The impending overhaul of the US organ transplant system

When it comes to technology, it’s no secret healthcare still has a long way to go. It’s the reason so many of us are excited about building, advising, and investing in emerging health tech companies. But looking back at the last couple decades, we also have to appreciate just how far the industry has come… at least in aggregate.

That said, there are some discrete pockets of healthcare that have been completely left behind. One notable and largely under-appreciated one is the organ transplant space. And each year, those shortcomings are costing tens of thousands of lives and driving billions of dollars in dialysis costs to taxpayers.

Luckily, things are starting to change as awareness of and scrutiny over the problems grow. The last several years, in particular, have been characterized by unprecedented and continually rising pressure to effectuate substantial legislative and regulatory reform. And now with HHS’ recent announcement, the powder keg finally seems to be erupting.