MGMA Podcasts Podcast

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 Didnt Want

• Dr. Sah tells a personal ER story that sparked her research into why we comply, even when we know we shouldn't.

[00:09:00] The Five Elements of True Consent

• A breakdown of capacity, knowledge, understanding, freedom to say no, and personal authorization and how this differs from compliance.

[00:14:00] Why Its Hard to Speak Up

• Insinuation anxiety is the discomfort we feel when we risk questioning those in power even when the stakes are high.

[00:20:00] Leadership Lessons from Healthcare Classrooms

• Dr. Sah shares how physicians in her Cornell classes are rethinking how they lead and communicate through values-driven decision-making.

[00:24:00] False Defiance vs. Real Defiance

• Not all resistance is rooted in values. Dr. Sah explains how to recognize the difference between performative opposition and meaningful dissent.

Resources:

• Dr. Sunita Sahs Website
• Defy by Dr. Sunita Sah - Buy on Amazon or Listen on Audible
• Join the MGMA Book Club Defy is featured in an upcoming session
• More MGMA Insights Episodes

Additional Resources:

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

Email us at [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

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 Impact (Healthcare Dive)

16:07 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Additional Resources:

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

Email us at [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

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: [email protected]
• 🧠 MGMA Consulting Services: [email protected]
• 💬 Join the MGMA Community Discussion
• 📢 Report Issues to MGMA Government Affairs: [email protected]

Additional Resources:

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

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.