MGMA Podcasts

Introduction: 
On this episode of the MGMA podcast, hosts Daniel Williams and Colleen Luckett discuss the importance of Autism Awareness Month and ways to better serve neurodivergent patients. They highlight an article by healthcare executive Kacha Sadeghi Chipola sharing her experience facing barriers to care as an autistic woman.

Key Takeaways:
- Neurodivergence affects one in five adults but is often misunderstood by medical professionals. This can lead to dismissive treatment and a lack of appropriate care and support.
- The healthcare environment itself can pose sensory and communication challenges for neurodivergent patients. Factors like bright lights, repetitive forms, and noise can be overwhelming.
- Providers need education on recognizing unique needs and understanding that autism presents differently in each person. Creative, patient-centered solutions are needed.
- Physician participation in compensation methodology has decreased slightly but collaborative planning remains important for alignment with practice goals.

- The latest MGMA Connection issue focuses on using data and technology to drive decision-making. It also explores topics like quality improvement, health equity, leadership, and culture.

- Transformational leadership can help organizations anticipate and lead change. Traits like idealized influence, inspiration, innovation, and individual consideration support growth.

- Networking opportunities through MGMA allow healthcare leaders to form strong relationships and bonds over shared challenges.

- Stress Awareness Month is a reminder for providers and practices to prioritize self-care and support staff well-being.

Sources:
MGMA Stat on Burnout
Women in Healthcare Podcast with Carrie Koh
MedCity News on Neurodivergent Patients

Music:
"Cool Piano" by Tagirijus courtesy of Free Music Archive, CC BY-NC-SA

Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover or an expert you would like us to interview. Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com. If you have a question for our Sr Advisor Cristy Good, email advisor@mgma.com.

NotifyMD Podcast Ad
This episode is brought to you by NotifyMD — the patient access solution built for healthcare professionals. You work hard to care for your patients, and NotifyMD helps you do just that. Their communication experts handle calls, schedule appointments, provide nurse triage, and more — all available 24/7. NotifyMD integrates seamlessly with platforms like athenahealth and Epic and meets the industry’s highest security standards, so you can trust that patient information stays private and protected. Learn more at notifymd.com.

U.S. Bank Podcast Ad
Cash flow challenges like delayed insurance payments, unpaid patient bills, and rising administrative costs can weigh heavily on medical practices. U.S. Bank understands. That’s why their Business Card Consultants work with practices to improve payment strategies and maximize rewards.
Stop by booth #222 at the MGMA Leaders Conference to learn more, or visit usbank.com/bankerconnect to schedule an on-site meeting with a consultant.

MGMA Analytics Podcast Ad
Are your decisions driven by gut instinct—or by real data? With MGMA Analytics, you’ll have the benchmarking and business intelligence tools to guide smarter strategies. From provider compensation to operational costs, MGMA Analytics delivers the industry’s most trusted data. So whether you’re adjusting staffing, setting salaries, or planning for growth, you can make your next move with confidence. Learn more at mgma.com/analytics.