MGMA Podcasts

MGMA

Welcome to the MGMA Podcast Network, your gateway to insightful discussions and expert analysis on key topics in healthcare management. Dive into a diverse array of shows tailored to meet the interests and needs of healthcare professionals like you. Explore the experiences and perspectives of trailblazing women in healthcare on "Women in Healthcare," or discover innovative strategies and solutions for your practice on "Business Solutions." Stay updated on the latest industry trends and news with "Week in Review," and gain valuable insights from industry leaders and MGMA members on "Member Spotlight." Don't miss our flagship show, "MGMA Insights," where we delve deep into the most pressing issues facing healthcare organizations today. Whether you're seeking inspiration, practical advice, or in-depth analysis, the MGMA Podcast Network is your trusted companion on your journey towards excellence in healthcare management. Tune in and join the conversation today!

  1. 12h ago

    Five Minutes to Reset: Mindfulness, Movement, and Burnout Prevention with Dr. David Klemanski

    Earlier this year, MGMA Stat polling found that one in three physicians either retired or left their practice in the past year due to burnout, while nearly half of medical group leaders said physician burnout is getting worse. In this episode of the MGMA Insight Podcast Network, host Daniel Williams chats with Dr. David Klemanski, chief of the Division of Psychology and director of postdoctoral training at Cambridge Health Alliance, and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, to explore how short mindfulness and movement practices may help medical practice workers manage stress before it becomes chronic. Dr. Klemanski shares findings from a randomized controlled trial conducted with Caravan Wellness, examining whether five- to 10-minute mindfulness or movement interventions can improve stress, emotional regulation, quality of life and motivation. The conversation moves from research design to everyday application, including what to do when a stressful moment hits, why prevention matters, and how busy healthcare professionals can begin building habits before they need them most. Episode Takeaways Stress has shifted from episodic to chronic for many people. Dr. Klemanski notes that stress is no longer something many workers experience in isolated bursts. For clinicians, practice leaders and staff members, stress increasingly functions as a constant overlay on daily life.Mindfulness is not about “doing nothing.” Dr. Klemanski defines mindfulness as paying attention in the present moment, on purpose and without judgment. In hectic medical practice environments, that can mean pausing long enough to recognize a worry loop, a reactive emotion or an unhelpful automatic behavior.Micro moments can create meaningful behavior change. The study tested brief daily interventions, typically around 10 minutes, using mindfulness practices or guided physical movement. Participants who engaged with these short practices showed improvements in stress, anxiety, emotional regulation, quality of life and motivation.The study compared mindfulness, movement and a control group. Participants were randomly assigned to mindfulness activities, physical movement activities or a wait-list control group. The goal was to examine whether brief wellness practices could produce measurable change over time.Motivation matters when building healthier habits. One of the study’s notable findings was that people who practiced these micro-interventions often became more motivated to continue wellness-oriented behaviors. Dr. Klemanski emphasized that this habit formation is central to longer-term sustainability.The best time to learn mindfulness is before a crisis moment. Dr. Klemanski cautions that trying to learn mindfulness in the middle of an emotional storm is difficult. Practicing during calmer moments helps train the brain so the skill is available when stress, rumination or frustration rises.Movement can be a mindfulness practice too. For people who struggle with seated meditation, movement-based practices such as stretching, yoga, light exercise, cardio or resistance training can offer similar benefits. The key is being intentional and present rather than simply checking out.Technology can either distract or support regulation. Daniel and Dr. Klemanski discuss the common reflex to scroll through a phone during small pockets of downtime, such as standing in line. Wellness apps may help redirect that impulse toward a more restorative use of those same few minutes.Resources Connect with Dr. David Klemanski on LinkedInLearn more about Caravan WellnessLearn more about Harvard Medical School"Staying vigilant against physician burnout: Is progress being made?" (MGMA Stat article)"Can focusing on burnout cause more burnout?" (MGMA Insight article)"Addressing clinician burnout with a focus on their calling to medicine" (MGMA Stat article)MGMA Insights Podcast NetworkEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts! This episode is sponsored by ModMed. Every denied claim costs time and money to rework — for care you’ve already delivered. While payers sharpen their own AI tools, ModMed RCM Services pairs seasoned billing specialists with AI designed to help flag claims at risk before they go out the door, so your team can fix issues upfront instead of appealing after the fact. Learn more here.

