(Updated: Adds video and comments from medical billing companies and pharmacy services)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The recent cyber attack against Change Healthcare had a significant impact on many of the nation's health systems, including the High Desert.
Change, owned by UnitedHealth Group, processes 15 billion healthcare transactions annually and is involved in one in three patient records.
NewsChannel 21 previously spoke with Mosaic Community Health about how prescription orders have been delayed due to the attack.
“Right now, many pharmacies are unable to fill prescriptions,” said Melissa Brewster, Director of Pharmacy Services at Mosaic. “I know a lot of pharmacies across the country, and many of them are going out of business and having to switch prescription processing equipment.”
The inability to submit electronic claims has delayed payments for many facilities and physicians.
Michelle Lien, owner of Oregon Medical Billing and Coding Specialists, told NewsChannel 21, “That means we haven't been reimbursed for many services since February 21st. “No one knows when they will receive it. It's a trickle-down effect.” Not measurable. ”
According to Change Healthcare's website, Change Healthcare processes 15 billion transactions annually, representing a total of $1.5 trillion in health insurance claims.
Liang said it is working to re-register with other payment institutions, but that brings its own challenges.
“Due to the backlog, the process before an application can be submitted can take up to 90 days,” she explained. “As a result, many facilities and physicians in our communities across the country are not receiving paychecks right now.”
On Sunday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services acknowledged the issue in a press release.
“In particular, we urge UHG, other insurance companies, clearinghouses and healthcare providers to take additional steps to reduce the harm this attack causes to patients and healthcare providers, especially safety net providers. I ask.”
They are asking insurance companies to accept written claims, which were previously prohibited.
But Liang said: “It's going to take a while. And we probably won't have the staff to process the paperwork. It's going to take a long time. It's going to be a huge delay.”
HHS is also asking companies to provide interim payments to providers to help ease the financial burden.
There are reports that Change Healthcare paid a $22 million ransom, but this has not been publicly confirmed or denied by the company.
Change Healthcare said it expects services to be fully restored by mid-March.
related: U.S. government asks insurance companies to pay in advance after disruption caused by cyber attack
