Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, suffered: ransomware attack In late February, billing operations were disrupted across the country.
Change manages payment systems for U.S. payers, providers and patients, the Justice Department wrote in a 2022 court filing. half of all medical claims In the country.
according to investigation From the American Hospital Association, 80% of hospitals They say their cash flow has been affected by the attack on Change.
HHS announced an investigation into the incident on Tuesday.
“Given the unprecedented scale of this cyberattack and in the best interests of patients and healthcare providers, OCR has begun an investigation into this incident,” the agency said in a statement.
“OCR’s investigation of Change Healthcare and UHG will focus on whether a breach of protected health information occurred and Change Healthcare and UHG’s compliance with HIPAA regulations.”
Secretary Xavier Becerra and Deputy Commissioner Andrea Palm He also met with leaders from the medical community this week to consider steps to limit the damage caused by the attack.
When asked for comment, UHG said in a statement that it would “cooperate with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigation.” Our immediate focus is to restore systems, protect data, and support those whose data may have been affected. We are working with law enforcement to determine the scope of affected data. ”
