Shows
MGMA Podcasts‘Good data yields good decisions': Honoring Dave Gans, 2025 MGMA Lifetime Achievement Award WinnerOn this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with David N. Gans, MGMA’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Dave reflects on his decades-long career with MGMA, his role in shaping the organization’s history, and his pioneering work in benchmarking and data-driven decision-making for medical practices. He also shares practical advice for medical practice leaders facing today’s most pressing challenges — from workforce shortages to financial pressures — and reminds us that at the heart of every innovation is the patient.Whether you’re navigating the complexities of group practice management or looking for inspirat...
2025-09-2431 min
MGMA PodcastsBuilding Bridges Between Policy and Practice with Jon Ewing, 2025 MGMA Legislative Liaison of the Year Award WinnerIn this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams speaks with Jon R. Ewing, Chief Operating Officer at the Women’s Clinic in Jackson, Tennessee, and MGMA’s 2025 Legislative Liaison of the Year. Jon shares how he unexpectedly entered legislative advocacy, the importance of bridging policy and practice, and what medical group leaders need to know about engaging with lawmakers.From TennCare reimbursement challenges to looming physician shortages, Jon breaks down complex legislative issues into practical takeaways for medical practice leaders. His insights underscore why advocacy isn’t just politics — it’s problem-solving for the future of...
2025-09-2334 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Business Solutions: Building a Strong CMA Pipeline With U.S. Career InstituteOn this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams speaks with Rob Fershtman, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships at U.S. Career Institute. With more than a decade of experience helping healthcare organizations strengthen their pipelines for Certified Medical Assistants and other essential roles, Fershtman shares strategies for addressing staffing shortages, creating flexible education pathways and building long-term retention in medical practices. Key Takeaways:[05:41] - Identifying workforce gaps: How rural healthcare organizations are struggling to recruit talent and why early-stage career roles, like medical assistants, are critical to closing the gap.[08:14] - What...
2025-09-1030 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Insights: Crystal Washington on Generative AI for Healthcare LeadersFuturist, author, and Hall of Fame speaker Crystal Washington joins this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast. Crystal shares her expertise on generative AI and its practical applications for healthcare leaders. As an upcoming keynote speaker at the MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando (September 28 - October 1), Crystal breaks down the AI landscape, debunks common myths, and provides actionable strategies for medical practice leaders navigating technology adoption without getting overwhelmed.[02:35] - Becoming a futurist: Crystal explains her path from hospitality management to consulting for global brands, and how she developed her futurist mindset.[06:25] - Grounding AI...
2025-09-0315 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Early Careerists: Resilience, Risk, and Purpose with Shay EskewIn this debut episode of the MGMA Early Careerist podcast, host Melinda Mastel speaks with Shay Eskew, Vice President of Sales at Kodiak Solutions, Ironman athlete, and burn survivor. Shay shares his remarkable journey from a childhood accident that changed his life, to building a career in healthcare, writing a bestselling book, and embracing challenges in athletics and leadership. Tune in for insights on resilience, risk-taking, building community, and finding purpose—plus practical advice for early careerists navigating their own paths.8 Key Moments:00:00 – Introduction & Meet Shay Askew01:10 – Shay’s Unplanned Path into Healthcare03:10 – Childhood Accident & Burn Survivor S...
2025-09-0345 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Insights: Optimizing Ambulatory Space Through Digital Health TransformationJoin host Daniel Williams on the MGMA Insights Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Alpesh Amin, Associate Dean for Clinical Transformation at UCI Health. Dr. Amin previews his upcoming session at the 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando while sharing practical strategies for leveraging digital health and virtual care. Learn how to optimize ambulatory space, improve patient access and expand clinical capacity without building new facilities. [4:07] - Redefining Ambulatory Space Optimization[6:30] - Implementing E-Consults for Specialist Access[9:28] - Using Remote Monitoring to Reduce Hospital Length of Stay[10:45] - Leveraging Parking Lot Check-ins and Virtual...
2025-08-2022 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Business Solutions: Cracking the Code on Healthcare Workforce RetentionIn this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Chris Franklin, President of LocumTenens.com, and Alison Sawyer, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, to unpack recent research on clinician workforce trends. The conversation reveals surprising findings about job satisfaction, retention and what truly motivates today's healthcare professionals. This topic will be featured in the upcoming MGMA webinar, "Cracking the Clinician Code: Insights To Attract & Retain Top Talent Today."Key Takeaways:03:32 Surprising Statistics06:09 Top Retention Factors11:55 Generational Insights17:19 Retention Risk18:28 Improving Work Environment15:13 Critical WarningResources:MGMA Webinar...
