Healthcare giant’s data breach hinders patient access to insurance, prescriptions.

TLDR:

– A cyberattack on healthcare tech giant Change Healthcare caused disruptions in access to medications across the country.
– The attack affected pharmacies and hospital systems in central North Carolina including Duke, UNC, and Cape Fear Valley Health.

Change Healthcare disconnected its system to prevent further attacks. The cyberattack impacted the processing of insurance claims, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs for patients. The pharmacy at Cape Fear Valley Health Medical Center in Fayetteville was among the affected facilities, and patients expressed frustration over the situation. While the issue was believed to be specific to Change Healthcare, the company emphasized the need for better monitoring and security against cyber threats. Cape Fear Valley Health advised patients to contact their pharmacies with any concerns.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of healthcare systems to cyberattacks and the potential impact on patient care and costs. It underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive medical information and ensure continuous access to essential healthcare services.