Mgma Small Talk

Welcome to another episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast. In this episode, host Daniel Williams sits down with Jojy Schless, the Director of Operations at Geneva Eye Clinic. Jojy brings a wealth of experience in practice culture, staff retention, customer service, and leadership coaching. This episode delves into Jojy's unique career journey, the culture at Geneva Eye Clinic, and her passion for leadership development.Key Topics Discussed:Jojy's diverse background and path to her current role in healthcare operationsThe structure and focus of Geneva Eye Clinic, a small, independent multi-specialty ophthalmology practiceJojy's efforts to transform the practice's culture from one of "intimidation" to one aligned with the physicians' vision of high-quality care and work-life balanceJojy's passion for leadership development, mentoring, and helping team members reach their full potentialJojy's work-life balance strategies, including her podcast "The Deconstructed Woman"Resources and encouragement for other

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 news and insights for medical practice leaders and MGMA members.Major TopicsBipartisan legislation to improve healthcare cybersecurity after a ransomware attackThe need for more institutional support for physicians treating addictionThe importance of flexible goal setting for personal and professional growthThe resurgence of nurse self-scheduling in healthcareKey TakeawaysHealthcare Cybersecurity Act:Introduced by Senators Jackie Rosen, Todd Young, and Angus King, this act aims to coordinate cybersecurity efforts between government agencies to protect patient data and healthcare systems.Support for Physicians Treating Addiction:Physicians lack the necessary training, resources, and administrative support to effectively treat addiction, leading to frustration and an uphill battle."We're expected to manage complex addiction cases, but without proper

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Sarah Clark, owner of Sarah Clark Consulting, as she dives into the crucial aspects of improving patient experience and increasing profits within medical practices. This discussion explores practical strategies to help medical practice leaders tackle common challenges and elevate their operations.Major Takeaways:The 4 Ps to Success: Process: Streamlining administrative workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce patient wait times.People: Investing in staff training and development to improve patient interactions and satisfaction.Paperwork: Simplifying documentation processes to minimize errors and improve compliance.Patients: Focusing on patient-centric care to boost overall satisfaction and loyalty.Key Strategies for Enhancing Patient Experience: Implementing robust feedback systems to understand patient needs and expectations.Utilizing technology to facilitate better communication and streamline appointment scheduling.Increasi

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams speaks with Sharon Sagarra, MBA, FACMPE, owner of Sagarra Medical Consulting, and an MGMA Consultant. Sharon shares her extensive experience in healthcare management and provides actionable strategies for medical practice leaders to optimize compensation and benefits plans for their employees. Her insights are particularly relevant for those attending the upcoming MGMA Staffing Conference, where she will present on this very topic. Practical Takeaways for Medical Practices 1. Develop a Comprehensive Budget Maintaining a detailed budget is essential for managing financial challenges such as rising minimum wages and decreasing insurance reimbursements. "Make sure you're doing a budget. I was surprised the last two practices I was at did not have a budget," Sagarra emphasizes. A comprehensive budget helps practices monitor expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and allocate resources efficiently​2. Streamline Operations and Utilize Group P

Welcome to another episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast with hosts Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, and Colleen Luckett, Editor and Writer at MGMA. In today's episode, we tackle some pressing issues facing medical practice leaders. We delve into the recent Medicare physician cuts, explore strategies to boost employee morale through modern benefits enrollment, discuss the rising costs of drug supplies and IT expenses, and highlight key findings from Press Ganey's patient experience report. We'll also touch on the concept of administrative harm and its impact on healthcare. Let's dive into these critical topics and uncover solutions that can help you navigate these challenges effectively.Major Takeaways:Medicare Physician Cuts:CMS has proposed a 2.8% decrease in Medicare physician fees for 2025, sparking concern among physician groups. Anders Gillberg, Senior VP of Government Affairs at MGMA, criticizes the proposal as "critically short-sighted."The American College of Rheumatology highlights a 29%

