In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett highlight key developments shaping healthcare in 2025. They recap powerful moments from the recent MGMA Summit—including a moving story from a trauma survivor—and share the latest data on provider compensation and procedural trends. Also in focus: the strong healthcare job growth reported in May, a closer look at rising operating costs, strategies to improve patient engagement, and the growing impact of federal budget cuts on public health funding. Tune in for timely insights and practical takeaways for medical practice leaders.

00:50 Introduction and Host Welcome

01:27 Highlights from the Summit Conference (MGMA Summit)

03:32 MGMA Data Team Announcement (MGMA DataDive)

05:28 Healthcare Job Market Update (Medical Economics)

08:18 Rising Operating Costs in Healthcare (MGMA Stat)

10:46 Strategies for Strengthening Patient Engagement (Physicians Practice)

14:40 Impact of Federal Budget Cuts on Public Health (Chief Healthcare Executive)

17:36 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Aaron Reinke, MD, a board-certified family physician and director of clinical informatics. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence and technology are transforming healthcare delivery. With a background in engineering and medicine, Dr. Reinke shares insights into reducing administrative burdens, improving patient interactions, and leveraging AI tools like Microsoft Dragon Copilot to help physicians rediscover the joy of practicing medicine. 

Key Takeaways:

Rural Healthcare Technology Challenges [05:11]

• Limited internet connectivity can impact telemedicine
• Aging populations may be initially suspicious of new technologies
• Requires transparent communication about AI and technology tools

Physician Burnout Mitigation [08:37]

• Technology can reduce hours spent on administrative tasks after work
• AI helps physicians focus on healing and human connection
• Allows more time for meaningful patient interactions

Administrative Burden Reduction [09:38]

• AI tools like DAX Co-Pilot can dramatically reduce documentation time
• Physicians spend less time typing and more time connecting with patients
• Helps level the technological playing field for providers with varying tech skills

Patient Acceptance of AI Tools [12:17]

• Transparency is key to building patient trust
• Explain HIPAA compliance and data protection
• Highlight how AI improves overall patient care experience

AI Implementation Best Practices [17:06]

• Provide one-on-one support for technology adoption
• Use early adopters to mentor and guide less tech-savvy providers
• Personalize training to individual learning styles and practice needs

Future of AI in Healthcare [19:08]

• AI will help integrate patient information more efficiently
• Shift from data collection to meaningful patient connection
• Goal is treating patients as whole persons, not just medical cases

Resources:

• Microsoft Dragon Copilot - Learn more here
• Connect with Dr. Aaron Reinke on LinkedIn

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Ask MGMA, host Daniel Williams and co-host Cristy Good delve into the complexities of panel size management for medical group practices. They discuss the importance of capacity planning, workforce utilization, care team strategy, and burnout prevention. The episode includes practical insights into panel attribution, right-sizing based on risk and resources, workload distribution, and the role of technology in optimizing care. Cristy also shares tips on measuring and monitoring key metrics to ensure successful implementation of panel management strategies.

00:51 – Introduction and Welcome

01:22 – Understanding Panel Size Management

04:12 – Right Sizing with Risk and Resources

05:38 – Distributing Workload Across Care Teams

06:42 – Optimizing Schedules for Panel Management

07:38 – Aligning Compensation with Panel Size

10:12 – Key Metrics and Checkpoints

11:12 – Final Thoughts and Resources

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett share timely insights on the most pressing issues in healthcare. They cover key takeaways from the MGMA Summit, explore the latest compensation strategies, and highlight innovative trends shaping the connected patient experience. You'll also hear discussion on CMS policy changes, violence in healthcare settings, and how practices can improve engagement and workplace safety.

00:51 Introduction and Podcast Overview

02:01 MGMA Stat Poll: Compensation Strategy Insights (MGMA Stat)

03:44 Highlights from the MGMA Summit Digital Conference (MGMA Summit)

09:42 CMS Rescinds Emergency Abortion Guidance (Fierce HealthCare)

11:44 Violence Against Healthcare Workers: A Growing Concern (Chief Healthcare Executive)

15:07 The Connected Patient Experience: Embracing Innovation (Med City News)

16:38 Conclusion and Upcoming Content

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Dea Robinson, a healthcare leader with extensive experience in hospital medicine, consulting, and organizational learning. Dr. Robinson shares her career path, insights on physician burnout, the importance of mentorship, and strategies for building meaningful connections in healthcare.

Key Takeaways:

• [01:02] Dr. Robinson's journey into healthcare 
• [05:43] Mentorship through MGMA
• [09:34] High engagement and burnout among physicians
• [14:13] Clinical vs. non-clinical engagement 
• [18:58] The importance of intentional human connection
• [22:23] The importance of mentorship for professional development
• [26:07] Guiding younger physician leaders and embedding accountability 
• [29:11] Using the workplace as a learning laboratory

Resources:
Connect with Dr. Dea Robinson on LinkedIn
Receive expert guidance through the MGMA Mentor Program
Dr. Dea Robinson's co-authored AJM study: The 5 Rs of Cultural Humility

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, host Daniel Williams shares timely updates on key issues facing medical practices. The episode begins with a look at how organizations are managing paid time off (PTO) and why effective PTO policies are vital to workplace culture and employee retention. It then explores the growing integration of behavioral health into primary care, with a focus on collaborative care models. The episode wraps with a spotlight on the phrase “We’ll take care of that,” and how those five words can significantly enhance the patient experience.

