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. Crack the Code & Build Trust: Communication Lessons From Undercover Cop Pamela Barnum

    4D AGO

    Crack the Code & Build Trust: Communication Lessons From Undercover Cop Pamela Barnum

    This week on the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams chats with communication strategist Pamela Barnum, MPA, JD, whose undercover law‑enforcement career and time as a federal prosecutor offer a masterclass in reading people fast. Their conversation dives into those invisible layers of communication: the signals, cues, and micro‑behaviors that shape trust long before words do. Barnum breaks down her 3D Communication Framework (Display, Decode, Deliver), offering actionable strategies to defuse conflict, sharpen communication, improve team connection, and manage the rise in disruptive behavior in healthcare environments. This episode also previews her keynote at next month's MGMA Financial Conference. Key Takeaways [06:08] Understanding the real weight of nonverbal communication Barnum explains why the old “7% rule” is misleading — but why nonverbal cues (tone, cadence, pauses, presence) still drive the majority of how trust is built in clinical and leadership conversations.[08:50] Combatting time pressure and distraction in healthcare settings Barnum highlights behaviors — like checking a watch, reaching for a door, or multitasking — that unintentionally signal disengagement, and how leaders can stay fully present without adding time to already packed schedules.[12:25] The 3D Communication Framework: Display, Decode, Deliver  Learn why healthcare leaders must master these three skills to reduce misunderstandings, strengthen relationships, and influence outcomes during team discussions, patient encounters, or financial presentations.[14:45] How to project calm confidence in emotionally charged moments Practical strategies for slowing down, regulating your tone, and signaling psychological safety when conversations escalate — essential for leaders managing staff issues or patient complaints.[17:03] Leaning into difficult conversations instead of avoiding them  Avoidance leads to repeated problems. Barnum shares tactics for addressing conflict directly yet respectfully — without the inauthentic “compliment sandwich.”[21:09] How experts truly read behavior (and what not to assume) Barnum explains why isolated gestures (like “looking left means lying”) are myths — and why patterns, context, and behavioral shifts are the real indicators of meaning.[24:27] Barnum’s #1 tactic for slowing the moment and de‑escalating conflict A simple, 2–3 second intentional pause — along with controlled breathing — can shift the energy of a conversation, build trust, and prevent escalation. Resources Mentioned MGMA Events MGMA Financial Conference Pamela Barnum, keynote“Crack the Code: 3D Communication Strategies for Powerful Results”Tuesday, March 3 | 8:30–9:30 a.m. | Phoenix, AZBooks, Shows & Media Referenced Rush (1991 film) (film adaptation of an undercover narcotics operation) Rush (author, Kim Wozencraft)The Wire (TV series)NYPD Blue (TV series)Lie to Me (TV series based on Dr. Paul Ekman's research) Narcos (based on the life of DEA agent Steve Murphy)Paul Ekman Group (research on facial behavior & deception detection)  Podcast Sponsor MGMA BestPriceManaging your supply chain doesn’t have to be complicated. MGMA BestPrice — the exclusive GPO for MGMA members — can help your practice save up to 20% on medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, office essentials, employee perks, waste management and more. This free national member benefit connects you to some of the most competitive pricing in the industry, helping every dollar saved become a dollar reinvested into better patient care and stronger operations. Learn how to start saving today at mgmabestprice.org.

