Practice Partners Podcast

Ami Assigal & Zac Pandur
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Welcome to Practice Partners Podcast, where Ami, a seasoned practice owner, and Zac, a dynamic practice manager, team up to explore the ins and outs of healthcare business management. Together, they share their expertise as consultants for practice owners and managers through their work with Practice Partners, while also operating Ami's own successful medical centre group, Innovate Health.From funny behind-the-scenes stories to real-world challenges and valuable insights, Practice Partners Podcast is your go-to podcast for everything practice management and operations. Whether you’re a seasoned practice owner, a budding manager, or just curious about what goes on behind the reception desk, join Ami and Zac for an engaging and informative journey into the heart of healthcare business.Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a little chaos—because running a medical practice is anything but boring!'We partner you in your Healthcare Business'

  1. 3 days ago

    #87 Healthcare Transparency, Bulk Billing & the Data of General Practice with James Gillespie

    Send us your enquiry or question directly! In this episode of the Practice Partners Podcast, Ami and Zac are joined by two-time guest, James Gillespie - Founder of Cleanbill, to unpack the findings from Cleanbill's latest electorate breakdown report and what it reveals about bulk billing, out-of-pocket costs, and healthcare accessibility across Australia. Together, they explore why Cleanbill developed electorate-level reporting, how transparent healthcare data is helping patients make more informed decisions, and why practices can benefit from understanding how they compare within their local market. James also shares how Cleanbill has evolved beyond a bulk billing directory into a comprehensive healthcare platform featuring practitioner profiles, accessibility information, opening hours, clinic biographies, and more. The conversation examines one of the report's most significant findings: while bulk billing rates have increased, patient out-of-pocket costs continue to rise. Zac, Ami and James discuss the realities facing general practice, including increasing operating costs, Medicare incentives, mixed billing models, and the ongoing challenge of delivering financially sustainable primary care. The episode concludes with an exciting look at what's next for Cleanbill, including quarterly reporting, enhanced practice analytics, and new service-based search capabilities designed to help patients find specific services such as iron infusions, chronic disease management, and other specialised care. Key takeaways Why healthcare transparency benefits both patients and practices.How electorate-level reporting provides more meaningful insights than national averages.Why bulk billing rates have increased while patient out-of-pocket costs continue to rise.How practices can use benchmarking data to improve accessibility, patient experience, and competitiveness.What's next for Cleanbill and how new analytics will provide practices with more actionable insights.Associated Links Cleanbill Data: https://cleanbill.com.au/cleanbill-dataUpdate your listing (free): https://cleanbill.com.au/update-listing-detailsClaim your listing (free): https://cleanbill.com.au/clinic-portalEpisode timestamps 02:24 Why Cleanbill created electorate breakdown reports 04:22 What Cleanbill is really trying to achieve 08:28 Transparency, competition, and attracting the right patients 14:08 Cleanbill's new analytics dashboard and electorate comparisons 17:17 How practices can claim and manage their Cleanbill listing 20:00 Why out-of-pocket costs are increasing despite higher bulk billing rates 24:04 Medicare incentives and the challenge of practice sustainability 27:24 Funding pressures, urgent care, and the strain on general practice 35:07 How government and policymakers are using Cleanbill data 47:12 What's next for Cleanbill: quarterly reporting, richer analytics, and service-based search Support the show We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

    56 min

  2. 15 Jun

    #85 - Assignment Of Benefit: Medicare’s Biggest Change in Years?

