What do you do for work?

One morning while I was visiting my family, I had some time to go to breakfast with my aunt before heading back home and she asked me “What are you doing for work?”. As I began addressing what we do, she started shaking her head and said, “I have the Philips CPAP that’s recalled!” I couldn’t believe it. For the first time, I saw my work come to life and instantly had a plethora of questions for her.

Philips CPAP

In June 2021, Philips issued a voluntary recall notification for certain CPAP, BiPAP and Mechanical Ventilator devices. Let me mention, I had breakfast with my aunt on July 16^th, 2022, and to this day she still has her recalled Philips CPAP.

My aunt uses her CPAP machine every night and takes it with her everywhere she goes. I want to point out that my aunt is just ONE of THOUSANDS of people in the US and worldwide affected by this recall.

How did she find out her CPAP was recalled?

In July 2021, a month after the recall, my aunt’s husband was scrolling through the internet and came across an article that mentioned there was a recall on the Philips CPAP that she had. As soon as she came across the article, they searched for what to do next and registered her device with Philips.

How are they replacing her device?

In July 2021, when my aunt found out about her recall, she registered her device with Philips. As of August 2022, she is still on the waitlist and waiting for a new device. She has been on the waitlist for 13 months and they keep telling her “We are trying to get you a new machine as soon as possible”.

End of the Philips Recall?

It has been over a year since Philips issued a voluntary recall notification. Philips has announced that they aim to complete the repair and replacement program for the MAJORITY of their registered patients by December 2022. (https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/e/sleep/communications/src-update) It has taken over a year, and they predict it will take another 4 months to cover just most of their registered patients. What about the non-registered patients? People like my aunt aren’t being informed by their primary care physician or other healthcare professionals. Just like in the case of my aunt, many patients are finding out by chance while scrolling the internet or seeing a mention by the local news coverage. Currently, an end to this recall does not appear to be coming anytime soon.

About CAREier

CAREier is the healthcare customer relationship management (CRM) tool for medical devices facilitating better communication and outcomes. Led by healthcare regulatory expert, Ryan Bass, CAREier addresses the gap in current processes related to medical devices. Health systems are now required to be 2015 certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) compliant for their submission to Promoting Interoperability (formerly Meaningful Use Stage 3) and the new requirements allow for a first of its kind process and solution.

CAREier’s mission–and passion–is to facilitate the delivery of messages between hospitals, providers, device manufacturers, payors, regulators, and patients – thus impacting lives and making the world a healthier place for all. For more information, visit us at www.CAREier.com or contact us at (202) 571-6164 or Info@CAREier.com.