Mgma Small Talk

In this episode of the MGMA Insights podcast, host Daniel Williams interviews Scott Becker, founder and CEO of Becker's Healthcare. Becker, who will be a mainstage speaker at the upcoming MGMA Operations Conference in Chicago, shares his journey from law school to healthcare media, discussing how he built his influential platforms and multidisciplinary approach to healthcare law and finance.Becker discusses his unexpected path to law school and healthcare, detailing how he founded Becker's Healthcare by recognizing opportunities in digital media. He also discusses his passion for building successful teams and businesses, sharing insights on cultivating interests over time. The conversation also touches on his favorite Chicago sports memories, law school at Harvard with Barrack Obama, and strategies for managing multiple ventures effectively.Main Takeaways:- Identify niche opportunities and double down on what works- Cultivate passions and interests over time- Build strong teams to allow you to focus on work y

In this episode, host Daniel Williams meets with Amy Lafko to explore her transformative journey from physical therapist to healthcare consultant. Listeners will learn about Amy's career progression, from her initial experiences in a trauma hospital to her pivotal roles in rehabilitation and urgent care settings and, ultimately, her shift into consulting. She shares key lessons on team building, the importance of mentorship, and her development of the people-first methodology that underpins her current consulting practice.Key Takeaways:Transition from clinical physical therapy to leadership and consulting roles in healthcareUtilization of mentorship and continuing education to navigate career changes and leadership challengesDevelopment of the people-first methodology to enhance employee satisfaction and patient careStrategic adaptation to hybrid and remote work environments in healthcare settingsEmphasis on continuous learning and development, highlighted by participation in programs like the Goldman Sachs 1

Join hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett in this comprehensive MGMA Week in Review episode as they explore pressing healthcare issues today. From the latest cybersecurity measures to groundbreaking research in Alzheimer's disease and innovative strides in nursing education, this episode covers a spectrum of topics critical to healthcare professionals. Gain valuable insights and tips to safeguard your practice, understand genetic influences on Alzheimer's, and learn about new methodologies shaping the future of nursing.Sources and Resources Discussed:Medical Economics: Article by Sanjay Bhakta on cybersecurity defenses in the age of generative AI.Becker's Hospital Review: Article discussing new research on the genetic links to Alzheimer's disease.Fierce Healthcare: Article on the need for evolving nurse education by Amber Cools.Colorado Legislative Website: Information on new bills passed for investing in healthcare workforce education.MGMA Stat Poll: Results and analysis on how healthcare providers hand

In this episode, host Daniel Williams sits down with Julie Bouziotis to discuss her career journey from English literature student to healthcare administrator. Listeners will gain insights into Julie's path, from her unexpected start in orthopedics to taking on leadership roles in dermatology. She shares lessons learned along the way about developing skills, empowering teams, and lifelong learning.Key Takeaways:- Unexpected entry into healthcare administration from a humanities background- Pursuit of additional credentials like MBA and fellowships for professional development - Views leadership as stewardship of the organization and its mission- Focuses on optimizing teams and customer service through training and feedback- Finds value in MGMA involvement, including communities, publishing and events- Participates in the MGMA book club, discussing works that reinforce leadership best practicesSources and Resources:- Stony Brook Dermatology Associates- Julie on LinkedIn- Julie's published articles on MGMA.com-

This Episode:This MGMA Women in Healthcare podcast episode, hosted by Adrienne Lloyd, welcomes Stephanie Mercado to the show. Mercado is the CEO and executive director of the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). She joined the NAHQ in 2013 and has helped the organization achieve over 300% revenue growth and almost double its membership since then. In 2023, Modern Healthcare named Mercado one of the "100 Most Influential People in Healthcare".Highlights:In the conversation, Mercado emphasizes that quality and safety encompass more than just regulatory compliance - they should be viewed as a business strategy that utilizes standard and reliable problem-solving techniques. When faced with dynamic issues, tools like failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) and the situation-background-assessment-recommendation (SBAR) framework can help structure thinking and planning. Mercado also stresses the importance of resilience among healthcare leaders. Despite the uncertainty, focusing on continuous improvement

