Health System Bears Cost of Implants With No Warranties

via News Analysis – Makers of Artificial Joints Rarely Offer Warranties – NYTimes.com.

By BARRY MEIER

Published: April 2, 2010

In January, William R. Morris’s artificial hip, just three years old, was failing so badly that it had to be replaced during an extensive procedure that cost about $50,000.

Joshua Borough for The New York Times

William R. Morris had his three-year-old artificial hip replaced in January because it was failing. It was his third hip replacement since 2006.

The maker of the failed hip has since sent letters to Mr. Morris’s doctor, but none offering to cover replacement expenses for the device, which typically is expected to last 15 years.

via News Analysis – Makers of Artificial Joints Rarely Offer Warranties – NYTimes.com.