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 dwilliams@mgma.com 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 advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Podcast Sponsor CareCredit
Are you considering financing solutions to help your patients pay for their healthcare cost? But aren't sure where to start. Synchrony is here to help with the CareCredit credit card. For over 35 years, CareCredit has been connecting patients with financing solutions to pay for the care they want or need in a way that helps fit their budget.

When patients use CareCredit, providers get paid within two business days to learn more about how synchronize CareCredit card. To learn more about how Synchrony CareCredit Card can support you and your patients, visit carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

Podcast Sponsor MGMA Analytics
Are you making decisions based on gut instinct—or on real data?
With MGMA Analytics, you get the benchmarking and business intelligence tools to drive smarter strategies.
From provider compensation to operational costs, MGMA Analytics gives you access to the most trusted data in the industry.
So whether you’re adjusting staffing, setting salaries, or planning for growth, make your next move with confidence.
Visit MGMA Analytics to learn more.

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.

Key Highlights

• 0:53 – Welcome & Topic Overview
  Daniel and Christy introduce the episode and the rising issue of AI-driven downcoding.
  1:53 – What is Payer Downcoding?
  Christy explains how downcoding works, what’s changed with AI, and why it goes against CMS guidelines.
  3:19 – How AI Flags Claims
  An inside look at how AI uses historical data to decide what gets downcoded — and why that’s problematic.
  4:05 – The Impact on Providers
  More than lost revenue — learn how this practice increases administrative burden, delays payments, and affects provider profiles.
  6:04 – Spotting the Red Flags
  Key signs your practice may be getting downcoded and what to look for on remittance advice.
  6:39 – What to Do If You’re Affected
  Steps to track, appeal, and escalate — and why reporting to MGMA and AMA matters.
  8:15 – Strengthening Your Documentation
  Avoid copy-paste notes and use specific language to reflect true complexity of care.
  11:23 – Using AI to Your Advantage
  How practices can deploy AI tools to clean up claims and reduce rejections — plus why human oversight is still key.
  12:53 – Advocacy and Policy Action
  How to get involved with MGMA’s Government Affairs team, the AMA, and your state’s insurance department.
  14:51 – Top Three Takeaways
  Christy recaps what every practice should remember: be vigilant, be proactive, be connected.

Direct Links and Resources

• 📧 Contact Ask MGMA: advisor@mgma.com
• 🧠 MGMA Consulting Services: consulting@mgma.com
• 💬 Join the MGMA Community Discussion
• 📢 Report Issues to MGMA Government Affairs: govaff@mgma.com

Additional Resources:

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

Podcast Sponsor CareCredit
Are you considering financing solutions to help your patients pay for their healthcare cost? But aren't sure where to start. Synchrony is here to help with the CareCredit credit card. For over 35 years, CareCredit has been connecting patients with financing solutions to pay for the care they want or need in a way that helps fit their budget.

When patients use CareCredit, providers get paid within two business days to learn more about how synchronize CareCredit card. To learn more about how Synchrony CareCredit Card can support you and your patients, visit carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

Podcast Sponsor MGMA Analytics
Are you making decisions based on gut instinct—or on real data?
With MGMA Analytics, you get the benchmarking and business intelligence tools to drive smarter strategies.
From provider compensation to operational costs, MGMA Analytics gives you access to the most trusted data in the industry.
So whether you’re adjusting staffing, setting salaries, or planning for growth, make your next move with confidence.
Visit MGMA Analytics to learn more.

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. The episode concludes with a forward-looking piece on the FDA's plans to integrate AI in its drug review process by 2025.

00:50 Introduction and Hosts Welcome

01:28 Debate Over GOP's Proposed Medicaid Cuts (Chief Healthcare Executive)

03:49 Impact of Medical Gaslighting on Patients (Medical Economics)

06:59 MGMA Stat Polling Results on Staff Turnover (MGMA Stat)

09:18 Generational Mental Health Needs (Fierce Healthcare)

13:01 FDA's AI Integration in Drug Review (G-Med)

15:49 Conclusion and Mental Health Awareness Reminder

Additional Resources:

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

Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com 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 advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Podcast Sponsor CareCredit
Are you considering financing solutions to help your patients pay for their healthcare cost? But aren't sure where to start. Synchrony is here to help with the CareCredit credit card. For over 35 years, CareCredit has been connecting patients with financing solutions to pay for the care they want or need in a way that helps fit their budget.

