#USA #Johnson & Johnson #Scottsdale #Innovative Health #Medical Devices

Innovative Health Launches Reporting Hotline

In a landmark move for the medical technology industry, Innovative Health, Inc. has established a hotline designed to help hospital personnel report any restrictive activities preventing the use of reprocessed devices. This initiative follows a permanent injunction against Johnson & Johnson MedTech, which has been accused of engaging in anti-competitive practices that limit hospitals' ability to utilize reprocessed single-use devices effectively.

Background on the Legal Challenge

The origins of this development can be traced back to a lawsuit filed in 2019 by Innovative Health against Johnson & Johnson MedTech (formerly known as Biosense Webster). The lawsuit challenged the company's tactics that obstructed the ability of electrophysiology labs to incorporate reprocessed catheters into their practices. After a comprehensive trial, the jury sided with Innovative Health, awarding $442 million in damages and marking a significant victory in the fight against monopolistic behaviors in the health technology sector.

The court's decision not only provided immediate financial restitution but also delivered a ruling that mandated changes to Johnson & Johnson MedTech's practices. As part of this ruling, which was issued in August 2025, the judge ordered the company to stop activities that have hindered hospitals from adopting reprocessed medical devices. The intent was clear: to ensure hospitals benefit from cost-saving opportunities and contribute positively to environmental sustainability by reducing medical waste.

Launch of the Hotline

In response to the court's order, Innovative Health collaborated with the Association of Medical Device Reprocessors (AMDR) to manage a hotline and dedicated webpage. This new resource offers a confidential platform for hospital staff to report incidents of non-compliance with the injunction or other activities that limit the use of reprocessed devices. This initiative is critical, as reprocessing offers substantial cost savings for healthcare facilities while promoting environmental health.

Around-the-Clock Reporting

The hotline can be accessed 24/7, allowing for anonymous reports via a toll-free phone number (855-893-7002) or an online web form. By encouraging communication regarding potential violations, Innovative Health aims to promote adherence to antitrust regulations in the medical field. The hotline is vendor-neutral, meaning that anyone can report infractions regardless of the vendor involved, marking a significant shift in the management of medical device compliance issues.

Voices from the Industry

Rick Ferreira, CEO of Innovative Health, expressed his commitment to ensuring hospitals have the freedom to implement cost-effective practices without being hindered by larger entities. Ferreira noted, "This is the first time in our industry's two-decade history that a federal court has intervened to curtail harmful, anticompetitive practices enabled by monopolistic manufacturers. We initiated this lawsuit to advocate for our customers—hospitals—and to empower them to capitalize on the substantial savings reprocessing can offer."

The hotline serves not only as a tool for reporting infractions but as a testament to the positive changes that can emerge when legal processes hold corporations accountable. By safeguarding these reporting mechanisms, Innovative Health hopes to foster an environment that supports safe and efficient health practices, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.

As healthcare continues to evolve, ensuring transparency and compliance remains paramount, setting a new precedent for the industry moving forward.

Conclusion

Innovative Health's hotline is a significant development in the ongoing efforts against monopolistic practices in the medical technology field. By providing tools for transparency, the organization empowers healthcare professionals to advocate for better practices that ultimately benefit patient care and the environment. The collaboration with AMDR marks a proactive step toward ensuring compliance and promoting the responsible use of medical resources.