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 Advisor@mgma.com 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.

NHA
Are you facing the challenge of healthcare workforce shortages? The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is here to help. NHA empowers individuals and organizations by offering nationally accredited certifications and innovative solutions to address critical staffing gaps. Whether you're a healthcare employer looking to upskill your team or a professional seeking advancement, NHA's comprehensive resources can provide the support you need to thrive in today’s fast-paced healthcare environment. Visit www.nhanow.com to learn how NHA can help you build a stronger, more capable workforce.

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Running a busy medical practice? Nsight, Powered by AvodahMed, is an ambient AI transcription solution that offers unparalleled support for SOAP and clinical notes, and symptom tracking, greatly improving chart closure rates with features such as one-click functionality to send provider notes directly into EMRs and the ability to maximize revenue potential through precise E&M time complexity. Focus on your patients, not the keyboard. Visit AvodahMed.com to schedule a demo and experience the future of clinical efficiency!"

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.

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: dwilliams@mgma.com
• Ryan Reaves: rreaves@mgma.com
• Colleen Luckett: cluckett@mgma.com

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

Welcome to the MGMA Insights Podcast, hosted by Daniel Williams. In today’s MGMA Member Spotlight, we feature Tulika Vohra, Director of Operations at University Physicians Associates in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tulika’s career path is unique, as she transitioned from real estate to healthcare, bringing a fresh perspective to medical practice administration. Throughout her journey, she’s leaned on professional development, earning certifications like ACMPE and Lean Six Sigma, and engaging deeply with MGMA’s resources and community. This episode covers Tulika’s inspiring career evolution, valuable insights on certification benefits, and strategies for career advancement. Join us to uncover key takeaways for healthcare leaders seeking growth and improvement.

Key Takeaways:

• Transition to Healthcare: Tulika shares her journey from real estate to healthcare, noting, “In my past life, I was a real estate agent...I just found [healthcare] really fascinating and loved working with [the HR] team.”
• Professional Development and Certifications: Tulika’s certifications include SHRM and a master’s in management and HR from the University of Tennessee. She completed the ACMPE certification through MGMA, saying, “MGMA provided that platform for me.” She notes that the certification “has really helped me understand the domains of different practice management.”
• MGMA’s Impact on Her Career: Tulika credits MGMA with filling essential knowledge gaps, mentioning, “This is the only [conference] I go to every year, and I just love attending this. It’s amazing.”
• Future Goals and the MGMA Fellowship: Tulika’s business case for Fellowship has been accepted, and she’s set her sights on achieving this milestone, saying, “Every year I see people walking on the stage, and I’m like, this next year I’m going to do it.”
• Advice for MGMA Members: Tulika encourages active participation in MGMA’s member communities, sharing, “You put your question out there, there’s always some SME out there who’s going to respond.”

Resources Mentioned:

• MGMA ACMPE Certification Program – Learn about the certification that supported Tulika’s advancement.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Program at the University of Tennessee – A key program in Tulika’s career development.
• MGMA Member Communities – Engage with other healthcare leaders and subject matter experts.

Listen Now:
Join us for this insightful episode as Tulika Vohra shares her journey, professional insights, and practical advice for leaders in healthcare practice management.

NHA
Are you facing the challenge of healthcare workforce shortages? The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is here to help. NHA empowers individuals and organizations by offering nationally accredited certifications and innovative solutions to address critical staffing gaps. Whether you're a healthcare employer looking to upskill your team or a professional seeking advancement, NHA's comprehensive resources can provide the support you need to thrive in today’s fast-paced healthcare environment. Visit www.nhanow.com to learn how NHA can help you build a stronger, more capable workforce.

AvodahMed
Running a busy medical practice? Nsight, Powered by AvodahMed, is an ambient AI transcription solution that offers unparalleled support for SOAP and clinical notes, and symptom tracking, greatly improving chart closure rates with features such as one-click functionality to send provider notes directly into EMRs and the ability to maximize revenue potential through precise E&M time complexity. Focus on your patients, not the keyboard. Visit AvodahMed.com to schedule a demo and experience the future of clinical efficiency!"

In this special episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Steve Dickens, the recipient of MGMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Leaders Conference in Denver. They dive deep into Steve’s remarkable journey with MGMA, discussing his career highlights, mentorship, and the evolution of the organization. With more than 20 years of experience, Steve shares valuable insights for medical practice leaders, emphasizing the importance of resilience, mentorship, and staying adaptable in an ever-changing industry.

