. The discussion explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing provider efficiency and improving patient care. Dr. Murry shares his unique perspective, drawing from his extensive experience in both clinical practice and healthcare IT.Key Takeaways:AI as a transformative tool: Dr. Murry emphasizes AI's role in streamlining provider workflows, particularly through ambient visit documentation, which reduces administrative burdens and improves patient care.Addressing healthcare inefficiencies: AI offers practical solutions to tackle inefficiencies, variability, and inequities in the U.S. healthcare system, leading to enhanced provider efficiency and reduced burnout.Ethical AI implementation: Dr. Murry highlights the importance of transparency, regulation, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the ethical use of AI in healthcare, address potential bias

 In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast, co-hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett dive into the latest trends and challenges in healthcare. From rising workplace insurance costs to the disruptive forces shaping the industry's future, this episode provides valuable insights for medical practice leaders and MGMA members. Key Takeaways and Resources Mentioned:Rising Costs of Workplace Insurance: This Axios article highlights the growing concern over the surging costs of workplace insurance, driven by expensive weight loss drugs and other costly medical treatments. Employers may need to make difficult decisions, such as increasing premiums, deductibles, or co-pays or restricting access to certain treatments.- Healthcare's Next Big Disruptors: This article from Becker's Hospital Review explores the emerging forces poised to shake up the healthcare industry, including the rise of artificial intelligence, the shift towards outpatient care, and the growing importance of healthcare consumerism.- Medica

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Tom Schwieterman, the Chief Medical Officer and VP of Clinical Affairs at Midmark Corporation. The discussion focuses on the critical importance of accurate and consistent blood pressure measurement and how it impacts patient outcomes. With an extensive background spanning software engineering, medicine and business administration, Dr. Tom provides valuable insights into Midmark's innovative approach to enhancing the caregiver-patient experience.Key Takeaways:Dr. Tom's unique background, spanning software engineering, medicine, and business administration, has enabled him to bring a multifaceted approach to improving blood pressure measurement and patient outcomes at Midmark Corporation.Accurate and consistent blood pressure measurement is a critical aspect of patient care, often serving as the first diagnosis and treatment for many individuals, and Midmark's Better BP® initiative aims to address this through a com

In this episode of the Women in Healthcare podcast, host Adrienne Lloyd sits down with Kenyokee Crowell, a seasoned healthcare leader who has held key roles at organizations like the Cleveland Clinic and Highmark Health. Crowell shares her insights on effective physician collaboration, building organizational culture, and navigating career transitions.Actionable Takeaways:Prioritize transparency, trust, and relationship-building when collaborating with physicians to align on patient-centric goalsUnderstand an organization's culture and decision-making processes to drive sustainable change as a senior leaderDevelop a strategic career plan, including a 30-second elevator pitch, to own your growth and advocate for yourselfConsider work-life integration over strict "balance" - find ways to pursue personal interests while remaining professionally engagedBe open to calculated risks and new experiences to expand your skillset and perspective.Resources: Adrienne Palmer LloydConnect with Adrienne on LinkedInTo see oth

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Katie Holcomb, Product Marketing Manager at Surescripts, to discuss the vital role of interoperability in healthcare. Katie provides insights into Surescripts' mission to simplify healthcare data exchange and reduce clinician burnout. Tune in to learn about the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs), and how these innovations are transforming patient care.Key Takeaways:Top three benefits of connecting to a QHIN as a clinician or medical practice: 1) Greater access to clinical information2) Reducing clinician and medical practice staff burnout3) More time with your patientsTop four ways connecting to a QHIN is different than the clinical data you may have access to today: 1) Expanded participation and reach in accessing clinical data2) The requirement that you have to GIVE information in order to GET information3) Ensuring network integrity4) Better patient

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 dive into a range of important healthcare topics and trends, including:Axios article on states regulating AI in healthcareBecker's interview with Dr. Mia Yang on the overlooked role of caregiversGallup poll on rethinking succession planningInnovative Healthcare article on reducing energy consumption in radiologyMGMA Connection magazine article "Future Proof Your Practice" by Tina DamicoMGMA Analytics cloud-based data analytics toolWe Want to Hear From You:Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover, an expert you would like us to interview, or if you'd like to appear on an MGMA podcast. Email us at:Daniel Williams: dwilliams@mgma.comRyan Reaves: rreaves@mgma.comColleen Luckett: cluckett@mgma.comThank you for tuning in to the MGMA Podcast Network. Please subscribe and leave us a review. See you next time! MidmarkFounded in 1915

