The report comes as health systems continue to face workforce shortages, reimbursement pressure, and tightening operating margins. According to ShiftMed, open shifts frequently trigger the use of overtime or external agency contracts, leading to unpredictable expenditure and sustained margin pressure. By contrast, local on-demand clinicians consistently command lower hourly rates, creating a measurable gap that, when scaled across large volumes of shifts, translates into significant financial implications. In 2025, health systems using ShiftMed’s platform filled 630,966 shifts, generating $189 million in documented savings by avoiding premium labor channels. The company indicates that this figure represents only a fraction of the broader market opportunity, suggesting that the full potential of Open Shift Management could extend into multi-billion-dollar savings nationwide.

ShiftMed attributes these efficiencies to its embedded workforce intelligence capabilities, which integrate directly into existing scheduling systems. The platform automatically identifies open shifts in real time and routes them to qualified clinicians before escalation to higher-cost staffing options occurs. This enables internal staff, float pools, and local on-demand professionals to self-schedule into available shifts, reducing administrative burden and limiting reliance on agencies. The report also highlights workforce stabilization benefits, noting that 18% of on-demand clinicians transition into permanent roles, thereby strengthening internal hiring pipelines and reducing long-term dependence on premium labor.

Commenting on the findings, Todd Walrath stated, “Reactive staffing models are eroding margins in plain sight. Open Shift Management restores control at the shift level, where labor costs are determined. The premium pay gap is structural. When coverage is routed with discipline, the savings are predictable and scalable.” The report provides health system leaders with localized wage benchmarks, enabling more precise evaluation of cost-saving opportunities and workforce strategies.

This delay is not just an inconvenience but an “efficiency gap” that compromises the standard of care.  By pioneering a model of next-day cardiac clearance, we are proving that rapid access isn’t just about speed; it is about clinical excellence and reducing the systemic stress on both patients and surgeons.

The Hidden Risks of Surgical Delay

When a surgeon identifies a patient for a procedure—whether it’s a total hip replacement or a complex abdominal surgery—the clock starts ticking.  Surgery, particularly under general anesthesia, places an immense physiological load on the heart.  The primary goal of a cardiac clearance is to risk-stratify the patient: Is their heart strong enough to withstand the “stress test” of the operating room?

However, when this clearance takes 14 to 21 days to secure, several risks emerge:

• Clinical Decompensation: For patients with underlying cardiovascular disease, waiting weeks for an evaluation can lead to a worsening of their condition before they even reach the OR.
• Psychological Toll: Pre-surgical anxiety is well-documented. Extending the waiting period only exacerbates patient stress, which can ironically lead to transient hypertension and further cardiac complications.
• Hospital Inefficiency: Canceled or postponed OR slots are a massive drain on healthcare systems. A delay in cardiac clearance often ripples through the entire hospital schedule, affecting dozens of other patients.

The “Physician-Led” Advantage

The reason many large, hospital-employed cardiology groups struggle with rapid access is often tied to administrative bloat and rigid scheduling blocks.  As an independent, physician-led practice, we operate with a different philosophy: Execution over Bureaucracy.

Because Tampa Heart & Vascular is founder-led, we have the agility to bypass the traditional “waiting list” model.  We prioritize surgical clearances as urgent diagnostic events.  By ensuring that every clearance visit is conducted by a board-certified cardiologist such as Jaime Caballero, MD rather than being delegated solely to mid-level providers, we provide a level of definitive decision-making that surgeons trust.

Next-Day Clearance: What It Looks Like in Practice

A truly efficient cardiac clearance isn’t just a physical exam; it is a rapid-fire diagnostic session.  To achieve next-day results, we have integrated advanced imaging and AI-enabled workflows directly into our clinic.  A typical expedited clearance at our Tampa office includes:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Real-time rhythm analysis to detect arrhythmias or silent ischemia.
• Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) & Echocardiography: Immediate assessment of heart structure and valve function.
• Advanced Risk Modeling: Utilizing the latest clinical guidelines and AI tools to predict perioperative outcomes based on the specific type of surgery (e.g., vascular vs. endoscopic).
• Direct Surgeon Coordination: We don’t just send a fax; we provide a clear, actionable recommendation to the surgical team often within 24 hours of the initial request.

Moving Toward a New Standard

The 2025 CRF SET-10 rankings recently recognized our institution among the top 10 in the United States for scientific contributions.  This commitment to research informs our clinical efficiency. We know, based on the latest data in interventional cardiology, that early intervention and streamlined diagnostics lead to lower long-term mortality.

The “Efficiency Gap” is a solvable problem, according to Dr. Jaime Caballero.  By treating cardiac clearance as a priority service rather than a routine referral, we help surgeons do what they do best, while giving patients the peace of mind they deserve.  In the modern medical landscape, “world-class” care should be measured not just by the complexity of the surgery, but by the speed and precision of the preparation.