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss Kaiser Permanente nurses striking over AI concerns, an interview with Dr. Robert Pearl on co-authoring a book with AI, challenges from stricter Medicaid rules, incorporating humor in the workplace, and gaps in medical practices' downtime protocols after a cyberattack. Sources:Kaiser Permanente Nurses and AIAI can help with tasks like writing but requires human oversight and fact-checking, says Dr. Robert Pearl Changes to Medicaid rules will impact appointment scheduling, finances, reporting, and long-term planning.Incorporating humor can help humanize leaders and create a more inclusive environment.Regularly updating downtime protocols is critical for cybersecurity preparedness.MGMA Resources:MGMA StatAsk an AdvisorMGMA MembershipMGMA 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 to interview or if you'd like to appear on the member spotli

In this episode of the MGMA Insights podcast, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Robert Pearl, a renowned healthcare leader and the author of the groundbreaking book ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine. Dr. Pearl shares his unique journey in healthcare leadership and his vision for how AI can transform and improve healthcare outcomes, a perspective that is sure to captivate our audience. He also discusses his collaboration with ChatGPT in writing his book, providing valuable insights into the future of healthcare.Main Takeaways: - AI can potentially improve healthcare quality, access, and affordability by empowering patients to manage chronic conditions better.- Moving to prepaid models like capitation can incentivize value-based care needed to realize AI benefits.  - AI technologies like ChatGPT show promise, but some limitations require oversight and continued development.Sources:Robert Pearl on the webChatGPT, MD Fixing Healthcare PodcastM

Introduction: In this MGMA Week In Review podcast episode, hosts Colleen Luckett and Daniel Williams discuss UnitedHealth's recent data breach and ransom payment, Deborah Fine's insights on small talk skills during her keynote address at the MGMA Financial Conference, new medical codes from CMS, opportunities to lead resource groups at the 2024 MGMA conference, and challenges of social media for healthcare workers.Sources/Resources:- NBC News article on UnitedHealth Group cyberattack- UnitedHealth website for identity theft protection- MGMA article on recent medical coding updates from CMS- Link to learn more about opportunities to lead MGMA resource groups at the 2024 conference- HealthIT article on navigating social media use as a healthcare professional Episode Sponsors: iCoreRXThe February cyber attack on change healthcare continues to cause prescription delays and that is stressful on patients and doctors, but not if the doctors are using iCoreRx, a leading ePrescribing software that enables electronic p

Summary:This episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast features Dr. Dawn Tartaglione, DO, FACOS, DFACOS, Medical Director of Neurosurgery at Bayhealth. Known as “Dr. T,” she discussed her journey into neurosurgery while highlighting its challenges, rewards and innovations. In 2003, Dr. T was the first female Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine to become a board-certified neurosurgeon. This launched her 22-year career in neurosurgery practice, where she has specialized in multiple areas including spine, neurotrauma, brain and spine tumors, and critical care. Dr. T is also the first neurosurgeon to be elected President of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. Dr. T sat with MGMA Senior Editor Daniel Williams, MBA, MSEM, to offer insights into the intricacies of neurosurgery, the importance of stress management and trends such as navigation tools.Key Takeaways:- Dr. T discussed her path from an early interest in science into a successful neurosurgery career through medical school and residency.- Delivering bad new

This episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast discusses initiatives to improve maternal health outcomes through transportation services, growing support for permanent telehealth expansions, confusion around Medicaid coverage, and the impact of cyberattacks on healthcare practices. It also shares results from an MGMA Stat poll on quality performance metrics in physician compensation plans.Takeaways:- Access to care through programs addressing social determinants like transportation can help improve health outcomes.- Value-based payment models that include quality metrics are becoming more prevalent in physician compensation.- Clear communication around Medicaid coverage is vital to prevent unnecessary loss of coverage.- Cyberattacks can significantly impact healthcare practices, leading to data breaches, disruption of services, and financial losses. Support is needed to help them manage challenges and financial strain from such events.- Data security is a growing concern as ransomware attacks on healthcare o

