IMGA 2025 Agenda

Enhancing Practice Economics – Part I

Payer Contracting Negotiations & Databases Utilized for Assistance

Explore key strategies groups are using in direct negotiations with payers. Points will include the role of third-party contracting consultants—either to negotiate on your behalf or to equip your team with effective communication tools—and how to leverage negotiation tactics such as the potential to go out-of-network or sell to a hospital.

• Tom Sanchez, CEO, The Oregon Clinic,
• Joey Peay, CEO, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic
• Amanda Clear, CEO, SOFHA
• Brian Voth, CDO, Wilmington Health

Enhancing Practice Economics – Part II

Managing Overhead, People Cost, Rent/Facility Cost, Supply Cost, & All Other Costs

With inflation and rising costs placing pressure on margins, independent practices must find new ways to manage overhead. This session will explore how groups are controlling key expense categories such as rent, staffing, and supplies—including the role of GPO Fparticipation. We’ll also look at innovative solutions being adopted, from leveraging AI in coding and scheduling to implementing online scheduling platforms.

• Joey Peay, CEO, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic
• Tom Sanchez, CEO, The Oregon Clinic
• Missy Liverett, Chief Financial Administrator, Premier Medical Group

Break

The AI Evolution in Healthcare

This session will explore how AI is transforming the healthcare landscape, covering the latest AI tools currently in use and highlighting upcoming cutting-edge technologies. Attendees will learn how healthcare practices in attendance are adopting AI to improve efficiency, enhance patient care, and reduce costs. With human labor being the single largest expenditure in healthcare, the session will also examine where AI may further impact human roles across the system.

Guest Speaker: Lukasz Kowalczyk, MD, CEO/Founder, Soothien HealthTech Advisory

• Amanda Clear, CEO, SOFHA
• Amy Mulcaster, DO, CEO, The Portland Clinic
• Bryan Batson, MD, CEO, Hattiesburg Clinic
• Ryan Farwell, Administrator, Salem Clinic

Physician Recruitment, Retention & Development, and Management – Part I

Starting Salaries, Incentive Compensation & Industry Sources for Salary, Incentive Compensation, and Buy-in & Buyout Structures

As health systems raise starting salaries and offer lucrative employment packages, independent groups must think strategically to attract and retain top physician talent. Explore how practices are structuring buy-ins and buyouts to create compelling ownership pathways, adjusting compensation to remain competitive, and defining their unique value proposition to stand out in a crowded recruitment market.

• Ryan Farwell, Administrator, Salem Clinic
• Joey Peay, CEO, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic
• David Shultz, MD, Wilmington Health
• Kevin Porter, CEO, Ogden Clinic

Physician Recruitment, Retention & Development, and Management – Part II

Physician Leadership, Development, and Management

Creating a high-performing, collaborative medical group requires more than clinical excellence—it demands clear expectations, structured engagement, and strong leadership pathways. Explore how groups might formalize participation requirements for internal meetings, specialty education events, and committees to foster accountability and collegiality. Discuss the value of subcommittee involvement as a stepping stone to executive leadership roles, and the importance of onboarding programs.

• Bryan Batson, MD, CEO, Hattiesburg Clinic
• Missy Liverett, Chief Financial Administrator, Premier Medical Group
• Amy Mulcaster, DO, CEO, The Portland Clinic

Legislative Challenges in the Healthcare Landscape

The regulatory landscape for healthcare is shifting rapidly, with federal and state-level changes introducing both challenges and opportunities for independent medical groups. In this timely session, a Tennessee-based healthcare lobbyist will provide an insider’s perspective on key legislative developments across the country.

Benchmarking for IMGA Members: Core Revenue & Overhead Metrics

The CBIZ Advisors team will lead a discussion on the operational and financial benchmarks that can help independent groups evaluate performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Drawing from already-submitted member data, the presentation will cover critical metrics and show how leaders can apply these metrics to guide decisions, improve efficiency, and enhance long-term sustainability.

• Mike McCaslin, Managing Director
• Josh Roth, Senior Manager

Staff Recruitment, Retention, and Development – Part I

Resources for Starting Salaries & Incentive Compensation

As workforce expectations shift, practices are re-evaluating compensation strategies to better meet the needs of both physicians and staff. This session will explore innovative approaches to incentive compensation, including how to maintain competitive physician retirement plan contributions while potentially reallocating non-physician retirement funding into direct staff compensation. With many staff members prioritizing immediate income over long-term retirement benefits, this strategy can enhance retention and satisfaction—without increasing overall cost. In addition, the session will highlight practical resources for benchmarking starting salaries.

• Missy Liverett, Chief Financial Administrator, Premier Medical Group
• Tom Sanchez, CEO, The Oregon Clinic
• Bryan Batson, MD, CEO, Hattiesburg Clinic

Staff Recruitment, Retention, and Development – Part II

Working With Local Higher Education Schools for MA Programs & Internships

Attending groups will discuss how practices can partner with local colleges and technical schools to support Medical Assistant (MA) programs, internships, and early workforce development.

• Amy Mulcaster, DO, CEO, The Portland Clinic
• Ryan Farwell, Administrator, Salem Clinic
• Lindy Williams, Executive Administrator, Boice-Willis Clinic