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Delores McNair, Division Administrator at Duke University School of Medicine, and Bryana Blanco, Nursing Development Specialist at AdventHealth. Together, they discuss the MGMA Mentorship Program, their personal healthcare journeys and the importance of mentorship in career development.Healthcare Journeys:Delores shares her inspiring journey from temp worker to healthcare administrator, emphasizing the crucial role that mentors played in her career progression. Highlighting the value of MGMA resources for early-career professionals, Bryana describes her experience as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic and her transition into healthcare administration.About the MGMA Mentorship Program:Delores and Bryana discuss their experiences with the MGMA Mentorship Program, highlighting its effective structure, flexibility, and the meaningful professional relationships it fosters. The program provides the following benefits to MGMA

Welcome to the MGMA Insights podcast. In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Shep Hyken, a renowned customer service and experience expert. Shep is the Chief Amazement Officer at Shepard Presentations and has been inducted into the National Speakers Association's Hall of Fame for his lifetime achievements in professional speaking. With over 30 years of experience, Shep has worked with some of the world's best brands to build a culture centered around the customer. Today, we'll explore key findings from his latest ACA Study on customer service and discuss how healthcare providers can enhance their patient experience.Summary and ResourcesIn this episode, Shep shares valuable insights on the current state of customer service and experience, emphasizing the importance of delivering exceptional service in today's competitive landscape. Key topics discussed include:Customer Experience Trends: Highlighting how customer expectations have never been higher, Shep discusses the need for businesses to

Welcome to the MGMA Week in Review Podcast. Host Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, is joined by Cristy Good, Senior Advisor, and Colleen Luckett, Writer and Editor. We have an exciting episode lined up, combining insights from our 'Ask an Advisor' series with the latest developments in healthcare practices. Let's dive right in!Story 1: Importance of Language Services in Medical PracticesSummary: Effective communication in healthcare is essential, especially for patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Our first story discusses the necessity of providing language interpreter services in medical practices to ensure patients receive the best care possible.Actionable Takeaways:Display Signage: Ensure signage about language services is clearly visible in waiting areas and reception desks.Multilingual Welcome Signs: Use bright and welcoming multilingual signs to greet patients.Language Cards/Posters: Provide language cards or posters for patients to indicate their preferred language.Direct Link to Art

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions podcast, host Daniel Williams sat down with Tara Osseck, Regional Vice President of Recruitment at Jackson Physician Search, and Jenny Binner, Associate Vice President of Emergency Medicine Services at locumtenens.com. The discussion centered on the critical importance of effective onboarding processes for both permanent and locum tenens physicians, drawing insights from recent research conducted in collaboration with AAPPR. They also discuss the upcoming MGMA webinar on Elevating Physician Onboarding for Better Engagement, Impact and Long-Term Retention.Actionable tips:Develop a formal, comprehensive onboarding process that extends beyond basic orientation, focusing on relationship-building and long-term integration.Implement a system for gathering feedback from newly onboarded physicians to continuously improve the process.Create customizable onboarding checklists and templates that can be tailored for different roles and specialties.Establish clear communicati

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes guest Stewart Gandolf, CEO at Healthcare Success. Gandolf shares his extensive experience in healthcare marketing, dating back to the 1990s when he started teaching private practice doctors about effective marketing strategies. During the conversation, Gandolf provides an overview of the six basic levers of marketing strategies for medical practices, including traditional advertising, branding, digital marketing, patient experience, doctor referral building, and public relations. In the face of healthcare consumerism and increased competition, it's crucial for medical practices to adapt their marketing approach to protect and grow their patient base. According to Gandolf, this adaptation should consider the following strategies:1. Focus on the patient experience: Prioritize providing an exceptional patient experience, from the initial contact to post-visit follow-up. This can help build loyalty and encourage word-of-mouth referrals.2.