    Send us your enquiry or question directly! Medicare’s Biggest Billing Change in Years? What Every Practice Needs to Know From 1 July, the way practices obtain and record Assignment of Benefit (AoB) consent is changing... ever so slightly, marking one of the "most significant Medicare administration updates in history". In this episode, Ami Assigal and Zac Pandur unpack what the new digital consent framework means for general practice, how software vendors are adapting, and what practice owners, managers, and clinicians need to do to remain compliant. The discussion explores the move away from traditional paper-based processes, the increasing role of practice management systems, patient consent requirements, record keeping obligations, and the potential impact on fraud prevention and accountability. Ami and Zac also dive into the often-overlooked SMS Sender ID reforms at ACMA and why practices should act now to avoid disruption to patient communications. Whether you're a GP, practice manager, nurse, receptionist, or healthcare business owner, this episode provides practical insights into the operational and compliance changes that will affect every Australian general practice. In this episode: • What Assignment of Benefit actually means and why it matters • The new digital consent requirements commencing 1 July • How Best Practice, HotDoc, Tyro and other systems are adapting • Record keeping and compliance obligations for practices • Potential risks, benefits and fraud considerations • SMS Sender ID changes and what ACMA practices must do before the deadline • Practical steps to prepare your practice for implementation Key Takeaway: The new AoB framework aims to modernise Medicare claiming and improve patient consent processes, but successful implementation will require practices to understand their obligations, update workflows, and ensure their technology partners are ready. Support the show We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

    31 min

  3. 25 May

    #84 - Mastering Healthcare Marketing: Internal vs External Strategies

    Send us your enquiry or question directly! In this episode, Zac Pandur and Ami Assigal unpack the evolving world of healthcare marketing and the ongoing debate between managing marketing internally or partnering with external agencies. From social media strategy and branding to compliance, analytics, and long-term practice growth, this episode provides a practical look into what actually works in modern healthcare marketing. The discussion explores the strengths and limitations of both internal teams and outsourced marketing providers, including the importance of understanding your current position before investing heavily into campaigns or branding. Zac and Ami also discuss the growing role of analytics tools, the risks of poor marketing advice, and why authenticity and compliance remain critical in healthcare. Whether you’re a practice owner, manager, or healthcare entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insight into building a sustainable and effective marketing strategy. Key Discussion Points: • Pros and cons of internal marketing teams • Benefits and risks of external marketing agencies • How to assess your current marketing performance • Building an effective healthcare brand • Compliance considerations in healthcare marketing Resources Mentioned: Google Analytics: https://analytics.google.com/ Meta Business Suite: https://business.facebook.com/ AHPRA: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/ TGA Guidelines for Alternative Medicine Marketing: https://www.tga.gov.au/ Support the show We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

    25 min

  4. 18 May

    #83 - Protecting Intellectual Property

    Send us your enquiry or question directly! This week, Zac Pandur and Ami Assigal discuss the hidden risks of walking intellectual property within general practice and business operations. The episode explores how knowledge, processes, policies, procedures, and operational know-how can easily “walk out the door” when staff leave, and why strong SOPs, documentation, and handover processes are critical for protecting business continuity. The team also touches on: Staff handovers and operational gapsWhether employees should work notice periodsBuilding systems that reduce reliance on individualsPlenty of laughs along the wayCelebrating Ami’s 40th birthday 🎉Key Takeaway If important knowledge only exists in one staff member’s head, it is a business risk. Strong systems and clear documentation protect both the team and the business. Support the show We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

    24 min

  5. 11 May

    #82 - Why Positivity Matters in Healthcare

    Send us your enquiry or question directly! In Episode 82 of the Practice Partners Podcast, Zac Pandur takes on a solo discussion around one of the biggest challenges facing healthcare teams today: negativity in the industry and why positivity matters more than ever. With increasing operational pressure, staffing shortages, burnout, and rising patient expectations, many healthcare environments have fallen into a cycle of stress, frustration, and reactive culture. In this episode, Zac explores how negativity impacts team morale, leadership, patient experience, and long-term business performance, and why leaders must take responsibility for shaping a more constructive workplace culture. This is not about toxic positivity or ignoring real problems. It is about creating resilient teams, improving communication, and building workplaces where people feel supported, valued, and motivated despite the pressure. Zac discusses:  Why negativity spreads quickly in healthcare environments  The operational impact of poor workplace culture  The difference between realism and pessimism  How leadership behaviour shapes team morale  Practical ways to improve positivity within practices and healthcare businesses  Why culture is becoming a competitive advantage in healthcare A practical and honest conversation for practice owners, managers, healthcare leaders, and team members looking to improve culture and performance in an increasingly demanding industry. Support the show We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

    21 min

  6. 5 May

    #81 - GP Reference Checks.. Are they a thing?