Summary:In this episode of MGMA’s Mindful Medicine podcast, Nike yoga instructor Xochilt Hoover shares her journey of practicing and teaching yoga since 2009. Hoover is part of Brown University’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher training, and her yoga classes can be streamed on Netflix. With April being National Stress Awareness month, Hoover shared insights from her personal journey of self-discovery on and off the mat with MGMA senior editor Daniel Williams, MBA, MSEM. Key Takeaways:- Mindfulness can be integrated seamlessly into yoga practice and teaching.- Moving slowly allows students to feel benefits in both body and mind. - Activities done in a spirit of joy and with others can enhance well-being and reduce stress.- Finding stillness through yoga and meditation can balance busy, restless modern lives.Resources:Xochilt on the web Xochilt on InstagramXochilt on YoutubeXochilt on NetflixMGMA Resources:MGMA StatAsk an AdvisorMGMA MembershipMGMA ConsultingWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOULet us know

Introduction: In this episode of the AskMGMA Podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Christy Good discuss strategies for managing stress and burnout among healthcare professionals. Williams shares his experience with mindfulness practices at MGMA and launches a new stress management program.Summary: Williams and Good discuss the results of MGMA's recent stat poll which found 75% of medical group leaders reporting increased stress levels in 2024. They explore causes of stress in healthcare and strategies discussed in the podcast, including setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, managing email overload, and the importance of peer support.Key Takeaways: - Practice mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and other stress-relief techniques daily- Set clear boundaries between work and personal life - Prioritize downtime, hobbies, spending time with family and friends- Manage information overload by scheduling dedicated email/phone times- Seek peer or professional support to manage intrusive thoughtsSources/Resourc

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast, Daniel Williams, senior editor at MGMA, and co-host Colleen Luckett discuss the latest developments in healthcare. They cover a range of topics, including primary care access, social engineering schemes targeting hospital IT help desks, and the role of medical assistants in multi-site healthcare settings. Join them as they share insights, poll results, and valuable resources to keep healthcare leaders informed and empowered.Key Takeaways: The US lags behind other wealthy nations in terms of access and continuity of primary care.Building long-term relationships between patients and primary care physicians is essential for better healthcare outcomes.US doctors should improve coordination with specialists to enhance patient care.Social engineering schemes targeting hospital IT help desks pose a significant threat, and organizations need to implement strict security protocols.Medical assistants play a crucial role in multi-site healthcare organizations, and leve

This MGMA podcast episode features Sarah Ariaudo, MHA, an expert in mindful communication strategies for transforming toxic situations into positive and productive workplaces. Her conversation with Daniel Williams explored the importance of psychological safety in the medical workplace and highlighted the signs and effects of chronic low-level stress.  Summary:Sarah and Daniel discussed how to identify and address toxic workplace cultures while promoting self-care. Sarah shared her experience transitioning from healthcare management to wellness coaching and the importance of recognizing stress. Both speakers explored how they personally struggled with stress and its impacts. They also analyzed signs of toxic versus positive cultures and strategies leaders can employ to demonstrate vulnerability, build trust, and empower teams. Simple daily practices for self-care were recommended to enhance clarity, focus, and well-being.Key Takeaways:- Chronic low-level stress can negatively impact health if left unaddressed

In a recent episode of the MGMA Women in Healthcare podcast, host Adrienne Lloyd sat down with Dr. Lucy McBride to delve into her transformative journey toward adopting a holistic approach to medicine. Dr. McBride shared insights on the importance of understanding a patient's complete story and life experiences, emphasizing the need to go beyond lab results and vital signs to provide comprehensive care. Dr. McBride discusses transitioning from a traditional medical practice to one that takes a whole-person view of health. She emphasizes understanding how childhood traumas, relationships, and lifestyle factors influence physical and mental well-being. Lloyd and McBride discuss concepts like acceptance, agency, and conceptualizing health as a process rather than an outcome. McBride promotes a team-based approach and gives patients the tools to take control of their health journeys.SourcesLucy McBride Lucy on Instagram Lucy on Facebook Adrienne Lloyd Adrienne on LinkedIn MGMA ResourcesMGMA Stat Ask an Advisor

