MGMA Podcasts

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 LinkedIn
• Orthopedic Executives Association (AOE)
• CHORTHO Cares Foundation
• The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann
• MGMA Membership 
• MGMA Mentor Program
• If you're interested in joining the MGMA Book Club, reach out to Daniel at [email protected].

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 Culture
  Holiday 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 Benefits
• Jackson Physician Search
• Email Daniel Williams at [email protected] if you'd like to join the MGMA Book club. 

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 LinkedIn
• CMS Rule 57F - Details on upcoming electronic prior authorization requirements.
• MGMA prior authorization resources

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 LinkedIn
• MGMA Book Club (Align the Mind – December Selection)
  Send an email of interest to Daniel Williams - [email protected]
• MGMA Volunteer Opportunities 
• MGMA DataDive (Benchmarking Tool) 
• MGMA Education & Certification (CMPE & Fellowship)
• MGMA Conferences
   

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 Reading
  Allen 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 Programs
  Actionable 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 Resources
  • MGMA Certification - Demonstrate your skills and earn a recognized certificate of mastery.
  • MGMA Mentor Program - New and improved!
    
    
• Books Discussed
  • The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
  • East of Eden by John Steinbeck
  • Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe
  • Align the Mind by Britt Frank
  • Shatterproof by Tasha Eurich
  • The Moviegoer by Walker Percy
  • Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events

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

• Surescripts
• The Sequoia Project (TEFCA RCE)

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 back
The value of authentic leadership and building a personal brand
Lessons from the MGMA Book Club and continuous learning
Networking vs. connecting: why real relationships matter

Reflections on MGMA’s 1920s-themed gala and the joy of community
If 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

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 Center
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat

In this bonus episode of the MGMA Podcast, recorded live at the 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando, Senior Editor Daniel Williams speaks with Maryann Kawaksheh, who traveled all the way from Qatar to attend.

Maryann shares her remarkable journey from Alabama to Qatar, where she helped build a greenfield hospital from the ground up. She discusses the similarities and differences between U.S. and international healthcare systems, how benchmarking and MGMA membership have been vital to her work abroad, and why networking is her biggest takeaway from the Leaders Conference.

Key themes from this episode:
Building a women’s and children’s hospital in Qatar
The role of benchmarking and MGMA resources in global healthcare leadership
Similarities in ambulatory care challenges across countries
How AI is shaping healthcare leadership while emphasizing the human connection
Why ongoing leadership training and networking are essential for growth

If you enjoy this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe to the MGMA Podcast for more insights from healthcare leaders across the globe.
#MGMA #HealthcareLeadership #LeadersConference #AIinHealthcare #GlobalHealthcare

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Mitchell Ramsey, CHFP, CRCR, TMS Clinical Coordinator at Psychiatry Associates of Tallahassee and one of MGMA’s 2025 Future Five Award honorees. Mitchell shares how his journey from lacrosse coach to mental health professional shaped his empathetic, patient-first approach to care. He discusses innovations in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment, improving patient intake systems, navigating payer relationships, and the broader movement to destigmatize mental health care. 

This episode offers actionable insights for practice leaders looking to improve coordination of care, streamline administrative processes, and strengthen patient engagement.

Episode Takeaways

• (02:58) From Coaching to Caregiving: A Path to Mental Health
  Mitchell describes his unique journey from coaching lacrosse to pursuing mental health care after realizing the power of psychological support in athletic performance.
• (04:56) Inside the TMS Clinic
  He breaks down what transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is — an FDA-approved neuromodulation therapy for depression, OCD, and other conditions — and shares how his small but dedicated team operates within a larger psychiatric practice.
• (07:43) Transforming the Patient Intake & Onboarding Experience
  Mitchell details how he redesigned his clinic’s intake process — shifting from a standardized script to a storytelling-based, empathy-driven approach that helps patients feel understood and supported from the start.
• (09:56) Building Better Payer Relationships
  He explains how open communication and proactive collaboration with insurers reduced prior authorization delays from two to three weeks down to a few days, demonstrating how strong provider–payer relationships improve access to care.
• (11:07) Data-Driven Advocacy for Mental Health
  Mitchell shares how his team’s partnership with BrainsWay, a TMS device manufacturer, has contributed to expanding FDA approval for broader age ranges — underscoring how community practices can influence national treatment accessibility.
• (12:58) Community Partnerships Through NAMI
  Mitchell’s collaboration with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) ensures that patients who can’t afford care still receive peer-to-peer mental health support, embodying a comprehensive approach to community wellness.
• (15:33) The Future of Mental Health Care
  He envisions a continued reduction in stigma, deeper integration of mental health across all specialties, and more open acknowledgment of emotional well-being in patient conversations.
• (20:42) Advice for Small Practice Leaders
  Mitchell encourages administrators to remember that “every contribution matters” — reminding listeners that small practices can have large, lasting impacts on the future of healthcare.

 Resources Mentioned

• MGMA Future Five Awards - Learn more about MGMA’s program honoring early-career healthcare leaders.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Explore peer-to-peer programs and mental health advocacy resources.
• BrainsWay TMS Therapy – Learn about transcranial magnetic stimulation and its FDA-approved uses for depression and OCD.