leisure time -WSS

leisure time

author：explore 2025-08-19 20:45:27 - browse：5531

A pile of Zynex Medical batteries and electrode pads are seen at Michelle Bean's home — A pile of Zynex Medical batteries and electrode pads Kayana Szymczak for STAT

Sending patients heaps of medical supplies to score more money from insurers is common in the device industry. If insurers decline to cover the supplies, patients are stuck paying for materials they didn’t need.

STAT examined one of the companies perpetuating this practice, a pain management device company called Zynex Medical, and the frustration among both its patients and former employees. Here are five takeaways.

The ‘razor blade’ business model

Zynex sells nerve and muscle stimulation machines, known as TENS and EMS units, to treat pain and soothe muscles. But the company makes most of its money from monthly shipments of batteries and electrodes — almost 70% of its $184 million revenue in 2023 came from these supplies.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — and get additional analysis of the technologies disrupting health care — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe Log In

Previous article： Jerome Adams on the need for new antivirals for Covid
Next article： Hospitals look to new technology to keep health care workers safe

explore

WSS

Why medical students are struggling with mental health

Thousands in Haiti march to demand safety from violent gangs as killings and kidnappings soar

Weight loss drug costs may need more research, senator suggests

Poor hospice wound care hurts patients and families

Bursting ice dam in Alaska highlights risks of glacial flooding around the globe

Childhood cancer progress stalls for Black, Hispanic kids: Report

focus

leisure time

The ‘razor blade’ business model

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — and get additional analysis of the technologies disrupting health care — by subscribing to STAT+.

leisure time

Bright Health sells Medicare Advantage business to Molina

Why workplace violence is so common in health care

George Santos makes 1st court appearance after pleading not guilty to 13 counts

Trump Jan. 6 attorney John Lauro is ex

The cancer drug shortage isn’t new — and neither are the solutions

Surge of respiratory disease in China has likely explanation

Alkermes shareholders re

Weight loss drug Wegovy cuts risk of heart attacks in milestone trial

Sports medicine is finally prioritizing gender equality

More people are opting for early dinners since the pandemic, says OpenTable CEO Debby Soo

leisure time

David Sabatini, ex

Israel demolishes home of alleged Palestinian attacker, fueling West Bank tensions

South Korea begins evacuating thousands of Scouts from coastal campsite as tropical storm nears

Boeing's 1st astronaut flight bumped into next year, more repairs needed

Prince Harry and Meghan to work on film adaptation of 'Meet Me at the Lake' novel

In key trial, Verve's treatment lowers cholesterol levels in patients

explore

hotspot

explore

focus