    Five Minutes to Reset: Mindfulness, Movement, and Burnout Prevention with Dr. David Klemanski
  2. Aug 12

    Why Workflow, Not Technology, Is Healthcare's Biggest Challenge: A Conversation with NextGen's G. Shah

    On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams sits down with G. Shah, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at NextGen Healthcare, to explore why healthcare organizations need to redesign workflows around patients and providers rather than simply layering on more technology. They discuss workflow debt, provider burnout, trusted data, interoperability, and how healthcare leaders can take a more strategic approach to AI adoption. Episode Takeaways Healthcare's biggest challenge isn't technology, it's workflow design. Many organizations have accumulated layers of technology solutions over time without reevaluating the end-to-end experience for providers, staff, and patients.Broken workflows create organizational "debt." Administrative burden, staff frustration, provider burnout, and inefficient processes accumulate when organizations continue to build on outdated workflows rather than redesigning them.Technology should enable care, not dictate it. Shah argues that providers have spent years adapting to software workflows when technology should instead adapt to how clinicians deliver care.The best technology becomes invisible. Effective technology supports patient care in the background, allowing providers to focus on face-to-face conversations and meaningful interactions rather than screens and documentation.Patients experience workflow failures even when they don't see them. Delayed referrals, redundant paperwork, repeated questions, and disconnected systems all create friction that negatively impacts the patient experience.Trusted data is essential for better care and efficiency. Organizations need confidence in the accuracy, source, and provenance of information to reduce duplicate work, unnecessary testing, and repeated verification.AI alone won't solve broken processes. Applying AI to inefficient workflows may simply make broken processes run faster. Healthcare leaders should redesign desired workflows first, then determine where AI creates meaningful value.Evaluate AI through an end-to-end workflow lens. Before investing in point solutions, organizations should assess how AI tools integrate into existing workflows, share data, and support the broader patient and provider experience.Resources Connect with G. Shah on LinkedInLearn more about NextGen HealthcareWebinar discussed in this episode: Healthcare Has Normalized Broken Workflows: How High-Performing Practices Are Redefining What's Possible (on demand)Register or access MGMA webinars Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts! This episode is sponsored by ModMed. Every denied claim costs time and money to rework — for care you’ve already delivered. While payers sharpen their own AI tools, ModMed RCM Services pairs seasoned billing specialists with AI designed to help flag claims at risk before they go out the door, so your team can fix issues upfront instead of appealing after the fact. Learn more here.

    Why Workflow, Not Technology, Is Healthcare's Biggest Challenge: A Conversation with NextGen's G. Shah
  3. Aug 5

    A Year Later: Revisiting Ochsner Health's Award-Winning Patient Access Innovation with Sean Nguyen

    On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams speaks with Sean Nguyen of Ochsner Health about the evolution of Ochsner's award-winning spine care initiative, the power of clinician collaboration, practical applications of AI in healthcare, and what attendees can expect from his upcoming presentation at the MGMA Annual Conference in San Antonio. Nguyen first joined the podcast as the recipient of MGMA's Harwick Innovation Award. Now, nearly two years into the implementation of Ochsner's coordinated spine care model, he shares lessons learned, measurable outcomes, and why the framework can extend well beyond spine care to improve access and care navigation across the healthcare continuum. The conversation also explores AI adoption, conference planning, and the importance of maintaining passions outside of work. Episode Takeaways Ochsner's spine care initiative was designed to create a seamless patient experience regardless of where a patient enters the healthcare system, ensuring "right care, right place, right time."Nearly two years after implementation, the program continues to demonstrate positive results through improved patient access, strong patient satisfaction scores, and high clinician engagement.One of the biggest successes has been increased collaboration among physicians, therapists, pain management teams, and other specialists across the health system.Nguyen believes the same care coordination framework can be applied to a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, dermatology concerns, and other complex care pathways.Technology and process improvement go hand in hand. Effective coordination requires both the right workflows and the right digital tools.Ochsner is leveraging AI across multiple areas, including call center operations, decision support, ambient documentation, prior authorization workflows, and administrative burden reduction.Nguyen has become a daily user of Microsoft Copilot, using it to prepare for meetings, summarize projects, organize priorities, and enhance communication.As a member of MGMA's inaugural Annual Conference Planning Committee, Nguyen offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the conference experience is designed with attendee engagement, education, networking, and logistics in mind.Outside of healthcare leadership, Nguyen relies on movies, comics, and superheroes as a way to recharge, combat compassion fatigue, and maintain balance.Resources MGMA Annual Conference 2026 (September 27-30, San Antonio)  | Sean Nguyen's session: "Blowing Up the Front Door: Reinventing Access and Redesigning Care"  | Tuesday, September 29, 1:30 p.m. CTConnect with Sean Nguyen on LinkedInListen to Sean Nguyen's previous MGMA Insights Podcast episode discussing his Harwick Innovation Award-winning workMGMA Podcast Network Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts! This episode is sponsored by ModMed. Every denied claim costs time and money to rework — for care you’ve already delivered. While payers sharpen their own AI tools, ModMed RCM Services pairs seasoned billing specialists with AI designed to help flag claims at risk before they go out the door, so your team can fix issues upfront instead of appealing after the fact. Learn more here.

