In this MGMA Week in Review episode, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett tackle key healthcare challenges, including rising workplace violence against healthcare workers, staffing shortages, and setbacks to the No Surprises Act after CCIIO layoffs. They also share insights from HIMSS 2025, discuss findings from the HIMSS Cybersecurity Survey, and highlight the role of leadership development in medical practices. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming MGMA conferences.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts
01:25 Workplace Violence in Healthcare (Medical Economics)
03:18 Staffing and Salary Survey Insights (Physicians Practice)
07:41 Surprise Medical Bills and the No Surprises Act (Fierce Healthcare)
09:46 HIMSS 2025 Healthcare Cybersecurity Survey (TechTarget)
13:04 Leadership Development in Medical Practices (MGMA Stat)
15:41 Upcoming Conferences and Closing Remarks (MGMA Events)

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In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Jason Raidbard, Executive Administrator for the University of Chicago's Ophthalmology and Visual Science Department, to explore the critical challenges of employee engagement in today's hybrid work environment. Drawing from his extensive experience in healthcare administration, Raidbard shares invaluable insights on building trust, maintaining team productivity, and creating a supportive workplace culture that transcends physical boundaries.

Key Takeaways:

Employee Engagement Strategies

• Achieved a high engagement score through servant leadership principles
• Focus on individual team member needs and work-life balance
• Normalize conversations about mental health and workplace flexibility

Communication in Hybrid Environments

• Use technology (Teams, Zoom) to maintain connection
• Be genuinely present during interactions
• Quote: "Be present, listen to your people, ask them for feedback"

Preventing Burnout

• Recognize signs of stress
• Encourage breaks and health prioritization
• Avoid guilt-driven overworking
• Quote: "You're no good to yourself, your family, and your workplace if you're coughing and stressed"

Building Trust

• Ask about team members' personal lives
• Be transparent
• Offer help proactively
• Quote: "There's no hack. It's being just a genuine, good person"

Resources:

• Member Community Live - Connect with fellow MGMA members and subject matter experts to discuss topics that matter to you and your practice
• Connect with Jason Raidbard on LinkedIn
• University of Chicago's Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science - visit here

This episode is brought to you by Zoll Data Systems, software and data solutions for healthcare financial professionals. Zoll AR Boost is the comprehensive automated RCM optimization suite that automatically finds, corrects and verifies patient and payer information to capture more revenue, reduce administrative burden, and improve the patient financial experience. The number one Black Book-rated insurance discovery tool can discover active, billable coverage for more than 40 percent of claims. Visit https://www.zolldata.com/healthcare-financial-data/arboost to learn about the complete Solution suite.

In this episode of the Women in Healthcare podcast, host Adrienne Lloyd talks with Kripa Krishnan, Vice President of Operations at Northwestern Memorial Healthcare. They discuss Kripa's extensive career journey from public health to executive leadership, the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, and how to find and utilize your strengths in leadership roles. Kripa shares personal anecdotes about the challenges she faced as a woman of color in executive positions and offers practical advice on maintaining authentic leadership in varying organizational cultures. The conversation also touches on building strong partnerships with physicians and balancing empathy with tough decision-making in healthcare.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:36 Kripa Krishnan's Career Journey

03:25 The Importance of Sponsorship Over Mentorship

11:01 Navigating Executive Presence and Authentic Leadership

22:30 Challenges and Advice for Women of Color in Leadership

27:23 Building Strong Physician Partnerships

30:31 Final Thoughts and Career Advice

Resources:

Adrienne Palmer Lloyd

Connect with Adrienne on LinkedIn

Adrienne’s Services & More 

Connect with Kripa on LinkedIn

JAMA Study: Representation of Women in the Leadership Structure of the US Health Care System

To see other episodes of the Women in Healthcare Podcast, watch the video versions on YouTube, or apply to be on an upcoming episode, please visit https://bit.ly/womeninhealthcarepodcast

[Editor's Note: Please checkout the full article on MGMA.com]

In this special bonus episode of the MGMA Insights podcast, host Colleen Luckett speaks with healthcare leaders Kem Tolliver, FACMPE, CPC, CMOM, Shawntea "Taya" Gordon, MBA, FACMPE about the formation of MGMA's Black Healthcare Leaders Resource Group. They discuss the emotional experience of the group's first gathering at the MGMA Leaders Conference, the importance of representation, and the ongoing impact of this supportive community. They have managed the group along with co-founder Otis C. Fagan, FACMPE. 

