leisure time -WSS

leisure time

author：leisure time 2025-09-30 18:20:52 - browse：4

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： Virginia high school admissions case could be legal follow
Next article： With psoriasis trial ahead, Alumis raises $259 million

explore

knowledge

WSS

Affordable Connectivity Program vital to health care, experts say

With psoriasis trial ahead, Alumis raises $259 million

Air quality improving but still lags in Black, Hispanic communities

I learned firsthand about improving diversity in clinical trials

Divers poised to search for children washed away in Pennsylvania flash flood

Judge rejects Trump's request to move Stormy Daniels hush

hotspot

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

Indiana Supreme Court upholds abortion ban, says state constitution gives only limited protections

The drug industry has found itself all alone in Washington

Affirmative action in medical school literally saved lives

The problem with charging patients to message their doctors

After affirmative action ruling, medical educators look to 'holistic review'

Hospitals struggle to profit from CAR

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

Readout LOUD podcast: Venture capital turmoil, obesity drug competition

Medical records are filled with copy

DeSantis talks Trump, trans issues and 'what wokeness is'

knowledge

First medicine developed to treat MASH expected to be approved soon

Amylyx ALS drug fails large clinical trial

A deep dive into Applied Therapeutics’ data, and questions on Cassava

Why Congress must ban federal programs from using QALYs

Winning ticket for $1 billion Powerball jackpot sold in California

Texas Department of Public Safety speaks out on migrant abuse allegations

explore

knowledge

knowledge

hotspot