Year-End Challenges, Emerging Trends, and Practical Solutions

MCMS recently hosted its Practice Managers Forum, bringing together office managers, administrators, and physician leaders for a focused discussion on the operational and financial challenges practices face at the end of the year. We extend our sincere thanks to our event sponsors and partners—Gittleson Zuppas Medical Realty and Unity Insurance—whose expertise and support helped make this session possible.

Participants discussed key year-end challenges, including rising staff health insurance premiums, network adequacy concerns, and insurer staffing shortages—particularly at UnitedHealthcare—which have slowed communication and contract resolution. Ongoing issues with downcoding, prior authorization delays, and credentialing backlogs underscored the importance of keeping direct payer contacts on hand.

Attendees also noted uncertainty around telehealth policy as Medicare’s current allowances expire in January, with new legislation expected next session.

On the operations side, managers shared helpful workflow tips such as digital self-check-in to reduce front-desk workload, along with strategies for managing new patient paperwork, enforcing no-show policies, and improving patient compliance.

Gittleson Zuppas Medical Realty provided an overview of the changing medical real estate landscape across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With the general office market still struggling, medical practices now have more leverage and more options than in prior years. This shift has resulted in stronger tenant improvement allowances, more competitive deals, and landlords increasingly open to clinical tenants. Attendees were reminded of the importance of carefully reviewing lease renewals—especially clauses that may impact future operations.

Unity Insurance, a MedChi company, discussed the full spectrum of insurance policies available to medical practices and highlighted the value of periodic policy reviews. Their team helps practices analyze existing coverage, identify gaps, and ensure policies align with current operational needs. With rising costs and shifting market conditions, proactive review is essential for protecting both physicians and their businesses.