Welcome to this week's MGMA Week in Review podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett. This episode dives into timely healthcare topics, including updates on telehealth policies, the value of family caregivers, trends in revenue cycle management (RCM), outpatient time burdens, and policy changes affecting the uninsured. Stay tuned for insightful discussions and direct links to resources.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Telehealth Extension
   • Federal approval of a one-year extension for telehealth prescriptions of controlled substances such as OxyContin and Xanax.
   • Advocacy efforts by MGMA and other groups stress the importance of sustainable, long-term telehealth policies.
   • Remaining pandemic-era telehealth waivers and the legislative push for two- to five-year extensions.
2. The Role of Family Caregivers in Healthcare
   • Family caregivers contribute over $600 billion in unpaid care annually.
   • Challenges include burnout, stress, and insufficient support.
   • Advocacy for treating caregivers as integral members of the healthcare team to enhance patient outcomes and align with value-based care principles.
3. Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Trends
   • Insights from MGMA’s stat poll showing limited plans for RCM outsourcing or automation in 2025.
   • Highlighted strategies for improving partnerships with RCM vendors, leveraging AI tools, and focusing on clear KPIs for financial success.
   • Upcoming MGMA Demo Day on December 12 for exploring innovative RCM solutions.
4. Outpatient Time Burden
   • Findings from a JAMA article revealing the extensive time required for outpatient encounters beyond face-to-face visits.
   • Recommendations include workflow redesign, delegation of tasks, and use of technology like patient portals to improve efficiency and reduce burnout.
5. ACA Subsidy Expiration Concerns
   • Potential impact of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, potentially leaving 4 million people uninsured.
   • Disproportionate effects on Black and Hispanic communities, with enrollment drops particularly in states without Medicaid expansion.
   • A call for policy changes to prevent coverage gaps.

Direct Links to Resources:

• Telehealth Extension Overview: Telehealth Prescriptions Update
• Family Caregiver Advocacy: Family Caregivers and Healthcare Continuum
• RCM Trends and Demo Day Registration: RCM Strategies and Demo Day; Demo Day
• JAMA Article on Outpatient Time: Time Burden in Outpatient Care
• Urban Institute Report on ACA Subsidies: ACA Subsidy Impact Analysis

CareCredit
Are your patients concerned about out-of-pocket costs? Is your practice looking for a way to help address those concerns and improve the patient experience? Then, you may want to consider offering the CareCredit credit card as a payment option. For over thirty-five years, CareCredit, a Synchrony solution, has been offering patients a way to pay for health and wellness expenses not covered by insurance. CareCredit can seamlessly integrate with your business and offer a valuable financing option for your patients so they can pay for services or products over time to help fit their budget. To learn more about how CareCredit works for you and your patients, visit  www.carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

NextGen
Looking to transform your healthcare practice with AI? NextGen Healthcare is leading the way by leveraging artificial intelligence. It is helping practices improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. From predictive analytics to automating routine tasks, NextGen Healthcare's AI solutions are revolutionizing the delivery of care. Don't miss out on the future of healthcare innovation. Visit https://www.nextgen.com/ today to learn how NextGen Healthcare can help you drive efficiency and elevate patient care.

Welcome to the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA. In this episode, Daniel sits down with Dr. Miechia Esco, Chief Medical Resources Advisor, and Amelia Vietri, Senior Vice President and Partner at LocumTenens.com. Together, they dive into innovative strategies for tackling healthcare staffing shortages, improving clinician retention, and enhancing patient care—especially in underserved rural areas. This episode addresses the critical challenges of clinician burnout, the evolving role of telehealth, and how advanced practice providers (APPs) can reshape the healthcare landscape.

Major Takeaways:

1. Key Challenges and Opportunities in Locum Tenens Medicine

• Flexibility and Autonomy: Dr. Esco highlighted how locum tenens medicine offers clinicians the opportunity to create customized schedules, helping to mitigate burnout and improve work-life balance.
• Tailored Solutions for Diverse Environments: The model supports various specialties and environments, including rural, urban, and suburban communities, offering critical coverage for underserved areas.

