MGMA Podcasts MGMA

Introduction:Welcome to another episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams. In this episode, Daniel sits down with Cristy Good, Senior Advisor at MGMA, to chat about the essential Human Resources strategies every medical practice leader should know. Cristy, a former healthcare practice administrator and a co-author of MGMA’s new book, Advanced Strategy for Medical Practice Leaders: Human Resources Management Edition, shares her wealth of experience and practical advice on navigating the complexities of HR in the healthcare industry.
Episode Highlights:1. Introduction to the HR Management Edition:   - Daniel and Cristy discuss the new book's release and its significance for medical practice leaders.   - Emphasis on aligning HR strategies with organizational goals to enhance operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
2. Cristy’s Journey and Insights:   - Cristy shares her career path from laboratory work to healthcare practice administration, highlighting how these experiences shaped the book’s content.   - Key lessons learned from her 20 years in healthcare practice management, focusing on HR’s pivotal role.
3. Major Challenges in HR for Medical Practices:   - Addressing staffing issues, turnover, and burnout in medical practices.   - Importance of work-life balance and the role of HR in fostering a supportive work environment.
4. Strategic HR Partnership:   - How HR can help medical practices achieve their goals by partnering strategically on hiring, compliance, and culture building.   - Real-life examples of effective HR strategies in practice.
5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for HR:   - Discussion on essential KPIs such as employee turnover rate, time to fill positions, compliance training, and absentee rate.   - Importance of tracking these metrics to ensure a high-performing and compliant workforce.
6. Evolution of HR in Healthcare:   - The impact of AI and technology on HR practices, including recruitment and predictive analytics.   - Future trends in HR, such as flexible work arrangements and integrating social determinants of health.
Quotes:- “I learned by drinking from a fire hose. I made mistakes and learned from them, and I wanted to share that knowledge to help others.” – Cristy Good- “HR needs to align with organizational goals. They help set these goals, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance operational efficiency.” – Cristy Good- “You don’t want to take the 'human' out of human resources. AI can help, but we need to use it wisely and maintain the human element.” – Cristy Good
Resources and Links:- MGMA “Ask an Advisor” Feature: Go to MGMA.com and click on the green "Ask MGMA" button in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen- New Book! "Advanced Strategy for Medical Practice Leaders: Human Resources Management Edition"- Join the MGMA Managing Stress Community Group: Email Daniel Williams at dwilliams@mgma.com or Cristy Good at cgood@mgma.com to join the ongoing stress management sessions.

Support for this podcast comes from ilumedilumed helps Medicare providers practice better medicine so they can get paid in up to three ways. Whether you’re just starting your value-based-care journey or ready to take it to the next level, ilumed can help you do more for your patients while earning more. ilumed offers simple solutions for a complicated industry. Let’s heal healthcare together. Visit ilumed.com to learn more.
Today’s podcast is also sponsored by RingCentral 
RingCentral brings staff, patients, and payers together with compliant cloud communications and a modern call center on any device. A free new ebook from RingCentral and MGMA focuses specifically on the payer-provider relationship. With all-too-familiar patient reviews, must-see statistics, and a transformative case study, this eBook illustrates how easily cloud communications can bring patients, providers, and payers together. Download your copy at go.r

In this MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast episode, host Daniel Williams speaks with Tony Schier, Executive Director of Cheyenne Obstetrics and Gynecology, about implementing successful human resources practices. They discuss strategies for developing employee skills, tracking performance goals, conducting effective interviews, and onboarding new hires. Tony contributed to MGMA's newest book, Advanced Strategy for Medical Practice Leaders: Human Resources Management Edition.
 Summary: Tony shares how his practice evaluates staff annually and encourages career development through certifications and training. He explains how setting organizational, department, and individual goals tied to key metrics helps improve performance in areas like patient satisfaction. Tony also discusses prioritizing integrity and cultural fit when interviewing candidates. The conversation provides insights on developing employees, implementing performance reviews, and strengthening recruitment practices at small medical offices.
Takeaways:
- Performance reviews focus on open-ended questions about accomplishments rather than a 1-5 scale to encourage dialogue. Goals are set to improve patient satisfaction scores and financial metrics like days in AR.
- When hiring, integrity and cultural fit are priorities. Schirer assesses soft skills during interviews and ensures fairness.
- New hires complete onboarding materials online and receive orientation, training, and shadowing with a mentor.
Sources:Cheyenne Obstetrics and GynecologyAdvanced Strategy for Medical Practice Leaders: Human Resources Management Edition
MGMA Sources:
Ask an Advisor
MGMA Membership
MGMA Consulting
WE 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 the member spotlight podcast. Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com. If you have a question for our senior advisor, Cristy Good, email advisor@mgma.com.

