Protect In-Office Diagnostic Imaging Services
Radiologists would like to eliminate the in-office ancillary services exception of the physician self-referral, or Stark law. Specifically, critical diagnostic imaging services, such as magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound are targeted by radiologists through efforts to persuade Congress to ban the exception, which allows physicians to refer patients for ancillary services in their own practices, and the exception that allows referrals under limited circumstances to other physicians in a group practice. Urologists are highly trained in specific organs and systems; they are able to apply their detailed knowledge and expertise to the administration and interpretation of medical imaging. By conducting the scans in their offices, urologists are better able to control the results they need for prompt diagnosis.

----The UROPAC UrologyOne Response----

UROPAC is working to educate and elect members of Congress who understand and recognize the importance of in-office diagnostic imaging services for urologists. We must fight this critical battle and ensure that urologists have every tool available to ensure patient access.

Reform the SGR!
Payment cuts to the Medicare Physician Payment update are on the horizon. Physicians who provide much needed services to Medicare beneficiaries are slated to receive eight years of consecutive Medicare payment cuts, totaling 31%. After inflation adjustment, payments in 2013 will be less than they were in 1991. In 2006, cuts of 5% are projected each year until 2012 and another 2% cut is expected in 2013.

----The UROPAC UrologyOne Response----

The Medicare physician payment formula must be replaced with one that truly mirrors patient care, practice costs and inflation so patients’ access to care is not repeatedly threatened. UROPAC supports a new system based on practice costs so that Medicare patients do not suffer from disruptions in their care. The time is now to scrap the SGR!

Medical Liability Reform!
The traditional medical tort system no longer works. The inequities and inefficiencies negatively affect the cost and quality of health care in America. More important, the practice of "defensive medicine" as a means of reducing or avoiding tort liability is a major contributor to health care cost. A federal solution to the medical liability crisis is the only solution. While many states have implemented reasonable reform, there is no national standard.

----The UROPAC UrologyOne Response----

UROPAC has been supporting candidates who support comprehensive federal liability reform for over a decade. UROPAC believes tort reform is one of the top federal solutions to improving health care in America. UROPAC supports candidates who believe the same!