2. Addressing Burnout Through Locum Tenens

• Work-Life Balance: Locum tenens provides flexibility for clinicians to adjust their workloads to match their preferences and avoid burnout.
• Technology and Support: Tools like mobile scheduling and AI-driven efficiency improvements help alleviate administrative burdens, enabling clinicians to focus on patient care.

3. Innovations in Telehealth and Emerging Technologies

• Telehealth Expansion: 81% of survey respondents reported implementing telehealth, which has become a key solution for increasing patient access and reducing clinician strain.
• AI in Healthcare: Emerging technologies, such as ambient AI for documentation, are helping clinicians streamline workflows and focus on patient care.

4. Solutions for Rural Healthcare Challenges

• Hybrid Models: Combining telehealth with on-site clinicians has expanded access to specialized care in rural areas.
• Billing and Enrollment Support: LocumTenens.com educates healthcare organizations on optimizing billing processes to justify costs and increase revenue.

5. The Role of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)

• Enhancing Team-Based Care: APPs, such as nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives, are helping reduce burnout in fields like behavioral health and women’s health by handling routine care and first-call duties.
• Cross-Training: Critical care-trained APPs offer versatile support, rounding in ICUs and assisting with specialized services.

6. Research Insights from LocumTenens.com

• A survey of 200 healthcare professionals identified shared challenges across different settings, such as clinician recruitment, retention, and addressing social determinants of health.
• Rural communities face unique hurdles, but solutions like APP integration and telehealth are proving effective.

Links and Resources:

• On-Demand Webinar: Future-Proofing Strategies for Urban and Rural Physician Recruiting and Retention
• Research Report: Future-Forward Strategies for Rural and Urban Care Delivery Challenges

Thank you for tuning in to the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast. Be sure to subscribe for more expert insights tailored for medical practice leaders.

In this episode of the MGMA Ask an Advisor Podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Christy Good dive into the importance of network utilization KPIs and how they can be leveraged to enhance patient satisfaction and operational efficiency. They discuss the critical metrics to track, the benefits of monitoring network utilization, and strategies for implementing cost-effective solutions, even for smaller practices.

Key Points:

1. Understanding Network Utilization KPIs: Appointment wait times, referral patterns, resource allocation, and care coordination are key metrics that directly impact patient satisfaction.
2. Identifying the Right Metrics: Practices should focus on KPIs that directly influence patient experience, such as appointment availability, referral completion rates, and post-discharge follow-ups.
3. Benefits of Monitoring Network Utilization: Tracking appointment availability and wait times can improve access to care, while monitoring referral patterns and care transitions can enhance care coordination and reduce fragmented care.
4. Using Data to Personalize Care Plans: Analyzing patient utilization history and treatment outcomes can inform more tailored care plans, leading to improved satisfaction and reduced complications.
5. Strategies to Reduce Hospital Readmissions: Timely follow-up appointments and additional post-discharge support for high-risk patients can significantly lower readmission rates.
6. Challenges and Solutions: Lack of integration between systems and concerns about data security and patient privacy are common challenges, but can be addressed through robust encryption, access controls, and leveraging MGMA's benchmark tools and resources.

Resources:

• MGMA DataDive: A comprehensive benchmarking tool that provides detailed metrics on network utilization, enabling practices to compare their performance against industry standards.
  Ask an Advisor: For personalized guidance, practices can reach out via email at [email protected] to connect with MGMA experts.

