US Healthcare facilities work really hard to maintain the highest standard of patient care while relying on some critical systems to keep the data safe and information flowing. Change Healthcare is one such system that provides healthcare technology solutions. It is part of Optum and owned by UnitedHealth Group, processes about half of medical claims in the U.S. for about 900,000 doctors, 118,000 dentists, 33,000 pharmacies, 5,500 hospitals, and 600 laboratories, according to figures from 2022.
In February 2024, Change Healthcare was breached by a Russia-based ransomware group. A substantial quantity of data too was taken from Change Healthcare. The attack disrupted the billing and other systems and precipitated a severe financial crisis within the U.S. healthcare sector. A survey by the AMA revealed the devastating financial impact of the Change Healthcare cyberattack on medical practices.
- 80% of physicians reported lost revenue from unpaid claims.
- Over half used personal funds to cover expenses.
- Many practices faced closures and appointment cancellations.
- 39% have not been able to obtain electronic remittance advice.
In the wake of this event, Talisman Solutions, a healthcare technology company with over two decades of experience, played a crucial role in helping providers navigate the disruptions caused by the Change Healthcare cyberattack with the following methodologies.
- Emergency Claim Processing: Talisman quickly switched to manual claim processing to ensure timely submissions, despite the system outage.
- Alternative Clearinghouse Partnerships: By partnering with alternative clearinghouses, Talisman bypassed the affected systems and continued processing claims efficiently.
- Technical Support: Talisman’s team provided technical support to help providers implement emporary solutions and maintain their operations.
- Regular Updates and Communication: Open communication with providers kept them informed and provided guidance on navigating the challenges.
- Payer Coordination: Talisman coordinated with payers to ensure smooth claim processing and timely payments.
- EFT/ERA Enrollment Assistance: Talisman identified suitable alternative clearinghouses for EFT and ERA transactions and assisted providers with the enrollment process.
Through these efforts, Talisman Solutions proved to be a valuable asset to healthcare providers during the crisis, minimizing disruptions to patient care and financial stability.
The cyberattack on Change Healthcare caused significant disruption in the U.S. healthcare sector. Talisman Solutions played a pivotal role in mitigating the impact by swiftly implementing best measures that are often followed as a part of medical information security. This response highlighted the mportance of immediate action in maintaining service continuity during such emergencies.
Don’t let another cyberattack or natural disaster cripple your healthcare facility. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how to safeguard your patients and your bottom line.
Regards,
Aditi Nanda
President & CEO
Talisman Solutions, Inc
P: 1-(888) 617-9894
F: 1-(866) 580-9174
E: [email protected]
W: www.talismansolutions.com
