LUGPA President in the News: Pushing for More Black Men to Be Screened for Prostate Cancer
Sept. 29, 2023
Incidences of prostate cancer rose 3% annually from 2014 through 2019, translating to an additional 99,000 new cases and ending two decades of decline. “We still are behind in screening men for prostate cancer,” said Evan Goldfischer, MD, MBA, FACS, president of LUGPA. “As a result, they are presenting with much more advanced disease.” Dr. Goldfischer explains that the drop in screenings is tied to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s recommendations in 2012. These screenings are particularly important for Black men, who are at higher risk for prostate cancer. Dr. Goldfischer discusses how physicians can help reduce these disparities. “It's really getting out there into those communities… starting outreach and doing it in a very kind, compassionate and trustful way.”
In September, the Political Affairs Committee and members of LUGPA returned to Washington, DC, to promote the 2023 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda. The fly-in focused on four key issues:
Left to right: Dr. Taylor Moore, MD, Dr. Clayton Hudnall, MD, Dr. Joshua Langston, MD, John McManus, Congressional Staff Member, Dr. Gary Kirsh, MD, and Representative Bill Johnson.
Supporting Physician Payment in the face of a planned 3.3% cut to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule in 2024
Expanding regulations for in-office dispensing to allow for the delivery of cancer drugs to patients
Preserving physician reimbursement at ASP+6% regardless of new drug price controls under the Inflation Reduction Act
Promoting site neutrality for Medicare payments, leveling the playing field for independent providers
Empowering Women in Urology Session Added to Annual Meeting Agenda
Aug.3, 2023
At LUGPA's 2023 Annual Meeting, a panel discussion sponsored by Boston Scientific and moderated by Kari Bailey, MD will feature female urologists Katherine Amin, MD, Mara Holton, MD, Jennifer Miles-Thomas, MD. and industry leader Kristin LaRocca, Senior Vice President, Boston Scientific. At the Friday Nov. 3 session they will discuss gender disparities in urology, challenges and opportunities faced by women pursuing careers in urology, strategies for career development, cultural and societal factors affecting female physicians, work-life balance, and patient-centered care for women.
LUGPA Goes to Washington: July 2023 Fly-In Recap
July 2023
In July, the Political Affairs Committee and members of LUGPA returned to Washington, DC, to promote key issues from our Legislative and Regulatory Agenda. LUGPA members met with Members of Congress, health aides and staff members of the House Ways and Means, Financial Services, Energy and Commerce Committees, and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
The Trailblazer Award is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon urologists or administrators who have significantly contributed to the field within the first ten years of their practice. This award acknowledges their exceptional achievements, innovation, leadership in urology, and commitment to advancing the field.
Recipients of the Trailblazer Award have demonstrated a pioneering spirit and contributions to their practice, breaking new ground in patient care, research, education, or administration. They have shown remarkable dedication to improving the lives of their patients, embracing cutting-edge technologies and techniques, and making valuable contributions to the community.
LUGPA Joins Stakeholders in Response to LCD Announcement Rescinding Coverage for Genetic Tests
July 7, 2023
LUGPA applauds Novitas and First Coast's retraction of the 6/2/2023 Local Coverage Determination (LCD) announcement that would have rescinded coverage for a number of genetic tests as of July 17th, including several specific to GU: Pacific Edge Diagnostics' Cxbladder Detect, Enhanced Detect, Monitor, Enhanced Triage, and Resolve assays & Abbott's UroVysion fluorescence in situ hybridization test.
LUGPA joined with several stakeholders in responding quickly to this surprise notice, issued absent a notification or comment period and which would have precluded providers in these MACs from utilizing the aforementioned FDA approved, guideline-based tests as part of their clinical 'toolkit' for the management of certain patients with urothelial malignancies.
It was announced July 6 that the LCD had been withdrawn and that a new Proposed LCD will be published for comment and 'presented at an open meeting in the near future'. LUGPA will continue to follow closely and will continue to work to ensure that our providers are able to provide their patients with the most effective diagnostic and treatment options available.
LUGPA Joins Stakeholders in Response to LCD Announcement Rescinding Coverage for Genetic Tests
July 7, 2023
LUGPA applauds Novitas and First Coast's retraction of the 6/2/2023 Local Coverage Determination (LCD) announcement that would have rescinded coverage for a number of genetic tests as of July 17th, including several specific to GU: Pacific Edge Diagnostics' Cxbladder Detect, Enhanced Detect, Monitor, Enhanced Triage, and Resolve assays & Abbott's UroVysion fluorescence in situ hybridization test.
LUGPA joined with several stakeholders in responding quickly to this surprise notice, issued absent a notification or comment period and which would have precluded providers in these MACs from utilizing the aforementioned FDA approved, guideline-based tests as part of their clinical 'toolkit' for the management of certain patients with urothelial malignancies.
It was announced July 6 that the LCD had been withdrawn and that a new Proposed LCD will be published for comment and 'presented at an open meeting in the near future'. LUGPA will continue to follow closely and will continue to work to ensure that our providers are able to provide their patients with the most effective diagnostic and treatment options available.
UROLOGY TIMES: LUGPA advocacy supports legislative efforts addressing the role of PBMs
May 30, 2023
As there has been increasing consolidation between PBMs, insurance companies, and specialty pharmacies—the locations from where medications are often now dispensed—the cost that the insurer and pharmacy pay for medications has become increasingly less transparent, and formularies have become increasingly more restrictive as far as where and which medications can be accessed by a patient. Concurrently, patients have seen prescription drug costs rise precipitously in the last 5 to 10 years. Unfortunately, the complicated PBM/insurer arrangement policies seem to be contributing significantly to financial toxicity as it pertains to pharmaceutical costs for patients.
In this interview, Mara R. Holton, MD, highlights legislation that LUGPA currently supports to help lower patient costs. Read the entire interview here.
LUGPA Extends Partnership with Digital Education Provider PlatformQ Health
April 19, 2023
LUGPA and PlatformQ Health have extended their partnership to deliver cutting-edge digital education to the urology community. Since 2017, LUGPA and PlatformQ Health have developed accredited and non-accredited digital, video-based educational programming focused on pressing clinical issues in urology and urologic oncology. “As we celebrate our 15th year anniversary, we are excited to extend our collaboration with PlatformQ Health," said Evan R. Goldfischer, MD, MBA, FACS, president of LUGPA. "This collaboration allows us to deliver ongoing, up-to-date practice and clinical management urology-oriented digital education to our LUGPA members and other providers to improve patient care and outcomes."
During Women’s Health Month in May, LUGPA is raising awareness of the importance of women’s urologic health. Most conditions that urologists treat occur in both men and women. Consequently, urologists play a critical role in treating and preventing many health concerns, including conditions that can have a greater impact on women.
LUGPA Spreads Awareness of Racial Disparities in Urologic Health
April 1, 2023
During National Minority Health Month in April, LUGPA is working to raise awareness of racial disparities in urologic health. Several urologic cancers, including prostate and kidney cancer, disproportionately affect specific racial and ethnic groups. For groups who are at a higher risk for cancer, early detection is critical. LUGPA encourages those at higher risk for urologic cancers to speak with a urologist about preventive care options.
In this video, Drs. Cheung, Siddiqui, and Mistry talk about their positive experience at LUGPA's 2023 Urology Resident Summit and Job Fair.
Photos and Video Testimonial from Resident Summit
March 4, 2023
LUGPA’s Urology Resident Summit and Job Fair was held March 3-4 in Chicago. More than 75 residents were in attendance, plus more than 35 industry partners and representatives from LUGPA practices were on site to participate in the job fair and exhibit hall.
Rohit Tejwani, MD, a senior resident at Duke University was one of the attendees. "This has definitely been a super-informative experience and I've learned a ton," said Dr. Tejwani. "I think the session on contract negotiation was the most invaluable thing I've heard so far. Everything was very, very useful, but I really enjoyed that kind of dialogue." Watch a video interview with Dr. Tejwani here.