Key Takeaways:

• The Formation of the Black Healthcare Leaders Resource Group:
  Taya shared how she and Otis helped launch the group, initially unsure of the response they would receive. "The response was just astounding," she said. "We ran out of chairs." The turnout exceeded expectations and demonstrated the demand for a space like this.
• The Power of Representation:
  Taya described the feeling of walking into the group's first meeting as being "like going home to a party." She noted that the sense of comfort and familiarity was a stark contrast to the typical experience at conferences.
• Shared Experiences and Support:
  Kem explained the significance of connecting with others who understand the challenges of being underrepresented in the healthcare industry. "We were able to just kind of let our hair down immediately," she said. The group provided a unique space for candid conversations and professional support.
• MGMA's Role in Supporting the Group:
  Both guests expressed appreciation for MGMA's recognition of the need for this resource group. Kem highlighted the group's mission to continue fostering connections and offering mentorship to healthcare leaders who might otherwise feel isolated.

Join the Conversation: Stay connected with the Black Healthcare Leaders Resource Group through MGMA and continue exploring ways to foster inclusivity and professional growth.
Read the Article: MGMA.com

Subscribe: Follow MGMA Insights on your favorite podcast platform.

Feedback: Have a story or question to share? Email us at [email protected].

This episode is brought to you by Zoll Data Systems, software and data solutions for healthcare financial professionals. Zoll AR Boost is the comprehensive automated RCM optimization suite that automatically finds, corrects and verifies patient and payer information to capture more revenue, reduce administrative burden, and improve the patient financial experience. The number one Black Book-rated insurance discovery tool can discover active, billable coverage for more than 40 percent of claims. Visit https://www.zolldata.com/healthcare-financial-data/arboost to learn about the complete Solution suite.

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss key healthcare topics, including AI-driven insurance denials, financial strategies for physicians, automation in insurance verification, the importance of employee handbooks, physician productivity trends, and provider compensation insights.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
01:10 AI in Healthcare: Concerns and Impacts (Chief Healthcare Executive)
03:10 Smart Tax Strategies for Physicians (Medical Economics)
06:42 Automation in Insurance Verification (MedCity News)
08:46 Creating an Effective Employee Handbook (Physicians Practice)
11:22 MGMA Stat Poll: Productivity Insights (MGMA Stat)
14:16 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Additional Resources Mentioned

• MGMA DataDive: Provider Compensation
• MGMA 2024 Compensation Report

This episode is brought to you by Zoll Data Systems, software and data solutions for healthcare financial professionals. Zoll AR Boost is the comprehensive automated RCM optimization suite that automatically finds, corrects and verifies patient and payer information to capture more revenue, reduce administrative burden, and improve the patient financial experience. The number one Black Book-rated insurance discovery tool can discover active, billable coverage for more than 40 percent of claims. Visit https://www.zolldata.com/healthcare-financial-data/arboost to learn about the complete Solution suite.

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Tim Hines, a seasoned marketing executive and author, to discuss how adopting an entrepreneurial "starter mindset" can supercharge the operations of medical practices. Tim shares his personal journey of developing an entrepreneurial spirit and how medical practice leaders can apply these principles to drive innovation and problem-solving, even in highly regulated environments. Tim will be delivering a keynote address at the upcoming 2025 MGMA Operations Conference in Las Vegas.

Key Takeaways:

• The "starter mindset" is about being an agent of change - identifying problems and developing solutions, even within the constraints of a larger organization.
• Entrepreneurial skills like resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to start new initiatives can be applied by anyone, not just those in startups or those in leadership.
• Medical practices, whether small or large, face many challenges that can be addressed by embracing an entrepreneurial approach, such as improving workflows, leveraging technology, and enhancing the patient experience.
• Overcoming resistance to change is a common hurdle, but Tim suggests getting buy-in from colleagues and leadership by framing initiatives as problem-solving efforts.
• Maintaining work-life balance and prioritizing mental health is crucial for sustaining an entrepreneurial mindset, even in the face of burnout and stress.
• Adopting an entrepreneurial mindset can make medical practice employees more attractive to employers, as they demonstrate the ability to work autonomously and drive change.

As Tim states, "An entrepreneur does it. Everyone else just talks." Medical practice leaders can apply this mindset to supercharge their operations and better serve their patients and communities.

