American health systems could potentially save $2.3 billion through extending the life of "single-use" medical devices by reprocessing them, according to a May 31 report from the Association of Medical Device Reprocessors.
The report showed that U.S. hospitals saved $372 million in 2020 by reprocessing devices. This works through the reduced cost of using reprocessed devices as well as reduced costs through the creation and processing of less medical waste. In 2020, there were also 186 million medical devices that could have been reprocessed to be used again.
"By streamlining data collection methods and including data points that look more closely at hospital capacity, we can better understand the value that reprocessing brings — and could bring — to the industry," said Daniel Vukelich, president of the association. "Every year, our perspective on medical device reuse is confirmed: we have found a way to slash the financial, material, and environmental costs of the healthcare sector without compromising the efficacy and safety of medical devices or forcing providers to change their practices."