Milstein predicts off-shore competition for nonurgent surgeries, such as major joint replacement and heart procedures, is going to start affecting U.S. prices.

FORBES: Outsourcing Your Health

That and other changes cut the distance a pharmacist walked to 800 feet and the 23-hour turnaround time for nonurgent bedside medicines to 5 hours.

FORBES: Special Surgery

The Veterans Administration, one of the biggest health care providers in the nation, is targeting up to six common surgeries for clinical trials, likely including back surgery and nonurgent gall bladder surgery.

FORBES: Is elective surgery overdone?

Analysts had praised Stryker and Mr. MacMillan for steady performance even as the market for orthopedics stalled amid ongoing government scrutiny and a slack economy that's prompted patients to delay nonurgent procedures, such as hip replacements.

WSJ: Behind a CEO's Departure: An Ouster or Resignation?