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.
advertisement
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
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.