As part of the agreement, member companies will gain access to discounted international shipping services, with savings of up to 60% across offerings such as FedEx International Priority® Express, FedEx International Priority®, and FedEx International Economy. These solutions are positioned to address the time-sensitive and compliance-driven requirements of medical device exports, leveraging FedEx’s global logistics network to provide reliable and flexible delivery capabilities. The collaboration also introduces a structured support framework through educational webinars and one-on-one consultations focused on customs clearance procedures, regulatory compliance, and export optimization strategies.

The broader backdrop for this FedEx KMDIA partnership reflects sustained growth in Korea’s medical device sector, supported by rising demand for diagnostic reagents, aesthetic laser systems, and rehabilitation equipment. The country’s biohealth industry is forecast to expand by 20.8% to USD 290 billion in 2026, marking its fastest growth since 2019, with projections indicating a further increase to USD 357 billion by 2029. In parallel, the Korean government has outlined plans to invest approximately USD 628 million between 2026 and 2032 to accelerate research and development in medical devices, reinforcing its ambition to position the sector as a national growth engine.

“We are excited to collaborate with KMDIA to support Korean medical device manufacturers and exporters as they scale globally,” said Wonbin Park, managing director of FedEx Korea. “With our global network, industry expertise and differentiated logistics solutions, FedEx is well positioned to help K-biohealth compete on the world stage and contribute to the government’s vision of developing medical devices into a new national growth engine.”

With the expanded funding, AI Airlock is expected to scale its operations and support the development of sustainable regulatory pathways for AI-driven medical technologies. Delivered through collaboration between MHRA, DHSC, the NHS AI Team, and Team AB, the programme aligns with broader government strategies, including the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the Regulatory Action Plan, the 10-Year Health Plan, and the Life Sciences Sector Plan.

Commenting on the development, James Pound, Executive Director, Innovation and Compliance, said:
“Securing this multi-year funding boost marks a pivotal moment for AI Airlock and for the safe and responsible advancement of AI in healthcare.
The programme has already shown how collaborative, real-world testing can uncover regulatory challenges early and help innovators bring high-quality, safe technologies to patients faster.
This additional investment will allow us to scale up and ultimately strengthen our ability to ensure that AI-powered medical devices can reach patients safely, efficiently and with the confidence of robust regulatory oversight.”

The AI Airlock programme has evolved steadily since its pilot launch in 2024, followed by a second phase in 2025 that broadened its scope. Early findings highlighted new regulatory complexities associated with AI medical devices, particularly around risk management, accuracy, and the need to anchor model outputs in verified clinical data. It also underscored the importance of explainability in AI systems to strengthen clinician trust, alongside the necessity for continuous post-market monitoring to detect performance shifts or over-reliance.

Building on these insights, the second phase has examined specific regulatory challenges, including AI-powered diagnostic tools, pre-determined change control plans (PCCPs), and evolving use cases of AI systems. The programme has tested a wide spectrum of technologies such as large language models, voice-enabled tools, and advanced diagnostics targeting cancer and rare diseases. Outputs from this phase, including reports and case studies, are expected in Summer 2026 and will guide the design of phase three. Findings are also feeding into the National AI Commission’s work on shaping future regulatory frameworks. As AI Airlock expands, it continues to play a central role in strengthening collaboration between regulators and industry, supporting safe innovation while maintaining a robust and future-ready regulatory environment for medical devices.

Alignment Efforts to Streamline Regulatory Pathways

The collaboration focuses on improving and aligning regulatory frameworks governing medical device approvals, with both agencies exploring mutual recognition mechanisms. These mechanisms are intended to allow partial acceptance of each other’s approval processes, reducing duplication and creating more efficient pathways for manufacturers operating across both markets.

Technical discussions are underway to identify areas where regulatory convergence can be implemented without compromising safety, quality, or effectiveness standards. While alignment will increase, both regulators will retain independent authority over final approvals.

According to Lawrence Tallon, the initiative will support faster and more efficient access to advanced medical technologies, reinforcing regulatory efficiency within both healthcare ecosystems.

Policy and Trade Integration

The regulatory developments are closely tied to wider policy changes under the US-UK partnership. The US has lifted tariffs on pharmaceuticals and medical technologies imported from the UK for at least three years, reducing trade barriers and strengthening cross-border supply chains.

In parallel, the UK has outlined plans to increase pharmaceutical spending to 0.6% of GDP by 2035, signalling long-term investment in healthcare innovation. The UK’s pharmaceutical sector, which contributes £28.5 billion annually and exports nearly £21 billion in drug products, underpins this strategic direction.

