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. Building Resilient Teams in Rural Healthcare: Lessons from Anthony Schirer, Cheyenne OBGYN

    6D AGO

    Building Resilient Teams in Rural Healthcare: Lessons from Anthony Schirer, Cheyenne OBGYN

    In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams reconnects with Tony (Anthony) Schirer, executive director of Cheyenne OBGYN and long-time MGMA member. Tony shares his journey into healthcare, the evolving role of technology in medical practices, and practical strategies for tackling staffing challenges in rural settings. The conversation also explores MGMA membership benefits, mentorship programs, and the value of professional networking. Key Takeaways 03:55 From Finance to Healthcare Leadership Tony explains how his career began in hospital finance and evolved into practice administration, driven by regulatory changes like the Stark Act.07:39 Technology’s Impact on Healthcare From early spreadsheets to EHRs and now AI, Tony reflects on the tools that have transformed operations and patient care.11:00 Recruiting in Rural Communities Why hiring clinicians for Cheyenne takes patience, creativity, and understanding family needs — and why it took 18 months to fill key roles. 12:45 Building Team CultureHoliday bonuses, potlucks, and post-holiday gatherings as strategies to show staff they’re valued. 15:17 Staffing Pain Points Challenges in finding qualified front-desk staff and medical assistants, and why local training programs matter. 17:27 Remote Work in Healthcare Tony shares real-world examples of hybrid and remote roles, including triage nurses and billing staff, and the compliance considerations involved.23:55 The Power of MGMA Membership Networking, advisory boards, and the MGMA Book Club as tools for professional growth and mentorship. 26:24 Why Mentorship Matters Tony’s call for more proactive outreach to new members and ideas for strengthening MGMA’s mentoring program. Resources  Contact Tony on LinkedIn. MGMA Membership BenefitsJackson Physician SearchEmail Daniel Williams at dwilliams@mgma.org if you'd like to join the MGMA Book club.

    37 min
  2. Leveraging AI Solutions to Modernize Prior Authorization in Medical Practices, with Dr. Paola Ballester

    DEC 10

    Leveraging AI Solutions to Modernize Prior Authorization in Medical Practices, with Dr. Paola Ballester

    In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams sits down with Paola Ballester, MD, pediatric hospitalist, medical director for utilization management, and senior physician advisor at a large, freestanding academic children’s hospital and regional pediatric referral center. Dr. Ballester is also the co-founder of EasyPA, an AI-driven platform designed to streamline prior authorization processes. Together, they explore how medical practices can tackle administrative burdens, leverage technology, and prepare for upcoming regulatory changes — all while improving patient access to care. Key Takeaways 02:45 Dr. Ballester’s Unique Journey From insurance claims adjuster to pediatric hospitalist — how her background shaped her expertise in utilization management and revenue cycle.06:27 The Pain Points of Prior Authorization Why delays in prior auth lead to patient suffering and staff frustration, and why the current system is broken. 08:01 Introducing EasyPA How an AI-powered platform can detect prior auth requirements, reduce denials, and generate appeal letters and peer-to-peer talking points. 11:37 The “220-Minute Case” A real-world example of administrative burden: 19 email threads, 14 team members, and multiple failed appeals for one procedure.22:19 Preparing for Regulatory Changes CMS’s new rules (57F) will require electronic prior auth by Jan 1, 2027 — what practices need to know now. 17:22 Choosing the Right Tech Tools Practical advice for administrators and clinicians on evaluating AI solutions and understanding your own data before investing.24:22 Leadership and Representation Dr. Ballester’s advice for women in healthcare leadership: owning confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and defining success. 26:35 Life Beyond Medicine How being a basketball mom keeps Dr. Ballester grounded and why setting boundaries matters for work-life balance. Resources & Links EasyPA Reach out to Paola Ballester, MD, on LinkedInCMS Rule 57F - Details on upcoming electronic prior authorization requirements.MGMA prior authorization resources