In this episode of the MGMA Podcast Network's Week in Review, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss a range of healthcare industry news and insights. They cover strategies for overcoming impostor syndrome in leaders, the impact of the Supreme Court's Chevron deference decision on healthcare policy, cybersecurity threats targeting the healthcare sector, and the Biden administration's investment in geriatric care training programs.Sources and Resources Mentioned:- Axios article: "Courts become the new health policy arena"- Becker's Hospital Review article: "Executives' playbook: Beating imposter syndrome"- Health IT Security article: "FBI and HHS released joint cybersecurity advisory on social engineering threats affecting healthcare sector"- Harvard Business Review article: "How to Talk to an Employee Who Isn't Meeting Expectations"- Fierce Healthcare article: "Biden administration awards $206 million to geriatrics clinician training programs"MGMA Resources:MGMA StatAsk an AdvisorMGMA MembershipMGM

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight, host Daniel Williams interviews Kendra Yahns, Executive Director of Perkins Spine and Sports Medicine. Yahns shares her journey in healthcare leadership, discusses the benefits of internship programs in private practices and emphasizes the importance of leadership training in healthcare management.Healthcare Leadership Journey: Starting on the frontlines provides valuable insight into leadership needs and patient flow.Transitioning between different healthcare sectors can offer unique perspectives on management.Internship Program Innovation:Internships can bridge the gap between academic education and practical skills in healthcare management.Well-structured internship programs can help practices stay lean while providing valuable experience to students.Recruitment Challenges:There's a disconnect between academic degrees and the skills required for entry-level healthcare management positions.Hiring managers often struggle to find candidates with the right mix of e

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Bill Kenney, CEO of Dermatology Consultants, to share his expertise in developing an employee wellness program. Bill discusses his background in healthcare management and social work. He outlines Dermatology Consultants' size and scope and his role overseeing 180 employees across four clinic locations. Kenney is a featured speaker at the upcoming MGMA Staffing Conference on August 15-16, 2022 in Burlington, MA. Key Takeaways- Investing in an outside consulting group was critical to keeping the wellness program on track and staff accountable. - Engaging physician leaders from the start helped gain buy-in for initiatives. - Quarterly competitions and a symbolic "goat trophy" drive fun, healthy competition between teams. - Involving staff in planning ensures activities appeal to their interests. - Measuring engagement, costs, satisfaction and goal achievement indicates program success. On Physician EngagementSome of the key chal

Welcome to the MGMA Week in Review podcast. Hosted by Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, and Colleen Luckett, Editor and Writer at MGMA. This episode covers the latest healthcare news and trends, including strategies for managing rising operating costs, solutions for staffing challenges, and innovative ideas for repurposing closed rural hospitals. Key Takeaways:Rising Operating Expenses (03:21 - 05:20)Stat Poll Results: 92% of medical group leaders report increased operating expenses in 2024, up from 89% in 2023.Cost Drivers: Major expense drivers include rising salaries (cited by 60% of respondents), medical supplies, and utilities.Financial Strategies: Practice leaders are combining offices, renegotiating contracts, and switching vendors to manage costs.Staffing Challenges and Solutions (05:21 - 08:50)Compensation Trends: Administrative staff saw a median total compensation increase of 4.7%, while nursing staff saw a 3.2% increase.Regional Variations: Western Region salaries are higher, with administra

Welcome to another episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams. In this episode, Daniel interviews Lisa Stockdale, Director of Value-Based Care at Silver Cross Hospital. They discuss healthcare management, innovative care models, the importance of teamwork, and the integration of digital transformation to improve patient outcomes. Major TakeawaysValue-Based Care Implementation (6:00-11:30)Lisa's role involves managing approximately 70,000 value-based lives, focusing on improving outcomes in the ambulatory setting through various risk contracts and pay-for-performance models."We focus on delivering quality care that not only meets the needs of our patients but also optimizes healthcare resources effectively."Remote Care Management (18:30-23:00)A significant initiative at Silver Cross involves engaging patients with chronic conditions through a text-based platform. This program has shown an average savings of $1,400 per beneficiary per year."We are starting to see trends of approximately $1,