CareCredit
Are your patients concerned about out-of-pocket costs? Is your practice looking for a way to help address those concerns and improve the patient experience? Then, you may want to consider offering the CareCredit credit card as a payment option. For over thirty-five years, CareCredit, a Synchrony solution, has been offering patients a way to pay for health and wellness expenses not covered by insurance. CareCredit can seamlessly integrate with your business and offer a valuable financing option for your patients so they can pay for services or products over time to help fit their budget. To learn more about how CareCredit works for you and your patients, visit  www.carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

NextGen
Looking to transform your healthcare practice with AI? NextGen Healthcare is leading the way by leveraging artificial intelligence. It is helping practices improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. From predictive analytics to automating routine tasks, NextGen Healthcare's AI solutions are revolutionizing the delivery of care. Don't miss out on the future of healthcare innovation. Visit https://www.nextgen.com/ today to learn how NextGen Healthcare can help you drive efficiency and elevate patient care.

In this week’s episode of the MGMA Week in Review podcast, Senior Editor Daniel Williams and Co-host Colleen Luckett bring you the latest updates and insights from the healthcare industry. Here's what you can expect:

Highlights:

1. National Nurse Practitioner Week:
   • Celebrating the contributions of Nurse Practitioners (NPs), with inspiring stories of resilience and innovation, including NPs stepping up during emergencies in Wyoming, Alaska, and North Carolina.
2. Growth of the Physician Assistant Workforce:
   • A record number of newly certified PAs in 2023 reflects a growing and diversifying healthcare workforce, helping to address physician shortages.
3. Return to Pre-COVID Staffing Levels:
   • Clinical staffing levels are improving, yet rising patient demand continues to pressure healthcare teams. Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs) are playing a significant role in bridging the gap.
4. Combating Toxic Productivity:
   • An article from the Harvard Business Review sheds light on the culture of overwork and its impact on well-being, urging leaders to prioritize quality over quantity in the workplace.
5. Employee Engagement in Healthcare:
   • Insights from the MGMA stat poll and the 2024 Leaders Conference session on enhancing employee engagement. Strategies include recognition programs, better benefits, and fostering purpose-driven work environments using models like PERMA and Ikigai.

Sources and Resources Mentioned:

• Clinical Advisor: National Nurse Practitioner Week: Celebrate the People in the Profession
• Medical Economics: The Number of Physician Assistants Continues to Grow
• Health Exec: Clinical Staffing Once Again at Pre-COVID Levels
• Harvard Business Review: Let’s End Toxic Productivity
• MGMA: Enhancing Employee Engagement to Optimize Retention

How to Stay Connected:

• Sign up for MGMA Stat Polls to get weekly insights delivered directly to your inbox.
• Follow MGMA on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook for updates and more resources.

CareCredit
Are your patients concerned about out-of-pocket costs? Is your practice looking for a way to help address those concerns and improve the patient experience? Then, you may want to consider offering the CareCredit credit card as a payment option. For over thirty-five years, CareCredit, a Synchrony solution, has been offering patients a way to pay for health and wellness expenses not covered by insurance. CareCredit can seamlessly integrate with your business and offer a valuable financing option for your patients so they can pay for services or products over time to help fit their budget. To learn more about how CareCredit works for you and your patients, visit  www.carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

NextGen
Looking to transform your healthcare practice with AI? NextGen Healthcare is leading the way by leveraging artificial intelligence. It is helping practices improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. From predictive analytics to automating routine tasks, NextGen Healthcare's AI solutions are revolutionizing the delivery of care. Don't miss out on the future of healthcare innovation. Visit https://www.nextgen.com/ today to learn how NextGen Healthcare can help you drive efficiency and elevate patient care.

Welcome to the MGMA Insights Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA. In this episode, Daniel is joined by Susan Montminy, Director of Risk Management and Analytics for Caveris. With over 30 years of experience in patient safety and healthcare leadership, Montminy discusses key issues from Caveris's recent white paper, Hidden in Plain Sight: Exposing the Drivers of Diagnostic Error. Montminy shares her insights into the complexities of diagnostic errors, particularly within the high-stakes environment of emergency departments, and explores the role of teamwork, communication, and leadership in mitigating these errors.

