\n<\/p>\n
By Dr. Sal Giorgianni, Senior Science Advisor at Men\u2019 Health Network; and Ana Tomsic, Vice President of Men\u2019s Health Network.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a very common condition that affects an estimated 42 million American men.1<\/sup> BPH is unrelated to, and more common than, prostate cancer.2,3<\/sup><\/p>\n The prevalence of BPH increases with age. While more than 40% of men in their 50s have BPH, nearly 90% of men in their 80s suffer from the condition.3 <\/sup>If left untreated, BPH can lead to permanent bladder damage and in severe cases, the need for long-term use of catheterization.4 <\/sup><\/p>\n Common BPH symptoms5<\/sup> may include:<\/p>\n In one study, Black men were 51% less likely than white men to be diagnosed with BPH, and 65% more likely than white men to have surgery to treat their condition.6<\/sup><\/p>\n This disparity is notable because surgery is typically reserved for the most advanced cases of BPH.\u00a0 It raises questions about equitable access to early, less invasive treatment options for Black patients \u2013 before their condition worsens and requires major surgery.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Many men with BPH start off by taking medications. However, medication can be inadequate and temporary in relieving BPH symptoms, and can come with side effects such as sexual dysfunction, dizziness and headaches.7 <\/sup>As a result, many patients discontinue using the drugs.7<\/sup>\u00a0A recent study found that commonly prescribed BPH medications are also linked to an increased risk of new instances of heart failure.8<\/sup><\/p>\n Minimally invasive BPH procedures are a proven alternative to medications and major surgeries. A recent survey of men who are currently taking a BPH medication and who have never had a medical procedure or surgery to treat their condition found that over two-thirds (66.81%) are extremely, very or somewhat interested in a minimally invasive procedure (with no heating or cutting) that could help them reduce their bathroom visits.9<\/sup><\/p>\n Several minimally invasive BPH procedures can be performed right in a doctor\u2019s office. In fact, when given the choice, many patients would prefer to have minor procedures performed in their physician\u2019s office, rather than having to go to a hospital or other treatment facility.10<\/sup><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n At Men\u2019s Health Network, we believe BPH patients covered by Medicare should have access to minimally invasive procedures in the safe, convenient, and less expensive physician office setting. BPH treatment decisions should be determined by physicians and patients, together, based on each patient\u2019s individual needs.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, in July 2021, as part of the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Proposed Rule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed significant reimbursement reductions for a broad range of office-based procedures in a variety of surgical specialties. These proposed reductions may make minimally invasive treatments for BPH in the less expensive, convenient, and often preferred physician office setting less accessible to Medicare patients.<\/p>\n We believe it is critical that CMS understand and protect patient access to minimally invasive procedures for BPH in the physician office setting, so physicians across the country can continue to optimize treatment decisions based on what is best for their patients.<\/p>\n To that end, we are urging Congress to reassess these proposals and consider their impact on patient access to care in physicians\u2019 offices. We ask that CMS continue to protect patient access to minimally invasive procedures for BPH in the office setting by sustaining reimbursement at 2021 levels while the full impact of the proposed changes is assessed and alternatives considered.<\/p>\n You can get involved, too! You can help make your voice heard by providing your comments to CMS before the comment period closes on Monday, September 13 at 5pm EST.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Most importantly, men should feel empowered to talk with their doctor about bathroom habits that are disrupting their lives. Symptoms of BPH often include interrupted sleep and urinary problems, which can cause loss of productivity, depression, and decreased quality of life.11<\/sup> BPH does not improve on its own, but minimally invasive treatment options are available that can provide meaningful symptom relief. Let\u2019s work together to keep it that way!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n References<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
Racial Differences in BPH Treatment Raise Questions About Equal Access<\/h3>\n
BPH Treatment: The Benefits of Less-Invasive Procedures<\/h3>\n
Protecting Men\u2019s Access to Less-Invasive Procedures for BPH<\/h3>\n
Here\u2019s how you can help protect access to BPH care:<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n