As we move through a dynamic and consequential year in health policy, I’m proud to report that LUGPA continues to deliver real wins for independent urology— and for the patients we serve.
In July, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR 1), a far-reaching reconciliation package that reshaped key elements of Medicare, Medicaid, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and more. Thanks in part to LUGPA’s persistent advocacy, the final legislation includes a 2.5% increase to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for 2026. This temporary fix offers critical financial relief to independent practices navigating escalating costs and ongoing workforce pressures.
This achievement reflects the powerful impact of our June 2025 Fly-In, when LUGPA members from across the country met directly with lawmakers and staff on Capitol Hill. Your stories about the strain of reimbursement cuts, the complexities of drug pricing reform, and the need to preserve access to in-office therapies resonated at a critical moment. That engagement helped ensure that our concerns were not only heard but acted on.
Looking ahead, we know that a 1-year adjustment to the PFS is not enough. We remain steadfast in our push for long-term, inflation-sensitive reform through legislation such as the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act. Our efforts are supported by broadening coalitions and growing bipartisan awareness that independent practices are essential to high-value, accessible care.
We’re also continuing our strong support for the Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act, a bipartisan solution that protects Medicare Part B drug access in independent settings without compromising Medicare savings. As implementation of recent reforms begins to take shape, this bill is more important than ever. LUGPA has been a leading advocate for this legislation, helping secure bipartisan sponsors and working to ensure that Medicare reforms promote affordability without jeopardizing patient access or the long-term viability of independent physician practices.
Finally, LUGPA is reviewing the proposed calendar year 2026 Medicare PFS rule, released in mid-July. Although the rule contains modest conversionfactor increases and helpful telehealth provisions, work remains to ensure fair reimbursement for high-complexity urologic services. We are preparing detailed comments and remain actively engaged with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and congressional allies.
As always, thank you for your commitment to this mission. Your voice, your membership, and your advocacy are driving the change we need—on Capitol Hill and across the health care system.
Citation: Sellinger SB. Letter from the president of LUGPA. Rev Urol. 2025;24(3):e17.
Corresponding author: Scott B. Sellinger, MD, FACS, Advanced Urology Institute, 2000 Centre Pointe Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308 (scott.sellinger@auihealth.com)