The Summit covered topics PGY2, 3, 4 and 5 urology residents need to know, including employed urology, careers in private practice, academic urology, employment contracts and finances for young physicians. The program offered residents an opportunity to personally engage with potential employers from some of the largest independent urology practices in the country.
The meeting ended with a social event at SPiN, a ping pong club in downtown Chicago, where attendees could network and socialize in a fun environment. Visit LUGPA's Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages to see photos from the Urology Resident Summit.
LUGPA Op-Ed in Medical Economics: CMS Must Level Playing Field for Independent Physicians
March 1, 2023 In an opinion piece published in Medical Economics, LUGPA President Evan Goldfischer, MD discusses the recent Medicare physician payment cuts. “These cuts are particularly destabilizing for independent physician practices…This reality highlights a need to educate policymakers and patients about why these payment cuts will only exacerbate the rising challenges for Americans to access individualized care throughout the U.S.” Dr. Goldfischer argues that Congress must focus on leveling the playing field between hospital and independent physician reimbursement so that independent practices can compete with hospital systems. “It is my ardent hope that Congress seeks out innovative ways to reform physician payment, so all physicians can provide their patients and communities with timely access to high-quality and cost-effective care.”
Dr. Goldfischer Discusses UTI Prevention with TODAY.com
March 1, 2023
LUGPA President Dr. Goldfischer recently shared his expertise with NBC News Health Reporter and TODAY correspondent Caroline Kee.
Wiping front to back is a bathroom habit ingrained into many people's minds from early childhood. The premise is simple: Don’t bring anything from the back up to the front, where it can enter another orifice and cause problems.
Recently on social media, that piece of common knowledge was questioned when a physician tweeted that "it doesn't matter if you wipe front to back or back to front." The Twitter thread sparked debate and quickly got over one million views.
Asked which direction he recommends patients wipe, board-certified urologist Dr. Evan Goldfischer, president of the national non-profit urology trade association LUGPA, says front to back. “If you wipe back to front, there’s a potential to introduce bacteria from the feces into the urinary tract and get an infection,” he says.
As the leading voice of independent urology group practices in the US, LUGPA educates policymakers on the benefits of integrated urologic care. LUGPA's Health Policy and Political Affairs committees drive grassroots efforts by developing thoughtful analysis and engaging public officials through comment letters on major legislative and regulatory proposals.
Here's some of the latest headlines from our advocacy news center:
LUGPA Representatives Attend National Republican Congressional Committee Meeting
Gary M. Kirsh, MD (left) with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and (right) with Rep. Jason Smith, House Ways and Means Chairman.
Feb. 24, 2023 Gary Kirsh, MD, Chair of LUGPA's Political Affairs Committee and John McManus, LUGPA lobbyist, recently attended the National Republican Congressional Committee Meeting.
There, they met with multiple lawmakers and discussed LUGPA’s legislative agenda and critical topics in health policy.
Advocacy Update: Public Health Emergency Resources
Feb. 28, 2023
Public Health Emergency Ending May 2023 On January 30, the Biden Administration announced May 11, 2023, as the targeted end date for the national public health emergency (PHE) declarations implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy update will examine several of the health-related COVID-19 Federal Emergency Declarations and which flexibilities will end in May. Read more.
Medical Practices Face Widespread Staff Shortages
Feb. 6, 2023
In 2023, managing and growing a medical practice are challenging due to record-breaking staff shortages. Significant structural changes in the health care system are needed to address the labor shortages today and in the future. “LUGPA has dedicated efforts to work with the next generation of physicians, as they are essential to the future of independent practice and to our country’s ability to provide effective urologic care in the decades to come,” said Evan R. Goldfischer, MD, president of LUGPA. Due to the health care workers shortage, more practices are experiencing increases in labor costs and Medicare rates have not kept up. Independent urologists must do all they can to educate policymakers on the benefits of integrated urologic care to ensure all patients have access to high-quality, affordable and efficient overall care. Read more.
LUGPA Encourages Members to Speak with Patients About Risk for Urologic Cancers
Feb. 6, 2023
During National Cancer Prevention Month in February, LUGPA encourages its member independent urology practices to speak with patients about their individual risk for urologic cancers and whether screening is recommended. Due to the recent pandemic, cancer screenings saw a dramatic decrease. An estimated 9.4 million screening tests that normally would have taken place in the U.S. in 2020 did not occur. The lack of testing in recent years has caused concern among physicians that individuals will be diagnosed with cancers at more advanced stages, potentially leading to more severe consequences. Read more.
LUGPA Celebrates 15th Anniversary in 2023
Jan. 27, 2023
This year marks LUGPA’s 15th anniversary. We will recognize this momentous occasion in various ways throughout the year that both highlight LUGPA’s historic successes and look to the future of our organization. As part of the celebration, we will soon unveil celebratory branding, which will be used throughout 2023.
We will also create exclusive content for members, highlight LUGPA’s leadership, build awareness of policy priorities in the media and much more to celebrate 15 years of commitment to advancing independent urology.
Check out our newly-launched 15th Anniversary Blog. And be on the lookout for more details, coming soon!
LUGPA President to Walk the Runway at Blue Jacket Fashion Show
Jan. 18, 2023 The seventh annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show will take place on February 1 at Moonlight Studios in New York City. The show supports prostate cancer awareness and benefits ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer. LUGPA President Evan Goldfischer, MD, MBA, CPI, will participate in the event as one of the models walking the runway. Read more.
LUGPA Launches Monthly Community Awareness Toolkit
Jan. 15, 2023 This year, LUGPA is taking action to help our members expand the voices of independent urologists in their own communities nationwide. As part of this initiative, we will be promoting different awareness events or key policy priorities each month. LUGPA will provide monthly toolkits to member practices focusing on these topics, including template press releases and sample social posts. This promotion will help to build the leadership of all independent member practices within their communities. Read more.
LUGPA Responds to Legislative Victories and Challenges in Omnibus Bill Dec. 23, 2022 LUGPA is pleased to see advancements to critical advocacy issues included in the omnibus bill that passed in the Senate yesterday and passed in the House today. Read more.
Urologist most stressful job in US
December 13, 2022 Urologists have the most stressful job in the United States, according to recently released data from The Occupational Information Network (O*NET), part of the Department of Labor, which released rankings for 873 jobs in the United States. LUGPA, the national voice representing independent urology in the United States, is successfully working to address the variety of stressors that urologists face across the country. Read more.
2022 Annual Meeting Recap
November 2022
Our 2022 Annual Meeting was the highest-attended LUGPA meeting ever, with more than 960 attendees and the largest exhibit hall to date! The meeting embodied the theme of “Independent Urology Powered by Innovation.” Our speakers shared timely and insightful solutions to the current landscape of independent urology and the challenges we face. Our goal over the past two years has been to expand on the style of our meetings and provide more opportunities for group participation and problem solving, which has shown positive results. Read more.
Dr. Gail Reede Jones Awarded First-Ever LUGPA Spirit of Independence Award
At the 2022 Annual Meeting, LUGPA announced the first-ever Spirit of Independence Award, which was presented to Gail Reede Jones, MD, by Jonathan Henderson, MD, in recognition of Dr. Jones’s dedication and service to her patients and independent urology since starting her solo practice in 1987. Read more.
LUGPA Announces Dr. Goldfischer New President
New President for LUGPA Sets Bold Agenda for 1-Year Term
Chicago, IL, November 12, 2022 – LUGPA, the national voice representing independent urology in the United States, announced that Evan R. Goldfischer, M.D., MBA, FACS, was elected to a one-year term as president of LUGPA’s Board of Directors. In his Incoming Presidential Address at the LUGPA 2022 Annual Meeting, Dr. Goldfischer outlined his goals for his term as president, which include expanding LUGPA’s political advocacy efforts and growing membership. Read more.
