Alabama MGMA and Florida MGMA Conference

The Florida and Alabama MGMA 2024 Annual Conference is offering an exciting mix of speakers and topics!  Explore innovative approaches and practical tools designed to enhance patient care, streamline operations and drive business growth.  Take part in interactive sessions and build your network with professionals dedicated to integrating innovation with healthcare priorities, ensuring a healthier future for all.

Please check back in for updated information on session topics!

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, November 13

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.      Welcome Reception

Thursday, November 14

7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.     Registration            

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.    Breakfast and Networking             

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.    Opening Main Stage Keynote: "Increasing our Brain's Performance for a Fresh New Outlook, While Managing the Stress of Change"

Dr. Jerry V. Teplitz, Speaker and Consultant on Brain Performance Programs

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description: Have you ever had a negative stressful day at work?  How did you feel at the end of it?  Tired, drained...  Now, have you ever had a positive day at work?  How did you feel at the end of it?  Energized. Isn’t there an increase in your productivity and effectiveness on that positive day? Don’t you also handle stress and change better on that positive day? Doesn’t this give you the possibility of having a fresh new outlook? Now, you can have that energized outcome every day by increasing your brain’s performance! Amazon bestselling author and top-rated speaker Dr. Jerry V. Teplitz will show you how to make every day that way through actual tools and techniques that will increase your energy level to new levels of excellence while reducing the stress of change. These immediate, effective and easy methods can be applied to all aspects of your professional life.

Session Objectives:

• Learn about the existence of your personal energy system and how it affects you in your job
• Experience the effects of positive and negative thoughts on your professional abilities
• Learn how you can energize yourself all day long

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.    Lunch and Networking

12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Lunch and Learn Sponsored By Physicians Growth Accelerator!

Zed Williamson, Founder of TrackableMed, and The Physician Growth Accelerator.

The Real Reason You’re Stretched Thin: Diagnosing and Healing Systemic Dysfunction

Session Description: Are you constantly feeling "stretched thin"? Burnout, staff mistakes, team drama, stagnant income—all of these are symptoms of a deeper issue: systemic dysfunction within your practice. In this session, we’ll dive into the real reasons behind the feeling of overwhelm and frustration that many private practice owners and teams experience.

You’ll learn how to:

• Recognize the warning signs of systemic dysfunction that are often mistaken for everyday challenges.
• Diagnose the root causes driving burnout, inefficiencies, and discontent.
• Discover how to heal the dysfunction and create a healthier, more sustainable practice.

If you're ready to stop treating symptoms and start addressing the core issues, this session will provide you with the tools and insights to take back control and thrive.

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.    Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent 101:          Working Together: Effective Ways to Build Successful Teams

Dr. Jerry V. Teplitz, Speaker and Consultant on Brain Performance Programs

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description: This fast-moving program can increase productivity and promote team building by helping you learn more about your own and your team’s needs, work styles and how both fit into your organization’s overall goals. You’ll discover practical strategies that foster cooperation in the business environment and your personal life. You’ll learn how people with different work styles can resolve incompatibilities and interact more effectively as a team. You’ll have fun and learn useful skills at the same time!

Session Objectives:

• Understand your own behavior styles, strengths and weaknesses.
• Understand how to communicate effectively with those you have difficulty relating to.
• Use this information to build your team.

Concurrent 102:          CyberSecurity and How to Protect Your Practice

Tim Taylor, CEO, Taylorworks

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description: In today's digital landscape, medical practices are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats that can compromise patient data and disrupt operations. This session will provide healthcare leaders with practical strategies to safeguard their practice from cybersecurity risks. Attendees will learn how to implement protective measures, respond to breaches, and maintain compliance with healthcare regulations.

Session Objectives:

• Identify common cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities specific to medical practices.
• Develop a cybersecurity action plan tailored to protect patient data and operational continuity.
• Understand healthcare compliance requirements related to cybersecurity and how to maintain them effectively.

Concurrent 103:          Increasing Revenue from a Compliance Standpoint

Moderated By: Susy Prohaska, Practice Manager, Wuesthoff Health Systems 

Sean Weiss, Partner and Vice President of Compliance DoctorsManagement, LLC

Ron Chapman, Healthcare Federal Criminal Defense Attorney at Chapman Law Group and President of Chapman Consulting Group

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description: Navigating the complexities of medical billing and compliance is essential for maintaining financial stability and avoiding legal risks. This session will guide practice managers through the latest billing regulations and compliance requirements. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for accurate billing, minimizing errors, and ensuring compliance with healthcare laws.