Key Takeaways:

• Diagnostic Errors Defined: Montminy uses the National Academy of Medicine's definition, describing diagnostic error as a failure to establish a timely and accurate diagnosis or failure to communicate it to the patient.
• Emergency Departments as High-Risk Zones: Due to their fast-paced, chaotic environments, emergency departments are the source of about 28% of diagnostic errors. Montminy describes this setting as “controlled chaos,” where effective leadership, communication, and organization are critical to maintaining control.
• Types of Diagnostic Bias: Two significant biases discussed are:
  • Anchoring Bias: Clinicians may fixate on initial symptoms, potentially overlooking new, relevant information.
  • Confirmation Bias: Clinicians may unconsciously prioritize information that confirms an initial diagnosis while dismissing conflicting data.
• The Role of Diagnostic Timeouts: Inspired by surgical timeouts, diagnostic timeouts encourage clinicians to pause and reassess their diagnostic conclusions, fostering better accuracy through collaborative insights.
• The Future of Diagnostic Error Management: AI shows promise in aiding diagnostics by consolidating data for clinicians. Montminy emphasizes the need to balance technological aid without overwhelming healthcare providers, especially in fast-paced settings like the ED.

Resources Mentioned:

• Hidden in Plain Sight: Exposing the Drivers of Diagnostic Error (White Paper)
• Blog about the diagnostic process
• Self Assessment Tool

CareCredit
Are your patients concerned about out-of-pocket costs? Is your practice looking for a way to help address those concerns and improve the patient experience? Then, you may want to consider offering the CareCredit credit card as a payment option. For over thirty-five years, CareCredit, a Synchrony solution, has been offering patients a way to pay for health and wellness expenses not covered by insurance. CareCredit can seamlessly integrate with your business and offer a valuable financing option for your patients so they can pay for services or products over time to help fit their budget. To learn more about how CareCredit works for you and your patients, visit  www.carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

NextGen
Looking to transform your healthcare practice with AI? NextGen Healthcare is leading the way by leveraging artificial intelligence. It is helping practices improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. From predictive analytics to automating routine tasks, NextGen Healthcare's AI solutions are revolutionizing the delivery of care. Don't miss out on the future of healthcare innovation. Visit https://www.nextgen.com/ today to learn how NextGen Healthcare can help you drive efficiency and elevate patient care.

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Sharon Woodworth, a healthcare sector leader at HED and assistant professor at UCSF, who has over 12 million square feet of healthcare facility design experience. Sharon shares her insights into creating spaces that enhance patient care, operational efficiency, and sensory perception, all while tackling the challenges posed by rising costs and evolving needs in healthcare. From flexible pod designs to the future role of AI in architecture, Sharon discusses how thoughtful design can improve both patient and provider experiences in healthcare settings.

Key Points and Takeaways:

• The Impact of Design on Patient Care and Experience
  • Sharon explains how healthcare design goes beyond aesthetics, aiming to make spaces feel welcoming and supportive for patients while remaining highly functional for clinicians. By considering factors like lighting, temperature, and even the view from a patient’s room, designers can create environments that support healing.
• Flexible “Pod” Design for Efficiency
  • One of the strategies Sharon recommends is the "pod" design, which clusters rooms into neighborhoods that can scale up or down based on patient volume and staffing availability. This layout is especially useful in times of crisis, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing healthcare facilities to adjust quickly to changing needs.
• Standardization for Cost Control
  • With inflation affecting construction and operational costs, standardizing room layouts and architectural elements can lead to greater efficiency and reduced expenses. Sharon highlights the importance of aligning these architectural standards with each facility’s operational needs to maximize resources effectively.
• Future Trends: AI in Healthcare Architecture
  • Sharon discusses how AI is becoming integral in design. Beyond diagnosing and patient care, AI tools in architecture can analyze data to optimize room usage, control environmental factors like temperature and lighting, and anticipate staffing needs, ultimately making facilities more adaptable and efficient.
• Leadership and Direct Experience in Healthcare Design
  • As a professor, Sharon emphasizes the importance of direct observation in healthcare leadership. She encourages leaders to "go see" and understand the physical space firsthand, as it can often reveal insights that data alone cannot provide.

