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In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, and Colleen Luckett, Editor and Writer at MGMA, discuss the latest news and insights for medical practice leaders and MGMA members.
Major Topics
Bipartisan legislation to improve healthcare cybersecurity after a ransomware attackThe need for more institutional support for physicians treating addictionThe importance of flexible goal setting for personal and professional growthThe resurgence of nurse self-scheduling in healthcareKey Takeaways
Healthcare Cybersecurity Act:Introduced by Senators Jackie Rosen, Todd Young, and Angus King, this act aims to coordinate cybersecurity efforts between government agencies to protect patient data and healthcare systems.Support for Physicians Treating Addiction:Physicians lack the necessary training, resources, and administrative support to effectively treat addiction, leading to frustration and an uphill battle."We're expected to manage complex addiction cases, but without proper training and support, it's an uphill battle." - Physician quoted in the articleFlexible Goal Setting:Flexible goal setting, where goals are seen as adaptable and malleable, can enhance chances of success and foster a more fulfilling path to achieving aspirations."When goals are too rigid, they become a source of stress and frustration. Flexibility allows for a healthier relationship with our ambitions, making the journey as rewarding as the destination." - Erica Pandy, author of the Harvard Business Review articleNurse Self-Scheduling:Nurse self-scheduling, where nurses have autonomy to choose their own work shifts, is making a comeback due to electronic scheduling systems and nurses' demands for more flexibility. This can lead to higher job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and better patient care.Resources
Health Care Cybersecurity ActMedical Economics article on addiction treatmentFTC and Healthcare ConsolidationHarvard Business Review article on flexible goal-settingBecker's Clinical Leadership article on nurse self-schedulingWe 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 an MGMA podcast. Email us at:
Daniel Williams: dwilliams@mgma.com
Ryan Reaves: rreaves@mgma.com
Colleen Luckett: cluckett@mgma.comCristy Good: cgood@mgma.com
Thank you for tuning in to the MGMA Podcast Network. Please subscribe and leave us a review. See you next time!

MidmarkFounded in 1915, Midmark Corporation is the only company transforming healthcare experiences through innovative design within the medical, dental and animal health environments.
With a deep understanding of the healthcare environment, Midmark helps physicians and care teams deliver exceptional patient care through seamless room design, better equipment, smarter workflows and integrated technologies.
Midmark can help you improve clinical outcomes and eliminate the barriers preventing seamless, well-coordinated patient care. Visit our website to learn more about Midmark, or join us for the MGMA webinar on October 24, or on demand at MGMA.com.
RingCentral:We’d like to thank RingCentral for their sponsorship. You can visit their website at ringcentral.com to learn how they’re helping healthcare organizations create the ideal patient experience with AI powered communications; helping to reduce risk, drive efficiency, and improve patient satisfaction.

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Sarah Clark, owner of Sarah Clark Consulting, as she dives into the crucial aspects of improving patient experience and increasing profits within medical practices. This discussion explores practical strategies to help medical practice leaders tackle common challenges and elevate their operations.
Major Takeaways:
The 4 Ps to Success: 
Process: Streamlining administrative workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce patient wait times.People: Investing in staff training and development to improve patient interactions and satisfaction.Paperwork: Simplifying documentation processes to minimize errors and improve compliance.Patients: Focusing on patient-centric care to boost overall satisfaction and loyalty.Key Strategies for Enhancing Patient Experience: 
Implementing robust feedback systems to understand patient needs and expectations.Utilizing technology to facilitate better communication and streamline appointment scheduling.Increasing Profits Through Improved Processes: 
Identifying and eliminating bottlenecks in practice operations.Leveraging data analytics to make informed decisions about resource allocation and service offerings.Resources:Sarah Clark 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 an MGMA podcast. Email us at:
Daniel Williams: dwilliams@mgma.com
Ryan Reaves: rreaves@mgma.com
Colleen Luckett: cluckett@mgma.comCristy Good: cgood@mgma.com
Thank you for tuning in to the MGMA Podcast Network. Please subscribe and leave us a review. See you next time!

