MGMA Week in Review: Malpractice Costs, Cancer Screening Expenses, and Leadership Strategies

MGMA Podcasts

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast, hosts Daniel Williams, Colleen Luckett, and Christy Good discuss several key topics in the healthcare industry. The hosts cover the rising costs of malpractice insurance, the financial burden of cancer screenings, strategies for effective leadership in the C-suite, and updates on important Medicare reform bills in Congress.

Major Takeaways:

• Malpractice insurance premiums have increased for 68% of medical groups, with an average rise of 11%. The insurance industry is adopting AI to improve risk assessment and underwriting decisions.
• Christy Good emphasizes the importance of a dual focus on quality of care and risk management to mitigate legal risks, including adhering to evidence-based practices, continuous monitoring of outcomes, and open communication.
• The annual cost of cancer screenings in the US is estimated at $43 billion. Experts advocate for more cost-effective screening strategies and improved access to ensure all individuals receive early detection services.
• Hospital CEOs are reading books on leadership, innovation, and personal development to prepare their organizations for the future, including titles like "Good to Great" and "The Innovator's Dilemma."
• Two bills in Congress, the "Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act" and the "Provider Reimbursement Stability Act," could help stabilize physician payments and address Medicare's outdated budget neutrality policies.

Direct Sources:

• Article on rising malpractice insurance costs: https://www.mgma.com/data/data-stories/nearly-68-of-medical-groups-report-an-increase-in-d
• Article on cancer screening costs: https://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/us-cancer-screenings-come-with-a-43-billion-annual-price-tag
• Article on hospital CEO reading habits: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/what-hospital-ceos-are-reading-to-prepare-for-the-future.html

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