Manufacturers say there is an imminent shortage of life-saving medical devices due to litigation.
They say that medical device manufacturers cannot obtain the raw materials and component parts necessary to manufacture their products because suppliers fear liability. However, the facts tell a different story. According to HIMA, this list was compiled by a HIMA staff person who called around to manufacturers who are HIMA members, and asked them what medical devices might be affected. In fact, a comprehensive review of the 1997 Medical Device Register, published by Medical Economics, which lists every medical device registered with the FDA, reveals that there are still several, and often numerous manufacturers of most every permanent implant HIMA claims to be threatened. N.W. Washington, DC 20009.