March 8, 2024 at 09:39AM
Change Healthcare has begun the process of recovering from the ransomware attack by restoring its electronic prescription services. The first services are live, with more expected in the coming weeks. The outage has impacted healthcare providers, leading to payment issues. The ransomware gang responsible may be closing down, possibly in an exit scam.
From the meeting notes, we can conclude that Change Healthcare has made progress in recovering from the ransomware attack in February. Their electronic prescription services have been brought back online, with electronic prescribing now fully functional and claim submission and payment transmission available.
UnitedHealth Group, the owner of Change Healthcare, has confirmed that other systems are expected to return in the coming weeks. Electronic payments are set to return from March 15 onwards, while systems for managing medical claims will begin coming back online in the week beginning March 18.
In response to the cash flow issues experienced by hospitals, doctors, and pharmacies due to the electronic payment system outages, the Department of Health and Human Services has relaxed rules around Medicare to allow affected stakeholders to claim advance funding.
Additionally, UnitedHealth Group has introduced a new iEDI claim submission system as a workaround until the usual systems are fully operational.
It appears that the ransomware gang responsible for the attack, ALPHV/BlackCat, may be closing down, potentially involving an exit scam to hide underground. Despite claims of law enforcement involvement, agencies such as the UK’s National Crime Agency, Europol, and the FBI have denied any role in the shutdown.
Overall, Change Healthcare is actively working towards resolving the impact of the ransomware attack, and efforts are being made to address the consequences for the healthcare system and its stakeholders.