LUGPA Announces 2022-2023 Board of Directors Newly Elected Officers and New Members Join Board to Represent and Strengthen Independent Urology November 12, 2022
Chicago, IL, November 12, 2022 – LUGPA, the national voice representing independent urology practices in the United States, has announced new leadership for 2022-2023, including two new Board members and three members who have been elected to new positions. The Board of Directors was elected during the LUGPA 2022 Annual Meeting. LUGPA congratulates these newly elected officers.
Jonathan Henderson, MD
Q&A with LUGPA Immediate-Past President November 11, 2022
LUGPA Submits Comments on MACRA Reform Oct. 31, 2022
On October 31, 2022, LUGPA submitted comments to Congress regarding MACRA and Physician Payment Reform. The comments expressed that Congress should reform payment updates, promote adoption of Physician-Focused Payment Models (PFPMs), reform or repeal the zero-sum game in MIPS, move Medicare towards true site-neutral payments, and codify the recent administrative reforms made to the Stark and Anti-Kickback laws. Read more.
Health Policy October 2022 Update
In this issue we feature:
LUGPA submits comments on HOPPS
LUGPA and coalition express support for bipartisan legislation to mitigate Medicare reimbursement cuts
LUGPA continues to advocate for telehealth flexibilities
House passes prior authorization legislation
Final Rules issued on No Surprises Act
Thank you to LUGPA groups for supporting our 2022 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda
LUGPA President Op-Ed: Now Is the Time: Reconsider PSA Screening Guidelines
September 23, 2022
LUGPA President, Jonathan Henderson, MD, authored the op-ed, “Now Is the Time: Reconsider PSA Screening Guidelines,” for Renal & Urology News. The op-ed discusses the importance of PSA screening guidelines in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and is a great demonstration of LUGPA’s thought leadership on the topic.
Health Policy August 2022 Update
In this issue we feature:
July Fly-in recap
LUGPA and coalition ask Congress to address pending physician payment cuts
Reconciliation Bill Advances in the Senate
Public Health Emergency extended additional 90 days
GOP Healthy Futures Taskforce White Paper includes LUGPA priorities
Reminder: Phase 3 Provider Relief Fund reporting is open
LUGPA President Throws First Pitch at Arkansas Travelers Game July 4, 2022
Dr. Henderson and Mr. Davis
LUGPA President, Jonathan Henderson, MD, threw out the first pitch at the Arkansas Travelers game on July 4.
For over five years, LUGPA group Arkansas Urology has worked with Minor League Baseball team the Arkansas Travelers to benefit the Arkansas Urology Foundation. The players wear specially-designed uniforms that are auctioned off. Proceeds support men’s health initiatives.
Arkansas Urology CEO E. Scot Davis attended the event and gave his assessment of Dr. Henderson’s pitch. “Let’s just say that Dr. Henderson did get it over the plate and a generous umpire may have called it a strike,” said Mr. Davis. “It’s a great cause and the Traveler’s actually won the game 13-4 followed by a 4th of July fireworks celebration.”
LUGPA’s Las Vegas Regional Meeting was held June 3-4. More than 150 people were in attendance. "This was our best attended regional meeting of all time," said Scott B. Sellinger, MD, Chair of LUGPA's Program Committee. "Throughout the meeting, attendees raved about the superb content and quality of the speakers."
An exciting new session, "Survivor: The Urology Edition" had attendees forming into teams to discuss the top six challenges facing practices today. Each team brainstormed solutions for their assigned topic and presented their top strategies to the entire room. The team with the best ideas was given a prize.
"Attendees especially enjoyed the 'Survivor' session," said Sellinger. "This workshop format was especially well-received as there was plenty of opportunity for everyone to participate."
Other sessions covered topics such as:
Adapting your Urology Practice to Today’s Environment
Strategies and Tactics to Implement Advanced Practice Providers into your Practice
Tools and Solutions to Address Surprise Billing
and Urology Employment Issues.
Slides from the meeting are available on the Presentation Archive page of the LUGPA website. Login is required to access the content.
Health Policy May 2022 Update May. 6, 2022
In this issue we feature:
Fly-in Recap
Public Health Emergency extended
Telehealth flexibilities extended for most of 2022
Radiation Oncology payment model delayed
No Surprises Act Updates
LUGPA suggestion adopted by GOP Healthy Future Task Force
In this op-ed, LUGPA president Jonathan Henderson, MD wrote about his decision to leave his previous urology practice for provider-owned Arkansas Urology.
"When my previous urology practice merged with a hospital system, I knew it was time for a change for me to help protect the value of independent practice and do the most good for as many patients as possible. For this reason, I chose to move to Little Rock and work with provider-owned Arkansas Urology, which treats approximately 110,000 patients each year across multiple facilities."
LUGPA’s Urology Resident Summit and Job Fair was held April 1-2 in New York City. More than 70 residents were in attendance, plus more than 60 industry partners and representatives from LUGPA practices were on site to participate in the job fair and exhibit hall.
"Congratulations to program chair Dr. Sellinger and the LUGPA team!" said LUGPA president Jonathan Henderson, MD. "The Resident Forum was a smashing success! Job well done!"
"I agree, it was a great event!" said Jason M. Hafron, MD, who also spoke at the event. "The venue was excellent. We got lots of great feedback.”
The Summit covers topics PGY2, 3, 4 and 5 urology residents need to know, exploring employed urology, careers in private practice, academic urology, employment contracts and important questions to ask when interviewing. The program offered residents an opportunity to personally engage with key urology leaders from some of the largest independent urology practices in the country. LUGPA practices were available in the exhibit area to discuss current opportunities at their practice.
The two-day event ended with a bowling social event at a venue near Times Square where attendees could network and socialize in a fun environment.
Earlier this month, CMS released the Radiation Oncology Proposed Rule. The implementation of the Radiation Oncology Model has been indefinitely delayed, with CMS stating, “We are proposing to delay the current start date of the RO Model to a date to be determined through future rulemaking, and to modify the definition of the model performance period to provide that the start and end dates of the model performance period for the RO Model will be established in future rulemaking.” You can access the full text of the Radiation Oncology (RO) Model Proposed Rule here.
LUGPA will continue to monitor the status of the rule and will report any future changes to our membership.
In Memoriam: William Monnig, MD
March 31, 2022
William Monnig, MD of The Urology Group passed away on March 27, 2022. Dr. Monnig served as LUGPA’s first president from 2008-2009. He was one of the founding members of The Urology Group, and a visionary in establishing LUGPA as the nation’s only Urology trade association.
Dr. Monnig was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1969 and received his surgical and urology training at the University of Cincinnati. He was very involved in organized urology and was a member of the American Urological Association and the American Association of Clinical Urologists. Dr. Monnig also served as President of the Kentucky Medical Association and in the AMA’s House of Delegates for many years.
LUGPA is indebted to his efforts and his legacy lives on in future generations of independent urologists. We are grateful for his leadership and wise counsel. Please remember him, his family, and group in your thoughts.
March 10, 2022 Nearly 100 professional healthcare societies signed onto a letter dated Feb. 25 asking that Congress include them as legislators work on reforms to the Medicare physician payment system.
The societies said they appreciated Congress’ actions over the past several years to mitigate scheduled cuts to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). But, the letter states, systemic issues such as the negative impact of the Medicare physician fee schedule’s budget neutrality requirements and the lack of annual inflationary updates to payments continue to generate significant instability for clinicians moving forward.
The medical societies asking Congress to be involved in Medicare reform include the Large Urology Group Practice Association (LUGPA).
March 10, 2022 Arkansas Urology, the state’s largest and most innovative urology practice, announced Dr. R. Jonathan Henderson has joined its central Arkansas practice. The nationally-recognized urologist will be serving patients in North Little Rock, Conway and Little Rock beginning March 14. Before joining the Arkansas Urology team, Henderson worked at Regional Urology in Shreveport, Louisiana and also practiced in Birmingham, Alabama.
