The 2026 Practice Leaders Action Plan: 7 Moves to Start the Year Strong
Why 2026 Demands a Strong Action Plan
If you're leading a medical practice, you know the start of a new year isn't just about resolutions; it's about setting the tone for success. 2026 brings fresh challenges and opportunities, and MGMA is here to support you. This action plan is packed with seven practical moves you can start using today to make this your strongest year yet. Let's dive in!
Move 1: Benchmark Your Operations Against Top Performers
Think of this as your reality check. Are your patient access times, revenue cycle, and staffing ratios where they should be? Benchmarking isn't just for large organizations; it's a valuable tool for all sizes of medical practices to identify gaps early.
Action: Use MGMA DataDive to see where you stack up. Practices that benchmark quarterly often see major improvements.
Move 2: Build a Staffing Strategy That Retains Talent
Your team is your engine. Losing great people can be detrimental to a medical practice. Start the year by reviewing compensation and creating clear growth plans to drive success. MGMA's 2025 Provider Compensation report highlights that even small perks, such as flexible scheduling, can make a significant difference.
Action: Conduct a semi-annual compensation review, implement stay bonuses, and promote mental health programs.
Move 3: Put Leader Well-Being on the Agenda
Leadership burnout is real. If you're running on fumes, your team feels it too. Make well-being a part of your leadership goals: block out time for breaks, join a peer group to connect with others facing similar challenges, and enjoy stress-free activities in your free time.
Action: Make time to move your body. Grab a colleague and take a walk around your building.
Move 4: Embrace AI and Automation for Efficiency
AI isn't just a buzzword anymore—it's a time-saver. From scheduling to billing, automation can free up hours for your team. Start small: look at EHR automated reminders.
Action: Listen to MGMA's Insights Podcast, How AI is Driving Payer Downcoding and What Medical Practices Can Do About It.
Move 5: Double Down on Financial Resilience
Revenue cycle headaches? You're not alone. Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions and implement effective financial strategies.
Action: Download Chapter 1 of Advanced Strategy for Medical Practice Leaders: Financial Management Edition.
Move 6: Invest in Leadership Development
Want to future-proof your career? Continuous learning is the key. Explore leadership programs that fit your schedule and educate you on topics that are relevant to your success as a healthcare leader. Additionally, leaders should always encourage their teams to never stop learning and provide them with the same opportunities.
Move 7: Make Community Your Competitive Advantage
No one has all the answers, but together, we are unstoppable. Tap into MGMA's Member Community for real-world advice and quick wins.
Action: Ready to take the connection to the next level? Register for the next MGMA conference and meet with peers in person.
Keep the Momentum Going
Starting the year strong is just the beginning. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead means having the right insights at your fingertips.
Subscribe to the MGMA Insights Newsletter for expert tips, data-driven strategies, and real-world solutions delivered straight to your inbox. From benchmarking trends to leadership best practices, we'll help you tackle challenges before they hit your bottom line.
