LUGPA, Chicago, Illinois
LUGPA Offers Cyberattack Threat Resources
We understand the significant challenges many of you have faced with medical claims and payments following the cyberattack on CHANGE Healthcare in February.
LUGPA remains vigilant in monitoring the impact of the recent cyberattack and its repercussions for medical claims and payments. We recognize the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding sensitive health care data and ensuring the seamless operation of health care systems.
Visit https://bit.ly/LUGPA-Cyber to access LUGPA’s Cybersecurity Resources for Healthcare Providers.
2024 Las Vegas Regional Meeting, June 7-8
LUGPA members gathered in Las Vegas June 7 and 8 to network and compare notes on running a successful urology practice.
This highly interactive program consisted of roundtable and panel discussions and encouraged session participants to share their best practices, anecdotes, and practical tips on how to increase operational efficiency and improve patient care.
Sports writer Ross Bernstein kicked off the meeting. Knowledgeable speakers discussed resilience and how to address burnout as well as best practices to recruit, onboard, and mentor your advanced practice clinicians. Finally, an illuminating session on “Workplace Love Languages: What You Say & What Your Coworkers Hear” explored the intricacies of effective communication, emotional intelligence, and deep-level diversity.
All LUGPA members are encouraged to attend an upcoming regional meeting. If you are a LUGPA member, check out www.lugpa.org/events to learn about LUGPA’s future offerings.
LUGPA Resident Summit Recap
LUGPA’s Urology Resident Summit and Job Fair was held March 1 and 2 in Dallas. More than 70 residents attended. Many industry partners and representatives from LUGPA practices were also on site to participate in the job fair and exhibit hall.
The summit covered topics that PGY2, 3, 4, and 5 urology residents need to know, including working as an employed urologist, careers in private practice, academic urology, employment contracts, and finances for young physicians. The program offered residents an opportunity to personally engage with potential employers from some of the largest independent urology practices in the country.
During his “State of Urology 2023” presentation, LUGPA President Dr Evan Goldfischer helmed a Star Trek/Kobayashi Maru parody, demonstrating how LUGPA changes the rules of engagement under seemingly unwinnable situations.
Follow #LUGPAResidentSummit on social media to see photos from the meeting.
Health Policy Updates
As the leading voice of independent urology group practices in the United States, LUGPA educates policy makers on the benefits of integrated urologic care. LUGPA’s Health Policy and Political Affairs committees drive grassroots efforts by developing thoughtful analysis and engaging public officials through comment letters on major legislative and regulatory proposals.
Here are some of the latest headlines from our advocacy news center:
- March Washington, DC, Fly-In Recap
- In-Office Dispensing Reform Bill Advances: LUGPA’s Advocacy Efforts Yield Progress
- LUGPA Advocates for 340B Program Reform in the Senate
- Coalition Formation for Biomarker Testing Access
- Advocating Against Insurance-Mandated Step Therapy
- LUGPA’s Advocacy Efforts Yield Results
- Cybersecurity Threats in Healthcare on the Rise
- Promoting Payment Parity and Competition in Urology Care
Visit lugpa.org/policy-advocacy to access more of LUGPA’s advocacy updates.
Resident Award Criteria Redefined: Nominate a Resident Before July 31
LUGPA Forward, a special interest group of young physicians at LUGPA, is encouraging extraordinary residents to apply for the Resident Clinical Excellence Award, a merit-based award that recognizes qualities that show a resident’s potential to be a highly effective leader at a private practice.
You are encouraged to nominate a resident or reach out to any exceptional residents you may know to let them know about this opportunity.
To be considered, nominees must have a letter of support from their program director, faculty, or chair. The applicant must be actively enrolled in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–approved urology residency program in the United States or in an approved fellowship.
Award recipients will be recognized at the LUGPA Annual Meeting in Chicago in early November with a plaque and cash award of $1000.
Visit lugpa.org/resident-clinical-excellence-award for details.
Podcasts Feature LUGPA Leaders
LUGPA leaders have been interviewed in 2 podcasts recently.
Celeste Kirschner, CEO of LUGPA, was featured on “Becker’s Healthcare Podcast” and “Becker’s Women’s Leadership Podcast.” In the episode, Ms Kirschner discussed key issues for independent urologists, how LUGPA supports independent urology practices, and more. She affirmed that LUGPA advocates for policies that help level the playing field for independent urologists: “We continue to advocate for long-term reform of the Medicare physician fee schedule to ensure that our urologists can provide quality, cost-efficient services for patients.”
Listen at https://bit.ly/3TEpGDi
In an episode of “BackTable Urology,” Mara Holton, MD, discussed recent policy changes that have affected the field of urology. First, Dr Holton shared her educational journey, which included health care policy lobbying even before she started medical school. Dr Holton discussed challenges surrounding health policies, such as the persistent use of fee-for-service reimbursement guidelines, despite the benefits of value-based care. She also highlighted the critical issue of workforce shortages, particularly the need for urologists in rural areas and the impact of health care policy on patient access.
Listen at https://t.co/b1wlpe425m
Monthly Community Awareness Toolkit Available
In 2024, LUGPA will continue to help our members expand their voices by providing monthly awareness toolkits focusing on various important topics. Toolkits will include template press releases and sample social posts to help practices reach out and educate their communities about critical health and policy issues.
Download the toolkits at
https://bit.ly/MonthlyToolkits
Upcoming LUGPA Events
Don’t miss these upcoming LUGPA events, which provide opportunities to connect, gather, exchange ideas, and network!
Bladder & Kidney Cancer Academy
October 24-26, 2024
Marriott Downtown, Philadelphia, PA
LUGPA Annual Meeting
November 14-16, 2024
Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile Hotel, Chicago, IL
Visit LUGPA.org/Events for details.