Pharmacies Face Insurance Claims Transmission Delays After Cyberattack
Pharmacies Struggle with Insurance Claims
Many pharmacies in the U.S. are experiencing difficulties transmitting insurance claims for their patients following a cyberattack on Change Healthcare. The American Pharmacists Association reported that this issue is leading to delays in filling prescriptions, causing significant disruptions in the healthcare system.
UnitedHealth Group’s Change Healthcare Affected
UnitedHealth Group’s Change Healthcare, a healthcare billing and data systems provider, disclosed a cyberattack that has impacted the ability of pharmacies to process insurance claims. The disruptions are expected to persist through Friday, affecting pharmacies nationwide and creating backlogs of prescriptions.
Pharmacy Chains and Independent Pharmacies Affected
Major pharmacy chains like CVS Health and Walgreens have also felt the effects of the cyberattack, with independent pharmacies reporting similar challenges. The outage has persisted for several days, causing frustration and uncertainty among pharmacy owners and managers.
Challenges for Pharmacies
Pharmacy manager Ashley Moose from North Carolina shared her experience of dealing with the transmission issues caused by the cyberattack. Despite efforts from UnitedHealth’s Optum unit to resolve the situation, pharmacies continue to face obstacles in processing insurance claims and serving their patients.
Call for Patient Cooperation
The American Pharmacists Association advised patients to check with their pharmacies before visiting to ensure smooth service. While not all pharmacies are affected, the situation is causing stress for pharmacy personnel and patients alike. The association emphasized the importance of patience and understanding during this challenging time.