    A Year Later: Revisiting Ochsner Health's Award-Winning Patient Access Innovation with Sean Nguyen
  4. Jul 29

    Looking Beyond Headcount: Rethinking Access, Workflows, and Telehealth with Drs. Pamela Ograbisz and Jamie Threatt

    On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams has a conversation with Dr. Pamela Ograbisz, vice president of clinical operations at LocumTenens.com, and Dr. Jamie Threatt, telehealth program director at LocumTenens.com, about the root causes of patient access challenges, optimizing advanced practice providers (APPs), reducing clinician burnout, and the role telehealth can play in expanding capacity. Rather than defaulting to recruitment when wait times grow, they explore how healthcare leaders can uncover workflow bottlenecks, redesign care delivery models, and better align resources to improve both patient and clinician experiences. Episode Takeaways Many patient access problems originate upstream from the clinician schedule. Intake processes, referral pathways, message routing, and screening workflows often create delays long before a provider shortage becomes apparent.APPs have become a standard part of healthcare delivery, but many organizations still have opportunities to use physician-APP teams more strategically to expand access in high-demand specialties.Healthcare leaders should carefully examine task ownership. Intake screening, message triage, and certain follow-up activities may not require physician involvement and can often be handled by nurses, APPs, telehealth staff, or technology-enabled workflows.Reviewing patient flow helps reveal hidden barriers. Delays related to referrals, imaging, communication handoffs, and scheduling can significantly affect access and productivity across a service line.Successful operational redesign depends on engaging the people doing the work. Physicians, APPs, nurses, technical staff, support employees, and patients each bring valuable perspectives on workflow challenges.There is no universal blueprint for operational improvement. Every organization has unique patient populations, staffing models, referral patterns, and processes that require customized solutions.Workflow inefficiencies contribute directly to clinician burnout. Administrative burdens, fragmented communication, and poorly designed processes often increase workload and reduce time available for patient care.Telehealth remains an underutilized opportunity in many organizations. Service lines with long wait times, hard-to-fill positions, or ongoing turnover may benefit from virtual care models that improve access while supporting patients with transportation, mobility, or caregiver limitations.When a service line struggles, leaders should begin by listening. Quantitative metrics are important, but clinicians and frontline staff often have the clearest understanding of what is actually broken within a workflow.Resources Connect with Dr. Pamela Ograbisz on LinkedInConnect with Dr. Jamie Threatt on LinkedInLocumTenens.comLT TelehealthMGMA PodcastsProductivity and Burnout article Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts! This episode is sponsored by ModMed. Every denied claim costs time and money to rework — for care you’ve already delivered. While payers sharpen their own AI tools, ModMed RCM Services pairs seasoned billing specialists with AI designed to help flag claims at risk before they go out the door, so your team can fix issues upfront instead of appealing after the fact. Learn more here.

  5. Jul 22

    From Burden to Bandwidth: Reducing Administrative Work in Healthcare

    On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams sits down with Ranga Bodla, vice president of field and industry marketing at Oracle NetSuite, for a conversation about administrative complexity, workforce pressures, and how healthcare organizations can use AI to create more capacity across both clinical and operational teams. Previewing his upcoming MGMA Annual Conference keynote with Seema Verma, executive vice president and general manager of Oracle Health and Life Sciences, Bodla shares why many healthcare leaders are struggling with disconnected systems, growing workloads, and mounting operational demands. He also explains how AI is being applied today to streamline documentation, automate repetitive tasks, improve reporting, and reduce the administrative work that takes clinicians and staff away from patient care. Key Takeaways: Administrative burden is consuming organizational capacity. Healthcare leaders continue to face workforce shortages, rising costs, and growing complexity, while clinicians and staff spend significant time navigating fragmented systems and manual workflows.The challenge extends beyond the exam room. Operational teams in finance, HR, and supply chain management face many of the same issues as clinical teams: disconnected systems, duplicate work, and limited visibility across the organization.AI is delivering value in repetitive workflows. Organizations are using AI to automate reconciliations, streamline reporting, improve forecasting, surface exceptions, and reduce the time employees spend searching for information.Documentation remains one of the strongest use cases for AI. Reducing documentation burden continues to be a priority for clinicians, making ambient listening and workflow-integrated documentation tools a practical starting point for adoption.Technology adoption depends on workflow integration. Employees are often resistant to learning yet another application. Successful AI tools fit naturally into existing workflows rather than requiring users to change how they work.The goal is more than productivity. According to Bodla, healthcare organizations should focus on reducing effort, not simply increasing output. The objective is to create more bandwidth for clinicians and staff by removing unnecessary work.Connected systems matter as much as AI capabilities. Organizations need access to the right data, context, and workflows for technology investments to have meaningful operational impact.Healthcare leaders should evaluate AI through a simple lens: How can it help people spend less time managing processes and more time making decisions?Resources: MGMA Events Prior Authorization 2025Oracle WebsiteNetsuite WebsiteNor-Lea HospitalEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to the MGMA Insights Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. This episode is sponsored by ModMed. Every denied claim costs time and money to rework — for care you’ve already delivered. While payers sharpen their own AI tools, ModMed RCM Services pairs seasoned billing specialists with AI designed to help flag claims at risk before they go out the door, so your team can fix issues upfront instead of appealing after the fact. Learn more here.

