ASTRO continues to monitor the cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a business unit of Optum owned by the United Health Group (UHG). Over the weekend, CMS released a statement regarding the process for requesting accelerated or advance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers experiencing claims disruptions. The agency has also urged Medicare Advantage organizations to relax prior authorization and other utilization management during this time, and it has ensured that all the MAC’s are prepared to accept paper claims or to help facilitate providers changing clearinghouses they use.

The cyberattack has crippled claims processing and pharmacy services, resulting in a financial shortfall for many health care practices and disruptions for patients. The direct effect on radiation therapy treatments remains minimal at this time; however, many cancer patients have been impacted, which could delay treatments. Optum has provided resources for practices, including general updates from UHG and a temporary funding assistance program.

This incident is yet another example of the vulnerability of the health care system to cyberattacks and a reminder for clinics to review their cybersecurity protocols regularly.