Connect with Sharon Online:
HED Profile: Sharon is featured on HED's official website, where you can learn more about her role and contributions.

• HED Profile

UCSF Profile: As an Associate Professor at UCSF, Sharon's academic profile provides insights into her teaching and research.

• UCSF Profile

LinkedIn: Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn to view her professional background and network.

• LinkedIn Profile

MGMA Resources:

• MGMA Stat
• Ask MGMA
• MGMA Conferences
• MGMA Consulting

We Want to Hear From You:

Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover, an expert you would like us to interview, or if you'd like to appear on an MGMA podcast. Email us at:

• Daniel Williams: [email protected]
• Ryan Reaves: [email protected]
• Colleen Luckett: [email protected]

Thank you for tuning in to the MGMA Podcast Network. Please subscribe and leave us a review. See you next time!

CareCredit
Are your patients concerned about out-of-pocket costs? Is your practice looking for a way to help address those concerns and improve the patient experience? Then, you may want to consider offering the CareCredit credit card as a payment option. For over thirty-five years, CareCredit, a Synchrony solution, has been offering patients a way to pay for health and wellness expenses not covered by insurance. CareCredit can seamlessly integrate with your business and offer a valuable financing option for your patients so they can pay for services or products over time to help fit their budget. To learn more about how CareCredit works for you and your patients, visit  www.carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

NextGen
Looking to transform your healthcare practice with AI? NextGen Healthcare is leading the way by leveraging artificial intelligence. It is helping practices improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. From predictive analytics to automating routine tasks, NextGen Healthcare's AI solutions are revolutionizing the delivery of care. Don't miss out on the future of healthcare innovation. Visit https://www.nextgen.com/ today to learn how NextGen Healthcare can help you drive efficiency and elevate patient care.

Welcome to the MGMA Insights Podcast, where we bring expert insights to help medical practice leaders and MGMA members navigate the challenges of the healthcare industry. I’m Daniel Williams, your host and Senior Editor at MGMA. Today, we have a returning guest, healthcare consultant and author Owen Dahl. Owen’s latest book, Humanizing Lean Leadership in Healthcare, published by MGMA, is the focal point of this episode. We’ll discuss how Lean principles can be adapted to foster a human-centric approach in medical practices, tackling staff engagement, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

Key Topics Covered:

• The motivation behind Humanizing Lean Leadership in Healthcare and how it fills a content gap in Lean literature.
• How organizations can integrate Lean tools while keeping a strong focus on culture and human engagement.
• The parallels between Lean implementation and adapting to AI in the workplace.
• Practical examples of culture-driven success in medical practices using Lean principles.
• Details about Owen Dahl’s Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course offered by MGMA and how it aligns with his book.

Major Takeaways:

• The Need for Human-Centric Lean: Owen emphasizes that while Lean and Six Sigma often focus on metrics and efficiency, it’s crucial to engage employees' minds and skills. “One of the bigger wastes that we’ve always seen is that the employees’ brains are not engaged as much as they should be.”
• Adapting to Change: With the rise of AI, many fear job loss. Owen discusses that adaptation and upskilling employees are essential for leveraging new technologies successfully: “The ones that are going to be successful are those that are going to adapt... and use it effectively.”
• Culture as the Foundation: Successful integration of Lean and AI depends on a strong organizational culture. Owen states, “If the culture is not accepting of these kinds of things happening, that organization is probably doomed to fail.”
• Real-World Applications: Owen shares insights from a case study involving a 20-doctor practice where Lean tools were tailored to meet the needs of individual departments, resulting in improved patient satisfaction and staff retention.
• Educational Opportunities: Owen highlights the flexibility of MGMA’s Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course, which allows participants to apply Lean tools to real-world projects within their practices.

