The little sponge that got left behind is about to become a healthcare mishap of the past.
Pittsburgh-based Clearcount Medical Solutions, makers of the first FDA-cleared RFID system for counting and detecting surgical sponges during surgery, has named Cardinal Health of Dublin, Ohio, as the primary distributor for its patented SmartSponge system.
Now that the product has become commercially available, Clearcount plans additional hiring this year, adding engineers to the 7-member Pittsburgh office, as well as sales and marketing staff throughout the U.S., says David Palmer, CEO.
Studies today indicate that one in every 1,000 to 1,500 intra-abdominal surgeries results in a sponge left behind in the patient. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and an increasing number of private insurers have indicated that they will no longer reimburse for “left behind” surgical procedures after October 2008, making the elimination of the problem paramount for the healthcare industry.
“Many hospitals will be looking for solutions to this problem and we are perfectly positioned to address this,” Palmer says. “Our relationship with Cardinal will help us address the demand across the U.S. Cardinal has a long history of providing patient safety products and will make an excellent partner for Clearcount.
Cardinal Healthcare is an $87 billion, global company that helps the industry reduce costs, improve safety and provide better care to patients. To read more about the SmartSponge System in Pop City, click here.
Writer:
Debra SmitSource: David Palmer, Clearcount
Image courtesy Clear count