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
00:43 Welcome to MGMA Week in Review
01:07 Handling Medical Practice Staff's PTO (MGMA Stat)
03:38 Integrating Behavioral Health into Primary Care (Axios)
05:59 The Power of 'We'll Take Care of That' (Physicians Practice)
07:11 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, host Daniel Williams talks with senior advisor Cristy Good about practical ways to cut costs and boost efficiency in medical practices. They address key challenges like rising labor, tech, and inflation-driven expenses, and explore solutions such as cloud-based tools, smarter scheduling, strategic outsourcing, and cross-training staff. The episode also covers how to avoid overspending and make better use of group purchasing organizations. Cristy offers advice for leaders feeling overwhelmed by vendor costs and explains how MGMA members can get additional support.

00:50 Introduction and Welcome

01:21 Today's Topic: Reducing Expenses and Boosting Efficiency

02:15 Challenges in Cost Management

04:25 Effective Cost-Cutting Strategies

09:54 Cross-Training and Scheduling Innovations

11:14 Leveraging Group Purchasing Organizations

13:12 Conclusion and Contact Information

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

In this MGMA Insights podcast episode, Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Sunita Sah, a tenured professor at Cornell University and author of Defy. Together, they explore the subtle but powerful psychology behind compliance and informed consent. Drawing from her experiences as a physician and organizational psychologist, Dr. Sah discusses why patients — and even medical professionals — often follow advice they disagree with, and how we can build greater confidence, clarity, and autonomy in healthcare decision-making.

[00:04:00] The Scan She Didn’t Want

• Dr. Sah tells a personal ER story that sparked her research into why we comply, even when we know we shouldn't.

[00:09:00] The Five Elements of True Consent

• A breakdown of capacity, knowledge, understanding, freedom to say no, and personal authorization — and how this differs from compliance.

[00:14:00] Why It’s Hard to Speak Up

• “Insinuation anxiety” is the discomfort we feel when we risk questioning those in power — even when the stakes are high.

[00:20:00] Leadership Lessons from Healthcare Classrooms

• Dr. Sah shares how physicians in her Cornell classes are rethinking how they lead and communicate through values-driven decision-making.

[00:24:00] False Defiance vs. Real Defiance

• Not all resistance is rooted in values. Dr. Sah explains how to recognize the difference between performative opposition and meaningful dissent.

Resources:

• Dr. Sunita Sah’s Website
• Defy by Dr. Sunita Sah - Buy on Amazon or Listen on Audible
• Join the MGMA Book Club — Defy is featured in an upcoming session
• More MGMA Insights Episodes

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of the MGMA Weekend Review, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss major trends affecting independent medical practices, including the rise of AI tools that lessen administrative burdens and combat physician burnout. Additionally, they explore the potential impacts of the U.S. House's recently passed Medicaid cuts, urging listeners to stay informed and advocate for their needs.

00:50 Introduction and Weekly Catch-Up

02:09 AI in Medical Practices (Healthcare IT News)

05:26 Managing Stress and Burnout (MGMA Stat)

08:08 Virtual Care: The Future of Healthcare (Medical Economics)

12:06 Medicaid Cuts and Their Impact (Healthcare Dive)

16:07 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Author and psychotherapist Britt Frank returns to the MGMA Insights podcast to discuss her new book, Align Your Mind. She and host Daniel Williams explore the power of "parts work," how to navigate the inner critic, manage stress during high-pressure times, and lead yourself with more clarity and compassion.

Key Takeaways:

• 00:45 — Welcoming back Britt Frank; Introduction to her new book, Align Your Mind; book availability at local and national retailers.
• 02:15 — Why "Align" Your Mind, Not "Fix" It: Britt compares mental health to tire or spinal alignment — a shift in thinking about how we manage ourselves.
• 06:10 — Introduction to "Parts Work": Understanding the mind as a system of different parts and voices; practical everyday examples (e.g., "part of me wants to relax, part of me wants to work").
• 09:10 — How to Build a Relationship with Your Inner Critic: Instead of fighting it, validate it ("That's a little bit true") to deactivate stress responses.
• 13:30 — Real-World Mindfulness: Daniel shares his retreat disappointment; Britt explains how to "diffuse" from negative thinking and find alternative truths.
• 18:50 — Managing Stress in Healthcare Settings: How to realign expectations realistically when facing staff shortages, flu season, and patient overflow.
• 22:30 — Micro-Yes Strategy: How to break big challenges into tiny, doable steps to prevent overwhelm and support momentum.

Resources:

• Britt Frank’s Website: brittfrank.com
• Purchase Align Your Mind at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Target
• Connect with Britt Frank on LinkedIn

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.