    From Burden to Bandwidth: Reducing Administrative Work in Healthcare
  6. Jul 15

    Finding the Human in the Machine — Dr. Michael Blackman on AI, Trust, and Smarter Workflows

    On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Michael Blackman, Chief Medical Officer at Greenway Health, to explore the evolving role of AI in medical practices — and why the human element remains essential.  From ambient documentation to clinical decision support, they unpack where AI is delivering real value today, where it still falls short, and how practice leaders can adopt these tools without overwhelming their teams or compromising patient trust. Key Takeaways: AI is an assistant — not a replacement. Human oversight remains critical, especially in clinical decision-making where the stakes are high.Not all AI outputs are created equal. Clinicians must evaluate results in three categories: clearly correct, clearly incorrect, and the risky “plausible but uncertain” middle ground.Ambient documentation is delivering immediate value by improving patient interaction and reducing time spent on note-taking — while shifting clinicians from authors to editors.Critical thinking and “show your work” still matter. AI-generated recommendations should always be backed by verifiable evidence, especially in clinical contexts.Adoption starts with the problem — not the technology. Practices should identify specific workflow challenges first, then implement AI tools that integrate seamlessly into those processes.AI is reshaping team dynamics. As a “new team member,” it requires adjustments in communication, workflows, and even how clinicians interact with patients during visits.Incremental gains add up. From message prioritization to surfacing relevant patient data, small efficiencies across workflows can meaningfully reduce burnout over time.Transparency builds patient trust. Explaining how AI is used — especially when it enhances focus on the patient — can improve comfort, engagement, and adherence. Resources: Connect with Dr. Blackman on LinkedIn.Greenway’s Novare platform (AI-driven EHR)AI by Design in Healthcare: Rethinking the EHR from the Ground Up, with Dr. Michael Blackman (MGMA Insights Podcast)"AI is slowly redesigning work in medical practices rather than replacing workers" (MGMA Stat Article)"Automatic for the people: AI moves for medical practices to boost the front office and access" (MGMA Stat Article)"AI governance in medical group practices: Rules for the humans in the loop" (MGMA Stat Article)  Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts! This episode is sponsored by ModMed. Every denied claim costs time and money to rework — for care you’ve already delivered. While payers sharpen their own AI tools, ModMed RCM Services pairs seasoned billing specialists with AI designed to help flag claims at risk before they go out the door, so your team can fix issues upfront instead of appealing after the fact. Learn more here.

    Finding the Human in the Machine — Dr. Michael Blackman on AI, Trust, and Smarter Workflows
  7. Jul 8

    The $150 Billion Blind Spot in Ambulatory Care That's Hiding in Plain Sight with Michelle Skinner