Key Takeaways:

• The MGMA Journey: Steve reflects on his time with MGMA, describing it as the “ultimate MGMA experience,” having moved through the ranks from local chapter involvement to becoming a national leader. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and relationships, which have been pivotal in shaping his career and personal growth.
• Seismic Changes in Healthcare: Steve discusses the “seismic changes” he has witnessed in MGMA and healthcare over the years. He encourages leaders to “stick by your guns” when championing important initiatives, even in the face of resistance. He stresses the need to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape, noting that organizations that fail to do so get left behind.
• Advice for Emerging Leaders: For those seeking their path in healthcare management, Steve advises leveraging MGMA’s vast resources—whether through the website, networking events, or conferences. His key message is to be proactive: “Meet people, make connections, and don’t be afraid to build relationships.”
• Memorable Moments: Steve highlights the significance of private moments where colleagues have expressed how his story inspired them, particularly in overcoming challenges like pursuing fellowship status. He notes that while public recognition is rewarding, the personal, one-on-one interactions are what truly matter.
• Relationships and Mentorship: Steve stresses the value of both finding a mentor and being a mentor. He recalls how joining MGMA not only helped his practice but also created lifelong personal and professional relationships, encouraging listeners to “be willing to make those commitments.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Visit the MGMA Website for resources, educational materials, and upcoming events.
• Learn more about leadership opportunities and networking within MGMA by attending the MGMA Leaders Conference.
• Explore mentorship opportunities within the MGMA network.
• Insights on MGMA Awards

Tune in to gain insights from a career filled with experience, leadership, and personal growth as Steve Dickens shares his wisdom with the MGMA community!

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast, host Daniel Williams is joined by Cristy Good, Senior Advisor at MGMA, for a timely discussion on disaster preparedness and the invaluable resources available to medical practices. This episode addresses questions from MGMA members on navigating the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural disasters. Cristy shares expert advice on relocating medical practices, ensuring continuity of care, and accessing critical MGMA resources that can help practice leaders during challenging times.

Key Takeaways:

• Ask MGMA Resources: MGMA offers a free member benefit through the “Ask MGMA” service, where practice leaders can submit their toughest questions, ranging from daily operations to disaster management. These questions are answered by MGMA subject matter experts, such as Cristy Good.
• Disaster Preparedness: Cristy responds to a member’s query about relocating a medical practice due to hurricane damage. She emphasizes the importance of having a disaster preparedness plan in place, referencing MGMA’s resources such as:
  • A disaster preparedness checklist
  • The article, "Action Steps for Medical Practices Facing Hurricanes and Storm Flooding"
  • Tools for medical practice relocation and continuity of care
• First Steps in Disaster Recovery: Cristy advises practice leaders to focus on:
  • Ensuring safety for staff and patients
  • Assessing the damage and reviewing insurance policies
  • Developing a plan for continuity of care, including patient communication and managing medical records
• Building a Support Network: Cristy shares a story from the MGMA conference, where medical practice leaders impacted by hurricanes connected with each other for support. She highlights the value of peer relationships and leveraging the MGMA community for guidance and advice.
• Important Resources:
  • Disaster Preparedness Checklist
  • Action Steps for Medical Practices Facing Hurricanes and Storm Flooding
  • Emergency Planning
  • Ask MGMA

NHA
Are you facing the challenge of healthcare workforce shortages? The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is here to help. NHA empowers individuals and organizations by offering nationally accredited certifications and innovative solutions to address critical staffing gaps. Whether you're a healthcare employer looking to upskill your team or a professional seeking advancement, NHA's comprehensive resources can provide the support you need to thrive in today’s fast-paced healthcare environment. Visit www.nhanow.com to learn how NHA can help you build a stronger, more capable workforce.

AvodahMed
Running a busy medical practice? Nsight, Powered by AvodahMed, is an ambient AI transcription solution that offers unparalleled support for SOAP and clinical notes, and symptom tracking, greatly improving chart closure rates with features such as one-click functionality to send provider notes directly into EMRs and the ability to maximize revenue potential through precise E&M time complexity. Focus on your patients, not the keyboard. Visit AvodahMed.com to schedule a demo and experience the future of clinical efficiency!"