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LUGPA Congressional Fly-In Recap - September 22–23, 2026Independent Urologists Return to Capitol Hill to Advance Medicare Reform, Protect Access to Cancer Care, and Promote Competition LUGPA physician leaders representing independent urology practices from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C., September 22–23 for LUGPA’s third Congressional Fly-In of 2026.
Over two days, LUGPA members conducted dozens of meetings with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and key committee offices, advocating for policies that support independent medicine, strengthen Medicare physician payment, protect access to community-based specialty care, and promote competition throughout the healthcare system. The September Fly-In came at an important time for federal healthcare policy, with Congress considering Medicare physician payment reform while policymakers examine the impact of Medicare drug price negotiation, 340B, hospital consolidation, and site-of-care payment differences. With Congress approaching the fall recess and the 2026 midterm elections ahead, the Fly-In provided an important opportunity to reinforce LUGPA’s priorities with lawmakers and staff before Congress shifts its focus toward the election. Physicians brought firsthand perspectives from their practices to Capitol Hill, demonstrating how federal payment and regulatory policies affect independent practices and the patients they serve. LUGPA's Top Advocacy Priorities 1. Sustainable Medicare Physician Payment LUGPA’s top priority remained reforming the Medicare physician payment system. Members urged Congress to advance the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act (H.R. 8163/S. 5180) and the bipartisan Patients First Act (H.R. 9693). Key provisions include:
The urgency of reform was underscored by CMS’s proposed CY 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which includes conversion-factor reductions of approximately 1.19% for qualifying APM participants and 1.68% for non-qualifiers. LUGPA has also opposed CMS’s proposed 50% payment reduction for certain secondary same-day E/M services billed with Modifier 25. Over the 2001–2026 period, Medicare physician payments increased only approximately 12–15%, while practice costs increased more than 50%. Adjusted for inflation, physician reimbursement has declined by roughly 33%. LUGPA members emphasized that sustainable payment reform is essential to maintaining physician-led practices, preserving patient access, and ensuring specialty care remains available in community settings. 2. Protecting Access to Community-Based Cancer Care LUGPA strongly advocated for the Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act (H.R. 4299). The legislation would protect ASP + 6% reimbursement for physician-administered Part B drugs as Medicare’s drug price negotiation program expands. It would also establish a manufacturer rebate mechanism to address the difference between ASP + 6% and the Maximum Fair Price + 6%, helping protect practices from reimbursement falling below acquisition costs. For independent urology practices that purchase and administer high-cost therapies, these changes could have significant implications for the ability to continue providing cancer and complex care in community settings. LUGPA emphasized the importance of ensuring Medicare beneficiaries can continue receiving these treatments close to home rather than facing a shift toward higher-cost hospital settings. 3. 340B Reform, Site-Neutral Payment & Outpatient Care LUGPA members continued discussions with Congress about 340B transparency and accountability, including:
Members also discussed the relationship between 340B, hospital acquisition of independent practices, and the migration of care to hospital outpatient settings. LUGPA supports greater transparency and accountability within the 340B program and clinically appropriate site-neutral payment policies that promote competition and preserve patient choice. Members also raised concerns about elements of the CY 2027 OPPS/ASC proposed rule that could disadvantage community-based urology practices. Additional Policy Discussions Depending on the meeting, LUGPA members also addressed:
These discussions allowed physicians to connect broader healthcare policy debates to the day-to-day realities of providing specialty care in independent practices. Congressional Engagement LUGPA members met with offices across both chambers and with key committees of jurisdiction, including Senate Finance, House Ways & Means, and House Energy & Commerce. Senate Meetings included offices of:
House Meetings included offices of:
LUGPA also participated in fundraising and engagement events with Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH), Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), and Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ). This broad engagement reflects LUGPA’s continued effort to build relationships with policymakers across party lines and provide congressional offices with a direct connection to independent urology practices. Thank You to Our Participating LUGPA Members LUGPA extends its sincere thanks to the physician leaders and practice representatives who traveled to Washington, D.C., and took the time to meet with Members of Congress and congressional staff. Their willingness to share their firsthand experiences and speak about the challenges facing independent urology helped bring LUGPA’s policy priorities to life. Thank you to:
Their participation helped demonstrate the importance of ensuring independent, physician-led practices have a voice in the federal policy decisions that affect their practices, their patients, and access to community-based urologic care. Participating Practices & Support The September Fly-In was made possible through the leadership and participation of physicians and staff from LUGPA member practices across the country, along with the support of LUGPA advocacy donors. LUGPA thanks:
Their support helps LUGPA bring the voice of independent urology directly to Capitol Hill. Looking Ahead LUGPA will continue working with Congress, federal agencies, and coalition partners to advance the priorities discussed during the September Fly-In. LUGPA’s immediate priorities include: Part B Drug Access Medicare Payment Reform 340B & Site-Neutral Reform LUGPA will continue building on the relationships established during the September Fly-In through congressional meetings, coalition advocacy, grassroots engagement, and future Capitol Hill visits throughout the remainder of the 119th Congress. Your Participation Matters LUGPA’s Congressional Fly-Ins give independent physicians an opportunity to bring their experiences directly to policymakers and demonstrate how federal healthcare policies affect practices and patients. These efforts are possible because of the expertise, leadership, and participation of LUGPA members. We encourage all LUGPA members—and especially participants in our advocacy donor groups—to consider joining a future Congressional Fly-In. Your voice helps strengthen LUGPA’s relationships with lawmakers, raise awareness of the issues facing independent urology, and ensure physician-led practices remain part of the national healthcare policy conversation. Interested in participating in a future Washington, D.C., Fly-In? Together, we can continue advancing policies that preserve physician independence, improve patient access, and strengthen the future of community-based urologic care. |
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