The American Medical Association (AMA) has responded to UnitedHealth Group's (UHG) confirmation of stolen data from Change Healthcare, expressing appreciation for the efforts made to contain the damage caused by the breach. AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H., emphasized the importance of UHG fulfilling its promises to assist those affected.
Physicians, particularly those in small practices, have been significantly impacted by the cyberattack on Change Healthcare. Dr. Ehrenfeld highlighted the challenges faced by these practices, including suspended claim payments and difficulties in submitting claims or verifying benefits. He urged UHG to address these issues promptly to support the affected patients and physicians.
The cyberattack on Change Healthcare has highlighted the cybersecurity challenges in the healthcare sector. The AMA emphasized the need for physicians to stay informed and enhance their cybersecurity capabilities to combat the growing cyber risks. The association is providing resources and training to help physicians navigate cybersecurity threats effectively.
In response to the incident, the AMA continues to advocate for support from Congress to ensure that physician practices have the necessary resources to withstand such cybersecurity crises in the future. Dr. Ehrenfeld stressed the importance of prioritizing physicians' financial security and reforming the Medicare payment system to maintain quality patient care.
The AMA remains committed to supporting physicians through timely updates, tools, and resources to enhance cybersecurity measures in clinical settings. The association's efforts aim to assist physicians in safeguarding their practices and continuing to deliver essential care to their patients.
