Intuitive Surgical has become the centre of a healthcare demand debate after its shares fell sharply following its latest results. The company reported slower growth in US robot-assisted procedures and warned that insurance coverage, premiums and patient affordability could influence treatment timing.

Many procedures performed with Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci systems are not emergencies. Patients may postpone them when deductibles rise, slowing procedure growth, recurring instrument sales and servicing revenue.

Winners

Managed-care insurers

Names: $UNH (UnitedHealth Group), $CI (The Cigna Group), $HUM (Humana)

Why they may win: If patients delay expensive surgeries, insurers may pay fewer claims. Lower medical utilisation can improve medical cost ratios and support profitability. Lower enrolment or policy ch ...