    On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams chats with Michelle Skinner, MBA, BSN, RN, chief clinical executive at Teletracking, about the growing complexity of ambulatory care and what it takes to keep patients connected to the right care at the right time. Their conversation explores referral leakage, scheduling inefficiencies, and provider capacity constraints — along with practical ways health systems and practices can improve visibility, streamline operations, and protect both patient access and financial performance. Key Takeaways Ambulatory care now dominates the care landscape More than 60% of care is delivered outside hospital walls, forcing organizations to rethink how they coordinate patient movement across distributed networks.Referral leakage is a massive, often hidden problem An estimated $150 billion is lost annually due to patients leaving the network, while 38% of referrals never fully close the loop — frequently due to lack of visibility and communication gaps.The biggest issue isn’t staffing — it’s fragmentation Many practices feel “busy and full,” yet system-level data shows inefficiencies. The disconnect stems from siloed information, not necessarily insufficient effort or staffing.Referral coordination is overly manual and unsustainable Staff often juggle hundreds of referrals, relying on spreadsheets, duplicate reports, and inbox management — creating delays and increasing the risk of errors or patient drop-off.AI and automation can eliminate low-value administrative work Tools like automated duplicate cleanup and referral tracking can significantly reduce manual workload, allowing teams to focus on complex, high-touch cases.Scheduling inefficiencies are often hiding in plain sight Mismatches between supply and demand — such as unused appointment slots or rigid scheduling templates — can limit access even when capacity technically exists.Data transparency aligns stakeholders and drives change When physicians, schedulers, and administrators see the same data, it becomes easier to address bottlenecks, adjust workflows, and improve patient access collaboratively.Start with outcomes, not technology Successful transformation begins by identifying pain points (e.g., referral delays, duplicate work, lost patients) and aligning stakeholders — technology should support clearly defined goals, not lead them.Resources Connect with Michelle Skinner on LinkedInTeletrackingMGMA Insights Podcast Network"Putting the power of scheduling into patients’ hands" (MGMA Stat Article)"Closed-loop referral management: Who owns each step in your practice?" (MGMA Insights Article)"Patient access priorities for 2026: Tackling wait times, phones, no-shows and more" (MGMA Stat Article)Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts! This episode is sponsored by ModMed. Every denied claim costs time and money to rework — for care you’ve already delivered. While payers sharpen their own AI tools, ModMed RCM Services pairs seasoned billing specialists with AI designed to help flag claims at risk before they go out the door, so your team can fix issues upfront instead of appealing after the fact. Learn more here.

    The $150 Billion Blind Spot in Ambulatory Care That's Hiding in Plain Sight with Michelle Skinner
  8. Jul 1

    Retention Isn’t Optional — Rethinking Physician Recruitment and Long-Term Success with AAPPR CEO Carey Goryl

    On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams chats with Carey Goryl, CEO of the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment (AAPPR), about physician recruitment, onboarding, and — most critically — retention strategies.  Carey shares fresh research insights from AAPPR, highlighting where healthcare organizations are making progress, where gaps remain, and what leaders can do now to build more effective, sustainable retention efforts. Key Takeaways: Only about 40% of healthcare organizations report having a formal physician retention strategy, though many are engaging in informal or inconsistent retention activities.A major gap is ownership, not effort. Few organizations clearly define who is accountable for retention outcomes across HR, operations, clinical leadership, and recruitment.Retention efforts often exist in silos, from compensation and bonuses to mentorship programs and scheduling flexibility, without a cohesive, measurable strategy.Foundational metrics — such as days to fill, cost to hire, and one- and five-year retention rates—are often missing, making it difficult to evaluate success or improve outcomes.The first week and first three to six months of onboarding are critical — early impressions can strongly influence whether a provider stays long term.Organizations can take immediate action by auditing current retention activities, identifying stakeholders, and forming a cross-functional team to align efforts and establish accountability.Humanizing the onboarding experience is essential — beyond logistics, organizations should recognize the life transition physicians are making and provide meaningful support.Retention maturity exists on a continuum — whether an organization is just starting or more advanced, there is always a next step toward a more structured, strategic approach.Resources: Connect with Carey on LinkedInAAPPR Research HubMGMA Insights Podcast NetworkEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts! This episode is sponsored by ModMed. Every denied claim costs time and money to rework — for care you’ve already delivered. While payers sharpen their own AI tools, ModMed RCM Services pairs seasoned billing specialists with AI designed to help flag claims at risk before they go out the door, so your team can fix issues upfront instead of appealing after the fact. Learn more here.

    Retention Isn’t Optional — Rethinking Physician Recruitment and Long-Term Success with AAPPR CEO Carey Goryl
4.8
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Welcome to the MGMA Podcast Network, your gateway to insightful discussions and expert analysis on key topics in healthcare management. Dive into a diverse array of shows tailored to meet the interests and needs of healthcare professionals like you. Explore the experiences and perspectives of trailblazing women in healthcare on "Women in Healthcare," or discover innovative strategies and solutions for your practice on "Business Solutions." Stay updated on the latest industry trends and news with "Week in Review," and gain valuable insights from industry leaders and MGMA members on "Member Spotlight." Don't miss our flagship show, "MGMA Insights," where we delve deep into the most pressing issues facing healthcare organizations today. Whether you're seeking inspiration, practical advice, or in-depth analysis, the MGMA Podcast Network is your trusted companion on your journey towards excellence in healthcare management. Tune in and join the conversation today!