2025-07-2323 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Week in Review: Medicare Fee Schedule Changes, Digital Forms Frustration, and The Pitt’s Emmy NominationsIn this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett share the latest healthcare industry news, including proposed changes to Medicare payments, healthcare consumer experience trends, and an Emmy-nominated medical drama. Plus, they highlight a leadership story from MGMA Connection Magazine and spotlight MGMA’s Women Healthcare Leaders Resource Group.Key Takeaways:00:50 Welcome and Introduction01:25 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Updates (Medical Economics)04:14 The Importance of First-Time Energy in Patient Care (Physician’s Practice)06:12 Authenticity in Medical Dramas (Chief Healthcare Executive)08:07 Healthcare Comm...
2025-07-1813 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Member Spotlight: Linda Carroll on MGMA's Resource Group for AAPI Healthcare LeadersIn this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast, host Daniel Williams talks with Linda Carroll, a certified medical practice executive and co-facilitator of MGMA’s AAPI Healthcare Leaders Resource Group. The discussion explores Linda’s work and life in Alaska, the value of resource groups, and the importance of culturally responsive leadership. Linda shares how telehealth is bridging gaps in rural care and how MGMA communities help foster mentorship, connection, and visibility for Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders in healthcare.Timestamps:[00:50] – Introduction and Host Welcome[01:24] – Meet Linda Carroll: Experience and Background[01:54] – Life in Alaska: Wi...
2025-07-1426 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Week in Review: Healthcare Policy, Rural Hospital Challenges, and Private Practice GrowthOn this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett dive into key updates shaping medical group practices. They explore how healthcare leaders—especially Chief Nursing Officers—are becoming central to advocacy efforts, examine the mounting pressures on rural hospitals, and break down how real estate decisions can either support or stall private practice growth. Plus, they share new MGMA Stat poll results on operational costs and preview insights from the latest issue of MGMA Connection magazine on the future of independent practices.Timestamps and Resources:00:50 – Welcome to MGMA W...
2025-07-1114 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Business Solutions: Streamlining Post-Acute Care CoordinationIn this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Kate Warnock and Maja Vojnovic from Forcura to explore the challenges medical practices face in post-acute care documentation and coordination. The conversation reveals insights from a recent survey that highlights the administrative burdens practices experience and offers innovative solutions to streamline workflows. Forcura is also sponsoring an upcoming MGMA webinar titled, "Reducing Physician Practice Administrative Burden." Timestamps:[0:50] - Introduction [06:52] - Time Drain of Documentation[11:11] - System Fragmentation[12:19] - Satisfaction Crisis and Opportunity for Improvement[13:48] - Hidden Billing Opportunities[16:38] - Practical Solution f...
2025-07-0921 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Week in Review: Medicaid Cuts, Bathroom Cleanliness, and a Happy 4th of July!In this special Fourth of July edition of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett share timely healthcare insights alongside some holiday cheer. They start with a major policy development: a Senate-approved tax bill that could cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid—posing serious implications for hospitals, rural providers, and medical groups. The episode also covers how bathroom cleanliness can shape patient perceptions, new MGMA poll results on wait times, and a forecast of where inpatient and outpatient care are headed over the next decade. The episode closes with an overview of a new ACP pr...
2025-07-0415 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Member Spotlight: Inside the Early Careerist Resource GroupIn this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast, host Daniel Williams talks with the leaders behind MGMA’s Early Careerist Resource Group — a supportive space for emerging healthcare leaders to connect, grow, and navigate the challenges of stepping into their first leadership roles.Guests Agnes Edukere, MHA (Melody Health), Melinda Mastel, MBA, MS, FHFMA, CMPE, PMP (Medical College of Wisconsin), and Tori Cordova, BS-HCM, CPPM, CPC, COC, CHONC (Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center) discuss how the group came together, the real-world topics they explore, and why peer-level support is so valuable.You’ll hea...
2025-06-3018 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Insights: Protecting Your Medical Practice in the Digital AgeIn this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Rana McSpadden, a medical practice consultant from SVMIC, to dive deep into the critical world of cybersecurity for healthcare organizations. With rising threats and sophisticated hacking techniques, this episode provides medical practice leaders with essential strategies to protect their patient data, maintain operational continuity, and build a culture of digital security. McSpadden will speak more on this topic during the upcoming 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference. Key Takeaways: [06:08] - Cybersecurity as a Whole-Organization Responsibility [07:30] - Evolving Cybersecurity Threats to Medical Practices [16:45] - HIPAA and Cybe...
