June 2025 LUGPA Fly-In Recap:Advocating for Independent Urology During a Pivotal Time
Thank you to all the LUGPA members who traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in our June 2025 Fly-In. Your time, energy, and commitment to advancing the voice of independent urology made a powerful impression on lawmakers and staff. Through your direct engagement, you helped demonstrate that independent physicians are not only providers of high-quality care but also critical advocates for patient access, competition, and innovation in our healthcare system. Over the course of two tightly scheduled days, LUGPA’s leaders held 21 meetings with congressional offices, including key members of the House Ways and Means Committee, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Senate Finance Committee. These meetings reinforced our legislative agenda and underscored the urgent need for reforms that will stabilize physician reimbursement, strengthen the urology workforce, and preserve patient access to in-office treatments and services. This year’s Fly-In took place against a particularly turbulent political backdrop. With Congress consumed by negotiations over a sweeping House-passed reconciliation package, many lawmakers were pulled into extended floor debates, markups, and closed-door meetings. Despite the scheduling challenges this created, our delegation was able to secure meaningful time with policymakers and senior staff. These conversations were critical to ensuring that the needs of independent specialists remain a visible and urgent part of the post-reconciliation legislative agenda. During our meetings, LUGPA members shared firsthand insights on the real-world impact of Medicare reimbursement instability, growing workforce shortages, and barriers to care created by payer consolidation and policy inconsistencies. Through these personal stories and policy discussions, we delivered a clear message: independent physicians must be supported through thoughtful, targeted reforms that prioritize access, sustainability, and innovation. Below is a summary of the key policy issues discussed during the Fly-In and how lawmakers responded to our advocacy. Key Advocacy Priorities 1. Stabilizing Medicare Physician Reimbursement
LUGPA’s relentless efforts, including direct engagement with legislators, also successfully influenced the inclusion of a 2.5% PFS conversion factor increase in H.R. 1, overcoming Senate Byrd Bath challenges. While this adjustment offers immediate support, comprehensive long-term reform remains essential to ensure stability and sustainability. LUGPA played a key role in advocating for this provision, most recently raising the issue during our June fly-in on Capitol Hill. Why It Matters: 2. Restoring In-Office Medication Dispensing Rights Key provisions include:
Why It Matters: 3. Protecting Access to Physician-Administered Drugs Specifically, this legislation would:
LUGPA played a key role in advancing this legislation by providing detailed policy and clinical insights to congressional offices and helping secure co-sponsors. During our fly-in, LUGPA representatives met with Representative Gray’s staff and shared information highlighting the bill’s importance to independent practices and the patients they serve. Why It Matters: 4. Advancing Site-Neutral Payment Reform Why It Matters: Meetings and Engagement In-Person Meetings
Staff-Level Meetings
Impact and Next Steps
Your Participation Matters LUGPA’s June Fly-In once again demonstrated the power of direct physician advocacy in shaping federal policy. These efforts are only possible because of the dedication of our members, whose insights and leadership continue to make a difference. We encourage all LUGPA members—and especially participants in our advocacy donor groups—to consider joining a future fly-in. Your expertise, stories, and presence on Capitol Hill give weight to our message and help ensure independent urology remains a strong voice in national healthcare policy. If you are interested in participating in a future Washington, D.C. Fly-In, please contact Matthew Glans at [email protected]. Thank You to Our Participating Practices The LUGPA Political Affairs Committee extends its sincere gratitude to the physicians and administrators whose time and commitment made the June Fly-In possible:
Together, we are making an impact and protecting the future of physician-led urologic care.
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