MGMA Podcasts

Futurist, author, and Hall of Fame speaker Crystal Washington joins this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast. Crystal shares her expertise on generative AI and its practical applications for healthcare leaders. As an upcoming keynote speaker at the MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando (September 28 - October 1), Crystal breaks down the AI landscape, debunks common myths, and provides actionable strategies for medical practice leaders navigating technology adoption without getting overwhelmed.

[02:35] - Becoming a futurist: Crystal explains her path from hospitality management to consulting for global brands, and how she developed her futurist mindset.

[06:25] - Grounding AI...

In this debut episode of the MGMA Early Careerist podcast, host Melinda Mastel speaks with Shay Eskew, Vice President of Sales at Kodiak Solutions, Ironman athlete, and burn survivor. Shay shares his remarkable journey from a childhood accident that changed his life, to building a career in healthcare, writing a bestselling book, and embracing challenges in athletics and leadership. Tune in for insights on resilience, risk-taking, building community, and finding purpose—plus practical advice for early careerists navigating their own paths.

8 Key Moments:

In this episode of MGMA's Women in Healthcare podcast, host Adrienne Lloyd talks with Hayley Boling, CEO of Bowling Vision Center and Insight Surgery Center, about the realities of leadership, the importance of empathy and accountability, and the everyday moments that shape strong teams. They discuss mentorship, support networks, and the value of authenticity in healthcare and beyond.

Your Host:
Adrienne Palmer Lloyd...

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Carolyn Bruebaker Moore, MBA, FACMPE, Vice President of Operations at PeaceHealth Medical Group in Oregon. Carolyn will be speaking at the upcoming MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando (Sept. 28 – Oct. 1, 2025), where her session, "Build Your Own Operational Leadership Development Program," will give practice leaders practical tools to strengthen leadership pipelines. 

In this conversation, Carolyn shares her healthcare journey, how she identified a leadership training gap, and how she created an inclusive program that equips supervisors, managers, and directors to grow into stronger, more confident leaders. Listeners wil...

Join host Daniel Williams on the MGMA Insights Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Alpesh Amin, Associate Dean for Clinical Transformation at UCI Health. Dr. Amin previews his upcoming session at the 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando while sharing practical strategies for leveraging digital health and virtual care. Learn how to optimize ambulatory space, improve patient access and expand clinical capacity without building new facilities.

[4:07] - Redefining Ambulatory Space Optimization
[6:30] - Implementing E-Consults for Specialist Access
[9:28] - Using Remote Monitoring to Reduce Hospital Length of Stay
[10:45] - Leveraging Parking Lot Check-ins and Virtual...

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Dr. Michael Neal, a practicing optometrist and founder of Build My Team. Dr. Neal shares his transformative approach to healthcare hiring while addressing critical challenges like staff turnover, burnout and creating a high-performing practice culture. Drawing from lessons learned in his own practice and insights from top service industries, he offers practical strategies for medical practice leaders to enhance their hiring process.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams joins Mark Noon, a retired US Air Force medical leader and founder of LEADERSHIPTEN to explore leadership challenges amid cultural adaptations in the post-pandemic workplace. With extensive experience coaching healthcare organizations, Mark shares critical leadership strategies for medical practice managers and administrators while offering practical approaches to team development and patient experience.

Key Takeaways:

[04:12] Career Evolution: Mark transitioned from military medical laboratory work to leadership consulting, demonstrating the importance of adaptability in professional growth

[10:00] Leadership Challenges: Four primary leadership challenges identified:

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, Dr. Michael Blackman, Chief Medical Officer at Greenway Health, explores how AI and automation can help reduce provider burnout and improve medical practice efficiency. The conversation highlights Greenway's Clinical Assist technology while offering insights for medical practice leaders looking to leverage AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for healthcare professionals.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Chris Franklin, President of LocumTenens.com, and Alison Sawyer, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, to unpack recent research on clinician workforce trends. The conversation reveals surprising findings about job satisfaction, retention and what truly motivates today's healthcare professionals. This topic will be featured in the upcoming MGMA webinar, "Cracking the Clinician Code: Insights To Attract & Retain Top Talent Today."

Key Takeaways:

Resources:

In this MGMA podcast episode, host Daniel Williams talks with Dr. Christopher Kodama, MD, MBA, founder of EverSpark, about managing disruptive physician behavior. They define what disruptive behavior looks like in healthcare settings, discuss its impact on practice culture, and outline actionable strategies for addressing it—covering preparation, conversation techniques, and follow-up. Dr. Kodama also previews his upcoming session at the MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando.

Main Points:
00:50 – Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:38 – Dr. Kodama's Background and Career Journey
05:13 – Understanding Disruptive Physician Behavior
06:36 – Defining Disruptive Behavior
08:20 – Identifying Disruptive Dynamics in Practice
11:53 – Approaching th...

