Week in Review: Insights on Primary Care Disparities and Protecting Healthcare IT

In this episode of the MGMA Week in Review Podcast, Daniel Williams, senior editor at MGMA, and co-host Colleen Luckett discuss the latest developments in healthcare. They cover a range of topics, including primary care access, social engineering schemes targeting hospital IT help desks, and the role of medical assistants in multi-site healthcare settings. Join them as they share insights, poll results, and valuable resources to keep healthcare leaders informed and empowered.Key Takeaways: The US lags behind other wealthy nations in terms of access and continuity of primary care.Building long-term relationships between patients and primary care physicians is essential for better healthcare outcomes.US doctors should improve coordination with specialists to enhance patient care.Social engineering schemes targeting hospital IT help desks pose a significant threat, and organizations need to implement strict security protocols.Medical assistants play a crucial role in multi-site healthcare organizations, and leveraging their skills effectively can address staffing challenges.Sources and Resources:Becker's Hospital Review: "How US primary care compares to other wealthy nations"Health IT Security: "Surge in hospital IT help desk social engineering schemes"MGMA Stat Poll: "Medical assistants in multi-site healthcare organizations"MGMA Resources:MGMA StatAsk an AdvisorMGMA MembershipMGMA ConsultingWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOULet us know if there's a topic you want us to cover or an expert you would like us to interview or if you'd like to appear on the member spotlight podcast. Email us at [email protected]. If you have a question for our Sr Advisor Cristy Good, email [email protected]. This episode is sponsored by ModMed. Every denied claim costs time and money to rework — for care you’ve already delivered. While payers sharpen their own AI tools, ModMed RCM Services pairs seasoned billing specialists with AI designed to help flag claims at risk before they go out the door, so your team can fix issues upfront instead of appealing after the fact. Learn more here.