LUGPA Annual Meeting Sessions Spotlight: Health Policy Advancements

Join us for the 2024 LUGPA Annual Meeting to hear about the latest updates on health policy and advocacy, recognizing their critical impact on independent urology practices today.

With health care legislation continually evolving, staying informed and involved is more important than ever—especially for independent practitioners. These policies directly affect operations, reimbursement and the ability to provide quality patient care. By actively participating in advocacy efforts, independent urologists can influence legislation to support their autonomy, ensure fair compensation and shape a more sustainable future for their practices.

One of the key sessions, Political Affairs and Health Policy Update – What We Accomplished This Year, will be presented by Dr. Mara Holton and Dr. Josh Langston on Friday, Nov. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., highlighting the strides LUGPA has made in health policy over the past year and showcasing how advocacy efforts are making a positive impact on practices nationwide.

“When we don't engage in advocacy, we risk others making decisions that limit our ability to provide the best possible care for our patients,” Dr. Holton said. “By getting involved, we protect our own practices while strengthening the entire field of urology. During this session, we’ll be discussing how these efforts come together to make a measurable difference.”

Dr. Langston also points to the importance of practitioners ensuring their voices are heard.

“As urologists, we offer a level of insight and expertise that's critical to shaping effective health policies,” Dr. Langston said. “From understanding the intricacies of managing conditions like prostate cancer to kidney stones, we know how legislative decisions can impact patient access to treatments and technologies. By sharing our firsthand experiences, we help guide policies that are grounded in the realities of patient care and medical practice."

Following this session, the LUGPA Health Policy Forum will take place from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, featuring leaders from LUGPA's Health Policy and Political Affairs Committees, including Dr. Holton, Dr. Langston, Dr. Brian Miller, Tracy Spicer and John McManus. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with these experts, discuss current policy challenges and learn how to contribute to ongoing advocacy initiatives.

Adding further depth to the policy discussions, Dr. Brian Miller will also deliver his “Policy, Politics, and the Future of Independent Practice” healthcare policy keynote on Friday, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape to help practitioners navigate complex legislative changes and understand their implications for patient care.

Lastly, the meeting will culminate with a fireside chat with Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy who will share his experiences on national health policy, and offer actionable insights for your practice on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Drawing from his extensive experience in national leadership and policymaking, McCarthy will discuss how the legislative process directly impacts health care policy, encapsulating key themes of the meeting and offering attendees inspiration and actionable strategies to implement in their practices and advocacy efforts. This is a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge from someone who has been at the forefront of shaping national policy, and it promises to be a highlight of the conference.

Register to attend the LUGPA Annual Meeting to be part of the conversation shaping the future of independent urology!