MidmarkFounded in 1915, Midmark Corporation is the only company transforming healthcare experiences through innovative design within the medical, dental and animal health environments.
With a deep understanding of the healthcare environment, Midmark helps physicians and care teams deliver exceptional patient care through seamless room design, better equipment, smarter workflows and integrated technologies.
Midmark can help you improve clinical outcomes and eliminate the barriers preventing seamless, well-coordinated patient care. Visit our website to learn more about Midmark, or join us for the MGMA webinar on October 24, or on demand at MGMA.com.
RingCentral:We’d like to thank RingCentral for their sponsorship. You can visit their website at ringcentral.com to learn how they’re helping healthcare organizations create the ideal patient experience with AI powered communications; helping to reduce risk, drive efficiency, and improve patient satisfaction.

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams speaks with Sharon Sagarra, MBA, FACMPE, owner of Sagarra Medical Consulting, and an MGMA Consultant. Sharon shares her extensive experience in healthcare management and provides actionable strategies for medical practice leaders to optimize compensation and benefits plans for their employees. Her insights are particularly relevant for those attending the upcoming MGMA Staffing Conference, where she will present on this very topic.
Practical Takeaways for Medical Practices 
1. Develop a Comprehensive Budget 
Maintaining a detailed budget is essential for managing financial challenges such as rising minimum wages and decreasing insurance reimbursements. "Make sure you're doing a budget. I was surprised the last two practices I was at did not have a budget," Sagarra emphasizes. A comprehensive budget helps practices monitor expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and allocate resources efficiently​
2. Streamline Operations and Utilize Group Purchasing 
Streamlining operations and leveraging group purchasing organizations can significantly reduce costs. Sagarra advises, "Look at supplies that could be streamlined with maybe one or two vendors or group purchasing organizations." This strategy helps negotiate better rates and simplifies inventory management, reducing both costs and administrative burdens​.
3. Automate to Improve Efficiency 
Implementing automation can help reduce payroll and overtime expenses while enhancing staff efficiency. Sagarra notes, "Automation of tasks can make things easier for your staff, reducing costs in payroll and overtime." Automating billing, appointment scheduling, and other administrative tasks frees up staff time for more impactful activities​.
Resources Mentioned 
MGMA Staffing Conference Information Sagarra Medical Consulting Sharon Sagarra on MGMASharon Sagarra on LinkedIn


MidmarkFounded in 1915, Midmark Corporation is the only company transforming healthcare experiences through innovative design within the medical, dental and animal health environments.
With a deep understanding of the healthcare environment, Midmark helps physicians and care teams deliver exceptional patient care through seamless room design, better equipment, smarter workflows and integrated technologies.
Midmark can help you improve clinical outcomes and eliminate the barriers preventing seamless, well-coordinated patient care. Visit our website to learn more about Midmark, or join us for the MGMA webinar on October 24, or on demand at MGMA.com.
RingCentral:We’d like to thank RingCentral for their sponsorship. You can visit their website at ringcentral.com to learn how they’re helping healthcare organizations create the ideal patient experience with AI powered communications; helping to reduce risk, drive efficiency, and improve patient satisfaction.

Welcome to another episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast with hosts Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, and Colleen Luckett, Editor and Writer at MGMA. In today's episode, we tackle some pressing issues facing medical practice leaders. We delve into the recent Medicare physician cuts, explore strategies to boost employee morale through modern benefits enrollment, discuss the rising costs of drug supplies and IT expenses, and highlight key findings from Press Ganey's patient experience report. We'll also touch on the concept of administrative harm and its impact on healthcare. Let's dive into these critical topics and uncover solutions that can help you navigate these challenges effectively.
Major Takeaways:
Medicare Physician Cuts:CMS has proposed a 2.8% decrease in Medicare physician fees for 2025, sparking concern among physician groups. Anders Gillberg, Senior VP of Government Affairs at MGMA, criticizes the proposal as "critically short-sighted."The American College of Rheumatology highlights a 29% decline in Medicare physician payments from 2001 to 2024.CMS defends the proposal, citing provisions for telehealth flexibilities, improved primary and behavioral healthcare, and enhanced caregiver training services.Boosting Employee Morale through Modern Benefits Enrollment:Todd Shyrock's article in Medical Economics emphasizes the importance of modernizing benefits enrollment to improve employee morale and reduce turnover rates.Digital solutions like self-service portals and comprehensive communication strategies are key to a successful enrollment process."A happy, well-informed staff is more productive and more likely to stay with your practice long-term," concludes Shyrock.Rising Costs of Drug Supplies and IT Expenses:MGMA's July 9 poll reveals significant increases in non-labor expenses, with drug supplies up 41% and IT expenses up 26%.Practices face challenges with drug shortages and rising costs, investing heavily in cybersecurity and EHR licensing.Internal training programs and hiring alternative staff to cover MA positions are strategies being used to address these challenges.Enhancing Patient Experience (PX) Report:Press Ganey's "Patient Experience in 2024" report shows significant improvements in PX scores, especially in ambulatory surgery and medical practices.Disparities persist among younger patients and underrepresented populations, highlighting the need for equitable care.Clear, consistent communication is vital for building patient trust and loyalty, leading to better outcomes and stronger patient-provider relationships.Administrative Harm:The term "administrative harm" refers to the negative consequences of administrative decisions on patient care and clinician well-being.Dr. Marisa Burdon's study in JAMA Internal Medicine highlights the lack of accountability for administrators and the impact on clinician burnout and job dissatisfaction.Strategies like administrative timeouts and inclusive decision-making can help mitigate these harmful decisions and improve patient care outcomes.
Resources and Links:
Medicare Physician Cuts Article - MedPage TodayBoosting Benefits and Morale Article - Medical EconomicsPress Ganey Patient Experience ReportAdministrative Harm Study - JAMA Internal MedicineThank you for joining us on this episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast. Be sure to check out the provided links for more in-depth information on these critical topics. We appreciate your support and look forward to bringing you more valuable insights in our next episode.

MidmarkFounded in 1915, Midmark Corporation is the only company transforming healthcare experiences through innovative design within the medical, dental and animal health environments.
With a deep understanding of the healthcare environment, Midmark helps physicians and care teams deliver exceptional patient care through seamless room design, better equipment, smarter workflows and integrated technologies.
Midmark can help you improve clinica

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Delores McNair, Division Administrator at Duke University School of Medicine, and Bryana Blanco, Nursing Development Specialist at AdventHealth. Together, they discuss the MGMA Mentorship Program, their personal healthcare journeys and the importance of mentorship in career development.
Healthcare Journeys:
Delores shares her inspiring journey from temp worker to healthcare administrator, emphasizing the crucial role that mentors played in her career progression. Highlighting the value of MGMA resources for early-career professionals, Bryana describes her experience as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic and her transition into healthcare administration.
About the MGMA Mentorship Program:
Delores and Bryana discuss their experiences with the MGMA Mentorship Program, highlighting its effective structure, flexibility, and the meaningful professional relationships it fosters. The program provides the following benefits to MGMA members at various career stages: 
A structured yet flexible framework for mentorship relationshipsFacilitated networking and relationship-building across different areas of healthcare administrationPairing mentees with mentors based on the mentee's expressed interests and goalsFlexible communication methods and frequency that accommodate both parties' schedules and preferencesOpportunities for both mentors and mentees to learn and grow professionallyAccessible and affordable, with options for student membershipsActionable Tips:
If you are participating in the mentorship program as a mentee, take the initiative and reach out to your assigned mentor, setting up regular communication.Develop a clear set of goals and expectations for the mentorship relationship to maximize its benefits.Utilize various communication methods (email, text, video calls) to maintain regular contact with your mentor/mentee, respecting each other's time and preferences.Look for opportunities to give back to the healthcare community through volunteering or mentoring others, even early in your career.Seek out opportunities for continuous learning, such as MGMA's certificate programs to enhance your skillset.Resources:
2024 MGMA Mentorship ProgramMGMA Certificate ProgramsMGMA Conferences
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 an MGMA podcast. Email us at:
Daniel Williams: dwilliams@mgma.comRyan Reaves: rreaves@mgma.comColleen Luckett: cluckett@mgma.comThank you for tuning in to the MGMA Podcast Network. Please subscribe and leave us a review. See you next time!

