LUGPA Applauds Senate for Repealing SGR Medicare Payment Formula

WASHINGTON, April 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- LUGPA, a national organization representing over 2,000 urologists committed to integrated urology care, applauds the United States Senate, which in a bipartisan 92-8 vote, approved legislation to reform the deeply flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula that has plagued physicians and Medicare beneficiaries for years.

"This represents a watershed moment for LUGPA as an organization, and individually for its member integrated urology group practices," said Dr. Gary Kirsh, President of LUGPA. "This legislation encourages the development of comprehensive, coordinated health care -- the very bedrock that our member groups are founded on."

The revised payment structure encourages Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) and the development of risk sharing strategies between providers and payors. Research has shown that independent physician practices are the lowest cost, highest quality provider of healthcare in such models - LUGPA member practices have already been adopting the infrastructure necessary to adapt to these payment models.

"LUGPA member group practices were actively engaged in the political process to help legislators understand the importance of SGR reform," said Dr. Deepak A. Kapoor, LUGPA's Chairman of Health Policy. "The large vote margin in both legislative chambers reflects that Congress heard the message of LUGPA physicians, staff and patients specifically, and the physician community overall."

LUGPA's mission is to provide its member groups the resources and tools to unify clinical and business practices; these include initiatives in data collection, benchmarking, practice management, business development, and legislative advocacy efforts. "This historic change ushers in a new era of healthcare delivery," continued Kirsh. "LUGPA will continue to be the definitive resource to assist physicians committed to integrated urology care."

SOURCE LUGPA