On January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act took effect. It is intended to address unexpected gaps in insurance coverage that result in “surprise medical bills” when patients unknowingly obtain medical services from physicians and other providers outside their health insurance network. Because the Act imposes limits and confers some rights on physicians caring for patients in these situations, it is important for physicians to understand how the law will affect them. LUGPA has compiled links to resources to assist urology practices in the implementation of the No Surprises Act here.
Feb. 25, 2022 Earlier this week, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas vacated key provisions of the regulation implementing the No Surprises Act, the law designed to curtail “surprise” medical bills passed at the end of 2020. The court’s ruling applies on a nationwide basis. Although the core of the law remains intact, many of the provisions of the HHS/Labor Department/IRS regulation governing the independent dispute resolution process have now been blocked. Read more.
February, 2022 LUGPA has launched a new Urology-WideCalendar compiling events from across the profession including events from AUA, Society of Women in Urology, Urology Times, ASCO, Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU), Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA), plus many state societies and regional sections of the AUA.
This all-encompassing calendar can serve as a one-stop shop for upcoming urology-related events gathered conveniently all in one place.
LUGPA Statement on Private Equity Jan. 18, 2022 Private equity investment in healthcare has grown dramatically over the last decade, and urology groups nationwide are in the process of considering PE investments or have already elected to participate in PE platforms. Member groups have asked about LUGPA’s position on these transactions. To respond to these inquires, LUGPA’s Board of Directors has issued the following statement on Private Equity involvement in Independent Urology Groups. Read more.
Health Policy New Year’s Update Jan. 4, 2022 We would like to provide an update on a number of items of direct concern to our member practices with respect to the status of the OSHA and CMS vaccine mandates as well as new regulatory changes that are now in effect. Click here to read the entire bulletin.
Recap of the LUGPA 2021 Annual Meeting Nov. 17, 2021 Our 2021 meeting theme, “Re-imagining the Practice of Urology,” successfully highlighted the sustainable changes that independent practices of urology have implemented because of the pandemic, including continuing efforts to advance our political advocacy and our business and clinical acumen. During the three-day event, we exchanged ideas, discovered valuable insights and discussed solutions to improve and grow individual groups. We were grateful for the ability to convene in person this year, as joining together annually remains one of the most valuable aspects of our organization. We are also so thankful to all those who participated and made this year’s meeting such a success. As we embark on another new and exciting year ahead, LUGPA looks forward to celebrating new accomplishments and continuing to learn how to best position our independent group practices. See photos and read an extensive meeting recap here.
LUGPA President Welcomes Board of Directors at Annual Meeting; Sets Robust Agenda for 2022 Nov. 17, 2021 On November 13, LUGPA, the national voice representing independent urology practices in the United States, concluded the three-day LUGPA 2021 Annual Meeting, entitled “Re-imagining the Practice of Urology.” As part of the event, LUGPA’s membership reelected its Board of Directors, including Jonathan Henderson, M.D., who will serve his second term as president of LUGPA’s Board of Directors. “In an era of increased practice consolidation, LUGPA remains dedicated to a patient’s right to choose their physician,” Dr. Henderson said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted new ways to increase access to independent physicians, and LUGPA looks forward to working with policymakers to ensure increased accessibility, though cutting-edge platforms like telehealth. We will also continue to champion a patient’s right to price transparency and fair drug pricing. In the year ahead, LUGPA and its membership will continue to communicate with Congress to advocate for our member practices and, most importantly, for our patients.” Read more.
Congratulations to the Inaugural class of the 2021 Executive Leadership Program Nov. 16, 2021 LUGPA would like to congratulate the inaugural cohort of the LUGPA Executive Leadership Program on their completion of the year-long comprehensive development course. Please join us as we recognize the inaugural class, whose curriculum culminated in a final project highlighting the skills and competencies learned in the program. In case you missed the presentations at the 2021 LUGPA Annual Meeting or wish to view them again, the recordings are available to view here.
LUGPA President Op-Ed: Too Many Black Men Are Dying From Prostate Cancer Oct. 3, 2021 Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening may be more controversial today than decades ago, as more questions have arisen about the balance of benefits versus potential harms of unnecessary treatment. However, there is one aspect of this disease on which the entire healthcare community agrees: for both the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, patient-physician shared decision-making should be optimized. Providers must have the ability to counsel patients on evidence-based best practices, taking into account the individual's risk factors and personal preferences.
HHS has announced a new round of Provider Relief Finding that will distribute $25.5 billion to eligible providers. Eligibility for Phase 4 payments will be based on providers’ lost revenues and increased expenditures between July 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. 75% of the Phase 4 allocation will be calculated based on revenue losses and COVID-related expenses and 25% of the Phase 4 allocation will be put towards bonus payments that are based on the amount and type of services provided to Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare patients. Eligible providers can apply beginning on September 29.
LUGPA President Jonathan Henderson wrote a letter to the editor in response to an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, "Independent doctors’ offices are disappearing as more physicians work for hospitals and companies." In Dr. Henderson's letter, he writes about the alarming disappearance of independent physicians as a result of hospital acquisitions. "As a physician representing more than 25% of practicing urologists, I understand these challenges firsthand. Yet the article stopped short of addressing the inherent unfairness in the health care marketplace or the impact on specialty care like urology. Multiple studies suggest prices rise with consolidation, while the quality of care remains stagnant." Read the entire letter here.
"I have endured dozens of hurricanes, tornados, floods, and one of the higher penetrations of covid, and nothing compares to what we went through in February of this year." Dr. Henderson shares his account of how an ice storm affected his practice... and the whole town of Shreveport, Louisiana.
LUGPA President: Americans have a right to know costs of hospital care before treatment Aug. 7, 2021 The Cape Cod Times recently published a piece about airplanes flying banners over Cape Cod with the phrase, “Prices now a patient's right. Demand them." The article correctly references a 2020 survey regarding price transparency and cites that “more than 90% of Americans support price transparency in healthcare.” As president of the national association that commissioned this poll, I thought your readers would be intrigued by our most recent survey data that found 51% of patients —a higher proportion than ever before — would now prefer to shop for medical tests or services if they had access to pricing information.
CMS Proposes Most Favored Nation Rule Withdrawal Aug. 9, 2021 LUGPA is pleased to announce that on Friday August 6,CMS issued a Proposed Rule which rescinds the Most Favored Nation Model Interim Final Rule on Part B Drug Pricing (MFN IFR). That rule, if implemented, would have replaced payment models for essential medications with a flat fee that, in many cases, would have been insufficient to cover the acquisition and administration costs of these drugs.
Who Will Stand Up for Independent Physicians and Against Hospital Monopolies? July 19, 2021 LUGPA President, Dr. Jonathan Henderson, writes in Healthcare Business Today: Across their practices, independent physicians are being buffeted by the unchecked power of hospital monopolies threatening their ability to remain afloat and making the continued practice of medicine increasingly difficult. The growing power of hospitals achieved through system consolidations and the purchase of independent physician practices not only eliminates competition but systematically reduces the quality of care-all while driving costs skyward. LUGPA is poised to address this challenge head-on and work with Secretary Becerra and others to ensure hospital monopolies no longer threaten marketplace fairness and patient access to our services.
“LUGPA’s collaboration with Reviews in Urology fulfilled an important role in LUGPA’s overall communications strategy, and provided an outlet for LUGPA members and others to publish their research and scholarly papers. While we are disappointed that RIU will no longer be published, we look forward to exploring new opportunities to fulfill our mission.” said Dr. David Albala, Associate Editor of RIU.
LUGPA Victory: SCOTUS Ruling regarding Site-neutral Payments June 28, 2021 LUGPA is extremely pleased to inform you that today, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) affirmed LUGPA’s position with respect to site-neutral payments for evaluation and management (E/M) services in the hospital outpatient (HOPD) setting. Read more here.
