LUGPA Advocates for Reforms to Protect Access to Telehealth

Chicago, IL, July 1, 2024 – Access to high-quality, cost-effective health care is a priority for millions of Americans. Telehealth services, an integral component of the health care delivery system, offer expanded access to care for individuals across the country. LUGPA is at the forefront of advocating for key policies to protect access to telehealth and ultimately improve patient care.

While telehealth gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has remained an essential part of the health care system, providing critical care for individuals who might otherwise struggle to access services. Specifically, telehealth is widely used by patients who are Black, Hispanic or Latino and Asian, Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries and individuals earning less than $25,000 annually.

During the pandemic, key flexibilities for telehealth were passed, such as allowing people to see physicians virtually in other states. However, in recent years, some of these flexibilities have changed or are currently at risk of expiring. While Congress has made some strides to extend these flexibilities, long-term reform is critical to ensure that access to telehealth is protected.

"Telehealth has become an essential part of our health care system, and it must be protected," said Dr. Goldfischer, president of LUGPA. "For many individuals, telehealth is their primary means of accessing regular health care. LUGPA is committed to advocating for key telehealth policies that ensure continued access to these vital services."

Key proposed reforms include the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024, which seeks to expand telehealth services, refine reimbursement mechanisms and mitigate regulatory obstacles. Additional reforms include removing geographic requirements for Medicare telehealth services, allowing patients to receive telehealth care regardless of where they are located, and removing regulatory barriers that allow more health care professionals to provide telehealth services.

Americans can contact their Congressional representatives and let them know they support policies that provide them with the most options for healthcare. To find your Congressional representative, visit https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.   

About LUGPA 

LUGPA is the only nonprofit urology trade association in the US. Since its founding in 2008, LUGPA has earned national recognition in the pursuit of its mission to preserve and advance the independent practice of urology while demonstrating quality and value to patients, vendors, third-party payors, legislators and regulatory agencies. The robust resources LUGPA provides help member groups to meet the challenges of independent practice in today's rapidly changing healthcare marketplace. For more information, visit www.lugpa.org 

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