Changes in Medicare Reimbursement for the Top 20 Most Frequently Billed Urology Procedures by State 2011-2023

Over the past 10 years, Medicare reimbursement has steadily decreased as the cost of providing healthcare has increased. In this study, the 20 most frequently billed urology HCPCS codes from 2011 to 2023 were analyzed to determine the average inflation-adjusted yearly percent change in Medicare reimbursement for each state and territory. The annual inflation-adjusted average percent change for the chosen urology procedures across all states was -5.20%. Geographical discrepancies were found, providing evidence to support that there are more- and less-favorable states to practice urology in terms of reimbursement. Decreased Medicare reimbursement, combined with the national urologist shortage, is very concerning. Continual advocation and lobbying for higher reimbursement rates is crucial to ensure good healthcare outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries.