March 8, 2024 at 08:57AM
UnitedHealth Group, parent company of Change Healthcare, has restored pharmacy services following a BlackCat ransomware attack. Systems are being aggressively restored, with electronic prescribing and payment transmission now fully functional. Electronic payment functionality will return on March 15, while medical claims systems will begin testing on March 18. Provider and payer clients are advised to use workarounds.
Key points from the meeting notes:
– Change Healthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, has restored pharmacy services disrupted by a BlackCat ransomware attack.
– The company is aggressively working on restoring systems and services, with a focus on electronic prescribing, claim submission, and payment transmission.
– Electronic payment functionality is expected to be restored on March 15, while systems related to medical claims will begin testing on March 18.
– Workarounds have been established for provider and payer clients to navigate the current environment.
– The cyberattack had a significant impact on the US health system, affecting over 7,000 pharmacies and hospitals.
– The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced actions to assist impacted healthcare providers.
– The BlackCat ransomware group reportedly received a $22 million ransom payment and refused to share the proceeds with the affiliate who perpetrated the intrusion.
– Other related ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure organizations and companies like Thyssenkrupp and LoanDepot have been highlighted.