    30 min
  3. Finding Hidden Revenue and Building Human Connection: A Conversation with Jimmie Richmond of Banner Health

    DEC 3

    Finding Hidden Revenue and Building Human Connection: A Conversation with Jimmie Richmond of Banner Health

    On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, sits down with Jimmie Richmond, MPH, CHFP, CMPE, CPC, Financial Analysis Consultant at Banner University Medical Center. Jimmie is both a longtime MGMA member and a volunteer on MGMA’s new Human Resources & Compliance Advisory Board. Daniel and Jimmie explore the modern challenges facing medical practices — from unbilled revenue recovery to workforce shortages, patient access, remote work, and how leaders can weave compassion, communication, and connection into their operations. They also discuss the power of professional community through MGMA’s Book Club and advisory boards, offering listeners actionable insights to strengthen both their teams and their financial performance. Key Takeaways: • 1:53 — The “Unbilled Revenue” Problem: Why It Happens & How to Fix It Jimmie explains how his team identifies root causes of unbilled revenue in the EMR—an issue that directly impacts margins. He highlights the need for cross-functional collaboration between finance, revenue cycle, and providers. • 5:27 — A Career Built on Connection, Persistence, and Service From call centers to surgery centers to financial analysis, Jimmie shares how listening skills and empathy became core leadership tools. • 9:01 — Book Club as Leadership Training: Why MGMA Members Should Join Daniel and Jimmie discuss how MGMA’s Book Club builds leadership skills, encourages vulnerability, and helps members solve real-time workplace problems. • 12:55 — Finding Your Place in MGMA: Scholarships, Certification, and Fellowship Jimmie recounts how MGMA’s education, grants, and benchmarking tools helped advance his career—and how the fellowship journey validated his expertise. • 18:05 — Why a Finance Professional Joined the HR & Compliance Advisory Board Jimmie explains how financial analytics intersects with HR and compliance, and why multidisciplinary perspectives matter for better decision-making. • 20:20 — The Pressures Facing Practices Today: Patient Access, Staff Retention, & Provider Burnout Jimmie outlines the post-COVID challenges he sees across the system and why compassion must be a core leadership competency. • 22:13 — Making Remote Work… Actually Work: Tools, Touchpoints, and Trust As a fully remote financial consultant for a Phoenix-based practice, Jimmie offers tactical advice for communication rhythms, collaboration tools, and building team cohesion from afar. • 22:54 — How Leaders Can Recruit Talent in a Competitive Landscape Remote work can widen talent pools—if leaders invest in connection, scheduling discipline, and inclusive communication practices. Resources Mentioned:  Jimmie on LinkedInMGMA Book Club (Align the Mind – December Selection)Send an email of interest to Daniel Williams - dwilliams@mgma.comMGMA Volunteer Opportunities MGMA DataDive (Benchmarking Tool) MGMA Education & Certification (CMPE & Fellowship)MGMA Conferences

    27 min
  4. Mentorship, Retention, and Growth: Insights from Physician Practice Management with Allen Alongi

    NOV 26

    Mentorship, Retention, and Growth: Insights from Physician Practice Management with Allen Alongi

    In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams speaks with Allen Alongi, MBA, PMP, SSGB, Physician Practice Manager at Northside Hospital in Marietta, Georgia, and one of the newly appointed members of MGMA’s Human Resources and Compliance Advisory Board. Allen shares his journey from patient to healthcare leader; his passion for writing, reading, and mentorship; and strategies for building resilient teams in a challenging healthcare environment.  This conversation offers practical solutions for medical practice leaders and MGMA members looking to strengthen their teams, improve operations, and foster professional growth. Key Takeaways: 01:21 Allen’s Role at Northside Hospital Learn how Allen oversees multiple clinics, manages P&L, and drives strategic initiatives focused on retention and patient experience. 04:42 A Personal Healthcare Journey Allen’s diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes at age 14 and how it inspired his career in healthcare leadership.06:08 Career Path & Lessons Learned From academic medicine to physician practice management, Allen shares insights on staffing challenges and operational excellence. 09:05 Connecting with MGMA How MGMA resources and certification programs became a cornerstone for Allen’s professional development and decision-making. 11:05 Writing for MGMA Allen discusses his published articles on mentorship, feedback loops, and practical clinic solutions—and why writing matters for leadership. 12:36 Allen's Passion for Writing Stemmed from his Love of ReadingAllen talks classic literature and various writing roles throughout his career. 19:28 Book Recommendations & Lifelong Learning Allen and Daniel talk about some leadership reads, plus details on MGMA’s book club for members.25:07 Maximizing Mentor-Mentee ProgramsActionable advice for getting the most out of mentorship programs, including preparation, engagement, and growth strategies.Resources Mentioned: Allen’s MGMA Articles"Mentor up: How to be a great mentee and drive your own growth""Feedback for impact: Using employee and patient insights to drive operational improvements""Practical solutions to combat burnout in ambulatory clinics" Other MGMA ResourcesMGMA Certification - Demonstrate your skills and earn a recognized certificate of mastery.MGMA Mentor Program - New and improved!Books DiscussedThe Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre DumasEast of Eden by John SteinbeckLook Homeward, Angel by Thomas WolfeAlign the Mind by Britt FrankShatterproof by Tasha EurichThe Moviegoer by Walker PercyLemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events

    29 min
  5. A New Era of Clinical Information Exchange: What Practice Leaders Need to Know About TEFCA and QHINs

    NOV 20

    A New Era of Clinical Information Exchange: What Practice Leaders Need to Know About TEFCA and QHINs

    In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams speaks with Justin McMartin, Director of Product Innovation at Surescripts, about one of the most important developments in U.S. healthcare interoperability: TEFCA and Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs). They dig into what TEFCA is (and isn’t), how QHINs operate, what Surescripts is doing as a newly approved QHIN, and — most importantly — how practice leaders can use these tools to improve clinical decision-making, streamline workflows, reduce prior authorization pain, and support value-based care. Justin’s insights translate a deeply technical topic into clear, practice-oriented guidance that helps healthcare administrators understand what’s changing, how it impacts their clinicians, and what steps they should take now. Key Takeaways  Justin’s background & the evolution of Surescripts beyond e-prescribing 00:58 — From EHR implementation during Meaningful Use to building national data exchange networks.What Surescripts offers medical practices today 02:45 — Eligibility, medication history, real-time benefit tools, clinical messaging, record locator/exchange.TEFCA explained: Why it exists and what it solves 04:59 — Preventing fragmented, state-by-state frameworks by establishing a single national standard.QHINs & the Sequoia Project’s role as RCE 06:08 — How QHINs govern secure, standardized data exchange nationwide.How Surescripts participates: InterConnect & QHIN approval 07:33 — Surescripts’ new QHIN subsidiary and what it means for practice connectivity.Scope of data available: Billions of clinical documents exchanged 08:39 — How Carequality volume and TEFCA adoption are converging.What TEFCA adds to existing practice workflows 10:33 — Access to CCDAs across care settings, improving completeness at the point of care.Practical use cases for clinicians and practice managers 12:33 — ED episodes, chronic disease management, and value-based care coordination.Why practices hesitate: Awareness, education, and workflow clarity 14:54 — Adoption barriers and how vendors can support practices.Action steps for practice leaders 17:44 — Review InterConnect resources, understand state exchanges, and incorporate patient feedback on data access.Resources Mentioned in the Episode SurescriptsThe Sequoia Project (TEFCA RCE)

    22 min
  6. Empowering Healthcare Leaders: Delores McNair on Mentorship, Authenticity & the Power of “We”

