Intelligence Unit
Special Reports
Special Events
Subscribe
Sponsored
Departments
- Leadership
- Finance
- Technology
- Physicians
- Community Hospitals
- Health Plans
- Marketing
- Quality
- Nursing
- HR
Follow Us
Robodoc: Surgeon of the future in theaters now
Reuters/Yahoo News, November 4, 2008
A mechanical snake that can enter the body through natural orifices to perform operations is just one futuristic device researchers believe will transform traditional surgical techniques. With a world recession looming and healthcare budgets under pressure, it may seem an odd time to talk about hi-tech surgery: The average selling price of the market-leading da Vinci system from California's Intuitive Surgical Inc is $1.35 million. Some critics have questioned the cost-effectiveness of robots when other treatments, such as cancer drugs, are being rationed. But proponents note prices will inevitably fall as usage and competition increase.
Most Viewed
Most Emailed
- $6.4B Henry Ford, Beaumont Merger Failed on Cultural Hurdles
- House Lawmakers Grill CMS Over Health Exchange Navigators
- Fortunately, Angelina Jolie Isn't On Medicare
- Don't Let Nurses Sink Your Bottom Line
- How Chargemaster Data May Affect Hospital Revenue
- Uncompensated Care Faces a Double Hit in Some States
- Hospital Pricing Transparency a Marketing Game Changer
- ED Physicians Key to Half of Hospital Admissions
- Primary Care Docs Average More Hospital Revenue Than Specialists
- Insurer's App Aims to Lower Healthcare Costs, Securely