Support for this podcast comes from ilumedilumed helps Medicare providers practice better medicine so they can get paid in up to three ways. Whether you’re just starting your value-based-care journey or ready to take it to the next level, ilumed can help you do more for your patients while earning more. ilumed offers simple solutions for a complicated industry. Let’s heal healthcare together. Visit ilumed.com to learn more.
Today’s podcast is also sponsored by RingCentral 
RingCentral brings staff, patients, and payers together with compliant cloud communications and a modern call center on any device. A free new ebook from RingCentral and MGMA focuses specifically on the payer-provider relationship. With all-too-familiar patient reviews, must-see statistics, and a transformative case study, this eBook illustrates how easily cloud communications can bring patients, providers, and payers together. Download your copy at go.ringcentral.com/mgma-healthcare.html.

In this MGMA Week in Review podcast episode, Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss the shocking costs of ignoring mental health issues, strategies medical groups use to recruit nurses, and ways to prevent physician burnout through mindfulness and partnerships.
Key Takeaways and Resources:(Healthcare Finance News) - Colleen shares a recent analysis projecting that avoidable healthcare costs from mental health inequities could reach $1.3 trillion by 2040. (Harvard Business Review) - Leaders can improve decision-making by embracing diverse questioning techniques. (MGMA Stat) - Despite challenges, medical groups have increased clinician productivity and compensation by 4-6% through strategies like extended hours and increased telehealth usage. (MedPage Today)—Despite numerous challenges, medical practices' resilience and adaptability have led to increased productivity and compensation. (Medical Economics) - Preventing burnout includes mindfulness practices, congressional support for the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Protection Act, and applying the NIOSH Impact Wellbeing Guide within organizations. 
MGMA Resources:
Ask an Advisor
MGMA Membership
MGMA Consulting
WE 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 the member spotlight podcast. Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com or cluckett@mgma.com. If you have a question for our senior advisor, Cristy Good, email advisor@mgma.com.

Support for this podcast comes from ilumedilumed helps Medicare providers practice better medicine so they can get paid in up to three ways. Whether you’re just starting your value-based-care journey or ready to take it to the next level, ilumed can help you do more for your patients while earning more. ilumed offers simple solutions for a complicated industry. Let’s heal healthcare together. Visit ilumed.com to learn more.
Today’s podcast is also sponsored by RingCentral 
RingCentral brings staff, patients, and payers together with compliant cloud communications and a modern call center on any device. A free new ebook from RingCentral and MGMA focuses specifically on the payer-provider relationship. With all-too-familiar patient reviews, must-see statistics, and a transformative case study, this eBook illustrates how easily cloud communications can bring patients, providers, and payers together. Download your copy at go.ringcentral.com/mgma-healthcare.html.

In the latest episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Dr. Jennifer Taylor, Lead Medical Director at Humana, to discuss crucial topics affecting medical practice leaders today. Dr. Taylor shares the importance of effective communication among medical professionals, strategies for achieving a balanced work-life dynamic, and mentorship's value in the healthcare industry. These insights also offer valuable guidance on addressing burnout and enhancing team dynamics while utilizing available resources for better practice management.
Actionable InsightsDr. Taylor's expertise and practical advice provide invaluable guidance for medical practice leaders aiming to foster better communication, achieve work-life balance, and support their teams effectively. Here are some actionable steps based on her insights:
Enhance Communication:Implement regular team meetings and feedback sessions to foster open dialogue and quickly resolve issues.Use clear, concise language, and listen actively and empathetically to prevent misunderstandings and enhance team dynamics.Foster a culture of transparency and collaboration to navigate challenges more effectively.Achieve Work-Life Balance:Set clear boundaries between work and personal life to maintain balance.Recognize the signs of burnout early and take proactive steps, such as taking breaks and delegating tasks.Ensure a robust support system at work and home, and participate in hobbies, exercise, and meditation to maintain mental and physical health.Promote Mentorship:Seek out mentors for guidance and support in navigating complex career paths.Take on mentoring roles to help develop the next generation of healthcare professionals and foster personal growth and professional development.Resources
Humana's Wellness Programs
Dr. Taylor on Medicare Planning
Dr. Taylor on LinkedIn
MGMA Resources
MGMA Stat
Ask an Advisor
MGMA Membership
MGMA Consulting
WE 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 the member spotlight podcast. Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com. If you have a question for our senior advisor, Cristy Good, email advisor@mgma.com.