When patients use CareCredit, providers get paid within two business days to learn more about how synchronize CareCredit card. To learn more about how Synchrony CareCredit Card can support you and your patients, visit carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

Podcast Sponsor MGMA Analytics
Are you making decisions based on gut instinct—or on real data?
With MGMA Analytics, you get the benchmarking and business intelligence tools to drive smarter strategies.
From provider compensation to operational costs, MGMA Analytics gives you access to the most trusted data in the industry.
So whether you’re adjusting staffing, setting salaries, or planning for growth, make your next move with confidence.
Visit MGMA Analytics to learn more.

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 Retention
Helen Falkner discusses how a sense of purpose directly impacts physician well-being, engagement, and retention.

06:39 – Why Passion Fades Over Time
Dr. Esco explores how administrative demands dilute a clinician’s original motivation for entering medicine.

08:20 – Four Keys to Organizational Alignment
Helen outlines four ways healthcare organizations can align with providers’ values: communication, support, mentorship, and realistic expectations.

11:11 – How to Stay Connected to Purpose in Tough Times
Dr. Esco emphasizes the importance of institutional culture and mission clarity in supporting clinicians during burnout.

12:59 – Re-engaging Disconnected Clinicians
Helen describes how mentorship, leadership opportunities, and flexible work-life balance initiatives can help clinicians feel valued.

15:01 – Lessons from High-Purpose Specialties
Dr. Esco explains why specialties like behavioral and women’s health report higher purpose, rooted in deep patient connection.

16:44 – Reducing Administrative Burden
Helen stresses how cutting down on tasks like documentation and pajama time can reignite clinicians’ joy in practicing medicine.

Resources:

• Full Report: Is Medicine Still a Calling? by Jackson Physician Search and Locum Tenens.com
• Jackson Physician Search website
• Locum Tenens website
• Connect with Helen Falkner on LinkedIn
• Dr. Miechia Esco executive bio

Additional Resources:

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

Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com 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 advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

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 Healthcare

06:50 Leadership Principles and Approaches

08:39 Addressing Behavioral Health Needs

11:23 Workforce Engagement and Staffing

13:45 Involvement with MGMA

15:25 Educator Role at Winston-Salem State University

17:14 Future Trends in Healthcare Administration

18:52 Advice for Aspiring Leaders

20:01 Conclusion and Farewell

Resources:

• MGMA Fellowship Program
• Cone Health
• Winston Salem State University MHA Program
• Connect with Dave Jenkins on LinkedIn

Additional Resources:

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

Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com 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 advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Podcast Sponsor CareCredit
Are you considering financing solutions to help your patients pay for their healthcare cost? But aren't sure where to start. Synchrony is here to help with the CareCredit credit card. For over 35 years, CareCredit has been connecting patients with financing solutions to pay for the care they want or need in a way that helps fit their budget.

When patients use CareCredit, providers get paid within two business days to learn more about how synchronize CareCredit card. To learn more about how Synchrony CareCredit Card can support you and your patients, visit carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

Podcast Sponsor MGMA Analytics
Are you making decisions based on gut instinct—or on real data?
With MGMA Analytics, you get the benchmarking and business intelligence tools to drive smarter strategies.
From provider compensation to operational costs, MGMA Analytics gives you access to the most trusted data in the industry.
So whether you’re adjusting staffing, setting salaries, or planning for growth, make your next move with confidence.
Visit MGMA Analytics to learn more.

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 United Health Cyber Attack Fallout (New York Times)

15:16 National Nurses Week and Leadership (Health Leaders Media)

17:29 Conclusion and Farewell

Additional Resources:

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

Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com 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 advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Podcast Sponsor CareCredit
Are you considering financing solutions to help your patients pay for their healthcare cost? But aren't sure where to start. Synchrony is here to help with the CareCredit credit card. For over 35 years, CareCredit has been connecting patients with financing solutions to pay for the care they want or need in a way that helps fit their budget.

When patients use CareCredit, providers get paid within two business days to learn more about how synchronize CareCredit card. To learn more about how Synchrony CareCredit Card can support you and your patients, visit carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

Podcast Sponsor MGMA Analytics
Are you making decisions based on gut instinct—or on real data?
With MGMA Analytics, you get the benchmarking and business intelligence tools to drive smarter strategies.
From provider compensation to operational costs, MGMA Analytics gives you access to the most trusted data in the industry.
So whether you’re adjusting staffing, setting salaries, or planning for growth, make your next move with confidence.
Visit MGMA Analytics to learn more.

This episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast features Robin Fagala, Practice Manager at Conway OBGYN in Arkansas. Discussing her groundbreaking advocacy for maternal health, Fagala shares her journey of addressing critical healthcare challenges, securing increased Medicaid reimbursements, and ultimately helping to secure a $17 million federal grant to improve maternal health outcomes in Arkansas.

Episode Highlights:

Healthcare Career and Professional Background

• 01:22 Robin's 26-year healthcare journey
• 03:32 Conway OBGYN practice overview

Maternal Health Crisis in Arkansas

• 07:12 Maternal mortality rates and challenges
• 11:28 Lack of Medicaid-accepting OB/GYN providers
• 14:53 Financial impact on healthcare providers

Advocacy and Data-Driven Problem Solving

• 13:11 Using MGMA Data Dive platform
• 15:17 Developing comprehensive documentation
• 16:53 Persistent communication with state leaders

Reimbursement and Healthcare Policy

• 14:53 Detailed analysis of OB/GYN procedure code reimbursements
• 15:17 Presenting financial sustainability challenges
• 22:35 Successful negotiation for fee schedule increases

Professional Networking and Collaboration

• 19:28 Leveraging MGMA and regional healthcare networks
• 22:35 Importance of collaborative problem-solving
• 23:08 Using professional resources to drive healthcare improvements

Resources:

• Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC)
• Connect with Rob Fagala on LinkedIn
• Conway OB-GYN

Additional Resources:

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

Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com 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 advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Podcast Sponsor CareCredit
Are you considering financing solutions to help your patients pay for their healthcare cost? But aren't sure where to start. Synchrony is here to help with the CareCredit credit card. For over 35 years, CareCredit has been connecting patients with financing solutions to pay for the care they want or need in a way that helps fit their budget.

When patients use CareCredit, providers get paid within two business days to learn more about how synchronize CareCredit card. To learn more about how Synchrony CareCredit Card can support you and your patients, visit carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

Podcast Sponsor MGMA Analytics
Are you making decisions based on gut instinct—or on real data?
With MGMA Analytics, you get the benchmarking and business intelligence tools to drive smarter strategies.
From provider compensation to operational costs, MGMA Analytics gives you access to the most trusted data in the industry.
So whether you’re adjusting staffing, setting salaries, or planning for growth, make your next move with confidence.
Visit MGMA Analytics to learn more.

In this episode of Ask MGMA, Daniel Williams and Cristy Good explore how medical practices can align their teams and leadership around a shared purpose by developing clear mission, vision, and values (MVV). They introduce MGMA’s new MVV Checklist and Culture Playbook, designed to help practices navigate change, improve engagement, and retain top talent.

Key Highlights:

• 00:54 – Introduction to the Ask MGMA podcast and today's focus on mission, vision, and values (MVV)
• 02:35 – What are MGMA Playbooks and why they’re a key resource for practice leaders
• 04:32 – Overview of the MVV Checklist: Why it was created and who it benefits
• 06:26 – The first two steps of the MVV process: Preparation and stakeholder input
• 08:00 – The importance of involving staff and stakeholders early in shaping MVV
• 08:52 – How to incorporate MVV into operations, training, and employee evaluations
• 10:27 – Future impact: How tools like the checklist can shape resilient, high-performing medical teams
• 11:47 – Final thoughts from Cristy and Daniel on using the MVV Checklist and Playbooks effectively

Additional Resources:

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

Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com 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 advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Podcast Sponsor CareCredit
Are you considering financing solutions to help your patients pay for their healthcare cost? But aren't sure where to start. Synchrony is here to help with the CareCredit credit card. For over 35 years, CareCredit has been connecting patients with financing solutions to pay for the care they want or need in a way that helps fit their budget.

When patients use CareCredit, providers get paid within two business days to learn more about how synchronize CareCredit card. To learn more about how Synchrony CareCredit Card can support you and your patients, visit carecredit.com/mgmapodcast.

Podcast Sponsor MGMA Analytics
Are you making decisions based on gut instinct—or on real data?
With MGMA Analytics, you get the benchmarking and business intelligence tools to drive smarter strategies.
From provider compensation to operational costs, MGMA Analytics gives you access to the most trusted data in the industry.
So whether you’re adjusting staffing, setting salaries, or planning for growth, make your next move with confidence.
Visit MGMA Analytics to learn more.