Resources:

• Read Tim Hines's book: The Marketing Starter: How an Entrepreneurial Spirit Will Make You a More Savvy Marketer
• Visit Tim Hines's website
• 2025 MGMA Operations Conference: March 2-4, 2023 in Las Vegas
• MGMA Podcast Network

This episode is brought to you by Zoll Data Systems, software and data solutions for healthcare financial professionals. Zoll AR Boost is the comprehensive automated RCM optimization suite that automatically finds, corrects and verifies patient and payer information to capture more revenue, reduce administrative burden, and improve the patient financial experience. The number one Black Book-rated insurance discovery tool can discover active, billable coverage for more than 40 percent of claims. Visit https://www.zolldata.com/healthcare-financial-data/arboost to learn about the complete Solution suite.

In this episode of the MGMA Insights podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Leon Moores, a pediatric neurosurgeon, military veteran, and author of the book "All Physicians Lead." Dr. Moores shares his unique perspectives on the critical role of physician leadership in healthcare and provides practical strategies for developing essential leadership skills.

Main Points:

• The Mindset Shift: Recognizing that all physicians are leaders, whether they realize it or not
• Bridging the Gap in Leadership Education: Where physicians can learn and improve their leadership skills beyond medical school
• Lessons from the Military: How Dr. Moores's military experience has shaped his approach to leadership in healthcare
• The Foundation of Effective Leadership: The importance of credibility and fostering psychological safety on healthcare teams
• Practical Strategies: Specific steps physicians can take to enhance their leadership capabilities

Resources

Books and Authors:

• All Physicians Lead by Dr. Leon Moores
• The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson (MGMA's Book Club selection)
• The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey
• Books by Daniel Goleman
• Books from the Arbinger Institute
• Books by John Maxwell
• The Bass Handbook of Leadership by Bernard M. Bass

Podcasts and Blogs:

• All Physicians Lead Podcast by Dr. Leon Moores
• Dr. Leon Moores's blog: All Physicians Lead

Organizations:

• Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)

This episode is brought to you by Zoll Data Systems, software and data solutions for healthcare financial professionals. Zoll AR Boost is the comprehensive automated RCM optimization suite that automatically finds, corrects and verifies patient and payer information to capture more revenue, reduce administrative burden, and improve the patient financial experience. The number one Black Book-rated insurance discovery tool can discover active, billable coverage for more than 40 percent of claims. Visit https://www.zolldata.com/healthcare-financial-data/arboost to learn about the complete Solution suite.

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss a range of topics affecting the healthcare industry. They begin with UnitedHealth Group's voluntary buyout offers to 30,000 employees amid financial uncertainty and regulatory pressures. The episode also highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy online presence for healthcare practices, featuring insights from Anna Ohler's recent article in Physicians Practice. Leadership success through intentionality is examined through LeRae Quy's Smartbrief article. The hosts discuss the issue of data overload in healthcare, drawing from Jeff Smith's article in Medical Economics. They round off the episode with findings from an MGMA Stat Poll on patient referral management, discussing challenges and strategies for improvement. 

Tune in for expert insights and practical advice on navigating the complexities of the healthcare industry.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

01:58 UnitedHealth Group Employee Buyouts (FierceHealthcare)

04:57 Maintaining a Healthy Online Presence (Physicians Practice)

07:30 Intentional Leadership for Success (SmartBrief)

11:17 The Hidden Cost of Data Overload (Medical Economics)

14:10 Challenges in Managing Patient Referrals (MGMA Stat)

17:49 Conclusion and Farewell

This episode is brought to you by Zoll Data Systems, software and data solutions for healthcare financial professionals. Zoll AR Boost is the comprehensive automated RCM optimization suite that automatically finds, corrects and verifies patient and payer information to capture more revenue, reduce administrative burden, and improve the patient financial experience. The number one Black Book-rated insurance discovery tool can discover active, billable coverage for more than 40 percent of claims. Visit https://www.zolldata.com/healthcare-financial-data/arboost to learn about the complete Solution suite.

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with award-winning storyteller, comedian, and motivational speaker Kelly Swanson to discuss the power of storytelling in healthcare leadership. In this conversation, Kelly shares how medical practice leaders can use storytelling to reframe stress, connect with patients and staff, and create a meaningful workplace culture.

Storytelling is more than just entertainment—it’s a leadership tool that can shape culture, improve patient and staff engagement, and create a sense of purpose in even the most stressful environments. If you’re a healthcare leader navigating burnout, administrative overload, and patient care challenges, this episode provides actionable insights to help you use the power of storytelling to lead more effectively.