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett share the latest healthcare industry news, including proposed changes to Medicare payments, healthcare consumer experience trends, and an Emmy-nominated medical drama. Plus, they highlight a leadership story from MGMA Connection Magazine and spotlight MGMA’s Women Healthcare Leaders Resource Group.

Key Takeaways:
00:50 Welcome and Introduction

01:25 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Updates (Medical Economics)

04:14 The Importance of First-Time Energy in Patient Care (Physician’s Practice)

06:12 Authenticity in Medical Dramas (Chief Healthcare Executive)

08:07 Healthcare Comm...

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Phill Tornroth, Vice President of Engineering at Elation Health. Together, they explore the revolutionary impact of AI on primary care, discussing how technology can reduce clinician burden, streamline workflows and bring human-centered design to healthcare technology. Elation Health received two awards from the 2025 Best in KLAS: Software and Services report: one for Small Practice Ambulatory EMR/PM and another for EMR-Centric Virtual Care Platforms. 

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast, host Daniel Williams talks with Linda Carroll, a certified medical practice executive and co-facilitator of MGMA’s AAPI Healthcare Leaders Resource Group. The discussion explores Linda’s work and life in Alaska, the value of resource groups, and the importance of culturally responsive leadership. Linda shares how telehealth is bridging gaps in rural care and how MGMA communities help foster mentorship, connection, and visibility for Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders in healthcare.

Timestamps:

On this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett dive into key updates shaping medical group practices. They explore how healthcare leaders—especially Chief Nursing Officers—are becoming central to advocacy efforts, examine the mounting pressures on rural hospitals, and break down how real estate decisions can either support or stall private practice growth. Plus, they share new MGMA Stat poll results on operational costs and preview insights from the latest issue of MGMA Connection magazine on the future of independent practices.

Timestamps and Resources:

00:50 – Welcome to MGMA W...

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Kate Warnock and Maja Vojnovic from Forcura to explore the challenges medical practices face in post-acute care documentation and coordination. The conversation reveals insights from a recent survey that highlights the administrative burdens practices experience and offers innovative solutions to streamline workflows. Forcura is also sponsoring an upcoming MGMA webinar titled, "Reducing Physician Practice Administrative Burden."

Timestamps:

In this Ask MGMA episode, hosts Daniel Williams and Cristy Good tackle a question that often trips up medical practices: Can a provider turn away a patient because of the patient’s insurance or the billing method? They lay out the ethical stakes, compliance rules, and legal pitfalls of selective scheduling. Drawing on CMS guidance and professional standards, Cristy outlines fair-billing best practices and share practical tips for leaders who must balance RVU goals with equal access to care.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the Ask MGMA Podcast
01:20 – Ethics and Billing: Can Providers Refuse Patients?
03:22 – Ethical...

In this special Fourth of July edition of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett share timely healthcare insights alongside some holiday cheer. They start with a major policy development: a Senate-approved tax bill that could cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid—posing serious implications for hospitals, rural providers, and medical groups. The episode also covers how bathroom cleanliness can shape patient perceptions, new MGMA poll results on wait times, and a forecast of where inpatient and outpatient care are headed over the next decade. The episode closes with an overview of a new ACP pr...

In this MGMA Insights podcast episode, host Daniel Williams discusses behavioral health integration with clinical health psychologist and consultant Dr. Jonas Bromberg, Psy.D, of Crossroads Health Consulting. 

Dr. Bromberg explains how medical practices can incorporate mental health support and bridge the gap between physical and emotional healthcare. The conversation explores strategies for implementing behavioral health services, understanding the mind-body connection, and reducing mental health treatment stigma. 

Through research and practical examples, Dr. Bromberg shows how integrating behavioral health can improve both patient outcomes and practice efficiency. The discussion covers implementation strategies, billing considerations, and th...

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast, host Daniel Williams talks with the leaders behind MGMA’s Early Careerist Resource Group — a supportive space for emerging healthcare leaders to connect, grow, and navigate the challenges of stepping into their first leadership roles.

Guests Agnes Edukere, MHA (Melody Health), Melinda Mastel, MBA, MS, FHFMA, CMPE, PMP (Medical College of Wisconsin), and Tori Cordova, BS-HCM, CPPM, CPC, COC, CHONC (Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center) discuss how the group came together, the real-world topics they explore, and why peer-level support is so valuable.

You’ll hea...

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett cover five top stories impacting medical group leaders this week. Topics include the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the ACA’s preventive services mandate, new data on clinician job satisfaction and turnover risk, operational insights on patient encounter volume, expert advice on building a non-punitive workplace culture, and the increasing importance of layered cybersecurity in healthcare. Whether you're in the C-suite or managing daily workflows, this episode delivers strategic updates and real-world insights to keep you informed and prepared.

Time...

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Rana McSpadden, a medical practice consultant from SVMIC, to dive deep into the critical world of cybersecurity for healthcare organizations. With rising threats and sophisticated hacking techniques, this episode provides medical practice leaders with essential strategies to protect their patient data, maintain operational continuity, and build a culture of digital security. McSpadden will speak more on this topic during the upcoming 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference. 

