Supply Chain

Managing supplies is a crucial part of moving medical products from the manufacturer to patient’s bedside. Efficient supply chains can reduce healthcare costs and make medical devices more affordable for patients and health systems. This news page includes content on supply shortages, inventory management, and procurement practices.

Ecolab selling its surgical solutions business for $950M
Medline has entered into a “definitive agreement” to buy the surgical division, giving the company access to a variety of surgical supplies and equipment used by clinicians and patients.
FDA announces recall of SonarMed airway monitors after injury
Medtronic brand SonarMed airway monitors and acoustic sensors are being recalled due to a risk of breathing obstruction and lung tissue damage.
FDA announces recall of infusion pumps after thousands of complaints, 1 death
InfuTronix has received 3,698 complaints related to device failures of its Halo Ambulatory Infusion system and other Nimbus pumps.
FDA announces recall of more than 2 million catheter parts, citing serious health risks
Fresenius Medical Care is issuing a recall on 2,192,535 catheter extensions and adapters used in patients with acute and chronic kidney disease.
Joint replacements recalled after FDA safety warning
The FDA initially made the complaint in January. Exactech has agreed to recall products at risk of chemical oxidation as a result of faulty packaging.

Integra poised to take $60 million hit following voluntary recall of devices manufactured at Boston facility

Production of Integra’s SurgiMend, PriMatrix, Revize and TissueMend products has been temporarily halted due to the recalls, although the company said it has not received any customer complaints.

May 30, 2023

Medical societies are asking Congress to be involved in Medicare reform efforts.

FDA approval of several impactful drugs could be delayed if US defaults on debt

The FDA’s process of reviewing and approving drugs and devices could be put on hold, if lawmakers fail to reach a deal related to the debt ceiling.

May 30, 2023

CMS proposed medicare physician fee schedule for 2023 radiology.

FDA seeking upwards of $7B for 2024

The Food and Drug Administration has put in for a $7.2 billion chunk of the $6.9 trillion federal budget for fiscal year 2024 that President Joe Biden proposed March 9.

March 9, 2023

Manufacturers, health organizations unite to address medical supply chain

The newly formed group, the American Medical Manufacturers Association, includes Altor Safety, Aquaspersions USA, Blue Star NBR, Lutema, Ochsner Health, Premium-PPE, SafeSource Direct, United Safety Technology and Vizient as its initial members.

February 15, 2023

Hospital staff walking through a medical facility, intentionally blurred to look artistic

More evidence that 2022 has been a hard year for healthcare providers

Many hospitals are experiencing losses for 2022, a year that some are calling the most difficult operating environment they’ve ever experienced.

October 19, 2022

FDA confirms nationwide shortage of Adderall

Manufacturers, it seems, are unable to keep up with high demand.

October 14, 2022

CEO turnover appears to be stabilizing in healthcare

So far in 2022, 832 CEOs have left their roles––and healthcare CEOs have been among the most active role departures.

August 10, 2022

Clover Health expands MA plan footprint

Tennessee-based Clover Health, which first launched in 2014, currently offers MA plans in 209 counties, caring for 85,000 members.

July 19, 2022

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

‘Concerning’ data connect industry payments to cardiologists with medical device use

U.S. physicians often receive payments from medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. New research in JAMA found a connection between receiving such payments and using specific devices—should the industry be concerned?

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology groups share key update: ABMS seeking feedback on proposed Board of Cardiovascular Medicine

Five of the largest U.S. medical societies focused on cardiovascular health are one step closer to seeing their paradigm-shifting proposal become a reality.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiologists, thoracic surgeons applaud FTC’s ban of most noncompete clauses

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions and Society of Thoracic Surgeons have both shared statements in support of the ban, which is already being challenged in court. The American Hospital Association, meanwhile, opposes the policy shift, saying it “errs by seeking to create a one-size-fits-all rule”

Supply Chain

Ecolab selling its surgical solutions business for $950M

FDA announces recall of SonarMed airway monitors after injury

FDA announces recall of infusion pumps after thousands of complaints, 1 death

FDA announces recall of more than 2 million catheter parts, citing serious health risks

Joint replacements recalled after FDA safety warning

Around the web