AMERICAN UROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

Science & quality: the science and quality (s&q) division provides strategic oversight along with the s&q council as they shape and execute the broad science, quality, and data agenda of the aua. This agenda includes the creation, dissemination and implementation of clinical guidelines and literature updates; maintenance of the aua quality (aqua) registry; development and implementation of physician performance measures; advancement of patient safety initiatives; monitoring of federal, state, and local quality health care programs; and the formation and execution of data projects. From 2024, there are six ongoing clinical guidelines projects with an additional two having completed production. Furthermore, five amendments, four updated literature reviews and several endorsement reviews were completed. Additionally, nine guidelines publications were featured in the journal of urology. In 2024, over 4,100 respondents completed the annual census and aua released its 9th census report on u.s practicing urologists, with two supplementary census reports on advanced practice providers (apps) and international urologists in development. Additionally, 42 articles were published based on census or aqua data. The data research program was reinstated with six projects selected for funding in 2025, including four based on census data and two based on aqua registry data. The aqua registry was approved by cms as a qualified clinical data registry (qcdr) for the 2025 mips reporting year. Routine measure maintenance was conducted for eight urology-specific measures that are supported through the aqua registry. A mips value pathway (mvp) for urology was drafted and submitted to cms for approval. A national quality agenda and strategies for urologic practice was also developed for aua board review and approval in 2025. Other quality improvement activities included an online seminar focusing on six sigma lean methodology that was targeted to the aua practice managers network as well as convening a quality improvement summit focusing on telehealth.