Welcome to the MGMA Week in Review podcast. Hosted by Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, along with co-host Colleen Luckett, Editor and Writer at MGMA. This episode covers the latest healthcare news and trends, including innovative ways to attract younger generations to healthcare careers, essential tips for transitioning practice ownership, and updates on significant industry events. Let's dive in!Key TakeawaysStrategies to Attract Younger Generations to Healthcare (02:16 - 08:51)   - Key insights from the Health Impact Forum on making healthcare careers appealing to younger generations.   - Emphasis on virtual technologies, tech-savvy work environments, and work-life balance initiatives.2. Preparing for Practice Ownership Transitions (08:52 - 12:09)   - Steps for planning smooth transitions in practice ownership.   - Highlighting the importance of valuing your practice accurately, maintaining clear communication, and seeking legal advice.3. Updates on Healthcare Data Breach (12:10 - 14:50)   - Latest i

Welcome to another episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast. Today, we have Andy Swanson, MGMA's Senior Vice President of Product Strategy and Sales, joining us. In this episode, we dive into MGMA’s strategic approach to face-to-face conferences, the Advanced Strategy for Medical Practice Leaders book series, and new initiatives tailored to support medical practice leaders. Episode Takeaways:Face-to-Face Spring Conferences: These events are crucial for advanced practitioners looking to deepen their knowledge in finance and operations. Andy emphasizes the value of peer interactions and real-world case studies to enhance learning and problem-solving.Quote: “The genius of the face-to-face conferences is in-depth operational adoption conversations about not just tech, but broader strategies to optimize workforce and resources.”Advanced Strategy Book Series: The series targets experienced practitioners aiming to elevate their expertise. The books offer comprehensive guides on advanced practices in finance, HR, and ope

This episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast features an in-depth look at several critical issues in healthcare today. Hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett explore the impact of clinical documentation burdens, the essential role of listening in patient care, recent trends in employee benefits, strategies to stay relevant in the healthcare job market, and the implications of concierge medicine.Discussion Points:Clinical Documentation Burden:Article: "Nearly 75% of health workers say documentation impedes patient care: survey" by Emily OlsenSummary: The article discusses the significant impact of excessive clinical documentation on healthcare workers and patient care. It highlights survey results indicating that 77% of healthcare professionals work late to complete their notes, contributing to burnout.Link: Healthcare Dive ArticleThe Importance of Listening in Healthcare:Article: "Stop and Listen: How Listening to Patients and Families is Ever-Important for Optimal Care" by Vishal ChatrathSummary: Chatr

This episode of the MGMA Business Solutions podcast features John Poli, Industry Principal for Healthcare at RingCentral. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Poli has been at the forefront of leveraging innovative technology to drive digital transformation and business strategy. Chatting with host Daniel Williams, Poli discusses how AI is revolutionizing healthcare communications. He goes on to share innovative applications of AI to assist live agents in call centers while providing a roadmap to utilizing AI's full potential in healthcare communication strategies.Would you like to learn more?To dive deeper into this topic, check out our webinar on using AI in healthcare contact centers, where you can hear from John Poli and also gain continuing education credits!Resources:RingCentral on the WebJohn Poli on LinkedInMGMA Resources:MGMA StatAsk an AdvisorMGMA ConferencesMGMA ConsultingWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOULet us know if there's a topic you want us to cover or an expert you would like us

This episode of the MGMA Weekend Review Podcast is hosted by Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett. Key topics include HHS reversing course on breach notifications, primary care physician compensation, bipartisan support for healthcare reform, the impact of medical debt, and improving obesity treatment training.Major Takeaways:- HHS will now allow Change Healthcare to file breach notifications for organizations affected by the February ransomware attack. This provides relief for impacted groups.- The AMA payment system favors specialists over primary care doctors, leading to a shortage. Improving primary care compensation could improve outcomes and lower costs. - Rare bipartisan support for site neutral payments to address healthcare consolidation and rising costs.- Medical debt takes a significant toll on patient health through financial stress and avoidance of care. Efforts are needed to reduce costs and debt burdens.- Improper prescribing of weight loss drugs without training can harm patients. More obesity