Did you know that the healthcare industry is the second largest waste producer in the United States? Only the food industry produces more waste. That's why more than 25 percent of hospitals are making changes to decrease their waste output and save money at the same time. In an effort to reduce spending and help preserve the environment, increasing numbers of hospitals are choosing to use reprocessed medical devices like heart monitor catheters, orthopedic drill bits and more.

While the practice of using these reprocessed devices has sparked debate in the healthcare community, proponents point out that saving up to 60 percent on medical devices will make it worthwhile, especially in the current economic climate as healthcare reform efforts work to reduce spending. Plus, they note, waste levels can be significantly reduced.

For example, Ascent, a vendor of reprocessed devices, reports that its hospital customers saved hundreds of millions of dollars by using reprocessed devices in 2009—and their use of these devices kept more than five million pounds of waste out of landfills that year.

According to Stacy Howard, R.N. and director of utilization for St. Louis’ Sisters of Mercy Health System, reprocessing is the “right thing to do.” Howard said that the practice will help the system “go green” and save money. She noted that the devices can be remanufactured quite safely and that the system is concerned about patient safety above all else.

Adding to its existing green initiatives, Sisters of Mercy expects to save up to $2 million each year and save 60 tons of waste from entering landfills once the program is implemented across its 30 hospitals.

St. Luke’s Health System in Kansas City reports that the system expects to save nearly $600,000 each year with device reprocessing, as well as keeping more than 16,000 pounds of waste out of landfills.

Still, some device manufacturers disagree with the reprocessing plans. Mark Leahy, president and CEO of the Medical Device Manufacturers Association, believes that patients should be informed and provide consent before reprocessed devices are used. Leahy also said that medical devices could be difficult to sterilize properly, especially those with many “nooks and crannies.” He believes that some devices used more than once could cause problems for patients.

The Medical Device Manufacturers Association represents more than 250 small and midsized medical companies. Leahy said that while hospitals can save money, the savings won’t be passed along to patients. He said that most patients wouldn’t be likely to take the potential risks associated with reprocessed devices, especially when they wouldn’t see any cost savings.

Dwight Mayhugh, St. Luke’s resource manager, said that his hospital system has each reprocessed device tested according to FDA standards prior to shipment. And, he noted, while some surgeons remain skeptical of the reprocessed devices, many who give them a chance quickly realize their worth.

Howard said that education will be critical for clinicians and allied health staff when it comes to both the safety and effectiveness of reprocessed devices.

What do you think? As a healthcare professional, would you use reprocessed devices? As a patient, would you want reprocessed devices used in your own care? Tell us in the comments.