Supply Chain

Jeffrey Shuren, MD, retired as director of the FDA's medical device division in July. Now, his ties to the industry are being questioned. 

AllSpire Health GPO, a regional group purchasing organization based in Pennsylvania, selected Premier to support its annual $3.5 billion purchasing volume, the companies announced Aug. 20. 

For the average health system with five hospitals or 650 beds, supply shortages increase the cost of care to $3.5 million, restrict up to $1 million in excess inventory and cause $350,000 in lost revenue, according to Premier. 

CMS has issued a statement to healthcare providers regarding the ongoing BD BACTEC blood culture media shortage, which is expected to continue late into the year. 

Big Health has secured FDA clearance for its flagship digital therapeutic, SleepioRx, as an adjunct treatment for chronic insomnia.

So far in 2024, Medline has secured five agreements with health systems, including new agreements and additional deals to ongoing partnerships. 

Patients who use an insulin pump's mobile app are reporting software issues with the app's former and current versions, the FDA said Aug. 12. 

After the COVID-19 pandemic yanked the global supply chain's norms and expectations, the industry mutated, The New York Times reported Aug. 12. 

CMS decided Aug. 8 to expedite coverage for up to five medical technologies every year, and the final ruling is drawing flak from the Medical Device Manufacturers Association.

Vizient recommends supply chain leaders at health systems keep close watch of a looming, potential strike on East Coast and Gulf Coast ports.