Quotes:

• “It’s humanizing efficiency... to meet the demand and still make it a great patient experience.”
• “Every organization needs to look at itself in relation to AI, Lean, and staff retention to be successful.”

Resources:

• Humanizing Lean Leadership in Healthcare by Owen Dahl 
• MGMA Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course

Recommended Reading:

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
• Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari

For more information and additional resources, visit the MGMA website.

CareCredit
Are your patients concerned about out-of-pocket costs? Is your practice looking for a way to help address those concerns and improve the patient experience? Then, you may want to consider offering the CareCredit credit card as a payment option. For over thirty-five years, CareCredit, a Synchrony solution, has been offering patients a way to pay for health and wellness expenses not covered by insurance. CareCredit can seamlessly integrate with your business and offer a valuable financing option for your patients so they can pay for services or products over time to help fit their budget. To learn more about how CareCredit works for you and your patients, visit  www.carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

NextGen
Looking to transform your healthcare practice with AI? NextGen Healthcare is leading the way by leveraging artificial intelligence. It is helping practices improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. From predictive analytics to automating routine tasks, NextGen Healthcare's AI solutions are revolutionizing the delivery of care. Don't miss out on the future of healthcare innovation. Visit https://www.nextgen.com/ today to learn how NextGen Healthcare can help you drive efficiency and elevate patient care.

Introduction: Welcome to this special edition of the MGMA Week in Review podcast. Host Daniel Williams covers the 2024 presidential election results and their potential impact on healthcare. Please note this episode was recorded on the afternoon of November 6, and the numbers shared may have changed by the time you listen to this recording. Daniel takes you through the key points from a Becker's Hospital Review article that explores the implications of Donald Trump’s victory for healthcare leaders.

Episode Highlights:

1. Trump Secures the Presidency by Winning Key Battleground States

• As of November 6, Trump surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win, securing 277 votes to Kamala Harris's 224. Note: These numbers may have changed by the time you listen to this recording.
• Trump successfully reclaimed Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, states he had lost in the 2020 election.

2. Election Turnout and Voting Statistics

• Approximately 83.7 million early votes were cast nationwide, surpassing the turnout in 2020.
• Trump won over 71.7 million votes, while Harris earned more than 66.8 million as of November 6. These figures will have likely changed by the time of this recording’s release.

3. Trump's Victory Speech and Campaign Promises

• In a 25-minute address, Trump highlighted themes of unity and healing.
• He voiced strong support for House Speaker Mike Johnson and acknowledged Vice President-elect Harris.

4. Historical Context and Healthcare Implications

• Trump’s victory makes him the second U.S. president to win a non-consecutive term in office.
• The campaign season featured limited discussion on healthcare, including changes to the Affordable Care Act, positioning healthcare as a secondary issue.

5. Impact on Health Insurers and Abortion Legislation

• Health insurers experienced stock gains following Trump's victory announcement.
• Trump reiterated his stance on leaving abortion rights to individual states, aligning with previous policies.

Sources:

• Becker's Hospital Review article: "Trump Wins Election: Seven Notes for Healthcare Leaders"
• Associated Press (AP): election results
• NBC News: Early voting numbers

CareCredit
Are your patients concerned about out-of-pocket costs? Is your practice looking for a way to help address those concerns and improve the patient experience? Then, you may want to consider offering the CareCredit credit card as a payment option. For over thirty-five years, CareCredit, a Synchrony solution, has been offering patients a way to pay for health and wellness expenses not covered by insurance. CareCredit can seamlessly integrate with your business and offer a valuable financing option for your patients so they can pay for services or products over time to help fit their budget. To learn more about how CareCredit works for you and your patients, visit  www.carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

NextGen
Looking to transform your healthcare practice with AI? NextGen Healthcare is leading the way by leveraging artificial intelligence. It is helping practices improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. From predictive analytics to automating routine tasks, NextGen Healthcare's AI solutions are revolutionizing the delivery of care. Don't miss out on the future of healthcare innovation. Visit https://www.nextgen.com/ today to learn how NextGen Healthcare can help you drive efficiency and elevate patient care.

