Legislative and Regulatory Priorities

Locally and Nationally in 2008, the WSUS is working with members of congress to address the following issues

1) Raise awareness that Urology is embracing the National Quality Agenda.

2) Urologists' Use of In-Office Imaging needs to be protected.

In-office imaging provides the fastest, most convenient, and often the most reliable reliable results - results that are routinely used by treating physicians in providing ongoing patient care. The use of office-based imaging allows for quicker diagnosis and prompt treatment. Timely imaging often prevents unnecessary treatment and associated expenses.

3) Congress must fix physician reimbursement before July 1, 2008 or jeopardize patient access. Further, Congress must continue to work to repeal the flawed SGR formula.

Physicians are facing a 10.6 percent cut in reimbursements commencing July 1st and an additional 15.6 percent cut in 2009.

4) The Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) Program needs to be evaluated by the GAO for its efficiency, integrity and compliance.

This program provides 30% contingency payments to auditing firms that identify improper payments from Medicare, even in the case of denials that are overturned on appeal.

5) Increase funding for urologic related research such as prostate cancer.