    28 min
  2. Building a People‑First Practice: Adaptability, Conflict Resolution, and Better Onboarding with Amy Lafko

    JAN 28

    Building a People‑First Practice: Adaptability, Conflict Resolution, and Better Onboarding with Amy Lafko

    On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams sits down with returning guest Amy Lafko — MGMA consultant, speaker, creator of the People First Method, and author of People First.  Amy shares practical, immediately usable strategies for medical practice leaders navigating 2026’s rapidly shifting regulatory landscape, workforce challenges, and rising emotional strain within healthcare teams. From strengthening adaptability to reinventing onboarding, Amy delivers a toolkit that helps leaders build environments where teams feel supported, patients receive better care, and organizations thrive. KEY TAKEAWAYS  (00:53) Amy’s healthcare leadership background shapes her "people first" philosophy — Beginning as a physical therapist and later serving in rehab, hospital, urgent care, and medical group leadership roles, Amy’s firsthand failures and successes inform her mission to help leaders avoid burnout and build thriving teams. (02:00) Adaptability is the #1 leadership skill for 2026 — With regulatory uncertainty and fast‑changing payer environments, leaders must intentionally build their “capacity to adapt.” Adaptability is learnable and essential.(03:36) Productive conflict should be trained at all levels, not just leadership — Teaching frontline staff to resolve issues reduces managerial burden and increases team cohesion. Practices that invest here see faster self‑resolution and fewer escalations.(05:20) Rising frustration is being mistaken for “more conflict” — Most conflicts aren’t actually new; people’s emotional set point is simply higher due to uncertainty. Leaders must help teams regulate emotions to reduce escalations. (08:03) The People First Method flips the traditional patient‑first mindset — Leaders shouldn’t bypass their teams to “get to the patient.” Supporting the team is what ensures outstanding patient care. (10:19) Onboarding must shift from task‑checking to “alignment and inspiration” — Traditional onboarding (e.g., first‑day EMR videos) disconnects new hires. People‑First onboarding welcomes, aligns with values, personalizes training, and boosts long‑term retention.(12:26) Weekly check‑ins using five simple questions transform new‑hire success — Quick meetings built around consistent reflection and support help new hires feel connected, confident, and aligned from day one.(13:53) People‑first cultures start with one deceptively simple factor: willingness — Willingness to invest time up front, to be consistent, and to level‑set leaders across the organization. RESOURCES  Amy Lafko Amy Lafko's websitePeople First: A Method for Developing Leadership and Team Culture - bookMGMA Medical Practice Staffing Solutions PlaybookMedical Practice Staff Onboarding PlaybookHuman Resources Management CertificateHuman Resources resources Podcast Sponsor MGMA BestPriceManaging your supply chain doesn’t have to be complicated. MGMA BestPrice — the exclusive GPO for MGMA members — can help your practice save up to 20% on medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, office essentials, employee perks, waste management and more. This free national member benefit connects you to some of the most competitive pricing in the industry, helping every dollar saved become a dollar reinvested into better patient care and stronger operations. Learn how to start saving today at mgmabestprice.org.

    19 min
  3. The Sneaky Metrics Sabotaging Your Revenue Cycle — and How to Fix Them, with Aaqil Khan

    JAN 21

    The Sneaky Metrics Sabotaging Your Revenue Cycle — and How to Fix Them, with Aaqil Khan

    On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams sits down with Aaqil Khan, RCM consultant at Collectly, to uncover the “sneaky metrics” hiding inside your revenue cycle. These overlooked indicators can quietly erode patient collections, increase costs, and create friction in the patient financial experience.  Aaqil brings deep experience in healthcare administration, Six Sigma process improvement, analytics, and revenue cycle leadership to show practice leaders where the real problems hide — and how to solve them using clearer ownership, automation, better data definitions, and patient‑centric design. Key Takeaways  [02:13] Aaqil Khan’s background How he shifted from a planned medical career to healthcare administration and revenue cycle leadership.[08:13] The importance of estimate accuracyBad estimates create bill shock and lower collection rates.[09:32] Why critical revenue cycle KPIs fall through the cracksCompeting priorities, systems issues, and fragmented ownership.[15:01] "Sneaky metrics" and patient collection rate pitfalls“Good” numbers hide deeper conversion problems.[17:40] Impactful patient experience and payment reform Patient experience and frictionless payments directly influence collection performance and loyalty.[21:47] The hidden story inside patient AR days and patient inquiry volumeA diagnostic metric you’re probably overlooking.[26:15] Looking aheadThe future of digital payments, automation, and behavioral analytics for patient financial engagement Resources  Contact Aaquil on LinkedInCollectly MGMA Revenue Cycle Management Resources“All the Queen’s Horses” documentary on Amazon Prime (Local scandal of Rita Crundwell mentioned in Aaquil's introduction) Podcast Sponsor MGMA BestPriceManaging your supply chain doesn’t have to be complicated. MGMA BestPrice — the exclusive GPO for MGMA members — can help your practice save up to 20% on medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, office essentials, employee perks, waste management and more. This free national member benefit connects you to some of the most competitive pricing in the industry, helping every dollar saved become a dollar reinvested into better patient care and stronger operations. Learn how to start saving today at mgmabestprice.org.

