LUGPA 2025 Global Prostate Cancer Congress Enduring Program-GPCC 2025 Session 4

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The health policy panel, led by Scott Selinger and including distinguished members of LUGPA, addressed key challenges affecting urology practices and independent physicians. Correcting a prior statement, bisphosphonates were affirmed to reduce fracture risk significantly. Dr. David Albala discussed the importance of in-office dispensing (IOD), highlighting its benefits for patient compliance and care coordination, while acknowledging regulatory and safety concerns. Efforts are underway to advocate for legislation like the Seniors Access to Critical Medication Act to ease restrictions on IOD and improve patient access.<br /><br />Dr. Mara Holden reviewed the Stark Law and its impact on physician financial relationships and referrals, discussing recent legal changes and the potential for reform to support innovative value-based care models. Jonathan Henderson focused on site-neutral payment reform, emphasizing disparities where hospital-owned practices receive higher reimbursements than independent ones, driving up costs and limiting patient access. While some legislative progress exists, challenges remain.<br /><br />Richard Harris introduced AIMPA, a lobbying group aligned with LUGPA's goals to sustain independent practices amid growing private equity involvement and healthcare consolidation. Evan Goldfisher summarized telehealth's rise during COVID-19 and ongoing struggles to secure permanent regulatory support. He stressed the critical need for physician advocacy in Washington, highlighting collaborations among medical organizations to influence policy positively. The panel encouraged continued engagement to protect independent practices and improve healthcare delivery amid regulatory and financial pressures.

Keywords

health policy panel

LUGPA

urology practices

bisphosphonates fracture risk

in-office dispensing (IOD)

Seniors Access to Critical Medication Act

Stark Law reform

site-neutral payment reform