PVR

Practice Consulting & MSOs — Vendor review

MGMA Consulting

Practice-management consulting from the industry's benchmark authority.

Rank #1 in Consultingmgma.com ↗

MGMA Consulting

Practice-management consulting from the industry's benchmark authority.

85/ 100 overall

By Jordan Alderman, MBA, CMPE · Reviewed by Rania Hassan, JD, CHC · Last reviewed · Methodology

Disclosure: Independent editorial. No pay-for-placement, no affiliate rankings. Full editorial standards.

Quick answer

MGMA Consulting is the consulting arm of the Medical Group Management Association. It brings benchmark data and operational depth that few firms match. Engagements range from operational assessments to compensation redesigns. Best for independent groups that want data-anchored recommendations rather than generic playbooks.

At a glance

Best for
Independent groups wanting benchmark-anchored recommendations.
Not for
Micro-practices needing tactical one-off help.
Pricing model
Fixed-fee project or retained engagement.
Price band
$$$
Founded
1926 (MGMA)
HQ
Englewood, CO
Ownership
Nonprofit membership association

Score card

Independent editorial scoring (0–5 per criterion) — same rubric across every vendor.

Product depth
4.5
Independent fit
4.5
Transparency
4.0
Support
4.5
Interoperability
4.0
Value
4.0
85/ 100 overall

Strengths

  • Access to MGMA benchmark data
  • Independent-practice orientation
  • Deep bench across operations and compensation

Weaknesses

  • Not the cheapest option for small tactical projects
  • Engagements can feel formal
  • Not the best fit for pure strategy or M&A

Key features

  • Operational assessments
  • Physician compensation design
  • Revenue cycle assessments
  • Governance and MSO structuring

Contract clauses to negotiate

  • Get deliverables listed line-by-line with acceptance criteria
  • Confirm which benchmark comparisons are included
  • Ask for named consultants, not just firm brand

See our full contract clause library for paste-ready redlines across every pillar.

Editorial verdict

MGMA Consulting is the reference standard for independent-practice engagements — the combination of benchmark data and independent orientation is genuinely differentiated. Best used for projects where evidence-based recommendations matter (comp redesign, operational assessments). Look elsewhere for pure M&A advisory or valuation.

Alternatives to consider

Coker GroupIndependent healthcare advisory with strong physician-services depth.
75/ 100 overall
PYA (Pershing Yoakley & Associates)Healthcare-focused advisory with valuation and compliance depth.
73/ 100 overall

Evidence & sources

Every recommendation on this page traces back to a primary reference — federal regulation, an industry benchmark, or peer-reviewed literature. Follow the links to verify claims independently.

  1. [1]MGMA Practice Management Resources

    Industry benchmark

    Medical Group Management Association

    Supports: Independent benchmarking data for consulting engagement scoping and typical practice-operations KPIs.

  2. [2]Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute Overview

    Regulatory

    HHS Office of Inspector General

    Supports: Regulatory basis for evaluating MSO and management-services structures that involve referral flows or compensation arrangements.

  3. [3]American Medical Association — Private Practice Playbook

    Professional association

    AMA

    Supports: Reference material on independent-practice sustainability, MSO evaluation, and consultant engagement structure.

Cite this review: The Practice Vendor Review — MGMA Consulting, ranked #1 of 5 in Practice Consulting & MSOs. Overall score 85/100.