    34 min
  4. Winning the Recruitment Race — Christy Bray on 2026’s New Rules

    JAN 14

    Winning the Recruitment Race — Christy Bray on 2026’s New Rules

    On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and Host Daniel Williams welcomes Christy Bray, MHA, CPRP‑DEI, Chief Customer Officer at PracticeLink and host of the Workforce Wisdom podcast. As MGMA kicks off 2026 with a month‑long focus on workforce issues — recruitment, retention, culture, and onboarding — Christy brings decades of experience in physician and provider recruitment to share what’s changed, what’s trending, and what today’s medical practice leaders must do to stay competitive. From early‑career job search behavior and shrinking talent pools to recruitment marketing, job board strategy, DEI’s role in matching candidates to communities, and the impact of technology and AI, Christy offers tactical and strategic insights that can immediately help MGMA members strengthen their workforce pipelines. KEY TAKEAWAYS “Recruitment finds you.” – Christy Bray on her path into the field [01:56] Christy shares her origins in orthopedics, sports medicine, and hospital leadership — and why most recruiters arrive via nontraditional paths. The biggest change: Candidates commit much earlier [03:26] Residents and fellows now begin searching 12–18 months before completion — and some even sign on match day, cutting traditional recruitment windows dramatically.Why every job must be posted — and posted correctly [08:50] Christy explains why job visibility, keyword optimization, and clear role descriptions are essential for search engines and AI‑driven job discovery. Targeted outreach beats the “shotgun approach” [09:58] Mass‑messaging “10,000 people” leads to unsubscribes. Christy outlines how to curate small, qualified candidate pools — and measure success through open rate, CTR, and text‑to‑contact options. Recruitment is a long game — and budget fears slow down patient access [10:56] With the talent pool “shrinking rapidly,” practices must prepare for longer vacancies and avoid hesitating on locums support. Essential 2026 trends: uncertainty, reduced teams, and tech‑forward recruiting [12:40] Hiring teams are “stretched,” some dismantled entirely. Geo‑targeting, small high‑ROI advertising tactics, and hybrid old/new recruitment strategies (postcards + digital ads) are key. Strategic plans start with a workforce inventory [14:44] Christy’s pantry analogy: Practices must know their provider counts, ages, FTE loads, and retirement risks. Many older clinicians work at “1.5 to 2.5 FTE,” meaning replacement calculations require multiplying needs. DEI certification isn’t performative — it’s about fit and retention [24:13] Christy explains the CPRP‑DEI credential and why diversity and representation matter in recruitment: “Access to care is limited if somebody doesn’t speak your language or doesn’t look like you.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Christy Bray on LinkedInPracticeLinkAssociation for Advancing Physician & Provider Recruitment (AAPPR)(CPRP‑DEI certification organization)Christy Bray's Podcasts: Workforce Wisdom with Christy Bray (Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts)Surviving and Thriving in Residency Podcast Sponsor MGMA BestPriceManaging your supply chain doesn’t have to be complicated. MGMA BestPrice — the exclusive GPO for MGMA members — can help your practice save up to 20% on medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, office essentials, employee perks, waste management and more. This free national member benefit connects you to some of the most competitive pricing in the industry, helping every dollar saved become a dollar reinvested into better patient care and stronger operations. Learn how to start saving today at mgmabestprice.org.