Introduction: On this episode of the MGMA podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss the importance of Autism Awareness Month and ways to better serve neurodivergent patients. They highlight an article by healthcare executive Kacha Sadeghi Chipola sharing her experience facing barriers to care as an autistic woman.Key Takeaways:- Neurodivergence affects one in five adults but is often misunderstood by medical professionals. This can lead to dismissive treatment and a lack of appropriate care and support.- The healthcare environment itself can pose sensory and communication challenges for neurodivergent patients. Factors like bright lights, repetitive forms, and noise can be overwhelming.- Providers need education on recognizing unique needs and understanding that autism presents differently in each person. Creative, patient-centered solutions are needed.- Physician participation in compensation methodology has decreased slightly but collaborative planning remains important for alignment with p

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast host Daniel Williams is joined by Jason Raidbard and Ken Chin to discuss humanizing healthcare through culture, empathy and technology. Jason and Ken share lessons from their careers in healthcare leadership and strategies for improving engagement. Summary:Jason and Ken discuss their journeys in healthcare administration and how they met through their involvement with MGMA. They rose through the ranks to leadership positions overseeing large departments. Jason shares how he started in local government but found his calling in healthcare. Ken details his path from medical assistant to administrator. They emphasize the importance of treating employees with respect through genuine communication and flexibility.Key Takeaways:- Treat all employees, including leadership, with respect through genuine two-way communication- Normalize conversations around mental health and make wellness resources accessible to destigmatize issues - Foster diversity among staff to be

This episode of the Consultant’s Corner podcast features MGMA consultants James Corbett, MDiv, JD, and Kate Bailey, MPH, discussing integrating behavioral health services into primary care practices. Sitting with host Daniel Williams, MBA, MSEM, both explored trends in behavioral health, challenges with integration, strategies for billing and staffing, as well as the future of crisis care. Key Takeaways:- Corbett and Bailey discuss the integration of behavioral health in primary practices, highlighting the benefits of a non-hospital based approach and the potential for technology to enhance care. They emphasize the importance of community involvement and hyperlocal focus in shaping behavioral healthcare, particularly in areas funded by the opioid settlement.-While discussing challenges in integrating behavioral health into medical practices, including setting up the right model and communication/collaboration strategies, Bailey emphasized the importance of credentialing and billing in this integration.-Regard

In this episode of the Ask MGMA Podcast, Cristy Good joins Daniel Williams to discuss physician compensation methodology and the impact of CMS conversion factor adjustments. They explore challenges medical practices face due to lower reimbursement rates and how practices can address these challenges. Resources for monitoring policy changes and planning compensation are also shared.Key Points:- CMS conversion factor adjustments impact physician reimbursement rates- Lower reimbursement can decrease revenue and physician satisfaction  - Practices should update fee schedules, explore value-based models, and diversify revenue- MGMA's variance calculator analyzes impact of CPT code reimbursement changes- Include physicians in compensation discussions and planningResources:- wRVU variance calculator- MGMA DataDive Provider Compensation  - Physician Employment Contract Toolkit  - Provider Compensation Data Report 2023  - Navigating the physician compensation impacts from E/M office visit and 2021 Medicare PFS changes

Welcome to another edition of the MGMA Week in Review podcast. On today's show we have a wide range of healthcare topics to discuss. We'll kick things off by looking back at Daniel Williams's previous career covering films and interviewing Academy Award winner Louise Fletcher. Then co-host Colleen Luckett will share the latest on access to innovative weight loss medications. We'll also highlight strategies for improving patient experience and reducing stress in medical practices as well as an important update on scholarships for aspiring leaders. In addition, you'll meet MGMA member Christine Hanley, practice coordinator at Lakeshore ENT in Oswego, NY. As practice coordinator, Christine manages daily scheduling, surgery coordination, employee scheduling, and addressing patient inquiries for their busy medical practice. Some challenges include ensuring all areas of the practice are running smoothly and addressing bottlenecks. She prioritizes open communication, staff support, and adaptability.Resources:- Stres