Ascension Healthcare is grappling with the aftermath of a significant ransomware attack that has disrupted its computer systems across hospitals and healthcare facilities in Michigan and 18 other states. The attack has forced the organization to switch to offline practices, significantly impacting operations and patient services.
Officials have not disclosed the full extent of the attack but have confirmed that employees have reverted to manual systems for patient documentation. This shift is leading to longer wait times for patients as healthcare workers adapt to the offline methods. Despite these challenges, Ascension assures that its doctor’s offices remain operational, though services are slower due to the manual processes.
In addition to the administrative hurdles, Ascension’s pharmacies are also affected. While pharmacies are open and able to fill prescriptions, patients are currently unable to pay with credit cards due to the compromised computer systems. This issue adds another layer of inconvenience for both patients and healthcare providers.
Ascension Healthcare is actively working to restore its systems and mitigate the impact of the ransomware attack. The organization is collaborating with cybersecurity experts to secure its networks and prevent further disruptions. Meanwhile, they are keeping patients informed about potential delays and alternative payment methods.
The attack on Ascension Healthcare highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats and underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive healthcare data and ensuring uninterrupted medical services.