US Urology Partners Names Healthcare Visionary Raoul S. Concepcion, MD, as Chief Science Officer June 27, 2021 Dr. Concepcion will lead scientific operations of the rapidly growing U.S. Urology Partners clinical network, which now includes 24 locations through partners Central Ohio Urology Group and Associated Medical Professionals of NY. Dr. Concepcion’s background includes decades of experience as a pioneer and clinician at the forefront of the industry, including serving as a founding board member and former Past President of LUGPA, the premier nonprofit association and advocate for independent urology practices. Read more here.
Joint Policy Statement on Most Favored Nation and Foreign Reference Pricing May 5, 2021 This week, LUGPA signed a joint statement issued to our nation's policymakers regarding our ongoing concerns about the Most Favored Nation (MFN) Model. While its implementation is delayed, Congress has the power to act in a way that protect patient access to urologic care and allow independent physicians to continue providing the highest quality of care. Find our specific recommendations here.
Drug pricing too important to be left to narrow regulatory agencies April 23, 2021 In a recent article in The Advocate, LUGPA President Dr. Jonathan Henderson writes about the impact of the Most Favored Nation ruling saying, "The rule does not encourage the health care system to use generic medications, does not change the fees Medicare pays large pharmaceutical companies for the drugs, and does not change the structure of Medicare and how it operates. Instead, the rule simply cuts payments to the physicians administering these drugs."
Medicare Sequester Moratorium Extended April 14, 2021 LUGPA applauds President Biden and Congress for recognizing the need to extend the Medicare sequester moratorium through the rest of the year by signing H.R. 1868 into law.
CMS instructs Medicare Administrative Contractors to temporarily hold claims March 30, 2021 Last week, the Senate passed legislation that would extend the moratorium on a 2% Medicare sequester through the public health emergency for COVID-19. Consequently, the House will need to pass the Senate language when it returns from its recess in mid-April. The House is expected to pass the Senate bill; however, CMS has instructed Medicare Administrative Contractors to hold all claims with dates of service on or after April 1, 2021 in anticipation of Congress extending the suspension in order to reduce the number of claims that would need to be reprocessed by MACs.
Today, the House of Representatives passed HR 1868 To prevent across-the-board direct spending cuts, and for other purposes. LUGPA has strongly advocated for extending the moratorium on sequester cuts to Medicare providers, and was a signatory on a letter from a coalition of 43 health care groups to Congressional leaders earlier this month encouraging them to pass legislation to prevent Medicare cuts that threaten the financial viability of physician practices during the public health emergency. Read more.
Upper tract transitional cell carcinoma: Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations February 19, 2021, Urology Times Around the Practice is a monthly urologic virtual tumor board featuring live case review from multidisciplinary experts, presented by Urology Times® in partnership with LUGPA. On January 20, 2021, a panel convened to discuss cases involving an incidentally discovered renal mass as well as upper tract transitional cell carcinoma. What follows is an edited portion of the panel’s conversation regarding the upper tract transitional cell carcinoma case. The panelists included moderator Raoul S. Concepcion, MD, FACS; Jason M. Hafron, MD; Joelle Hamilton, MD; and Jeremy D. Handel, MD.
Impact of Concomitant Prostate Cancer Therapy of Relugolix in Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer February 22, 2021, UroToday Daniel George, MD, and Neal Shore, MD, FACS, co-investigators of the Phase III HERO Trial join Alicia Morgans, MD, MPH recapping the 2021 GU ASCO analysis that Dr. Daniel George presented on the efficacy and safety of relugolix vs leuprolide in men with advanced prostate cancer. This was a subgroup analysis assessing the impact of concomitant prostate cancer therapy on the safety and efficacy of the oral GnRH receptor antagonist relugolix versus leuprolide in men with advanced prostate cancer. Relugolix is a first-in-class Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved, oral, highly selective, GnRH receptor antagonist that is given once daily with an effective half-life of 25 hours.
Health Policy Roundup Nov-Dec, 2020 As the leading voice of independent urology group practices in the US, LUGPA educates policymakers on the benefits of integrated urologic care. LUGPA's Health Policy and Political Affairs committees drive grassroots efforts by developing thoughtful analysis and engaging public officials through comment letters on major legislative and regulatory proposals. Here's a recap of some of LUGPA's recent activities.
Nov. 19, 2020 Though we couldn’t meet in person this year, our two-day virtual meeting was jam-packed. We exchanged ideas, heard valuable insights, and discussed solutions to enhance, improve, and grow our individual groups. The opportunity for LUGPA members to convene annually was the reason for our foundation and it remains one of the most valuable aspects of our organization. This year’s theme was Facing the Future Together – which is quite timely as we face the challenges ahead amid the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 600 registered for the meeting and approximately 400 attended the event live and on demand so far. We could not have done it without all of your hard work and participation. Read the entire recap and see images from the virtual meeting here.
Biden Presidency May Affect LUGPA’s Advocacy Efforts
Mitomycin Gel for Low-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Avoiding Litigation by Knowing How to Deal With Angry Patients
Alternative Treatments for NMIBC Urged Amid BCG Shortages
Private Practices Face Challenges Recruiting Young Urologists
Jonathan Henderson, MD, Elected President of LUGPA Board of Directors Nov. 7, 2020 LUGPA, the national voice representing independent urology practices in the U.S., today announced that Jonathan Henderson, MD, was elected to a two-year term as president of LUGPA’s Board of Directors. Dr. Henderson was chosen at LUGPA’s 12th Annual Meeting, which was held virtually on November 6-7. Prior to being elected LUGPA president, Dr. Henderson served as president-elect and secretary, and has been a member of the LUGPA Board of Directors since 2011.
LUGPA Announces 2020-2021 LUGPA Board of Directors Nov. 8, 2020 LUGPA is pleased to announce its 2020-2021 Board of Directors. The newly elected Officers are: Jonathan Henderson, MD, Shreveport, LA, President; Evan Goldfischer, MD, Poughkeepsie, NY, President-Elect; Scott Sellinger, MD, Tallahassee, FL, Secretary; and Dave Carpenter, St. Paul, MN; Treasurer. Newly elected as a member of the LUGPA Board of Directors is Jason Hafron, MD, Troy, MI. Dr. Hafron is a partner and Director of Research at Michigan Institute of Urology. He serves as the Chair of LUGPA Forward and is a member of the LUGPA Program Committee.
For Physicians, the Next Several Months Are Crucial Oct. 30, 2020 In an op-ed in Morning Consult, Richard G. Harris, MD, president of LUGPA, writes: Throughout a physician’s career, uncertainty is a constant, but it is something we learn to manage using our training, professional expertise and input from colleagues. Yet, the uncertainty experienced by physicians over the last seven months, and the potential disruption we may well see until the public health emergency around COVID-19 ends, will lead to one of the most consequential years in modern medical history.
Virtual Reality…COVID-style Oct. 29, 2020 The latest issue of Reviews in Urology (Volume 22, Number 3) contains Dr. Richard Harris’ final president’s message “Virtual Reality…COVID-style.”
HHS Announces $20 Billion in Phase 3 Provider Relief Funding - Providers can begin applying for funds October 5, 2020 Oct. 5, 2020 HHS has announced a new round of Provider Relief Finding that will distribute $20 billion to eligible providers. Eligible providers for this new Phase 3 include providers that have already received Provider Relief Fund payments as well as select groups of providers that were previously ineligible, such as those who began practicing in 2020.
LUGPA applauds the unanimous passage of Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act September 24, 2020 On September 22, 2020, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act (H.R. 6092) supported by LUGPA. The bill, sponsored by Representative Neal Dunn, MD, directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a standardized clinical pathway for prostate cancer treatment and submit a plan that provides for continual funding for prostate cancer research through the Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development. Additionally, the bill creates a real-time registry to track patient progress and will allow patients greater access to cutting edge clinical trials. Read more.
