hotspot -WSS

hotspot

author：leisure time 2025-09-27 17:03:23 - browse：26

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： 23andMe had bad news about my health. I wish a person had delivered it
Next article： Shingles, which affected Dianne Feinstein, is on the rise

WSS

Pediatric cancer treatments threatened by a new FDA policy

Cigna, Humana reportedly in talks to merge

What don’t we know about an Alzheimer’s drug side effect?

The EPA's new lead rule: How one expert crunched the numbers

What to do when lifesaving products contribute to climate change

Readout Newsletter: The latest in Pfizer, Moderna, and Sanofi

explore

hotspot

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+.

focus

How one medical school became remarkably diverse

Intercept Pharmaceuticals sells itself for less than $1 billion

Medical records are filled with copy

Takeda, Janssen join wearable maker to measure scratching

Food as medicine: CMS rules hamper 'prescribing' of fruits, veggies

BIO selects John Crowley as new CEO

Biden outlines 'new path' to provide student loan relief after Supreme Court rejection

Readout Newsletter: The latest in Pfizer, Moderna, and Sanofi

Bright Health sells Medicare Advantage business to Molina

FDA investigates CAR

explore

ReNAgade cuts staff seven months after raising $300 million

After a drawn out lobbying fight, ARPA

30 years of 'Listening to Prozac'

Listen: Who gets the credit for GLP

How the Dana

Mindstrong's demise and the future of mental health care

hotspot

explore

explore

hotspot