As we begin 2025, LUGPA remains firm in its mission to advance policies that support independent urology practices and protect patient access to high-quality care. The US Congress’s continuing resolution last year averted a government shutdown but left critical health care reforms unresolved, including a much-needed fix for Medicare payment cuts.
The 2.8% Medicare payment reduction, which took effect on January 1, 2025, equates to a staggering 6.4% cut when adjusted for inflation. In addition, temporary telehealth measures and hospital care-at-home waivers will expire in March 2025, creating further uncertainty for physicians and patients.
These challenges underscore the urgency of LUGPA’s advocacy priorities. Chief among these is achieving sustainable physician reimbursement through a permanent Medicare Physician Fee Schedule reform tied to the Medicare Economic Index. Such reforms would ensure that reimbursement reflects rising practice costs and secure the financial stability of independent practices.
Similarly, site-neutral payment reform remains a cornerstone of our efforts to eliminate reimbursement disparities between hospital systems and independent practices for identical services.
Our legislative agenda includes asking Congress to reinstate the ability of physician offices to dispense drugs directly to Medicare beneficiaries. This vital policy would streamline patient access to lifesaving therapies and reduce treatment delays by eliminating the need for patients to visit our offices solely to pick up medications. In addition, we continue to advocate for permanent telehealth reforms that facilitate the seamless integration of virtual care into routine practice, supported by fair and sustainable reimbursement models.
LUGPA is committed to addressing systemic barriers, such as burdensome prior authorization requirements in Medicare Advantage plans, which delay care and strain practice resources. We also support initiatives to expand patient access to innovative cancer therapies and molecular diagnostic testing under Medicare parts B and D.
Beyond reimbursement reform, we will ask lawmakers to address workforce shortages, calling for expanded training programs and incentives to attract physicians to underserved areas and combat physician burnout through wellness initiatives.
The first half of this year is pivotal for advancing these priorities. LUGPA’s upcoming fly-ins to Washington, DC, will provide an opportunity to engage legislators and advocate for bipartisan solutions. I urge all members to participate actively, whether by joining us in Washington, sharing your practice’s story, or engaging your representatives at the local level.
This message reflects the most recent updates and policy priorities at the time of writing. As health care policy evolves, we will remain vigilant in monitoring developments and adjusting our advocacy efforts to address new challenges and opportunities.
Your voices will help strengthen our collective efforts and ensure that independent urology practices remain a cornerstone of patient-centered care. Together, we can navigate these challenges and safeguard the future of our profession.
Citation: Sellinger SB. Letter from the president of LUGPA. Rev Urol. 2025;24(1):e11.
Corresponding author: Scott B. Sellinger, MD, FACS, Advanced Urology Institute, 2000 Centre Pointe Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308 (scott.sellinger@auihealth.com)