2025-06-2524 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Week in Review: May Job Growth, Public Health Budget Cuts, and 2025 Cost PressuresIn this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett highlight key developments shaping healthcare in 2025. They recap powerful moments from the recent MGMA Summit—including a moving story from a trauma survivor—and share the latest data on provider compensation and procedural trends. Also in focus: the strong healthcare job growth reported in May, a closer look at rising operating costs, strategies to improve patient engagement, and the growing impact of federal budget cuts on public health funding. Tune in for timely insights and practical takeaways for medical practice leaders. 00:50 Intr...
2025-06-1518 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Week in Review: Summit Insights, Compensation Strategy, and the Future of Patient TechIn this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett share timely insights on the most pressing issues in healthcare. They cover key takeaways from the MGMA Summit, explore the latest compensation strategies, and highlight innovative trends shaping the connected patient experience. You'll also hear discussion on CMS policy changes, violence in healthcare settings, and how practices can improve engagement and workplace safety. 00:51 Introduction and Podcast Overview02:01 MGMA Stat Poll: Compensation Strategy Insights (MGMA Stat)03:44 Highlights from the MGMA Summit Digital Conference (MGMA Summit)09:42 CMS...
2025-06-0617 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Week in Review: PTO Policies, Behavioral Health Integration, and Patient Care EnhancementIn this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, host Daniel Williams shares timely updates on key issues facing medical practices. The episode begins with a look at how organizations are managing paid time off (PTO) and why effective PTO policies are vital to workplace culture and employee retention. It then explores the growing integration of behavioral health into primary care, with a focus on collaborative care models. The episode wraps with a spotlight on the phrase “We’ll take care of that,” and how those five words can significantly enhance the patient experience. 00:00 Introduction and Techni...
2025-06-0208 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Insights: Compliance, Consent, and the Psychology of DefianceIn this MGMA Insights podcast episode, Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Sunita Sah, a tenured professor at Cornell University and author of Defy. Together, they explore the subtle but powerful psychology behind compliance and informed consent. Drawing from her experiences as a physician and organizational psychologist, Dr. Sah discusses why patients — and even medical professionals — often follow advice they disagree with, and how we can build greater confidence, clarity, and autonomy in healthcare decision-making.[00:04:00] The Scan She Didn’t WantDr. Sah tells a personal ER story that sparked her research into why we comply, even w...
2025-05-2832 min
MGMA PodcastsAsk MGMA: How AI is Driving Payer Downcoding and What Medical Practices Can Do About ItIn this episode of the Ask MGMA Podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Christy Good dig into one of the most urgent issues medical practices are facing: payer downcoding and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in reimbursement decisions. Discover why evaluation and management (E/M) claims are being reduced without medical record review, how automated systems are affecting your revenue, and what actions you can take to identify, track, and appeal unjustified downcodes. Whether you're feeling the impact already or want to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation offers practical tips and valuable resources to support your team.
2025-05-1913 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Week in Review: Medicaid Cuts, Medical Gaslighting, and Mental Health Awareness MonthIn this episode of the MGMA Weekend Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss a range of pressing healthcare industry topics. The episode starts with an in-depth look at the proposed GOP budget plan that could significantly cut Medicaid funding, putting millions of Americans at risk of losing healthcare coverage. This is followed by a discussion on the harmful effects of medical gaslighting on patients, as revealed by a comprehensive Rutgers Health report. The hosts also delve into current healthcare staff turnover trends and highlight the importance of personalized mental health care during Mental Health Awareness Month...
2025-05-1616 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Week in Review: Healthcare Staffing Issues, Crisis Leadership, and Cybersecurity in HealthcareIn this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett cover key healthcare headlines, from the ongoing shortage of medical assistants and tips to close staffing gaps, to the leadership lessons in crisis response and fallout from the Change Healthcare cyberattack. They also share findings on nurse retention from McKinsey’s latest survey and close with a nod to National Nurses Week. 00:49 Introduction and Hosts01:36 MGMA Stat Poll Results (MGMA Stat)05:08 Healthcare Leadership in Crisis (Physicians Practice)09:12 HHS Restructuring and Interoperability (MedCity News)11:30 Uni...
2025-05-0918 min
MGMA PodcastsAsk MGMA: Why Mission, Vision and Values are the Foundation of Your Culture PlaybookIn this episode of Ask MGMA, Daniel Williams and Cristy Good explore how medical practices can align their teams and leadership around a shared purpose by developing clear mission, vision, and values (MVV). They introduce MGMA’s new MVV Checklist and Culture Playbook, designed to help practices navigate change, improve engagement, and retain top talent.Key Highlights:00:54 – Introduction to the Ask MGMA podcast and today's focus on mission, vision, and values (MVV)02:35 – What are MGMA Playbooks and why they’re a key resource for practice leaders04:32 – Overview of the MVV Checklist: Why it was created and who it...
2025-05-0513 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Week in Review: Addressing Burnout and Enhancing Patient ExperienceIn this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss the critical issue of burnout among healthcare administrators and clinicians, stressing the importance of a mindset shift to combat repetitive negative thinking (RNT). They highlight insights from Steve Brewer's article on burnout and Barbara Frederickson's positive psychology research. The episode also delves into ways to improve the patient experience through communication, technology, and culture, alongside a discussion on the impacts of recent healthcare policies. Additionally, the podcast covers strategies for effective physician onboarding and recruitment, providing actionable tips and resources from MGMA...
2025-05-0218 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Business Solutions: Unlocking savings for members with MGMA BestPriceIn 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...
2025-01-2213 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Member Spotlight: Adam Pople on Navigating Challenges and Driving Innovation as a Practice AdministratorIn 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...
2024-11-0407 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Member Spotlight: From Real Estate to Healthcare – A Journey of Transformation with Tulika VohraWelcome 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 ke...
2024-10-3010 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Insights: Steve Dickens on Leadership, Mentorship, and Navigating Seismic Changes in Healthcare 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 “ultimat...
2024-10-2808 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Week in Review: Insights on Disaster Preparedness for Medical Practices with Cristy GoodIn 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, wher...
2024-10-2514 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Insights: Empowering Patients Through Digital Health Innovations with Harwick Award Winner Anu BanerjeeGuest: Anu Banerjee, Ph.D., M.S., M.H.A., FACHE, Recipient of the MGMA Harwick Innovation AwardIntroduction:In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Anu Banerjee, the 2024 recipient of the prestigious MGMA Harwick Innovation Award. Anu, with a long-standing career in healthcare leadership and innovation, shares his journey in developing a groundbreaking digital health platform designed to empower underserved populations. The conversation covers the platform’s ability to enable patients to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension from home, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patient engagement....
2024-10-0222 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Week in Review: Navigating Value-Based Care and Leadership Traps to AvoidHost: Daniel Williams, Senior Editor, MGMACohost: Cristy Good, Senior Advisor, MGMAIntroduction:In this episode of MGMA Week in Review, Daniel Williams is joined by Cristy Good, Senior Advisor at MGMA, filling in as co-host. The episode dives into two key topics: the challenges of adopting value-based care and advice for leaders transitioning into new roles. Cristy shares her insights into the upcoming MGMA Leaders Conference, where she will be a featured contributor for the Operations Management edition of MGMA’s Advanced Strategy Series.Key Takeaways:Challenges of Value-Based Care: Ma...
2024-09-2723 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Member Spotlight: Kelly Ladd on Advocating for Small Practices as Legislative Liaison of the YearIn this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Kelly Ladd, the CEO of Piedmont Internal Medicine in Georgia and the MGMA Legislative Liaison of the Year. Kelly shares her journey of becoming a passionate advocate for small medical practices, navigating the complex legislative landscape and the critical role MGMA plays in supporting administrators like herself.Key Takeaways:Kelly's Unexpected Honor: Kelly describes her initial reaction to being named the MGMA Legislative Liaison of the Year. "I was very shocked, and I was actually rendered speechless. Anyone who knows me knows that is...
2024-09-2534 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Insights: Steve Dickens on Career Growth and Mentorship with MGMAIn this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Steve Dickens, the recipient of the 2024 MGMA Lifetime Achievement Award. Steve shares his remarkable journey, highlighting the pivotal role MGMA has played in his career development and his passion for mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders. This conversation offers valuable insights for MGMA members looking to maximize their organizational involvement and unlock new opportunities for growth and impact.Key Takeaways:Steve's Early Career and the Importance of Professional Associations: Steve recounts his start in a small town in Tennessee and the...
2024-09-1831 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Week in Review: Budgeting Your Practice, Physician Onboarding, and Work-Life BalanceIn this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, your hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett dive into some of the most pressing issues in healthcare today. Topics include how immigration reform could alleviate healthcare staffing shortages, strategies for successful physician onboarding, United Healthcare's new Gold Card program for streamlining prior authorizations, and advice on work-life balance for workaholics.Key Takeaways:Healthcare Staffing Shortages: Colleen discusses an article from HealthExec highlighting how immigration policy reforms could help address physician shortages in the U.S. Attorney Kathleen Campbell Walker advocates for expanding visa caps and...
2024-09-1312 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Insights: "Thriving" in Healthcare Without Burning Out a Conversation with Annamarí DietrichsonEpisode 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 pat...
2024-09-0921 min
MGMA PodcastsMGMA Insights: Critical Leadership Lessons They Don’t Teach You in School with Jeff WhitehornIn 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.K...
2024-08-2922 min