    Send us your enquiry or question directly! In this episode, Zac Pandur and Ami Assigal break down the realities of GP recruitment and why most clinics get it wrong. From ineffective reference checks to poor alignment and cultural misfits, this conversation focuses on the practical steps required to hire well and reduce long-term risk when bringing doctors into your practice. We cover: • Why traditional reference checks are losing value and where they still matter for GPs • How to identify early “yellow flags” and manage red flags within the first 6 to 12 months • Aligning clinical interests, billing style, and expectations before onboarding • How to run structured, effective reference conversations • Recruiter vs practice-led reference checks • Trial periods and ongoing review vs traditional probation • Cultural fit and personality in long-term success • Key legal considerations when engaging doctors We also speak honestly about: • The lack of transparency across healthcare recruitment • Why most references are overly positive and lack real insight • The risk of hiring for convenience rather than alignment • The long-term cost of cultural misfits If your practice is hiring or considering bringing on new doctors, this is a necessary reset. Structured recruitment, strong alignment, and disciplined processes are critical to building a stable and high-performing clinical team. Support the show We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

    23 min

  7. 27 Apr

    #80 - RBA Surcharge Changes: What Your Practice Needs Know

    Send us your enquiry or question directly! In this episode, Zac Pandur and Ami Assigal break down the recent RBA surcharge changes announcement and what they actually mean for general practice. With shifts in payment processing rules and increasing cost pressures, practices need to reassess how they approach billing, surcharges, and patient communication. This episode focuses on the practical steps required to stay compliant while maintaining financial stability. We cover:  • What the RBA surcharge changes are and how they impact your practice  • The real cost of payment processing and how to manage it  • Fee adjustments and when they are necessary  • How to communicate pricing changes clearly to patients  • Supporting your team with consistent messaging and scripting  • Financial discipline and maintaining profitability in a changing environment We also speak honestly about:  • Why “consistent messaging is key when communicating fee changes”  • The importance of equipping your team, not leaving them exposed  • “Back yourself in pricing and know your practice's worth” If your practice hasn’t reviewed its billing structure recently, this is a necessary reset. Clear pricing, strong communication, and confident leadership are critical in the current environment. Support the show We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

    32 min

  8. 20 Apr

    #79 - You’re Carrying More Risk Than You Think

    Send us your enquiry or question directly! Risk in healthcare is not theoretical. It is operational, daily, and often hiding in plain sight. In Episode 79, Zac Pandur and Ami Assigal take a structured look at risk management in general practice, focusing on compliance, staff accountability, and the increasing scrutiny around Medicare and Assignment of Benefit. As regulations tighten, practices that lack discipline in their processes will be the first exposed. We cover:  • The real sources of risk in medical practices today  • Assignment of Benefit changes and what they mean for your clinic  • Medicare compliance and audit preparedness  • Staff training, accountability, and behavioural risk  • The intersection of HR, compliance, and operational control  • Practical steps to assess and mitigate risk across your practice We also speak honestly about:  • Why staff behaviour is one of the biggest uncontrolled risks in clinics  • The gap between “knowing” compliance and actually executing it  • The ownership burden, and why risk ultimately sits with you If you are not actively managing risk in your practice, you are accepting it. This episode gives you the framework to take back control. Support the show We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

    27 min
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About

Welcome to Practice Partners Podcast, where Ami, a seasoned practice owner, and Zac, a dynamic practice manager, team up to explore the ins and outs of healthcare business management. Together, they share their expertise as consultants for practice owners and managers through their work with Practice Partners, while also operating Ami's own successful medical centre group, Innovate Health.From funny behind-the-scenes stories to real-world challenges and valuable insights, Practice Partners Podcast is your go-to podcast for everything practice management and operations. Whether you’re a seasoned practice owner, a budding manager, or just curious about what goes on behind the reception desk, join Ami and Zac for an engaging and informative journey into the heart of healthcare business.Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a little chaos—because running a medical practice is anything but boring!'We partner you in your Healthcare Business'

Information

  • Creator
    Ami Assigal & Zac Pandur
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Practice Partners Podcast
  • Show Website
    Practice Partners Podcast

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