Studies Show Insurance Barriers and Costs Influence Screening, Treatment and Access in Urology

LAS VEGAS, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New research presented at the American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting in Las Vegas sheds light on the significant impact of insurance barriers and healthcare costs on urologic care across the United States.

Highlights include findings that high-deductible health plans are linked to decreased prostate cancer screening, while medications for urolithiasis could yield substantial savings if purchased through alternative channels like the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. Additional studies reveal that states with restrictive vasectomy insurance coverage often have stricter abortion laws, and that prior authorization requirements place a considerable burden on urology practices, potentially affecting patient outcomes. Together, these studies underscore the critical role of insurance policies and affordability in shaping access to essential urologic services.

Researchers will present their study findings covering important updates on insurance barriers from April 26 to 29. Charles Welliver, MD, a men's health specialist at Albany Medical Health System, posed in-depth questions to the abstract authors, providing key insights into their research. 

"This series of abstracts examines the external barriers that patients and providers must navigate for patients to receive the care they want,” Dr. Welliver said. "How patients and providers interact with insurance frequently affects the quality of care received. Insurers can build barriers to care through a variety of hurdles, like high-deductible insurance plans and prior authorizations. I am also excited to see a study looking at the cost savings of Mark Cuban's Cost Plus drugs, as I have found this pharmacy to be an incredible benefit to patients.”

The following abstracts are spotlighted in the AUA Press Program:

• High Deductible Health Plan Enrollment Significantly Decreases Prostate Cancer Screening
• Projected Savings for Urolithiasis Medications Purchased via Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company in Medicare
• States with restrictive insurance barriers to vasectomy coverage are more likely to have restrictive abortion laws
• Perceived burden and impact of prior authorization on urology practices and clinical outcomes

A recording of the key findings from the abstract authors is available to all press registrants. Fill out the registration form on the website to be added to the virtual programming: https://www.auanet.org/AUA2025/register/press-registration

NOTE TO REPORTERS: Presenting authors and moderators are available to discuss their findings. To arrange an interview with an expert, please contact the AUA Communications Team at [email protected].

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology and has nearly 26,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy.

CONTACT: Corey Del Bianco

American Urological Association

443-689-4033

[email protected]