MidmarkFounded in 1915, Midmark Corporation is the only company transforming healthcare experiences through innovative design within the medical, dental and animal health environments.
With a deep understanding of the healthcare environment, Midmark helps physicians and care teams deliver exceptional patient care through seamless room design, better equipment, smarter workflows and integrated technologies.
Midmark can help you improve clinical outcomes and eliminate the barriers preventing seamless, well-coordinated patient care. Visit our website to learn more about Midmark, or join us for the MGMA webinar on October 24, or on demand at MGMA.com.
RingCentral:We’d like to thank RingCentral for their sponsorship. You can visit their website at ringcentral.com to learn how they’re helping healthcare organizations create the ideal patient experience with AI powered communications; helping to reduce risk, drive efficiency, and improve patient satisfaction.

Welcome to the MGMA Insights podcast. In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Shep Hyken, a renowned customer service and experience expert. Shep is the Chief Amazement Officer at Shepard Presentations and has been inducted into the National Speakers Association's Hall of Fame for his lifetime achievements in professional speaking. With over 30 years of experience, Shep has worked with some of the world's best brands to build a culture centered around the customer. Today, we'll explore key findings from his latest ACA Study on customer service and discuss how healthcare providers can enhance their patient experience.
Summary and Resources
In this episode, Shep shares valuable insights on the current state of customer service and experience, emphasizing the importance of delivering exceptional service in today's competitive landscape. Key topics discussed include:
Customer Experience Trends: Highlighting how customer expectations have never been higher, Shep discusses the need for businesses to compare their service with competitors as well as every industry.Key Findings from the ACA Study: One notable statistic from Shep's study reveals that 79% of customers would switch to a competitor for a better customer experience. This underscores the need for businesses, including healthcare providers, to prioritize customer satisfaction.Strategies for Healthcare: Shep provides actionable strategies for medical practices to enhance patient experience, focusing on convenience and personalization.Building a Supportive Culture: Emphasizing the importance of a strong support network, Shep discusses how healthcare leaders can foster a collaborative and supportive environment among their staff.Future of Customer Experience: Looking ahead, Shep shares trends that will shape the future of customer service, particularly in the healthcare sector.For more information and resources, visit Shep Hyken's website at https://hyken.com/.
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 an MGMA podcast. Email us at:
Daniel Williams: dwilliams@mgma.com
Ryan Reaves: rreaves@mgma.com
Colleen Luckett: cluckett@mgma.comCristy Good: cgood@mgma.com
Thank you for tuning in to the MGMA Podcast Network. Please subscribe and leave us a review. See you next time!

MidmarkFounded in 1915, Midmark Corporation is the only company transforming healthcare experiences through innovative design within the medical, dental and animal health environments.
With a deep understanding of the healthcare environment, Midmark helps physicians and care teams deliver exceptional patient care through seamless room design, better equipment, smarter workflows and integrated technologies.
Midmark can help you improve clinical outcomes and eliminate the barriers preventing seamless, well-coordinated patient care. Visit our website to learn more about Midmark, or join us for the MGMA webinar on October 24, or on demand at MGMA.com.
RingCentral:We’d like to thank RingCentral for their sponsorship. You can visit their website at ringcentral.com to learn how they’re helping healthcare organizations create the ideal patient experience with AI powered communications; helping to reduce risk, drive efficiency, and improve patient satisfaction.