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LUGPA and Integra Connect Announce 2017 Urology-Centric APMs Initiative

Dec. 5, 2016  -- LUGPA, a trade association that advocates for independent urology group practices, today announced its collaboration with Integra Connect to develop advanced alternative payment models (APMs). During the transition from a fee-for-service reimbursement model to one of value-based care brought about by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), LUGPA is dedicated to providing leadership to assist independent urology practices with the development and validation of urology-specific APMs.

Since no eligible APM options for urology currently exist, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recognized the need for specialty-specific APMs and created a process by which stakeholders, like LUGPA, can develop and submit specific APM models for CMS review and approval. For an independent urology practice to benefit from an APM, providers need integrated clinical and financial systems that can monitor not only treatment pathway adherence and quality metrics, but also patient outcomes and practice costs.

After an extensive search, LUGPA selected Integra Connect as its partner to develop urology-specific APMs, based on Integra Connect's deep experience with population health management and payer initiatives which will assist LUGPA with the MACRA transition to value-based care.

Initially, LUGPA will develop two APM projects with LUGPA practice involvement:

  • Prostate Cancer Biopsy Taking Risk on Sepsis; and
  • Positive Biopsy/Localized Prostate Cancer.
LUGPA has currently grown to represent more than 25 percent of the nation's urology practices, comprising more than 2,100 members, who account for approximately 30 percent of urologic care in the United States. The Association is committed to providing the best resources and information for its member practices through advocacy, research, data collection and benchmarking efforts. LUGPA advocates for independent urology practices by promoting quality clinical outcomes, fostering new opportunities and improving advocacy in the legislative and regulatory arenas.