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams is joined by Sula Coria-Garza, Director of Health Information and Technology Services at People’s Community Clinic. Sula, an MGMA member and long-time listener of the MGMA podcast, shares her insights on advancing health IT in a nonprofit healthcare setting. As they discuss innovations in healthcare technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and the evolving role of networking for healthcare leaders, Sula offers practical advice on overcoming current challenges and harnessing new technologies to benefit patients and staff alike.

Episode Highlights:

• The Role of Technology in Healthcare
  • Sula describes how People’s Community Clinic has integrated health IT tools to streamline operations and improve patient communication, emphasizing the importance of immediacy and accessibility through portals and real-time messaging.
  • Quote: "Everything you just described [communication portals, text updates] is pretty much the foundation of our health center."
• Integrating AI in Healthcare
  • Sula discusses her clinic’s initial use of AI, particularly in translation services for non-English-speaking patients. This AI tool allows healthcare providers to communicate more effectively and securely, highlighting the need for HIPAA-compliant solutions.
  • Quote: "It’s been great because [AI] can immediately, in real time, translate any language that we need, and we're able to communicate with the patient in real time."
• Challenges in Health IT
  • Reflecting on the pandemic’s acceleration of telehealth, Sula notes that, while healthcare technology rapidly evolved, implementing it sustainably requires addressing security concerns and prioritizing patient confidentiality.
  • Quote: "We just implemented something over the weekend that we couldn’t have done in five years otherwise... the challenge is ensuring security while pushing forward."
• Networking and Peer Support
  • Sula shares her experiences at MGMA events, where networking with peers across the U.S. helped her discover shared challenges and solutions, alleviating feelings of isolation that healthcare leaders often face.
  • Quote: "We don’t have to be alone... it’s great to share our vulnerabilities without hesitation, especially with others who understand the unique challenges of our roles."

Key Takeaways:

• Maximizing Patient Communication: Leveraging technology for real-time interactions can drastically improve patient satisfaction and clinic efficiency.
• AI for Multilingual Accessibility: Secure, HIPAA-compliant AI tools for translation empower providers to meet diverse patient needs.
• Telehealth Adoption and Security: Rapid deployment during the pandemic revealed the need for long-term strategies in health IT and cybersecurity.
• Value of Peer Networks: Connections formed through MGMA help leaders exchange solutions and provide mutual support in a rapidly evolving field.

Resources Mentioned:

• MGMA’s certification programs and events for continuous professional growth.
• HIPAA-compliant AI translation tools – reach out to People’s Community Clinic for specific recommendations.

For more information, check out MGMA resources here.

CareCredit
Are your patients concerned about out-of-pocket costs? Is your practice looking for a way to help address those concerns and improve the patient experience? Then, you may want to consider offering the CareCredit credit card as a payment option. For over thirty-five years, CareCredit, a Synchrony solution, has been offering patients a way to pay for health and wellness expenses not covered by insurance. CareCredit can seamlessly integrate with your business and offer a valuable financing option for your patients so they can pay for services or products over time to help fit their budget. To learn more about how CareCredit works for you and your patients, visit  www.carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

NextGen
Looking to transform your healthcare practice with AI? NextGen Healthcare is leading the way by leveraging artificial intelligence. It is helping practices improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. From predictive analytics to automating routine tasks, NextGen Healthcare's AI solutions are revolutionizing the delivery of care. Don't miss out on the future of healthcare innovation. Visit https://www.nextgen.com/ today to learn how NextGen Healthcare can help you drive efficiency and elevate patient care.

 Welcome to the MGMA Ask An Advisor Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, and joined by Cristy Good, Senior Advisor at MGMA. In this episode, we address one of the pressing challenges for medical practices: structuring on-call compensation effectively. This conversation dives into common models, compliance considerations, balancing workloads, and managing provider burnout. Medical practice leaders will find practical solutions and strategies to ensure fair, transparent, and market-aligned on-call practices, helping mitigate potential issues within their teams.