How to Save Independent Medical Practices September 22, 2020 While independent medical practices face significant challenges, they are an important part of the health care market and need to be protected. In a video interview with Medical Economics, Richard Harris, M.D., president of LUGPA, an organization advocating on behalf of independent physicians, discusses telehealth, the viability and future of independent practice amid the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital consolidation and more.
Dr. Shore Discusses NEJM Studies in Video Series August 31, 2020 Neal Shore, MD, FACS, Medical Director for the Carolina Urologic Research Center and Past-President of LUGPA, has led an extensive amount of research in the treatment and management of prostate cancer. In a series of interviews with Oncology Tube, Dr. Shore talks about three recent NEJM Studies (Enzalutamide and Survival in Nonmetastatic, Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer, Olaparib for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer, and Oral Relugolix for Androgen-Deprivation Therapy in Advanced Prostate Cancer).
Regulators delay final updates to self-referral law August 27, 2020 Federal regulators pushed again updates to the self-referral and anti-kickback laws to August 2021, HHS and CMS introduced Wednesday. “The recent decision to delay final action on the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute is a blow to independent physician practices across the country that see overhaul as necessary to transforming our healthcare system to one that pays for value, said LUGPA president Richard G. Harris, MD. LUGPA and its member practices have been championing the transition from fee-for-service to value-based care models since 2015’s bipartisan passage of MACRA. As a result of this delay, we can expect that the innovation the Administration is so committed to unlocking will remain stymied until CMS finalizes the Anti-Kickback Statute (and Stark) Proposed Rules. It is unclear how yesterday’s announcement will affect the Office of Inspector General’s concurrent process, but our organization will continue to stay engaged so that the nation’s independent physicians have a champion who gives voice to them in their continued fight to expand the services patients want. It’s been proven that independent physicians offer the highest quality care at costs more reasonable than hospitals, letting them expand their offerings without fear of violating anti-kickback statutes will help the entire health care system.” A portion of Dr. Harris quote was used in this article published in Modern Healthcare.
Optimizing the management of castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients: A practical guide for clinicians August 15, 2020 Advanced prostate cancer (PC) patients, especially those with metastatic prostate cancer (mPC), often require complex management pathways. Despite the publication of clinical practice guidelines by leading urological and oncological organizations that provide a substantial and comprehensive framework, there are numerous clinical scenarios that are not always addressed, especially as new treatments become available, new imaging modalities are developed, and advances in genetic testing continue. LUGPA is pleased to announce the publication of this article in The Prostate, by Neal D. Shore, MD, et al. The 14-member expert review panel was comprised of medical oncologists and LUGPA urologists.
Mathew Fakhoury, DO, Receives LUGPA’s 2020 Resident Clinical Innovation Award August 13, 2020 LUGPA announced the selection of Mathew Fakhoury, DO, as winner of the LUGPA 2020 Resident Clinical Innovation Award. In its first year, the Resident Clinical Innovation Award recognizes innovative clinical work of urology residents and fellows that promotes and has the potential to enhance quality clinical outcomes. The award acknowledges the value of clinical innovation to harness new technologies, access big data, develop systems of care to prevent, diagnose or treat urological disease and promote urological health.
New Promising Treatments for Advanced Prostate Cancer August 5, 2020 Neal Shore, MD, FACS, Medical Director for the Carolina Urologic Research Center and Past-President of LUGPA, has led an extensive amount of research in the treatment and management of prostate cancer. In an interview with Oncology Times, Shore takes a deeper dive into the research and discusses how we can save the lives of patients living with prostate cancer.
After COVID-19, LUGPA More Important Than Ever July 31, 2020 In the Summer 2020 issue of Reviews In Urology, Richard G. Harris, MD, president of LUGPA, writes: In times of crisis like these, LUGPA’s efforts are more important than ever.
Now Is Price Transparency’s Moment July 31, 2020 In an op-ed in Morning Consult, Richard G. Harris, MD, president of LUGPA, writes: “In recent years Americans have become familiar with the quote, “Never let a good crisis go to waste” — and for the nation’s largest hospital systems, many of which are sitting on billions of dollars of financial reserves, the challenges brought on by the coronavirus are no different. Through active lobbying of Congress and the administration, hospitals have received more than $175 billion in bailouts to date with more requested. But, in an effort to flip the script as hospitals lobby for additional funds, Congress should not let this crisis go to waste: now is the time for the federal government to push its price transparency agenda.”
Court Upholds 340B Hospitals Medicare Part B Drug Reimbursement Cuts July 31, 2020 Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit overturned a federal district judge’s ruling that CMS exceeded its statutory authority by reducing Medicare Part B drug reimbursement for 340B hospitals in 2018 and 2019. In today’s ruling, a panel of judges voted 2-1 to affirm CMS’ authority to change OPPS in order to align reimbursement for drugs acquired under the 340B program more closely to hospital costs in acquiring those drugs.
LUGPA launches After the Storm Webinar Series July 28, 2020 LUGPA has launched the After the Storm Webinar Series to address key issues for independent urology practices coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The September 2020 webinars will highlight new and emerging treatments in a variety of conditions including prostate cancer, bladder cancer, erectile dysfunction and medical spa services.
LUGPA launches the Executive Leadership Program July 27, 2020 LUGPA has launched the Executive Leadership Program, a 12-month comprehensive leadership development course designed specifically for independent urology group physicians and administrators.
Appeals Court Delivers Win for HHS Site-Neutral Payment Policy Angie Stewart, Becker’s ASC Review July 20, 2020 The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled July 17 that HHS was within its rights to reduce payments to hospital outpatient departments, reversing a district courts earlier decision. Richard Harris, MD, the president of LUGPA, an organization advocating on behalf of independent physicians, shared the following statement on the appellate courts decision: For too long, independent physicians were forced to stand up to the consolidation and market monopolization of large healthcare systems aided by an unfair reimbursement system that paid hospital outpatient departments as much as twice for the same service as independent physicians. With todays decision, the DC Circuit has supported CMS authority to adjust payments under the OPPS system in response to perceived reimbursement dynamics that unnecessarily increase volume of service.
Court Victory for Independent Medicine in Fight for Site-Neutral Payments July 17, 2020 Today, the court has unanimously reversed a district court decision that had determined the rate change in the 2019 OPPS was outside of HHS authority. While the hospital plaintiffs may file an appeal, today’s decision is a big win for independent practices that provide services to Medicare patients to level the playing field.
Independent Practice Perspectives on COVID-19 July 15, 2020 At LUGPA, we hear the voices of independent practices across the country and believe you should too. Explore and watch the #IndependentPerspectives of our network of physicians and administrators as they describe on video the impact of COVID-19 on revenue, care delivery and the future of healthcare. Learn more about their experiences and challenges providing care in the midst of a global pandemic.
SRC/NAFC Center of Excellence In Continence Care for Women July 10, 2020 Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) and the National Association for Continence (NAFC) have collaborated to create a Center of Excellence in Continence Care for Women (COECCW) accreditation program. Center of Excellence programs recognize hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers and specific medical professionals from their service lines who are committed to achieving defined standards for patient safety and care quality. The COECCW program is focused specifically on facilities that address the needs of those with urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and pelvic organ prolapse. To begin the process of becoming a COECCW or to learn more, click here.
