Change Healthcare Attack: Most Significant in US History, Nevada Hospitals Struggle

The cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a healthcare data firm, is being called the “most significant and consequential” in American history by the American Hospital Association. Hospitals nationwide are facing disruptions in communication, patient care, and revenue.

Nevada Hospitals In Limbo

While Nevada hospitals can still provide medical treatment, communication systems with partners remain down. This issue affects patient care at 74% of surveyed hospitals nationally, with workarounds for prior authorization only being 11% effective.

Financial Strain

The financial impact is severe, with 66% of hospitals reporting revenue losses exceeding $1 million daily. Nevada has been particularly impacted, with home healthcare workers missing paychecks for months. Home health agencies fear closure due to delayed Medicaid payments.

The National Association of Medicaid Directors warns that safety net providers nationwide are struggling to make payroll and may be forced to shut down.

Limited Restoration, Long Recovery

Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth, processes prescriptions. While pharmacy networks and electronic payments were restored on Friday, full recovery will take weeks or months. Sorting out eligibility and claims will be a lengthy process.

Investigations and Resources

Change Healthcare is expected to face a large-scale federal investigation. Nevada Medicaid is providing an email address, nevadaprovidertraining@gainwelltechnologies.com, for healthcare providers facing financial hardship.

Credits: Fox5vegas