Support for this podcast comes from ilumedilumed helps Medicare providers practice better medicine so they can get paid in up to three ways. Whether you’re just starting your value-based-care journey or ready to take it to the next level, ilumed can help you do more for your patients while earning more. ilumed offers simple solutions for a complicated industry. Let’s heal healthcare together. Visit ilumed.com to learn more.
Today’s podcast is also sponsored by RingCentral 
RingCentral brings staff, patients, and payers together with compliant cloud communications and a modern call center on any device. A free new ebook from RingCentral and MGMA focuses specifically on the payer-provider relationship. With all-too-familiar patient reviews, must-see statistics, and a transformative case study, this eBook illustrates how easily cloud communications can bring patients, providers, and payers together. Download your copy at go.ringcentral.com/mgma-healthcare.html.

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Eric Schwab, COO of Preferred Primary Care Physicians. Eric shares his journey from real estate to becoming a leader in healthcare management. He discusses leading Preferred Primary Care, the largest independent primary care group in Western Pennsylvania with over 90 providers. Eric also details the strategic shift to value-based care and how data and wraparound services improved patient outcomes.
Major Takeaways:
Building a culture of care and family at Preferred Primary Care through benefits, communication and staff developmentImplementing systems and infrastructure to successfully transition to value-based care contracts  Utilizing data to inform care protocols and identify at-risk patients for proactive interventionDeveloping healthcare managers through mentoring and challenging assumptionsAchieving work-life balance as a healthcare leader through boundaries, planning and limiting reactivityMGMA Resources:
MGMA StatAsk an AdvisorMGMA MembershipMGMA ConsultingWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOULet 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 the member spotlight podcast. Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com. If you have a question for our senior advisor, Cristy Good, email advisor@mgma.com.

Support for this podcast comes from ilumedilumed helps Medicare providers practice better medicine so they can get paid in up to three ways. Whether you’re just starting your value-based-care journey or ready to take it to the next level, ilumed can help you do more for your patients while earning more. ilumed offers simple solutions for a complicated industry. Let’s heal healthcare together. Visit ilumed.com to learn more.
Today’s podcast is also sponsored by RingCentral 
RingCentral brings staff, patients, and payers together with compliant cloud communications and a modern call center on any device. A free new ebook from RingCentral and MGMA focuses specifically on the payer-provider relationship. With all-too-familiar patient reviews, must-see statistics, and a transformative case study, this eBook illustrates how easily cloud communications can bring patients, providers, and payers together. Download your copy at go.ringcentral.com/mgma-healthcare.html.

Welcome to this week's episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett. In this episode, Colleen and Daniel discuss the growing role of AI technology, like ambient transcription, in healthcare. They also cover strategies for implementing lessons from leadership programs and navigating trade issues. Colleen shares a story about pufferfish and highlights how practices can approach negotiations.
Takeaways:- Ambient AI shows promise but still needs human review for quality (MGMA Stat)- Gradual change and team involvement help apply lessons from events (HBR) - Identifying unique strengths allows practices to take control in negotiations (Physicians Practice)- Trade policies and litigation trends impact costs and provider roles (Fierce Healthcare)- Consider becoming an expert witness if interested in that professional path (MedPage Today)
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, an expert you would like us to interview, or if you'd like to appear on the member spotlight podcast. Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com or cluckett@mgma.com. If you have a question for our senior advisor, Cristy Good, email advisor@mgma.com.

Support for this podcast comes from ilumedilumed helps Medicare providers practice better medicine so they can get paid in up to three ways. Whether you’re just starting your value-based-care journey or ready to take it to the next level, ilumed can help you do more for your patients while earning more. ilumed offers simple solutions for a complicated industry. Let’s heal healthcare together. Visit ilumed.com to learn more.
Today’s podcast is also sponsored by RingCentral 
RingCentral brings staff, patients, and payers together with compliant cloud communications and a modern call center on any device. A free new ebook from RingCentral and MGMA focuses specifically on the payer-provider relationship. With all-too-familiar patient reviews, must-see statistics, and a transformative case study, this eBook illustrates how easily cloud communications can bring patients, providers, and payers together. Download your copy at go.ringcentral.com/mgma-healthcare.html.