Key Takeaways: 

In this Ask MGMA episode, Senior Editor Daniel Williams and Senior Advisor Cristy Good  explore the legal and ethical issues around using security cameras in medical practices. They cover camera placement rules, HIPAA risks, audio recording concerns, compliance best practices, and why legal consultation is critical. Practice leaders also get actionable steps and key resources to stay compliant.

00:50 Introduction to the Ask MGMA Podcast

01:56 Understanding Security Camera Placement in Healthcare

02:46 Audio Recording and Compliance Risks

03:41 Defining PHI and Compliance Steps

04:58 Third-Party Vendors and Compliance

05:35 Signage and State L...

In this MGMA Week in Review episode, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett break down key healthcare headlines, including CMS hospital penalties, new research on the speed and cost-effectiveness of video consultations, and how AI and consumer tech are reshaping care delivery. Plus, practical tips for keeping medical practices on schedule and why being likable at work may impact your career. Full article links are available in the show notes.

00:50 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:58 CMS Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program (Chief Healthcare Executive)

03:57 The Benefits of Video Consultations (Medical Economics)

06:48 The Great...

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Kate Daniels, Senior Director of Franchises, Associations and Buying Groups, and Hyrum Gray, Solution Consulting Manager from Oracle NetSuite. They dive deep into how medical practices can transform their operations by embracing modern technological solutions, addressing critical challenges in healthcare administration, and streamlining complex business processes.

Key Takeaways:

Resources:
Learn more about Oracle NetSuite - visit...

In this episode of Ask MGMA, host Daniel Williams is joined by Cristy Good to break down staffing strategies in primary care—comparing what works in value-based care versus fee-for-service models. They dive into how staffing ratios shift between these models, how technology and care teams play a role, and why benchmarking matters. Cristy also shares practical tips for preventing burnout and walks through actionable steps for practices moving toward value-based care. Stick around for a rapid-fire round of myth-busting to separate fact from fiction in staffing trends.

00:51 – Introduction and Welcome
02:04 – Staffing Benchmarks: Value-Based Care vs. Fee-fo...

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 Intr...

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]

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 Re...

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...

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:

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 Techni...

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

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

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...

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:

In this episode of the Ask MGMA Podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Christy Good dig into one of the most urgent issues medical practices are facing: payer downcoding and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in reimbursement decisions. Discover why evaluation and management (E/M) claims are being reduced without medical record review, how automated systems are affecting your revenue, and what actions you can take to identify, track, and appeal unjustified downcodes. Whether you're feeling the impact already or want to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation offers practical tips and valuable resources to support your team.<...

In this episode of the MGMA Weekend Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss a range of pressing healthcare industry topics. The episode starts with an in-depth look at the proposed GOP budget plan that could significantly cut Medicaid funding, putting millions of Americans at risk of losing healthcare coverage. This is followed by a discussion on the harmful effects of medical gaslighting on patients, as revealed by a comprehensive Rutgers Health report. The hosts also delve into current healthcare staff turnover trends and highlight the importance of personalized mental health care during Mental Health Awareness Month...

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Helen Falkner, Regional Vice President of Recruiting at Jackson Physician Search, and Dr. Miechia Esco, Chief Medical Resource Officer at Locum Tenens.com. Based on a groundbreaking report titled "Is Medicine Still a Calling?", the discussion explores physician satisfaction, purpose, and strategies for maintaining passion in healthcare.

Key Takeaways:

01:47 – Why the Report Was Created
Dr. Esco explains the systemic challenges in healthcare that led to the central question: Is medicine still a calling?

02:55 – Purpose and Provider Rete...

In this episode, host Daniel Williams speaks with Dave Jenkins, healthcare executive at Cone Health and adjunct faculty at Winston-Salem State University. Jenkins shares his journey into healthcare leadership, the operational dynamics at Cone Health, and the evolving challenges in behavioral health. He dives into the critical role of technology, workforce engagement, and leadership development—offering valuable insights for anyone aspiring to lead in today’s healthcare environment. 

00:50 Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:00 Dave Jenkins' Career Pathway

02:57 Overview of Cone Health

04:15 Day-to-Day Operations at Cone Health

05:33 Challenges and Opportunities in Healt...

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett cover key healthcare headlines, from the ongoing shortage of medical assistants and tips to close staffing gaps, to the leadership lessons in crisis response and fallout from the Change Healthcare cyberattack. They also share findings on nurse retention from McKinsey’s latest survey and close with a nod to National Nurses Week.

00:49 Introduction and Hosts

01:36 MGMA Stat Poll Results (MGMA Stat)

05:08 Healthcare Leadership in Crisis (Physicians Practice)

09:12 HHS Restructuring and Interoperability (MedCity News)

11:30 Uni...