During the question-and-answer portion of the last session of this year’s AUA Urology Advocacy Summit about Finding Your Advocacy Passion, one enthusiastic medical student asked us, “Is there somewhere where urology can get together with all of the other medical specialties to talk about issues?” Rather than direct the question to the panelists, I took my moderator privilege to answer this question directly: “Yes. It’s the American Medical Association.”

In the dynamic realm of urology, where innovation meets compassion in the care of patients, advocacy stands as a powerful tool for driving progress and shaping the future of our profession. At the forefront of this advocacy effort stands the American Medical Association (AMA), a formidable ally that champions the interests of urologists across the country. The AMA is one of the largest medical organizations in the world, and it continues to have a major role in shaping public policy and medical education in America. Herein we delve into the pivotal role of the AMA in advancing urology advocacy and explore the alignment between the AMA and the AUA on key political, advocacy, and legislative issues.

Unity in Purpose

One of the most significant strengths of the AMA lies in its ability to unite physicians from various specialties, including urology, under one common umbrella. At the heart of the AMA’s mission lies its commitment to amplifying the collective voice of physicians, including urologists, on matters of critical importance. This enables them to advocate effectively for policies that advance patient care, support medical innovation, and address critical health care challenges through the AMA’s House of Delegates, a room of almost 600 representatives from almost every state and specialty medical society across the country. This is the principal policymaking body of the AMA, and every single decision is made through a fair, democratic, and transparent process. By itself, the AUA and other urology organizations represent a small fraction of health care lobbies on Capitol Hill. However, by continuing to influence AMA policy, we can collaborate with the AMA to bring their advocacy gravitas in alignment with our own to more effectively move the needle on issues affecting our colleagues and our patients.

Legislative Advocacy

The AMA serves as a powerful advocate on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures, advocating for policies that align with the interests of urologists and their patients. One notable example of alignment between the AMA and the AUA is their joint efforts to address workforce shortages in graduate medical education, including in urology. Both organizations have called for legislative initiatives to increase funding for residency programs, expand telehealth services in underserved areas, and support loan repayment programs for practitioners in rural communities, including AMA support for the Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care Act, a major legislative priority for the AUA in the past several years.

Reimbursement and Payment Reform

Fair and equitable reimbursement is essential for sustaining urology practices and ensuring access to high-quality care for patients. The AMA and the AUA have collaborated on numerous initiatives to advocate for payment reform policies that recognize the value of urological services. For instance, both organizations have supported efforts to transition towards value-based payment models that incentivize quality outcomes and patient-centered care in urology.

Speaking of reimbursement and payment, urology’s participation in the AMA is not complete without mention of the AMA Relative Value Scale Update Committee, or RUC. Through consensus, the RUC makes recommendations to the federal government about the valuation of physician services, and the AUA has a permanent seat. We also have RUC advisors who advocate for urology, whereas the RUC members vote on the various proposals. The AUA’s involvement in the AMA ensures our continued representation on both the RUC and Current Procedural Terminology advisory committee. The work is technical, rigorous, and an invaluable part of ensuring that urologists are fairly compensated for the work we do caring for our patients.

Research Funding and Innovation

Research is the lifeblood of medical progress, driving innovation and improving patient outcomes in urology. The AMA and the AUA have joined forces to advocate for increased federal funding for urological research through agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). By advocating for robust research funding, both organizations aim to accelerate scientific discovery and foster innovation in urology.

Patient Advocacy and Public Health Initiatives

Urologists play a crucial role in promoting public health and raising awareness about preventive measures for many conditions, including urologic conditions. The AMA and the AUA collaborate on patient advocacy efforts and public health initiatives aimed at improving early detection and intervention for conditions such as prostate cancer, urinary incontinence, and male factor infertility. Through joint public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, both organizations empower patients to take control of their urological health and make informed decisions about their care.

In conclusion, the AMA as a linchpin in the advocacy landscape of urology. Through our AUA delegation to the AMA–an extension of the AUA Public Policy Council–we work to advance the interests of urologists and their patients. From legislative advocacy to reimbursement reform to workforce issues and research funding, the AMA’s unwavering commitment to advocacy issues of importance to urologists and urologic patients is essential for shaping a future where urological care is accessible, equitable, and of the highest quality. As practicing urologists, let us continue to stand united with the AMA in advocating for the advancement of our profession and the well-being of our patients.