MGMA Podcasts

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams speaks with Sharon Sagarra, MBA, FACMPE, owner of Sagarra Medical Consulting, and an MGMA Consultant. Sharon shares her extensive experience in healthcare management and provides actionable strategies for medical practice leaders to optimize compensation and benefits plans for their employees. Her insights are particularly relevant for those attending the upcoming MGMA Staffing Conference, where she will present on this very topic.

Practical Takeaways for Medical Practices 

1. Develop a Comprehensive Budget 

Maintaining a detailed budget is essential for managing financial challenges such as rising minimum wages and decreasing insurance reimbursements. "Make sure you're doing a budget. I was surprised the last two practices I was at did not have a budget," Sagarra emphasizes. A comprehensive budget helps practices monitor expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and allocate resources efficiently​

2. Streamline Operations and Utilize Group Purchasing 

Streamlining operations and leveraging group purchasing organizations can significantly reduce costs. Sagarra advises, "Look at supplies that could be streamlined with maybe one or two vendors or group purchasing organizations." This strategy helps negotiate better rates and simplifies inventory management, reducing both costs and administrative burdens​.

3. Automate to Improve Efficiency 

Implementing automation can help reduce payroll and overtime expenses while enhancing staff efficiency. Sagarra notes, "Automation of tasks can make things easier for your staff, reducing costs in payroll and overtime." Automating billing, appointment scheduling, and other administrative tasks frees up staff time for more impactful activities​.

Resources Mentioned 

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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.