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes journalist, author and public speaker Celeste Headlee to discuss themes from her book Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving. Headlee shares her personal experiences and surprising insights from her research along with practical strategies for finding balance and reclaiming one's sense of self.Key Takeaways:Sharing her personal journey into addressing burnout, Headlee discusses the parallels between the demands of journalism and the medical field while noting the common links of burnout in journalism and healthcare.As Headlee researched burnout, she encountered a series of "epiphanies" that challenged her long-held beliefs about the necessity of work for human fulfillment and well-being.Headlee's research uncovered evidence that for most of human history, people worked far fewer hours than the modern-day norm, with some cultures celebrating extended periods of rest and leisure.While technology itsel

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast, hosts Daniel Williams, Colleen Luckett, and Christy Good discuss several key topics in the healthcare industry. The hosts cover the rising costs of malpractice insurance, the financial burden of cancer screenings, strategies for effective leadership in the C-suite, and updates on important Medicare reform bills in Congress.Major Takeaways:Malpractice insurance premiums have increased for 68% of medical groups, with an average rise of 11%. The insurance industry is adopting AI to improve risk assessment and underwriting decisions.Christy Good emphasizes the importance of a dual focus on quality of care and risk management to mitigate legal risks, including adhering to evidence-based practices, continuous monitoring of outcomes, and open communication.The annual cost of cancer screenings in the US is estimated at $43 billion. Experts advocate for more cost-effective screening strategies and improved access to ensure all individuals receive early detection serv

In the latest episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Liz Mahan, Director of Professional Development and Solutions at the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment (AAPPR). Mahan shared her expertise in creating a strategic provider recruitment playbook that helps medical practices find and retain the right physicians for their organizations. Her background in theater arts management prepared her for the challenges of healthcare staffing, where she transitioned to in-house physician recruiting and eventually joined AAPPR to share her insights with the broader medical community. Mahan will host a session discussing how to develop a provider recruitment playbook at the upcoming MGMA Staffing Conference on August 15-16 in Burlington, Mass. Key Takeaways:Mahan emphasizes the concept of "recruit attention" - the idea that retention should be a top priority from the very start of the recruitment process. Practices must consider a provider's lifestyle preferences, valu

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams interviews Don Balasa, JD, MBA, the CEO and legal counsel of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). They discuss the evolving role of medical assistants in healthcare, the legal challenges they face, and the future growth of the profession.Main Takeaways:Medical assistants have expanded their roles from primarily clinical and administrative tasks to specializing in either clinical or administrative work while still needing education in both areas.The AAMA protects the rights of medical assistants, offers certification, and provides education and advocacy for the profession.Legal challenges for medical assistants include delegating advanced tasks, scope of practice variations by state and profession, and the rise of telemedicine.Medical assistants can help practices navigate staffing shortages by pursuing upward mobility and utilizing their education and credentials.The future of medical assisting is bright, with projected growt

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss key issues and insights for medical practice leaders. The episode covers the following topics:- Succession planning for medical practices, including lack of progress and best practices. Colleen notes that "just over a one in three medical group leader, so like 36%, to be exact, have a succession plan for leadership positions."- The importance of psychological safety in the workplace and its impact on team performance.- A new initiative in L.A. to address challenges in assisting the unhoused population.- The potential downsides of providing immediate access to medical test results to patients.- Leadership lessons from the TV series "Ted Lasso" and how to embrace curiosity, not judgment, in medical practice leadership.The hosts provide direct quotes, insights, and resources to help medical practice leaders solve problems and improve their organizations.Resources Mentioned:- MGMA Stat poll article on succession

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Tracy Schwartz, the Vice President of Operations at Ascension Medical Group in Texas. Tracy shares her healthcare career journey, from starting as a medical assistant to rising through the ranks and becoming a key leader. Schwartz discusses the unique challenges the healthcare industry faces and the strategies Ascension Medical Group is implementing to not only address these issues but also retain top talent.Key Takeaways:Tracy Schwartz's career progression from medical assistant to VP of Operations at Ascension Medical GroupThe importance of work-life balance, flexibility, and understanding employee needs in the healthcare industryReasons for employee turnover, including people leaving for non-healthcare jobs and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemicAscension Medical Group's approach to improving the onboarding process and supporting new hiresThe focus on leadership development as a critical factor in retaining associates