Operational Impact on Healthcare Systems

From a healthcare management perspective, accelerated medical device approvals are expected to influence system-level operations:

• Shorter timelines for adoption of new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies
• Reduced regulatory complexity for cross-border technology deployment
• Greater predictability in procurement and capital planning
• Enhanced access to innovative MedTech solutions

The UK’s MedTech sector, employing over 195,000 people, stands to benefit from improved regulatory clarity and faster routes to market. Lord Vallance noted that the partnership strengthens regulatory leadership while supporting innovation uptake.

Strategic Implications for Market Access

Industry bodies including the Association of British HealthTech Industries and techUK have highlighted that regulatory alignment will provide more predictable pathways for innovators, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.

As observed by HHM Global, the initiative reflects a broader shift toward globally connected regulatory systems, where harmonisation reduces friction in bringing new technologies to market while maintaining high safety standards.

Outlook

Ongoing technical work between the MHRA and FDA will determine the scope of future alignment and mutual recognition frameworks. Any resulting agreements will remain subject to stringent regulatory requirements, ensuring that safety and performance benchmarks are upheld.

The advancement of medical device approvals alignment marks a significant step toward more integrated healthcare systems, with implications for regulatory efficiency, procurement strategies, and innovation adoption.

Through the LIFTT Initiative, both organizations intend to highlight challenges tied to continuity of care and access to specialized expertise, particularly for underserved patient groups. LIFTT will mobilize supporters, inform policymakers, and engage health systems to enhance our national strategy for interstate telehealth on behalf of patients nationwide, said Helen Hughes, M.D., medical director of Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Office of Telemedicine, in the announcement. The ATA has been a driving force in promoting telehealth at both the federal and state levels. We are thrilled to partner to transform telehealth through targeted federal licensure solutions. The program positions telehealth licensure reform as a critical step toward enabling seamless healthcare delivery beyond geographic boundaries.

Despite what has been described as incremental progress over the past decade, regulatory change remains fragmented due to state-by-state licensure requirements, according to Johns Hopkins Telemedicine resources. Temporary policy relaxations introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic helped expand virtual care access, but many states have since reinstated stricter frameworks, complicating cross-state treatment. These constraints disproportionately affect patients requiring specialized care, including those with rare diseases, cancer, transplant needs, and individuals in rural communities.

The initiative aims to establish federal mechanisms that complement, rather than override, state-level governance. State-specific licensure rules restrict patients from accessing essential healthcare services, especially specialized care, and create unnecessary obstacles to cross-state collaboration, said Kyle Zebley, ATA CEO, in the announcement. Federal oversight can establish a cohesive strategy for telehealth access nationwide, while respecting local governance structures. Zebley also indicated that a complementary effort aligned with the initiative is in development, with further details expected in the near future.

The transaction carries a total value of approximately $140m, including assumed liabilities. Merit paid $90m in cash at closing, while the remaining $50m will be disbursed in two deferred payments of $25m each, scheduled no later than the first and second anniversaries of the closing date. With the integration of View Point’s capabilities, Merit is broadening its offering in oncology procedures that require precise tumour localisation and imaging support.

View Point Medical is known for manufacturing the OneMark detection imaging system along with OneMark tissue markers. Cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration, the OneMark platform combines a surgical detection console with ultrasound-enhanced tissue markers. These markers are designed to remain visible across standard imaging modalities after placement, while also minimising interference during imaging procedures. When used alongside Merit’s SCOUT platform, the system may reduce the need for additional pre-surgical procedures to identify tumour locations.

From 1 April 2026 through 31 December 2026, Merit expects the acquisition to generate between $2m and $4m in revenue, while reducing previously forecast non-GAAP earnings per share by $0.05. Over the 12 months ending 31 December 2027, revenue contribution is projected to reach between $14m and $16m, with the deal anticipated to become accretive to non-GAAP earnings per share.

Merit Medical Systems president and CEO Martha Aronson said: “This acquisition expands Merit’s portfolio of therapeutic oncology products dedicated to the accurate diagnosis and localisation of breast and soft tissue tumours.

“View Point’s unique ultrasound-enhanced technology offers a highly innovative solution to localise more lesions at the time of biopsy – representing an estimated 1.3 million procedures annually in the US alone.”

Financial advisory services for the deal were provided by Piper Sandler, while legal counsel was handled by Baker & McKenzie.

At the operational level, the BD® Pyxis™ Pro Dispensing Solution is engineered to improve how medications are stored, accessed, and managed within hospital environments. Its modular, stackable design allows for increased storage capacity within the same physical footprint, accommodating both refrigerated and ambient medications. This approach supports healthcare systems in adapting to shifting patient needs while maintaining consistent medication availability. Enhanced security features such as RFID badge scanning, wireless barcode scanners, and illuminated bins aim to strengthen controlled substance management and simplify medication retrieval processes. In this context, the AI medication dispensing system is positioned as a tool to reduce inefficiencies and disruptions across clinical workflows.