    31 min

  5. JAN 7

    Recruit Smarter, Retain Longer: A Conversation with Jessica Minesinger on Building Belonging from Day One

    In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and Host Daniel Williams chats with Jessica Minesinger, founder and CEO of Surgical Compensation and Consulting, about some of the most pressing challenges facing medical practice leaders in 2026. From physician shortages and recruitment hurdles to compensation transparency and organizational culture, Jessica shares actionable strategies to help practices attract and retain top talent while fostering trust and engagement. If you’re a medical practice leader looking to start the year strong, this conversation is packed with insights you can put into practice today. Key Takeaways [02:19] Physician Shortage and Its Impact Why bridging the gap between physicians and employers is critical to addressing supply-and-demand challenges in healthcare. [07:07] Recruitment Roadblocks in 2026 Common pitfalls in physician recruitment—such as over-reliance on guaranteed compensation—and how to avoid them. [12:39] Aligning Fit Beyond Compensation The importance of upfront conversations about work-life balance, leadership opportunities, and organizational culture to ensure long-term retention. [16:50] The Vulnerable Transition Period Why the shift from guaranteed salary to productivity-based models can lead to dissatisfaction—and how proactive planning can prevent it. [19:55] Communication is Culture How transparency and frequent dialogue about compensation strengthen trust and engagement within your organization.[21:50] Back to Basics: Common Sense in CompensationEngaging with the "Golden Rule"—administrators should think about whether they'd be comfortable with the compensation package offered. [23:43] MGMA Data Trends for 2026 Insights from MGMA’s latest research: patient encounters are up, RVUs are stagnant—what this means for compensation strategies. Resources  Contact Jessica on LinkedInSurgical Compensation and ConsultingMGMA & Jackson Physician Search Research Report (2025)MGMA DataDiveMGMA Conferences Podcast Sponsor MGMA BestPriceManaging your supply chain doesn’t have to be complicated. MGMA BestPrice — the exclusive GPO for MGMA members — can help your practice save up to 20% on medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, office essentials, employee perks, waste management and more. This free national member benefit connects you to some of the most competitive pricing in the industry, helping every dollar saved become a dollar reinvested into better patient care and stronger operations. Learn how to start saving today at mgmabestprice.org.

    27 min
  6. MGMA Insights Podcast Best of 2025: Staffing, Technology, and Well-Being in Medical Practice Management

    12/31/2025

    MGMA Insights Podcast Best of 2025: Staffing, Technology, and Well-Being in Medical Practice Management

    In this special New Year’s Eve episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams looks back at three of the most impactful conversations from 2025. These highlights focus on the biggest challenges and opportunities facing medical practice leaders today: Finding and keeping good people through strategic recruitment and retention.Choosing tools and technology that solve real problems without adding complexity.Supporting clinician and staff well-being to prevent burnout and improve care.Whether you’re revisiting these discussions or hearing them for the first time, you’ll find actionable insights to help you build a stronger, more resilient practice in 2026. We here at MGMA wish you a very happy new year! Key Highlights [01:05] Liz Mahan on Strategic Recruitment and Retention Liz Mahan from Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment (AAPPR) explains why recruitment is more tactical than process-driven and how practices can create a strategic playbook to attract and retain top talent. She shares practical tips for identifying the ideal candidate, aligning recruitment with organizational culture, and planning timelines to reduce turnover. [08:33] Julia Rosen on Building Sustainable Tech Infrastructure Julia Rosen, Senior Vice President of IT at MGMA, discusses how practices can avoid chasing tech buzzwords and instead focus on solving real problems like documentation burden. She offers advice on managing legacy systems, migrating data effectively, and implementing cybersecurity strategies to protect patient information. [16:29] Dr. Michael Blackman on AI and Reducing Burnout Dr. Michael Blackman, Chief Medical Officer at Greenway Health, explores how AI tools can serve as assistants rather than replacements, helping clinicians reduce documentation time and improve accuracy. He explains how ambient documentation solutions work and why adopting technology wisely can ease pressures that lead to burnout. Related Resources  Liz Mahan, Julia Rosen, & Michael Blackman on LinkedIn.AAPPR Recruitment ResourcesGreenway Clinical AssistMGMA Human Resources InsightsMGMA Technology Resources Podcast Sponsor MGMA BestPriceManaging your supply chain doesn’t have to be complicated. MGMA BestPrice — the exclusive GPO for MGMA members — can help your practice save up to 20% on medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, office essentials, employee perks, waste management and more. This free national member benefit connects you to some of the most competitive pricing in the industry, helping every dollar saved become a dollar reinvested into better patient care and stronger operations. Learn how to start saving today at mgmabestprice.org.

