Denise Schneider, MBA, FACHE, CMPE

Volunteer Roles: 2021 Content Review

Why did you decide to get involved with MGMA?  

I became involved with MGMA after relocating to Florida in 1998. I had worked at a hospital in a faculty practice and after moving I started work at a Private Practice. I sought out an organization that would complement my Fellowship in the American College of Healthcare Executives and provide resources to assist in my new career path in a physician owned practice.
 

What do you find most rewarding about volunteering for MGMA?  

I have volunteered on a smaller scale during my career, but this was on a whole new level. I hesitated to hit the button when I chose this volunteer project and almost regretted my decision after receiving the email with the Policy and Procedure book to review when I saw that it was 688 pages. After recovering from the shock of the size of the book and the task ahead of me, I dove in and found it surprisingly enjoyable to review each policy one by one. The decision making process of determining whether to keep, delete or modify each policy was done with the thought of Practice Administrators and the role they play as the key decision makers and resources for the physicians in the practice.

How did you decide that practice management was the career for you?  

As a child I always thought that I would become a doctor. I was a biology major in college and then hit the proverbial wall when it was time for Organic Chemistry. Even though I needed to pivot away from a career as a physician, I knew that I was still interested in the healthcare field. My college had a graduate school fair and I walked up to every table and asked about a career in the healthcare field and luck was on my side because two colleges offered a degree in Healthcare Administration. I did some research and realized that I could stay involved in the healthcare field in a different role than my childhood dream.  I was a business management major in college and that was the perfect lead into my new career in healthcare administration.

What is the best tip you give to people who are just starting a career in practice management?  

Joining MGMA was the most important decision I made when I left the arena of a hospital and entered a physician practice. I would tell every new graduate to avail themselves of all of the resources of National, State and Local Chapters of the MGMA. The MGMA provides unlimited resources available to everyone and they need to take advantage of these resources. In addition, I would say that you must work for physicians that have integrity. If you are in a situation where the management does not do the right thing, then you must move on.

What is your favorite book or website or resource for practice managers?  

The National MGMA has what seems like an unlimited amount of resources they provide to Practice Managers with Webinars and conferences. They also offer monthly free webinars that are invaluable to those that don’t have the resources to pay for education. The quarterly MGMA Connection journal is a great resource and the MGMA List Serve communities provide great advice and information from peers and consultants from MGMA.  Networking at the State and Local Chapters is also a great way to stay connected and informed. Changes come at a staggering pace and you must stay informed from as many resources as possible.

How do you relax after a busy work week?   

The days are long at work, so the time to rejuvenate is on the weekends. I still find myself completing some work projects on the weekend, but I try to devote as much time as possible to my son and his activities. We take walks together – well he listens to his music and walks 500 yards in front of me and then waits for me to catch up. We spend time at our favorite place- the bookstore - as we both enjoy reading. He also participates in a program called “Love Serving Autism” and I watch him play tennis with his friends.

What is your top tip for maintaining work/life balance? 

I don’t always accomplish the right balance, but I try to remember that my family is the most important thing in my life. I put my son first on the weekends and spend as much time as possible with him before I think about tackling a work related project.