Change Healthcare Cyberattack

The healthcare industry was struck by a significant cyberattack on February 21, 2024, targeting Change Healthcare, a key player in healthcare technology and billing. This event has sent ripples throughout the healthcare sector, particularly impacting medical billing processes.

In response to this crisis, the Healthcare Billing and Management Association (HBMA) convened an emergency meeting on February 28, 2024. Curt Anderson, Treasurer of HBMA and CEO of Medical Billing Management (MBM), participated in this meeting, focusing on developing both immediate and long-term strategies to address the challenges posed by this unprecedented situation.

UnitedHealthcare, the parent company of Change Healthcare, has been forthcoming about the severity of the cyberattack. They described it as a "suspected nation-state associated cybersecurity threat actor" infiltrating Change Healthcare's systems. UnitedHealthcare's response, while swift, indicated a potential delay in resolution, with some estimates suggesting a 6-8 week timeframe for full recovery. This acknowledgment of the attack's magnitude and the expected duration of service disruption has heightened concerns across the healthcare industry. 

The cyberattack has sparked widespread discussions about cybersecurity in healthcare. Experts are calling attention to the vulnerability of healthcare systems to sophisticated cyber threats and the need for enhanced security measures to protect sensitive patient data and critical healthcare operations.

Amidst this turmoil, MBM has emerged as a beacon of resilience and adaptability. Recognizing the critical need to maintain uninterrupted medical billing services, MBM reverted to a traditional yet reliable method: paper-based claim submissions. This approach, reminiscent of practices from a decade ago, is labor-intensive but essential to ensure that our healthcare providers do not face financial disruptions during this challenging period. We do this all while managing and maintaining our providers chosen RCM so critical reporting stays up to date.

Our dedicated team, consisting of skilled US-based employees with access to essential office equipment, including dedicated printers and fax machines, has been instrumental in implementing this solution. By leveraging our resources and expertise, MBM has been able to continue processing claims efficiently, showcasing our commitment to supporting our providers in every possible way.

This crisis has brought to light the challenges faced by many in the billing sector, particularly regarding infrastructure adaptations for electronic claim submissions. However, MBM stands out, leading the way through this period of confusion and uncertainty. We understand the critical nature of timely claim processing and are committed to doing everything in our power to support our providers. MBM's unique position and resourcefulness in these challenging times demonstrate our dedication to excellence in medical billing services.

If your organization is currently facing challenges with your billing processes due to the Change Healthcare cyberattack, MBM is here to help. We offer guidance and support, even if we are not your current billing service provider. In times of crisis, collaboration and support are paramount.