Session Objectives:

• Understand the latest billing regulations and how they impact medical practices.
• Implement strategies to ensure accurate billing and reduce compliance-related risks.
• Identify common billing errors and develop methods to enhance compliance with healthcare laws and regulations.

2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.     Refreshment Break with Exhibitors

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.     Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent 201:           Innovative Ways to Improve Patient Access Amid Workforce Challenges

Moderated By: Michelle Brown, Chief Operations Officer, CRNP Chief Operations Office, Clearview Cancer Institute

Dylan Ferson, Director, Business Development & Ancillary Services, Orlando Orthopaedic Center

Barbara Khozam, Accredited Speaker, CSP, CPXP, Patience Experience Expert, Trainer, Author, Consultant

Jennifer Rossmell, CEO, Vero Orthopaedics

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description: With workforce shortages affecting patient access to care, innovative solutions are more important than ever for maintaining efficiency in medical practices. This session will explore creative strategies to enhance patient access despite staffing challenges. Attendees will learn how to leverage technology, streamline processes, and optimize team performance to ensure timely patient care.

Session Objectives:

• Identify innovative solutions to improve patient access in the face of workforce shortages.
• Explore technology and process improvements that enhance efficiency in medical practice operations.
• Develop strategies to optimize staff utilization while maintaining high standards of patient care and access.

Concurrent 202:         HR for Non-HR Professionals

Ross Vickers, Attorney, Jackson Lewis P.C.

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description: For healthcare leaders without a formal HR background, managing personnel can be challenging but crucial for practice success. This session provides non-HR professionals with the essential tools to handle key HR functions, from recruitment to compliance. Attendees will gain practical insights into managing staff effectively while navigating HR laws and regulations.

Session Objectives:

• Understand the core HR responsibilities essential to managing a medical practice workforce.
• Learn best practices for recruiting, onboarding, and retaining top talent in healthcare.
• Navigate key employment laws and regulations to ensure HR compliance in daily operations.

Concurrent 203:         AI and How to Use It in Your Practice

Andrew Hajde, Director, Content and Consulting, MGMA National

Jennifer LaPorta, Chief Compliance & Privacy Officer, Florida International University

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare by streamlining operations, improving patient care, and enhancing decision-making. This session will introduce medical practice leaders to the practical applications of AI and how to integrate it into their operations. Attendees will explore real-world examples of AI in action and learn how to harness its potential to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Session Objectives: 

• Understand the key applications of AI in healthcare and its impact on medical practice operations.
• Explore how AI can enhance patient care, optimize workflows, and support decision-making.
•  Identify steps to successfully integrate AI tools into your practice to improve efficiency and outcomes.
  

3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.     Passing Break

3:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.     Florida MGMA Chapter & Alabama MGMA Chapter Internal Business 

4:15 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.     Reception

Friday, November 15

7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Registration

7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Breakfast and Networking

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Main Stage Plenary: "Data-Driven Strategies for Operational Excellence and Revenue Growth"

Mike Gracz, Sales, MGMA Analytics

Liz Gurley, Senior Manager, Sales Enablement and Data Strategy, MGMA National

Andrew Hajde, Director, Content and Consulting, MGMA National

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description: In this session, participants will explore essential business strategy tools and industry data to assess risks and opportunities when implementing revenue growth strategies in medical practices. Attendees will learn how to analyze procedural profiles and benchmarks for forecasting service line volumes, enabling more informed decisions about service expansions and optimizations to boost revenue. The session will also cover practical tools and AI technology for best practices. Helping with KPI's for onboarding, contracting, billing, coding, and operational improvements, equipping participants with the knowledge to guide their practices through evaluation and change management processes effectively.

Session Objectives: 

• Prepare business strategy tools with industry data to assess risks and opportunities for implementing revenue growth strategies within medical practices.
• Examine procedural profiles tied to benchmarks for forecasting service line volumes, enabling informed decisions on service expansions or optimizations for increased revenue.
• Point out practical tools for onboarding, contracting, billing, coding and operational improvements across various stages of practice evaluation and change management.

9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Refreshment Break with Exhibitors

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent 401: Payer Updates and Negotiation Tactics

Doral Davis-Jacobsen, CEO, Prosper Beyond, Inc.

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description: Staying informed about payer updates and mastering negotiation tactics are critical for maintaining a practice's financial health. This session will cover the latest changes in payer policies and offer strategies for successful contract negotiations. Attendees will learn how to leverage key insights to improve reimbursement rates and build stronger payer relationships.

Session Objectives: 

• Understand recent payer policy changes and their implications for medical practices.
•  Develop effective negotiation strategies to optimize reimbursement rates with payers.
•  Learn how to build collaborative relationships with payers to ensure sustainable financial outcomes.
  

