In a report recently released by the Medical Group Management Association, or MGMA, several processes and behaviors are common among the most financially successful practices studied.

The MGMA identified 432 "better-performing" organizations in its Performance and Practices of Successful Medical Groups: 2007 Report Based on 2006 Data. Among the findings for better performing groups were having formal policies and processes in place for patient safety, making investments in the practice (such as building or acquiring new facilities or adding ancillary services) and having implemented electronic medical records systems. In addition, many of the better performers used automated telephone reminder systems to reduce patient no-shows or last-minute cancellations and used public relations programs and the Internet to market their practices.

All of these indicators were measured as relatively higher in comparison to other practices reporting. Participation in the MGMA report is voluntary. The report includes four performance management categories and case studies from 12 better performers. The full report can be purchased by members for $300 and by nonmembers for $515. To learn more, visit the MGMA Web site.