Texas MGMA Conference

The Texas MGMA 2024 Annual Conference is offering an exciting mix of speakers and topics!  Discover cutting-edge methods and practical tools aimed at improving patient care, optimizing operations and fostering business growth. Participate in interactive sessions and expand your network with professionals committed to blending innovation with healthcare priorities, working together to create a healthier future for everyone.

Please check back in for updated information on session topics!

Thursday, December 5

8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Registration

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast and Networking

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Keynote: "Legislative Factors and the 2024 Election Year"

Clayton Stewart, VP of Public Affairs and Chief Lobbyist, Texas Medical Association

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

Session Description: As we approach a pivotal election year, healthcare leaders in Texas must stay informed about the legislative landscape that will shape the future of the medical industry. This plenary session will delve into the key legislative changes over the past year, offering a comprehensive analysis of their impact on healthcare operations and patient care. Participants will gain insights into how the 2024 election could influence healthcare policy and the broader economic conditions, equipping them with the knowledge to anticipate and prepare for the shifts ahead.

Session Objectives: 

• Identify key legislative changes in the healthcare sector over the past year and analyze how these changes impact healthcare operations and patient care.
• Discuss strategies for adapting to new healthcare regulations.
• Evaluate the potential impact of inflation on healthcare budgets and discuss the implications of budget cuts on healthcare services.
• Forecast how the 2024 election may shape healthcare policy and economic conditions.

11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Passing Break

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent 101: Health Finance 101

Dr. Cristian Lieneck, Associate Professor & Interim Director, Texas State University

Dr. Eric Weaver, Vice President of Thought Leadership and Marketing Strategy, Lumeris

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

Session Description: In this session, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare finance essentials, focusing on how financial decision-making impacts operational efficiency and patient care in medical group practices. Key financial statements and metrics will be explored, along with budgeting, forecasting, and present-day topics like value-based care and revenue cycle management.

The session will also delve into the financial implications of telemedicine, regulatory changes, and compliance challenges, supported by real-world case studies. Attendees will leave equipped with insights into future trends, including the rising influence of data analytics and AI in healthcare finance.

Session Objectives: 

• Understand key financial statements used in healthcare financial accounting.
• Discuss the role of budgeting in managing healthcare operations.
• Apply basic financial analysis to assess the financial performance of healthcare organizations.

Concurrent 102: Using Analytics to Optimize Workforce Management

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

Cassie Wilson, Director of Consulting, Employer Flexible

Brittany Buck, HR Lead, Employer Flexible

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

Session Description: In today’s dynamic workplace, effective workforce management relies on the power of data analytics to enhance decision-making and improve outcomes. This session delves into strategies for building a robust workforce analytics framework, enabling organizations to streamline operations and support employee engagement. Participants will gain hands-on insights into the essentials of data integration, predictive modeling, and employee engagement analysis, providing a comprehensive view of the workforce that supports strategic growth.

Session Objectives: 

• Data Integration Skills: Identify best practices for collecting and integrating diverse data sources to create a comprehensive workforce analytics framework.
• Predictive Modeling: Learn how to apply predictive analytics techniques to forecast workforce needs and optimize staffing levels based on demand patterns.
• Employee Engagement Insights: Analyze methods for gathering and interpreting employee feedback and sentiment data to enhance engagement and retention strategies.

12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Lunch and Networking with Exhibitors

 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.

1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent 201: Dealing with Difficult Patients and People

Moderated By: Lindsey Herman Nolan, President & CEO, Nolan Practice Management

David Arrieta, Vice President, Physician Solutions, Interwell Health

Kara Lindeman, Manager of Behavioral Health and Social Work Ops, WellMed Medical Management, Inc.

Justin Smith, Vice President, Client Success, Progyny, Inc.

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

Session Description:  In this engaging and interactive educational session, participants will explore effective strategies for handling challenging interactions with patients and individuals in various settings. Participants will leave with a toolkit of strategies for managing difficult interactions, improved communication skills, and enhanced confidence in handling challenging situations. Key takeaways will include improving overall patient satisfaction and organizational reputation through effective customer service practices.

Session Objectives: 

• Identify common challenges when dealing with difficult patients and individuals (Stakeholders)
• Apply communication techniques that de-escalate tense situations
• Establish customer service protocols that improve patient satisfaction

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to a sudden emergency, concurrent session 202 will no longer be taking place. Concurrent Session 201 will be the only session happening from 1:45-2:45 PM.

2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Passing Break

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent 301: 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

Jennifer Sanchez, Data Strategist, Organizational Membership Member Sales, 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.

Concurrent 302: Employee Turnover: Why Your Team is Leaving and What To Do About It

Robyn Hoffman, Director of Physician Operations, Ascension Medical Group

Tracey Schwartz, VP, Operations, Ascension Medical Group

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

Session Description: Discover the root causes of employee turnover and learn effective strategies to retain your top talent in this insightful educational session. Tailored for HR professionals, team leaders, and organizational managers, this session will provide a comprehensive understanding of why employees leave and offer practical solutions to foster a more engaging and supportive work environment.

Session Objectives: 

• Outline key drivers of voluntary turnover and how they relate to targeted areas for improvement.
• Prepare effective strategies to impact turnover through increased employee job satisfaction.
• Analyze the impact of selected interventions, modifying as needed for optimal results.