    NOV 14 · BONUS

    Empowering Healthcare Leaders: Delores McNair on Mentorship, Authenticity & the Power of “We”

    In this inspiring bonus episode of the MGMA Podcast, recorded live at the 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando, Senior Editor Daniel Williams sits down with Delores McNair—speaker, mentor, and longtime MGMA leader—who brings her trademark energy and authenticity to a conversation about leadership, mentorship, and human connection in healthcare. Delores McNair shares what fuels her continued engagement with MGMA, from mentoring and speaking to leading the MGMA Book Club community. She reflects on the power of authentic leadership, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and why MGMA conferences offer more than education—they build connection. Highlights from this episode:How mentorship through MGMA helps leaders grow and give backThe value of authentic leadership and building a personal brandLessons from the MGMA Book Club and continuous learningNetworking vs. connecting: why real relationships matter Reflections on MGMA’s 1920s-themed gala and the joy of communityIf you’re passionate about healthcare leadership, professional development, and authentic connection, this conversation will leave you inspired. Subscribe to the MGMA Podcast for more interviews with healthcare innovators and leaders shaping the future of medical practice management. #MGMA #HealthcareLeadership #LeadersConference #Mentorship #AuthenticLeadership #MedicalPracticeManagement

    7 min
  7. A Rural Healthcare Leadership Journey with Macy Dotty, 2025 MGMA Future Five Honoree

    NOV 12

    A Rural Healthcare Leadership Journey with Macy Dotty, 2025 MGMA Future Five Honoree

    In this episode, Sr. Editor and host of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Daniel Williams, MBA, MSEM, sits down with Macy Dotty, Clinic Director of Interventional Pain, Neurology, Urology, and Visiting Specialists at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby, Minnesota — and one of MGMA’s 2025 Future Five Award winners. Macy shares her unconventional entry into healthcare during the early days of COVID, how growing up in rural Minnesota shaped her leadership approach, and how her team cut wait times from 54 days to just over 10 without adding staff. She also reflects on what it means to be honored as a Future Five leader and what excites her most about the future of healthcare. This episode is full of actionable insights for medical practice leaders, especially those working in rural and resource-constrained environments. Key Takeaways Starting a Healthcare Career During the Pandemic Built Adaptability and Resourcefulness (05:43) Macy entered healthcare in the spring of 2020 with no traditional onboarding, learning instead through immersion, curiosity, and creative problem-solving — skills that continue to shape her leadership. How a “Small but Mighty” Critical Access Hospital Serves a Large Rural Region (15:18) CRMC sits in a town of 2,300 but serves 50,000–60,000 patients across rural Minnesota, performing more than 10,000 surgeries a year. Macy explains why patients drive past larger systems to receive care there. Managing Seasonal Patient Shifts: Coordinating Care for Snowbirds (17:23) Macy outlines how her team tracks which patients winter in other states, ensures continuity of care, prevents unnecessary follow-up outreach, and keeps partner providers informed. Cutting Wait Times from 54 Days to 10 with Data, Templates & Team Alignment (21:05) Rather than adding staff, Macy’s team redesigned provider schedules, room utilization, and workflows — dramatically expanding access and improving patient outcomes. Leadership That Drives >99th Percentile Engagement Scores (24:56) Macy prioritizes visibility, staff autonomy, psychological safety, and genuine personal connection. Her approach empowers teams to solve problems and care for patients more effectively. Innovation + Policy Awareness Will Shape the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders (26:54) Future leaders must embrace creative problem-solving, partnership-building, technology, and an active understanding of state/local legislation impacting care delivery. Bonus: A Disney First-Timer? Planning Orlando Travel as a Minnesotan (28:09) Macy hopes to turn her upcoming Orlando trip into her fiancé’s first-ever Disney experience — if she can persuade him. Resources Mentioned Cuyuna Regional Medical CenterMGMA DataDiveMGMA Stat

    30 min
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!

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