1. What is the MGMA Staffing Ratio?

The MGMA (Medical Group Management Association) Staffing Ratio measures the number of support staff per healthcare provider. It's a key metric for assessing practice efficiency and resource allocation in medical settings.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the MGMA Staffing Ratio formula:

Where:

• \( Staff \) — Total number of support staff
• \( Providers \) — Number of healthcare providers
• \( Ratio \) — Staffing ratio (unitless)

Explanation: The ratio indicates how many staff members support each provider in a practice.

3. Importance of Staffing Ratio

Details: An optimal staffing ratio ensures efficient operations without overstaffing or understaffing. MGMA benchmarks help practices compare their ratios to industry standards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total staff count (nurses, MAs, administrative staff) and number of providers (physicians, NPs, PAs). Providers must be ≥1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical MGMA staffing ratio?
A: Varies by specialty, but common ratios range from 3:1 to 6:1 (staff per provider) depending on practice type.

Q2: How often should staffing ratios be evaluated?
A: Quarterly or when significant practice changes occur (new providers, expanded services).

Q3: Does this include all practice staff?
A: Typically includes clinical and administrative staff but excludes providers and sometimes high-level administrators.

Q4: How does specialty affect ideal ratios?
A: Surgical specialties often require more support staff than primary care. Refer to MGMA benchmarks for specialty-specific data.

Q5: Can ratios be too high?
A: Yes, excessive ratios may indicate inefficiency, while low ratios may suggest staff are overworked.