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Health Policy and Advocacy

As the leading voice of independent urology group practices in the US, LUGPA educates policymakers on the benefits of integrated urologic care. Our members drive grassroots efforts by developing thoughtful analysis and engaging public officials through comment letters  on major legislative and regulatory proposals.

        

   

Recent Advocacy Updates and Policy Briefs:

See more policy updates from 2023-2024

Public Health Emergency Resources  
Public Health Emergency Ending May 2023
Read more. 

Elevate Your Practice: Why LUGPA Advocacy Matters

Discover the tools to shape the future of urology practice! Access our "LUGPA Advocacy: Why it Matters" materials for insights and resources to promote change. Let's amplify our voice and uphold autonomy in urology. You can learn more here.

Members of Congress Need to Hear from You!
LUGPA DC Fly-In Dates 

     
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 a recap of our last fly-in here.  

LUGPA would like to thank the groups that made 2023’s Fly-Ins a success.

If you are interested in attending a future LUGPA fly-in, or if you would simply like more information, please contact Matt Glans at [email protected]. 

 

 2025 Legislative Priorities

  1. Sustainable Physician Reimbursement
    • Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Reform:     Advocate for a sustainable, long-term "doc fix" tied to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) to ensure fair compensation for physicians. Push for payment structures that reflect actual practice costs and ensure the financial sustainability of physician practices.
    • MACRA/MIPS Reform: Support reforms to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) and the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) to create a more predictable, fair reimbursement model. Reduce administrative burdens while encouraging greater physician participation and improved patient outcomes.
    • Preserving Patient Access and Physician Reimbursement in Medicare Drug Pricing Reform: Support measures to preserve patient access to Medicare-covered high-cost, personalized cancer treatments and complex therapies by advocating for reforms that balance drug price negotiations with maintaining ongoing availability for patients in need.
  2. Site-Neutral Payment Reform
    • Equalize Reimbursements Across Care Settings:     Advocate for site-neutral payment policies to eliminate payment disparities between hospital-based systems and independent practices. This ensures that identical services are reimbursed equitably regardless of the setting.
  3. Promote Patient Access and Expanded Care
    • Access to Cancer Therapies:     Ensure continued patient access to critical cancer therapies under Medicare Parts B and D. Advocate for protections that shield physician practices from the impact of drug manufacturers' pricing decisions.
    • In-Office Dispensing of Part D Medications:     Support legislation that reinstates physicians’ ability to dispense Part D medications in-office, streamlining patient access to medications and reducing care delays.
    • Increase Consumer Awareness:     Advocate for increased transparency in healthcare pricing and education on financial toxicity, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.
  4. Flexible Reimbursement Models
    • Innovative Payment Systems:     Promote the development of flexible reimbursement models that reward quality care and outcomes while maintaining financial sustainability for providers.
    • Value-Based Care Initiatives:     Support initiatives that incentivize value-based care, focusing on improved patient outcomes rather than the volume of services provided.
    • Expand Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Procedures:     Advocate for removing the Inpatient-Only (IPO) list and expanding allowable procedures in ASCs, improving access and reducing patient costs.
  5. Telehealth Integration
    • Permanent Telehealth Access:     Advocate for expanding telehealth services to enhance patient access and care delivery. Ensure that reimbursement models support the long-term adoption of telehealth with appropriate investments in infrastructure.
    • Telehealth Reimbursement Models:     Push for reimbursement structures that reflect the value of telehealth services and fairly compensate providers, encouraging widespread and meaningful use of this technology.
  6. Address Workforce Shortages and Provider Wellness
    • Healthcare Workforce Expansion:     Advocate for policies that address workforce shortages, including investments in training programs and incentives for healthcare professionals to serve in underserved and rural areas.
    • Combat Provider Burnout: Support programs that promote provider wellness, reduce burnout, and ensure a sustainable work-life balance for healthcare professionals.
    • Demographic and Rural Workforce Challenges: Prioritize solutions that address the healthcare workforce crisis, particularly in rural and demographically vulnerable areas, where access to specialized care like urology is often limited.
  7. Promote Clinical Evidence for Advanced Testing
    • Support Molecular and Genetic Testing:     Advocate for appropriate reimbursement for molecular urine PCR testing and germline/somatic genetic testing, essential for precision medicine and cancer therapies utilizing targeted treatments.
  8. Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reform
    • Addressing PBM Practices:     Advocate for regulatory reforms to oversee PBM operations, aiming to reduce drug costs and enhance patient access to medications. Emphasize transparency in PBM practices to prioritize patient care and affordability.
  9. 340B Program Reform
    • Enhance the 340B Program:     Support reforms that ensure the 340B drug discount program benefits patients in need and prevents exploitation by entities seeking financial gain. Strengthen oversight and accountability to uphold the program's intended purpose.
  10. Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Reform
    • Streamline Prior Authorization:     Advocate for reforms within Medicare Advantage plans to simplify the prior authorization process. Ensure patients receive timely access to necessary healthcare services without undue administrative burdens.
  11. Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare
    • Promote Data Security and Innovation:     Monitor legislative developments concerning cybersecurity and AI in healthcare. Advocate for policies safeguarding patient data while encouraging innovation in clinical decision-making and healthcare delivery systems.