Image by Cliff Hang from Pixabay
Written by Tanya Terry
McLaren Health Care has confirmed a technology disrupted the health system had previously reported was the result of a criminal cyberattack. An investigation about the matter, which originally caused problems to occur on Monday, August 5, is currently being conducted.
Although the chain’s $6.6 billion Grand Blanc-based system remains largely operational, the system had previously stated it had limited access to its systems. This led to rescheduling of some appointments, tests and treatments out of an abundance of precaution.
McLaren Health Care is at this time unsure of whether the hackers breached patient or employee data.
However, they are working to “…fully restore functionality” to the system.
McLaren has backup computers and boxes of paper medical forms in triplicate, according to said Betsy Lehner, president of Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), Local 459. In addition, the staff at McLaren receive training for downtime procedures. So, they were able to quickly move from electronic medical records to paper charting, as needed.
It was on Tuesday, August 5 that McLaren released a statement about what they called “a disruption” in their information technology system. The attack affected several tech systems, including the telephones. Thirteen hospitals in Michigan are part of the health care system.
McLaren’s emergency departments continued operating. According to McLaren, most procedures have gone forward. However, some non-emergency appointments, tests and treatments are being postponed.
McLaren said patients should plan to attend appointments unless they’re contacted about rescheduling.
- Patients are being asked bring the following information to appointments:
- A list of current medications or empty prescription bottles
- Printed physician orders for imaging studies or treatments
- A list of allergies
- Printed results of recent lab tests from the McLaren Health Care’s patient portal, McLaren Caro Region’s patient portal, McLaren Thumb Region’s patient portal or the patient portal for Karmanos.
McLaren says it is working to prevent supply chain disruptions and make sure insurance authorizations for needed care continue to be processed.
There have been several recent cyber attacks directed at health-related entities.
In June, Rite Aid reported a hacker impersonated a company employee at Rite Aid in order to gain access to its business system.
Just last month, hackers were able to access information through email accounts at Michigan Medicine (part of University Michigan).
