LUGPA Is Raising Awareness About Physician BurnoutChicago, IL, December 1, 2023 – LUGPA is raising awareness of burnout among urologists and other physicians, who are in urgent need of solutions to improve their wellbeing. As the national voice representing independent urology, LUGPA is working to help address a variety of factors that contribute to burnout among urologists across the United States. Addressing physician burnout positively impacts not only physicians, but also patients and the larger U.S. health care system. According to data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), urologists have one of the top five most stressful jobs in the U.S. This high level of stress can be attributed in part to administrative and regulatory burdens, escalating workforce shortages and other pressures in health care, including the impending 3.4% cut in Medicare reimbursement for physician fees in 2024. Notably, physicians experiencing burnout are more likely to leave their practice, reducing patients’ access to care during an already critical physician shortage. The resulting increase in demand results in longer wait times for patients. This trend in urology is well documented, as evidenced in a 2021 JAMA study that projected an impending urologist shortage through 2060. The study also suggested that advocacy is needed to help maximize the available urology workforce. Physician burnout can also lead to tragic outcomes. According to a 2023 survey from The Physicians Foundation, more than half of U.S. physicians reported knowing a physician who has either considered, attempted or died by suicide in their career, causing an estimated one million Americans to lose a physician to suicide each year. “The mental health and wellbeing of physicians is crucial to the vitality of our nation’s health care system,” said Evan Goldfischer, M.D., president of LUGPA. “As independent urologists, our goal is to provide the best possible care for our patients. To do so, we need to be cared for ourselves.” LUGPA is working to provide practice management resources that can reduce administrative burdens on urology practices. Through advocacy efforts, LUGPA is also fighting to reduce regulatory burdens and level the playing field between hospitals and independent physician practices, which will ultimately improve patient access to care. LUGPA also supports urology residents by providing educational resources and networking opportunities, as they approach the transition to full-time practice. “LUGPA continuously advocates for policies that will foster a more sustainable health care system to support independent urologists,” Goldfischer said. “The status quo isn’t good enough. American physicians deserve a system that allows them to thrive in their mission to provide quality, cost effective care to all patients, without sacrificing their own well-being.” LUGPA is taking action to raise awareness of physician burnout and solutions, so that independent urologists are supported in delivering the best patient care possible. To learn more, visit www.lugpa.org.
About LUGPA LUGPA is the only nonprofit urology trade association in the US. Since its founding in 2008, LUGPA has earned national recognition in the pursuit of its mission to preserve and advance the independent practice of urology while demonstrating quality and value to patients, vendors, third-party payors, legislators and regulatory agencies. The robust resources LUGPA provides help member groups to meet the challenges of independent practice in today's rapidly changing healthcare marketplace. For more information, visit www.lugpa.org
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