Pandemic Exacts Economic Toll on Urology Practices June 25, 2020 COVID-19 caused a huge revenue drop for urology practices nationwide, according to LUGPA President Richard G. Harris, MD, a urologist at UroPartners in the greater Chicago, Illinois, area. “What I’m hearing is most people are functioning with about 30% to 40% capability,” Harris said. Medicine’s revenue cycle tends to lag about 2 months after practices bill for services. Urologists might not have realized the full impact of the COVID-19 monetary crisis until May or into June, according to Harris. Telemedicine is slowly ramping up at UroPartners and should help pay the bills as the practice resumes in-person appointments and elective procedures, according to Harris. “In a normal month, we have between 16,000 and 18,000 evaluation and management code submissions. Right now, the telehealth code submissions are in the 3,000 to 4,000 range. That’s double what it was a month ago,” Harris said in late April. If laws remain relaxed for telehealth use, the trend for increasing utilization will continue in urology. LUGPA is lobbying for the government to keep telehealth regulations as they have been during the pandemic, according to Harris.
LUGPAs COVID-19 / Coronavirus Information Hub collects all the relevant resources, announcements and recommended reading about telemedicine, practice management, and events to help you during this pandemic.
Asinof Retires from Urology Center of Colorado and LUGPA Board June 18, 2020 At the end of June, Robert D. Asinof, MHSA, retires from his CEO position at the Urology Center of Colorado. He has been the administrator of the group since 1992, and has more than 35 years of experience in the healthcare industry. He will also be retiring from the LUGPA Board at that time.
Practicing Medicine in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Doctors Adapt, Improvise June 12, 2020 Our president, Dr. Richard Harris, spoke with Renal & Urology News about the existing and future impact of COVID-19 on his practice. The article contains his insights as well as insights from others in the industry.
LUGPA Leaders Published in NEJM June 2, 2020 LUGPA Past President Neal Shore, MD, and other LUGPA member co-authors had three trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) recently.
Enzalutamide and Survival in Nonmetastatic, Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (PROSPER trial)
Olaparib for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (PROfound trial)
Oral Relugolix for Androgen-Deprivation Therapy in Advanced Prostate Cancer (HERO trial)
In an op-ed in Life Science Leader , John McManus, president and founder of The McManus Groups writes: “As the data on COVID infections and deaths are tabulated, it has become clear that a more nuanced and targeted approach is needed to protect the vulnerable and allow the rest of the country to reopen and get back to work, school, and the day-to-day activities that make life enjoyable. Protecting the elderly, particularly those in nursing homes, should be the paramount public health priority, but continued and indefinite shutdowns of schools, camps, and activities of the young are not relevant to protecting the public.”
Mara R. Holton: Coronavirus Could Shut Down Independent Medical Practices Across Maryland and the Nation May 24, 2020 In a Capital Gazette op-ed, LUGPA Board member Mara Holton, MD writes: “What happens to patients and our healthcare system if independent physicians are unable to weather the storm and practices across the nation close? More patients will have no choice but to pay the higher costs seen within local hospital monopolies. Consolidation and care costs will continue increasing unabatedly. Protecting patients and the future of our healthcare system means protecting independent practices. Congress and insurers must step up their support or risk losing this vital part of America’s healthcare infrastructure. The implications of independent practices closing cannot be overstated as we face this crisis and consider the healthcare landscape of the future.”
How COVID-19 Imperiled Physician Practices, And How to Save Them May 6, 2020 RevCycle Intelligence has published an article that quotes LUGPA President, Dr. Harris several times and shares his insights and perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 on telehealth, revenue, and reimbursement for independent physicians and their practices.
Can Independent Practices Survive This Crisis Without Government Support? April 23, 2020 With in-office visits declining by 50 percent or more, many independent medical practices may need outside help to survive. Medical Economics interviewed LUGPA board member Mara R. Holton, MD, who has been active on the Health Policy and Political Affairs and LUGPA Forward committees.
April 3, 2020 Medical Economics published an article on LUGPAs price transparency survey. The article shares the findings from the survey, and includes quotes from LUGPA President Dr. Harris. Additionally, the same article also appeared in Physicians Practice.
New Survey Finds 91% of Americans Want Healthcare Price Transparency April 1, 2020 LUGPA released the results of a new survey of American consumers that found an overwhelming majority of Americans support price transparency in healthcare. When surveyed, 91% of the 1,342 respondents said they believe hospitals and healthcare facilities should be required to publicly disclose the costs of their services. What’s more, 66% of respondents believe price transparency will improve healthcare.
LUGPA Leaders Convene Panel to Optimize Role of ADT in Advanced Prostate Cancer March 23, 2020 LUGPA is pleased to announce the publication of Optimizing the Role of Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Advanced Prostate Cancer: Challenges Beyond the Guidelines in The Prostate (Prostate. 2020 Mar 4. doi: 10.1002/pros.23967), Neal D. Shore, MD, et al. Dr. Shore, Past President of LUGPA (2016-2018), led a 14- member expert panel of LUGPA and Academic urologists and medical oncologists, which discussed key questions on the use of ADT in clinical practice – addressing questions that are not always answered by prior published guidelines.
Telehealth Medicare Restrictions Relaxed Due to Coronavirus March 19, 2020 The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074) was signed into law on March 6, 2020. It is a bipartisan bill that includes, among other provisions, waivers to certain telehealth requirements to allow Medicare patients to receive telehealth services at home. Read more here.
LUGPA Postpones Events through April due to Coronavirus March 2020 NOTICE: Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, LUGPA will postpone all LUGPA in-person events through April. These postponements include the Bladder Cancer Academy in Atlanta, the April Regional Meeting in Miami [now July 10-11] , the April Rising Chief Residents Summit in Miami [now July 10-11] and the April DC Fly-Ins. Read more here.
LUGPA announces new Resident Clinical Innovation Award March 2020 The Resident Clinical Innovation Award recognizes and celebrates the innovative clinical work of urology residents and fellows that promotes and has the potential to enhance quality clinical outcomes. The award acknowledges the value of clinical innovation to harness new technologies, access to big data and/or the development of systems of care to prevent, diagnose or treat urological disease and promote urological health. Submit Now!
LUGPA President Dr. Harris discusses legislative/policy challenges in 2020. Urology Times spoke with Dr. Harris at the 2019 LUGPA annual meeting in Chicago.
February 18, 2020 Lawmakers are most responsive when they hear from physicians from their districts and states. That’s why we encourage your group to send a physician and/or senior administrator to Washington, DC to attend our Capitol Hill visits with the LUGPA Political Affairs Committee. Read more about the 2020 Fly-In dates.
LUGPA Supports Bipartisan House Bill: the PSA Screening for HIM Act February 11, 2020 On February 11, 2020, LUGPA sent a letter to House Representatives Bobby L. Rush and Larry Bucshon in strong support for H.R. 5200, the PSA Screening for High-risk Insured Men (HIM) Act. The letter states, The PSA Screening for HIM Act is critically important as the number of deaths due to prostate cancer has been increasing – prostate cancer is now the second highest cancer-related cause of death in the United States. Tragically, many of these lives would not have been lost had the cancer been detected early. The goal of your legislation is laudable as it will increase access to prostate cancer screenings by eliminating cost-sharing requirements to patients.
LUGPA Escalates its Fight for Site-Neutral Payments February 5, 2020 Continuing our ongoing efforts as advocates for site-neutral payments, the LUGPA Board approved the development of an amicus curiae brief in support of the HHS Secretary’s action to cap rates for hospital clinic visit services in the off-campus outpatient department setting. To read more, click here.
January 28, 2020 Innovations in treatments, imaging, and molecular characterization in advanced prostate cancer have improved outcomes, but there are still many aspects of management that lack high-level evidence to inform clinical practice. The Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC) 2019 addressed some of these topics to supplement guidelines that are based on level 1 evidence. To read more, click here.
January 1, 2020 On December 31, 2019, LUGPA sent comment letters to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the Anti-Kickback Statute Proposed Rule and the Stark Proposed Rule (respectively). To read these letters and learn more about LUGPAs stance on these issues, click here.
LUGPA 2019 Annual Meeting Recap December 18, 2019 From start to finish of our three-day meeting, we saw the exchange of ideas, heard valuable insights and discussed solutions to enhance, improve and grow our individual groups. To see photos from the meeting and read a recap of all the meeting highlights, click here.