Storytelling as a Leadership Tool

• "Your story shows us who you are without you having to tell us," Kelly explains.
• A well-crafted story builds trust among staff, patients, and leadership teams.
• Leaders can use personal and organizational stories to motivate teams, humanize their leadership, and create stronger workplace connections.

Reframing Stress Through Narrative

• Stress isn’t just what happens—it’s the story we tell ourselves about what happens.
• Leaders should pay attention to their internal dialogue and reframe negative thoughts into stories of resilience and purpose.
• Encouraging staff to reframe their own workplace challenges through storytelling can improve engagement and reduce burnout.

Creating Meaningful Patient and Staff Connections

• Small personal gestures can have a big impact on patient experiences.
• Kelly shares a story about a healthcare worker who learned her father loved The Eagles and created a personalized playlist for him—a small act that left a lasting impression.
• Humanizing patient interactions through storytelling can increase trust and improve patient satisfaction.

Why Every Leader Needs a 'Why' Story

• Leaders should define their personal ‘Why’ story—a moment that connects them to their greater mission in healthcare.
• Encouraging staff to share their own stories creates a culture of purpose-driven work and deeper engagement.

Keeping the Spark Alive Beyond a Single Moment

• Conferences and motivational talks inspire in the moment—but how do leaders sustain that energy?
• Leaders should integrate storytelling into daily operations through:

1. Story-based team meetings
2. Collecting and sharing patient and staff success stories
3. Using social media to showcase the human side of healthcare

The Future of Storytelling: Emotional Intelligence in the Age of AI

• As technology evolves, storytelling will become an essential leadership skill.
• Kelly believes emotional intelligence and storytelling will be the most valuable skills in the future workforce, helping leaders connect, inspire, and lead through change.

Resources and Links:

KellySwanson.net – Official website for Kelly Swanson

Story Impact Network – Free storytelling resources

Kelly Swanson on LinkedIn – Connect with Kelly for storytelling insights
Affirmation Journal for Positive Thinking - Purchase Kelly's book

This episode is brought to you by Zoll Data Systems, software and data solutions for healthcare financial professionals. Zoll AR Boost is the comprehensive automated RCM optimization suite that automatically finds, corrects and verifies patient and payer information to capture more revenue, reduce administrative burden, and improve the patient financial experience. The number one Black Book-rated insurance discovery tool can discover active, billable coverage for more than 40 percent of claims. Visit https://www.zolldata.com/healthcare-financial-data/arboost to learn about the complete Solution suite.

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Julie Mobley, the founder of Gemstone Consulting and the practice administrator at Coleman Internal Medicine in North Alabama. Julie is set to speak at the upcoming MGMA Operations Conference in Las Vegas, where she will be addressing the topic of navigating patient financial responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

• Julie shares her diverse healthcare journey, including her background in speech pathology, software testing, and eventually transitioning into healthcare administration.
• Julie has been an MGMA member for 10 years, initially introduced to the organization through her work with an EMR company.
• As a practice leader, Julie emphasizes the importance of effective communication, emotional intelligence, and understanding personality differences to foster strong team dynamics.
• Managing a remote chronic care management team presents unique challenges, which Julie addresses through quarterly in-person meetings and leveraging a physician-led leadership team.
• Patient financial responsibility is a significant issue, with the recent rule change prohibiting the reporting of patient collections to credit bureaus. Julie outlines the impact on financial stability, administrative burden, and patient relationships.
• Julie discusses strategies for educating patients on financial policies, including utilizing various communication channels and providing easy-to-understand resources.

Resources:

• MGMA Operations Conference: The show will be held March 2-4, Bellagio Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
• Julie Mobley will be speaking twice at the show:
  • Bridging Gaps: Chronic Care Management and Value-Based Care (Monday, March 3, 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM PDT)
  • Navigating Patient Financial Responsibility (Monday, March 3, 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM PDT)

This episode is brought to you by Zoll Data Systems, software and data solutions for healthcare financial professionals. Zoll AR Boost is the comprehensive automated RCM optimization suite that automatically finds, corrects and verifies patient and payer information to capture more revenue, reduce administrative burden, and improve the patient financial experience. The number one Black Book-rated insurance discovery tool can discover active, billable coverage for more than 40 percent of claims. Visit https://www.zolldata.com/healthcare-financial-data/arboost to learn about the complete Solution suite.