In the summertime, everything appears to slow down, and there is a sense of bittersweetness in the air. The days are longer and hotter, and perhaps you’ve set aside some time for a much-needed vacation. At the same time, you may be saying goodbye to residents and fellows who are embarking on their careers while also eagerly welcoming new faces into your programs. Each year, we find ourselves trying to strike a balance between our personal and professional lives while also enjoying the summer season.

However, things are also heating up on Capitol Hill. It is typically a busy and lively time, with numerous events that demand our attention. One such event is the release of the MPFS (Medicare Physician Fee Schedule) proposed rule in mid-to-late summer. This proposal carries the threat of physician reimbursement cuts and is consistently reported as the top advocacy concern of AUA members.

Last year, CMS (the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) proposed a staggering 4.5% cut to the conversion factor, which would further reduce physician reimbursement. We are all aware of the negative impact such cuts would have on our practices and, ultimately, our patients. The AUA collaborated with other urological stakeholders and the wider specialty medicine community to oppose the proposed payment cuts. We spent several months drafting comments to CMS, urging change and highlighting the dire consequences of such cuts. Thanks to our relentless efforts, the proposed cut was reduced to 2% after months of persistent advocacy.

Although this outcome is better than what was initially proposed, it is still an unacceptable conclusion. We have continued to use our voice and influence to fight for appropriate physician reimbursement this year. At the 2023 AUA Summit, advocates urged legislators to hold hearings on physician payment reform to address the ongoing concerns of the physician community. Additionally, a bipartisan team of physicians in Congress introduced legislation earlier this year to link reimbursement to the Medicare Economic Index to keep up with inflation. The AUA Advocacy team is ready to tackle the Calendar Year 2024 MPFS proposed rule this summer and AUAPAC (AUA Political Action Committee) continues to prioritize physician payment as a top advocacy concern.

You may be wondering how you can help advocate for this important issue. Your support and engagement can make a significant difference. Here are a few ways you can contribute:

1. Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest developments regarding physician reimbursement and related policies. Read the AUA’s Policy & Advocacy Brief for timely updates.
2. Educate others: Spread awareness among your colleagues, patients, and community about the potential impact of physician reimbursement cuts. Share information, resources, and personal stories to help others understand the importance of fair reimbursement for sustaining quality health care.
3. Engage with lawmakers: Contact your local representatives and senators to express your concerns and advocate for appropriate physician reimbursement. Write letters, make phone calls, and participate in town hall meetings or other events where you can share your perspective.
4. Join advocacy efforts: Learn more about organizations like AUAPAC that actively advocate for physician reimbursement reform. Participate in their initiatives and consider becoming a member to amplify your voice and strengthen collective efforts.
5. Share your experiences: If you have firsthand experiences or insights related to the impact of reimbursement cuts, consider sharing them with relevant stakeholders. Personal stories can be powerful tools for illustrating the real-world consequences of policy decisions.

Remember, advocating for change is an ongoing process, and your involvement can have a meaningful impact. By working together, we can strive for fair reimbursement policies that support health care providers and ensure high-quality care for patients.