AACU, AUA, LUGPA Join Forces on ESWL Reimbursement December 6, 2019 Representatives from the three national urology societies — AACU, AUA and LUGPA — met with the director and other staff from the Division of Outpatient Care at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to urge the agency to reverse a coding change that will negatively impact urologists.
Private Equity Debated at LUGPA November 2019 At the annual meeting of the Large Urology Group Practice Association (LUGPA) in Chicago, Illinois, Victor Houtz, MBA, CPA, the chief operating officer of New Jersey Urology, and E. Scot Davis, the CEO of Arkansas Urology, debated the pros and cons of partnering with private equity firms to fund physician practice groups. Houtz, whose organization joined with private equity firm J.W. Childs Associates in 2018, spoke in favor of it, while Davis took the opposing view.
November 9, 2019 A comprehensive rundown of Jeb Bushs keynote address and Q&A session at the 2019 LUGPA Annual Meeting was covered in renalandurologynews.com. Check it out here. More coverage of the 2019 LUGPA Annual Meeting can be found here.
LUGPA Reappoints Three Members to Board of Directors November 8, 2019 LUGPA announced today the reappointment of three members to the 2020 Board of Directors at the 2019 Annual Meeting held November 7-9 in Chicago.
E. Scot Davis is Elected to LUGPA Board of Directors November 8, 2019 E. Scot Davis, CEO of Arkansas Urology, was elected to LUGPA’s Board of Directors at the 2019 Annual Meeting held on November 7-9 in Chicago.
Urology Groups: 340B Program Reform Needed October 18, 2019 A new study by the Partnership for Health Analytic Research (PHAR) appears to bolster arguments by independent physicians and those who operate outpatient clinics that they are at a substantial financial disadvantage against hospitals when it comes retaining profits from the administration of injectable and infused drugs. [...]
Overcoming Hurdles for Soon-To-Be Practitioners The 2019 Rising Chief Resident Summit September 26, 2019 In this video, Thomas F. Stringer, MD, FACS joins Neal Shore, MD to share highlights from his presentation at the 2019 Rising Chief Residents Summit. Dr. Stringer presented on crucial topics including vetting employment contracts, pursuing a career in academia, hospital-employed, industry employed, community, and independent practices. He also covered physician and practice agreements and what you dont know could hurt you, as well as resident training interests, future residency training, whats changed in part with resident training, the duty hour requirement, and business training.
Hospitals Retain 91% of Profit from Physician-Administered Drugs September 17, 2019 Hospital keep a greater share of the gross profit margin on physician-administered drugs, indicating a need to level the playing field for physician practices, according to some experts. [...]
Hospitals Drive More Costs, Get Less Scrutiny September 11, 2019 After a six-week recess (ahem, “district work period”), Congress is finally reconvening to commence work on drug-pricing legislation. A combination of populist ire over rising out-of-pocket drug costs and left-wing antipathy for for-profit healthcare has fueled legislation that would fundamentally rewrite the Medicare and Medicaid prescription drug programs. [...]
3 ASC Price Transparency Insights September 10, 2019 Three ASC industry experts shared their insights on price transparency with Beckers ASC Review. [...]
How Benchmarking Helps Manage Your Time, Identify Problem Areas August 22, 2019 LUGPA recently teamed with IntrinsiQ Specialty Solutions (IQSS), part of AmerisourceBergen, to support a new benchmarking program powered by InfoDive, IQSS’s business analytics solution. This collaboration, LUGPA says, will allow LUGPA member practices to compare independent group practice performance metrics against that of other member practices. [...]
Maryanne Thompson is the controller for MidLantic Urology, a specialty practice with 46 locations and 70-plus physicians in the U.S. Ms. Thompson told Beckers ASC Review about MidLantic Urologys biggest revenue cycle management problem and how AI helped solve it. [...]
AAOS Will Be Closely Evaluating How Trumps Executive Order Affects Orthopedics July 17, 2019 In late June, President Donald Trump issued an executive order intended to lower costs and help patients make informed decisions by increasing price transparency in healthcare. The decree elicited a cautiously optimistic response from the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which provides musculoskeletal education to more than 38,000 orthopedic surgeons around the world. [...]
CMS Proposed Rule on Bundled Payment for Radiation Therapy Services July 16, 2019 On July 10th CMS released the proposed rule regarding the bundled payment for radiation therapy services. The development of a radiation oncology APM was stipulated in the payment freeze passed by Congress; for some time LUGPA has been engaged with CMS and other stakeholders to ensure that integrated urology practices were not excluded from participation. […]
New Study Shows Americans Are Concerned About How Hospital Mergers and Acquisitions Will Impact Their Care December 7, 2018 CHICAGO, IL, December 3, 2018 – LUGPA, today released a new national survey of 1,191 adults that revealed more than sixty percent of adult Americans are concerned about the impact of hospital mergers and acquisitions on their access to affordable care, with 25 percent reporting that this increasing trend is a threat to their health. […]
LUGPA to Testify at Stark Law Hearing in Support of Modernization July 17, 2018 WASHINGTON, DC, July 17, 2018 – Appearing today at a hearing of the United States House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee entitled, “Modernizing Stark Law to Ensure the Successful Transition from Volume to Value in the Medicare Program,” LUGPA’s Past President and Advanced Payment Model Task Force Chair, Gary Kirsh, MD, testified on the […]
LUGPA Supports CMS’ Efforts to Modernize Stark Law June 22, 2018 On June 20, 2018, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a request for public comment on how to address the regulatory impact and burden of the physician self-referral law known as Stark Law. LUGPA issued the following statement. LUGPA commends CMS for its efforts to address the barriers created by outdated Stark […]
LUGPA statement on UPSPTF Recommendations May 9, 2018 On May 8, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) posted its Prostate Cancer Screening final recommendations. https://screeningforprostatecancer.org/ LUGPA recognizes the decision by USPSTF to finalize its preliminary Grade “C” recommendation for PSA screening of men aged 55-69 is an improvement over its 2012 one-size-fits-all recommendation against PSA-based screening for any man. Yet, our […]
Proposed Certificate of Need Effort in Michigan Defeated March 29, 2018 Urologists Mobilized to Defeat Threat to Independent Practices Chicago, IL, March 27, 2018 – In the wake of a successful coordinated effort by LUGPA and its Michigan-based member practices and in conjunction with other health care providers to defeat a proposed Certificate of Need requirement for […]
LUGPA Endorses AACU Policy Statement on Genomic Testing March 12, 2018 Chicago, March 7, 2018—The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for Prostate Cancer version 1.2018, incorporate a position statement on genomic testing in prostate cancer. The position statement was proposed by the American Association of Clinical Urologists (AACU) and endorsed by LUGPA. The following statement can be […]
Budget Proposal Focuses Discussion of Physician Self-Referral Reform February 19, 2018 New Budget Encourages Participation in APMs Chicago, IL, February 16, 2018 – Earlier this week, President Trump released a proposed budget for 2019, which included several proposals that impact independent physician practices. Two of the outlined proposals will directly impact LUGPA practices: the first proposal eliminates the […]
Healthcare Funding Addressed in Congressional Budget Resolution February 9, 2018 LUGPA Sees Opportunity for Independent Practices Under New Healthcare Policies Chicago, IL, February 9, 2018 – Today, the United States Congress passed a major budget resolution to fund the government, which included several provisions important to health care providers. LUGPA has been a vocal champion for […]
LUGPA Supports Government’s Efforts to Modernize Stark Law January 25, 2018 LUGPA Supports Government’s Efforts to Modernize Stark Law New Task Force Announced by Federal Government Recognizes a Glaring Need Chicago, IL, January 22, 2018–On January 17, 2018, CMS Administrator Seema Verma announced that The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will form an interagency group to review the regulatory barriers posed by Stark law. […]