Concurrent 402:  Dealing with Difficult Patients and People

Moderated By: Stacy Yonker, CEO, Sarasota Arthritis Centers

John Green, VP, Administration, Alabama Oncology and Hematology

Michael Odumewu, Vice President, Client Engagements, A-S Medication Solutions

Dr. Cindy Johnston, Managing Partner, Sarasota Arthritis Centers

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description: Managing difficult patients and challenging interpersonal interactions is an essential skill for healthcare professionals. This session will provide practical techniques for handling conflicts, setting boundaries, and maintaining a positive environment in the practice. Attendees will learn how to defuse tense situations and improve communication to foster respectful and productive relationships.

Session Objectives: 

•  Identify common triggers for difficult behavior in patients and colleagues and learn de-escalation techniques
• Develop strategies for setting clear boundaries and maintaining professionalism in challenging interactions.
• Improve communication skills to foster positive relationships and reduce conflict in the practice.
  

Concurrent 403: What Leaders Do: The Real Work of Leading

Branden Barkema, Partner & Coach, Leaderworks

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description: This session will provide a high-level overview of the work a leader performs in 12 core competency areas. This session will outline a practical approach to the work and help leaders understand their personal effectiveness in these leadership elements.

Session Objectives: 

• Attendees will develop a high level understanding of 12 core leadership elements.
• Attendees will be introduced to 90 key behaviors that are essential to the work of a leader.
• Attendees will gain a better understanding of their own effectiveness as a leader with potential actions to grow and/or improve.

10:45 p.m. - 11:00 a.m. Passing Break

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent 501: Build Your Toolkit: Top 10 Payer Contracting Tools

Doral Davis-Jacobsen, CEO, Prosper Beyond, Inc.

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1

Session Description: This presentation focuses on supporting practices on the payer contracting journey by defining a step-by-step process to build an effective strategy and by sharing the top 10 tools used by successful practices. Registrants will receive top 10 payer contracting tools.

Session Objectives: 

• Learn how to develop effective payer proposals.
• Identify data and resources needed to craft a practice value proposition.
• Devise an effective renegotiation strategy.
• Construct a plan to position your practice for future payment models.

Concurrent 502: Working With Your Physicians and Strengthening the Relationship

Moderated By: Carol Sligh, Physician Practice Administrator, Breast Oncology Program

Maranda Pruitt, Clinic Manager, Gastro Health-St. Vincent's East

Jennifer Rossmell, CEO, Vero Orthopaedics

Stacy Yonker, CEO, Sarasota Arthritis Centers

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description: Strong relationships between practice managers and physicians are vital for a thriving healthcare practice. This session will focus on building effective communication, trust, and collaboration with physicians to improve practice operations and patient care. Attendees will gain actionable insights into fostering a positive, productive partnership that aligns with practice goals.

Session Objectives: 

•  Learn effective communication strategies to strengthen collaboration between practice managers and physicians.
•  Identify ways to align practice operations with physician goals to enhance teamwork and decision-making
• Develop approaches to build trust and maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with physicians.

Concurrent 503: Thriving Through the Turbulence: Healthcare Marketing in 2024

Jennifer Thompson, Owner, Insight Marketing

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description: In the coming years, healthcare marketing is poised for even greater complexity and rapid shifts. From rising costs to emerging technologies, how can you adapt and even capitalize on the
turbulence? With global healthcare costs swelling nearly 10% annually and digital becoming
increasingly necessary, healthcare marketing must evolve adeptly to thrive. In this session, we’ll
discuss the key statistics and trends shaping the landscape in 2024 and beyond, leaving you
with insights and strategies to help future-proof your healthcare marketing approach.

Session Objectives: 

• Learn strategies to anchor your brand with a focused value proposition.
• Discover how to optimize digital marketing for long-term loyalty and growth.
• Gain approaches to transparent, trust-building content and pricing immediately to position your organization to thrive through the turbulence.

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch and Networking

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Closing Main Stage Keynote: "Avoiding Burnout: Building the Culture You Want"

Dr. Kre Trimble Johnson, President, Brownstone Healthcare & Aesthetics

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1| PDC: 1

Session Description:  Burnout is a growing challenge in healthcare, but it can be prevented. This session will help you identify early signs of burnout, develop resilience, and implement organizational support systems that foster well-being. Learn practical strategies for promoting self-care and creating a culture that supports mental health, ensuring long-term success and satisfaction for you and your team.

Session Objectives: 

• Learn to identify early signs of burnout
• Develop resilience and coping strategies
• Explore how to implement organizational support systems
• Determine ways to promote self-care and mental well-being