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Reception

Friday, December 6

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. Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent 401: Denial Management

Moderated By: Paola Turchi, Denial Management

Cara Greer, President, Puredi

Kathi Lundgaard Strawn, Manager, Payer Content, Payer Operations, Experian

Tammy Walsh, CEO & Founder, Paramount Healthcare Solutions, LLC

Credits Available: ACMPE: 1 | ACHE: 1

Session Description: Navigate the complexities of denial management with confidence in this comprehensive educational session designed for healthcare administrators, billing specialists, and claims processors. This session will provide you with practical tools and strategies to effectively manage and resolve claim denials, improve your revenue cycle processes, and reduce the financial impact of denied claims.

Session Objectives: 

• Identify the common causes of claim denials in healthcare.
• Develop strategies to prevent denials and expedite the appeals process.
• Implement a denial management program that improves revenue cycle efficiency.

Concurrent 402: Service Line Success: Strategies for Growth and Optimization

Moderated By: Kristi Stern, Director, Patient Experience, Ardent Health Services

Patrick Figuires, CEO, Reticle

Meredith Wells, VP, Neurosciences & Trauma Service Lines, Ascension Texas

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

Session Description: The ability to strategically develop and optimize service lines is crucial for organizations aiming to improve patient outcomes, streamline operations, and achieve financial sustainability. This educational session provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, developing, and enhancing service lines within healthcare settings to better meet patient needs and organizational goals.

Session Objectives: 

• Identify key considerations in developing new service lines in healthcare.
• Analyze the performance of existing service lines to determine optimization opportunities.
• Implement strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of service lines.

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

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

Concurrent 501: Business Strategy, Marketing Strategy and Planning for the Future

Cristian Lieneck, Associate Professor & Interim Director, Texas State University

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

Session Description: This session will provide healthcare administrators with the tools to develop robust business and marketing strategies.By the end of this session, participants will have a clear understanding of how to develop and align business and marketing strategies, anticipate future trends, and create a strategic plan that ensures sustainable growth and success in an evolving market.

Session Objectives: 

• Outline the components of a successful business strategy in healthcare
• Develop marketing strategies tailored to the healthcare industry 
• Create and assess strategic initiatives that address current or future challenges and opportunities

Concurrent 502: Identifying and Addressing Revenue Leakage

Tammy Walsh, CEO & Founder, Paramount Healthcare Solutions, LLC

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

Session Description: Revenue leakage can significantly impact an organization’s financial health and operational efficiency. This educational session is designed to help participants identify, analyze, and address sources of revenue leakage within their organizations. By understanding the common causes and implementing effective strategies, attendees will be equipped to protect and enhance their revenue streams with actionable strategies and tools to improve financial performance and safeguard revenue integrity within their organizations.

Session Objectives: 

• Identify the primary sources of revenue leakage in healthcare settings.
• Analyze financial data to detect patterns of revenue loss.
• Develop action plans to mitigate revenue leakage and improve profitability.

10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Refreshment Break with Exhibitors

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

Concurrent 601: 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 602: Optimize Operations & Automate Administrative Tasks Through AI

Moderated By: Lindsey Herman Nolan, President & CEO, Nolan Practice Management

Jerold McDonald, CEO, Omaiven Health

Buzz White, CEO, ChartPath

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

Session Description: In an era where efficiency and accuracy are paramount, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize operations and automate administrative tasks can transform organizational performance. This educational session is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to harness AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and drive overall business success.

Session Objectives: 

• Gain a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence and its applications in operational settings
• Learn about the types of AI technologies available and how they can be integrated into various aspects of business operations.
•  Learn how to assess workflows, identify repetitive tasks, and determine which processes can benefit most from automation.

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

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Closing Keynote: "Don’t Quit Your Day Job - How to THRIVE in your Career without Sacrificing Your Personal Life and Suffering Burnout"

Annamari Dietrichson, Founder, Annamari Health & Leadership Coach, LLC

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

Session Description: In today's fast-paced and demanding world, burnout has become a pervasive issue affecting leaders in the healthcare industry, resulting in reduced productivity, lack of engagement and lower care quality delivery. The “Don’t quit your day job” presentation empowers leaders to take charge of their physical and mental health, providing a roadmap for personal responsibility in the quest to reduce burnout, while also equipping them with strategies to address the burnout epidemic at the corporate level. Through this comprehensive and actionable approach to burnout presentation and adopting the THRIVE method, participants can foster a holistic approach to alleviate burnout by emphasizing both personal and corporate responsibility.

Session Objectives:  

• Understand the Impact of Targeted Thoughts: Recognize how adopting a proactive mindset through practicing targeted thoughts can contribute to reducing burnout and increasing professional and personal fulfillment.
• Implement Healthy Habits for Career Resilience: Understand the connection between physical well-being and professional success, promoting a holistic approach to career resilience. Participants will learn practical strategies to cultivate and maintain healthy habits in their daily lives.
• Embrace Rest and Resilience as Essential Components: Understand the role of adequate sleep and intentional rest in maintaining mental and physical well-being, ensuring personal and professional resilience.
• Cultivate Intentionality for Personal and Professional Success: Understand the positive impact of intentional living on career satisfaction and overall life fulfillment.
• Overcome Victim Mentality through Vigilance: Learn strategies to overcome victim mentality by cultivating vigilance towards personal and professional goals.