on the net
This site offers information on group practice management

Founded in 1926, the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) calls itself "the nation's principal voice for medical group practices." The stated mission of the MGMA is to increase the effectiveness of group practices by improving the knowledge and skills of those who manage and lead these practices.

The MGMA works to accomplish its mission through a combination of education, advocacy and networking. The organization analyzes the management techniques of better-performing practices to advance the art of practice management. And it conducts annual surveys of its members to collect "benchmark" data on such key issues as practice costs, and physician and manager compensation.

The MGMA Web site -- www.MGMA.com -- is a reflection of the organization's mission. It provides a wealth of information that group practices will find highly useful in dealing with the business, clinical, legal and financial aspects of practice management. For example, the site currently provides summaries of MGMA research studies on the use of electronic medical records in ASC settings, and the impact of incentive compensation on physician productivity.

Highlights of the site include "MGMA in Washington," which contains updated news relating to legislative and regulatory issues. "What's New" spotlights upcoming events and breaking news of interest to group practice managers.

A calendar of events provides information on numerous educational opportunities being offered to practice managers. While many of the educational events require attendance at conferences and seminars, others can be accessed as audioconferences, or as online courses that can be taken on the Internet.

In sum, anyone involved in the management of a group practice should check in at www.MGMA.com on a fairly regular basis.

Visit: www.MGMA.com

If you've discovered a Web site or service that's been useful to you in practice or at home, we'd like to know about it. E-mail Jerry Helzner at helznergi@boucher1.com  or call him at (215) 643-8013.