Change Healthcare hit by cyberattack

Photo: Weiquan Lin/Getty Images 

Change Healthcare is experiencing a cyberattack from an outside threat and its experts are working to address the matter, according to a statement from the company. 

"Once we became aware of the outside threat, in the interest of protecting our partners and patients, we took immediate action to disconnect our systems to prevent further impact. At this time, we believe the issue is specific to Change Healthcare and all other systems across UnitedHealth Group are operational. The disruption is expected to last at least through the day. We will provide updates as more information becomes available." 

Change discovered the threat on Wednesday. The healthcare technology company is owned by Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group.

Pharmacies nationwide are reporting delays to prescription orders due to the cyberattack, according to Fox Business. Change handles payment processes for healthcare providers and payers.

The cyberattack is affecting enterprise-wide connectivity issues, according to Reuters. 

Over 100 applications across dental, pharmacy, medical record, clinical, enrollment, patient engagement, revenue and payment services were listed as affected, according to SecurityWeek. Change has access to the medical records of roughly one third of patients in the United States, and handles billions of healthcare transactions per year, the report said.

Further details were not immediately available.

Change merged with Optum in October 2022 after a court ruled against an attempt by the Department of Justice to stop the merger.

Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org