Key Takeaways:

• On-Call Compensation Models:
  • Daily Stipend: A common approach offering a fixed daily rate, typically ranging from $1,000 to $1,500.
  • Hourly Compensation: Payment based on active hours, providing flexibility but requiring close time tracking.
  • Productivity-Based Pay: Aligns compensation with volume or service type but can lead to variable income.
  • Minimum Guarantee: Ensures a base pay with a potential bonus for exceeding on-call demands.
  • Tiered Compensation: Adjusted rates for specific times or services, ideal for practices with diverse on-call needs.
• Ensuring Compliance and Fair Market Value:
  • Leverage MGMA DataDive for benchmarking compensation within specialties and regions.
  • Avoid arrangements that could imply incentivizing referrals, adhering to Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statutes.
  • Keep thorough documentation on call frequency, provider burden, and response requirements to support defensible compensation structures.
• Balancing On-Call Responsibilities:
  • Implement shared call models and clearly define call duties within provider agreements.
  • Encourage open communication among providers to discuss and address workload concerns.
  • Include flexibility by allowing providers to trade shifts, ensuring fair distribution across the team.
• Mitigating Provider Burnout:
  • Practices can bring in nocturnists or hospitalists for night and weekend shifts, reducing the strain on regular staff.
  • Openly address provider workload concerns, fostering a supportive environment for well-being.
• Resources and Links:
  • MGMA DataDive 
  • Ask MGMA 
  • Email [email protected] for direct assistance and resources.

For more resources and direct assistance with your practice needs, check the episode show notes or visit MGMA’s website for insights on on-call compensation and other key topics.

CareCredit
Are your patients concerned about out-of-pocket costs? Is your practice looking for a way to help address those concerns and improve the patient experience? Then, you may want to consider offering the CareCredit credit card as a payment option. For over thirty-five years, CareCredit, a Synchrony solution, has been offering patients a way to pay for health and wellness expenses not covered by insurance. CareCredit can seamlessly integrate with your business and offer a valuable financing option for your patients so they can pay for services or products over time to help fit their budget. To learn more about how CareCredit works for you and your patients, visit  www.carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

NextGen
Looking to transform your healthcare practice with AI? NextGen Healthcare is leading the way by leveraging artificial intelligence. It is helping practices improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. From predictive analytics to automating routine tasks, NextGen Healthcare's AI solutions are revolutionizing the delivery of care. Don't miss out on the future of healthcare innovation. Visit https://www.nextgen.com/ today to learn how NextGen Healthcare can help you drive efficiency and elevate patient care.

In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight, Daniel Williams, senior editor at MGMA, sits down with Adam Pople, HRMC, FMC, FACMPE, practice administrator at Cape Girardeau Surgical Clinic. Adam shares his experiences and insights from attending the MGMA Leaders Conference, discussing the key challenges he faces in his role and the strategies he employs to drive success and innovation in medical practice management.

Main Points:

1. Leveraging the MGMA Leaders Conference: Adam discusses his goals for attending the conference, including networking, learning new tools and strategies, and staying up-to-date on industry changes. He highlights an impactful session on addressing the psychology behind staff and physician burnout.
2. Navigating Scarce Resources and Burnout: As a seasoned practice administrator, Adam identifies the critical challenges of managing limited funds amidst declining reimbursements and rising costs, as well as the ongoing issue of employee burnout. He emphasizes the importance of creative problem-solving and re-engaging staff to improve overall practice performance.
3. Balancing Planned and Spontaneous Learning: Adam shares his approach to planning conference sessions, striking a balance between must-attend topics and openness to new learning opportunities that can provide valuable insights.
4. The Rewards of Mentorship: Adam discusses his valuable experiences as both a mentee and mentor in the MGMA mentorship program, highlighting the rewards of supporting the professional development of others and the mutual benefits of these collaborative relationships.

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