    27 min
  7. Leading with a Go-Giver Mindset: How Collaboration and Mentorship Can Drive Success in Medical Practice Management

    12/24/2025

    Leading with a Go-Giver Mindset: How Collaboration and Mentorship Can Drive Success in Medical Practice Management

    In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams talks with Carol Ittig, MBA, FACMPE, Practice Administrator at Children’s Orthopedics and Scoliosis Surgery Associates in St. Petersburg, Florida. Carol shares her journey from healthcare administration student to influential leader, and how adopting a go-giver philosophy has shaped her approach to leadership, mentorship, and innovation. Key Takeaways  [03:35] Carol’s Path to Healthcare Leadership Carol’s career pivot and how early experiences in patient care sparked her passion for health care leadership. [07:35] Why Networking is Non-Negotiable How leveraging MGMA and other professional networks enabled Carol to launch new initiatives like research programs and a foundation. [07:49] The Power of Mentorship Lessons from her mentor Debbie Mitchell — setting boundaries, embracing authenticity, and saying yes to growth opportunities.[10:49] The Go-Giver Philosophy in Action Carol explains the five laws from The Go-Giver and how they translate into leadership in medical practices. [18:12] Solving Payer Challenges Through Collaboration How Carol’s orthopedic billing listserv uncovered a nationwide claims denial issue — and the steps taken to resolve $50,000 in denied claims.[21:07] AI and Prior Authorization: What Leaders Need to Know Insights into emerging AI-driven payer edits and practical tips for navigating prior authorization hurdles.[27:49] Navigating MGMA Resources Efficiently Carol’s “secret sauce” for staying informed about MGMA programs without getting lost in the website. Resources & Links Mentioned Carol Ittig on LinkedInOrthopedic Executives Association (AOE)CHORTHO Cares FoundationThe Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David MannMGMA Membership MGMA Mentor ProgramIf you're interested in joining the MGMA Book Club, reach out to Daniel at dwilliams@mgma.org. Podcast Sponsor MGMA BestPriceManaging your supply chain doesn’t have to be complicated. MGMA BestPrice — the exclusive GPO for MGMA members — can help your practice save up to 20% on medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, office essentials, employee perks, waste management and more. This free national member benefit connects you to some of the most competitive pricing in the industry, helping every dollar saved become a dollar reinvested into better patient care and stronger operations. Learn how to start saving today at mgmabestprice.org.

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

    12/17/2025

    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.  Podcast Sponsor MGMA BestPriceManaging your supply chain doesn’t have to be complicated. MGMA BestPrice — the exclusive GPO for MGMA members — can help your practice save up to 20% on medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, office essentials, employee perks, waste management and more. This free national member benefit connects you to some of the most competitive pricing in the industry, helping every dollar saved become a dollar reinvested into better patient care and stronger operations. Learn how to start saving today at mgmabestprice.org.

    38 min
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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!

Information

  • Creator
    MGMA
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    747
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    MGMA Podcasts

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