The expansion also includes plans to extend the AI-enabled BD Incada™ Analytics platform already established in the United States to European hospitals and health systems next year. Built on Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) on-demand cloud computing infrastructure, the BD Incada™ Platform integrates advanced AI capabilities, including natural language search in analytics. The system is designed to scale alongside the data generated by nearly three million connected BD devices, offering clinicians enterprise-wide visibility into medication inventory through customizable dashboards. These capabilities support pattern identification, improved medication availability, reduced waste, and enhanced labor efficiency.

To address regional requirements, BD will utilize the AWS European Sovereign Cloud, enabling EU healthcare systems to meet digital sovereignty standards while maintaining performance, security, and scalability. “BD’s innovations in medication management are setting a new standard for unified, data-driven healthcare operations,” said Esteban Rossi, vice president and general manager for Medication Management Solutions, EMEA at BD. “Delivering the BD® Pyxis™ Pro Dispensing Solution and BD® Incada™ Platform directly to European hospitals empowers our customers to strengthen medication availability, improve efficiency and enhance patient care.” The Pyxis™ Pro Dispensing Solution is expected to be deployed across Europe in the coming months, with support for 15 languages.

The Asurys system can be integrated with the LithoVue Elite single-use digital flexible ureteroscope, enabling real-time monitoring of intrarenal pressure. When paired, physicians can directly control irrigation from the scope handle, streamlining procedural workflows. The platform also includes an on-demand flush feature, activated via the ureteroscope, allowing repositioning of stones without requiring manual irrigation or assistance from support staff. Beyond ureteroscopy, the system is indicated for use in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), cystoscopy, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) procedures.

Boston Scientific indicated that a limited market release of the Asurys system in the US will begin in the coming days. The company emphasised the system’s ability to respond dynamically to procedural requirements, particularly in maintaining irrigation efficiency while controlling pressure levels.

Boston Scientific Urology chief medical officer Dr Ronald Morton said: “Based on feedback gathered through our work with urologists, we know measuring and managing intrarenal pressure (IRP) while maintaining irrigation flow for visualisation is increasingly important.

“Until now, there has not been a system that can automatically respond to IRP data in real-time. The Asurys fluid management system can automatically regulate irrigation inflow to help minimise the potential of exceeding physician-selected IRP settings.”

Earlier this year, Boston Scientific also reported data outlining the benefits of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapies within its neuromodulation portfolio.

The combination is expected to bring together Bioniq’s biomarker-based formulation approach with Pro2col’s digital health application and Link BioSciences’ processing of biometrics, biomarkers, lifestyle data, DNA, and application-derived inputs. Herbalife states that these additions will enable it to provide a broader portfolio of customized supplements across multiple delivery formats, reinforcing its positioning in personalized nutrition at scale.

“The future of health and wellness is becoming more personalized and informed by data,” says Stephan Gratziani, Herbalife CEO. “By combining Bioniq’s personalized supplement technology with Pro2col and the power of our global distributor network, we are expanding our ability to deliver personalized wellness at a global scale.”

The transaction is expected to close in Q2 of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The company plans to introduce Bioniq’s solutions to customers in the US and select European markets later this year through its distributor network.

Bioniq’s platform combines a patented personalization framework, individual health data, and a proprietary biomarker database to generate supplement formulations suited to a wide spectrum of users, from general consumers to high-performance athletes. “I founded Bioniq in 2019 with a vision to help people optimize their well-being through a science-driven approach to nutrition that incorporates biomarker and lifestyle data,” says Vadim Fedotov, founder and president of Bioniq. “I am excited to join Herbalife with its global distributor network and commitment to advancing wellness at scale.”

Herbalife has also secured a call option to acquire Bioniz LAB, a platform focused on small molecules and peptides, enabling evaluation of longer-term opportunities. Cristiano Ronaldo, a nutrition partner of Herbalife and shareholder in Bioniq, supports the strategy. “Throughout my career, biometrics and personalized nutrition have been central to helping me perform and compete at the highest level,” says Ronaldo. “I’ve experienced firsthand how a tailored approach to nutrition can help optimize performance.” He adds, “I’m delighted to see Bioniq’s personalized supplements become part of Herbalife’s expanding access to nutritional supplements, helping people take a more informed approach to their health, wellness, and performance.”

The deal comes amid continued consolidation across the nutrition sector. Danone recently agreed to acquire Huel to expand its functional nutrition offering, while Lone Star Funds announced plans to acquire the Capsules & Health Ingredients division of Lonza Group. In parallel, Darling Ingredients and Tessenderlo Group combined collagen and gelatin operations into a new entity expected to generate US$1.5 billion in revenue.