Should medical device reps be in the OR?

Cara Livernois | | Health Exec | Policy & Regulations

Medical device representatives are a part of the operating room (OR) team as quick references when surgeons are using specific products, but concerns have been raised about the influence of these individuals.

“People who don’t work in healthcare don’t realize industry reps are sometimes in the OR,” said Josephine Wergin, a risk management analyst for the ECRI Institute. “A lot of times they are the real experts on their products.”

The presence of device reps offers “at-the ready” information to surgeons in regards to technology. As a part of the usual equipment packages purchased by hospitals, reps have become honorary assistants to surgeons who influence their salaries.

Read the full article by clicking the link below

Medical Device Employees Are Often In The O.R., Raising Concerns About Influence

""
Cara Livernois, News Writer

Cara joined TriMed Media in 2016 and is currently a Senior Writer for Clinical Innovation & Technology. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, she holds a Bachelors in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University.

Related Content

Healthcare-specific AI: How to multiply successes and head off accidents
Private-equity watchdog warns against nominating Marc Rowan as Treasury Secretary
FDA issues Class I recall on insertion tubes after manufacturing error
FDA recalls brain biopsy needles due to stainless steel debris
Michigan doctor claims he was fired for reporting unnecessary pacemaker surgeries
UnitedHealth successfully sues CMS over disputed phone call

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
Q&A: MedAxiom CEO explores key trends in cardiologist, cardiovascular surgeon compensation

Compensation for heart specialists continues to climb. What does this say about cardiology as a whole? Could private equity's rising influence bring about change? We spoke to MedAxiom CEO Jerry Blackwell, MD, MBA, a veteran cardiologist himself, to learn more.

Cardiovascular Business
Payment cuts and beyond: Key takeaways for cardiologists from the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

The American College of Cardiology has shared its perspective on new CMS payment policies, highlighting revenue concerns while providing key details for cardiologists and other cardiology professionals. 

AI in Healthcare
A modest proposal to rally AI regulators around a simple game plan

As debate simmers over how best to regulate AI, experts continue to offer guidance on where to start, how to proceed and what to emphasize. A new resource models its recommendations on what its authors call the “SETO Loop.”