Ep. 439 Navigating the Aftermath: Change Healthcare’s Cyberattack and Response with Dr. Robert Tahara

In this episode, guest host Dr. Krishna Mannava interviews Dr. Bob Tahara about the significant multilevel impacts, ripple effects, and fallout of cyberattacks on the healthcare industry, specifically covering the recent cyberattack that targeted major clearinghouse, Change Healthcare.

Dr. Tahara is a vascular surgeon practicing in rural northwest Pennsylvania and President of Outpatient Endovascular Interventional Society (OEIS). Dr. Tahara shares his experiences as a solo vascular surgeon in rural Pennsylvania, highlighting the complexities of modern billing systems, the advantages of hiring a quality billing company, and the challenges posed by the consolidation of clearinghouses. The conversation also delves into the alarming ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, where 6 terabytes of patient data were compromised. This incident exposed vulnerabilities across the healthcare sector, from payment processes to electronic medical and prescription records. The doctors underscore the importance of cybersecurity preparedness, diversification of clearinghouses, and the role of physicians in advocating for more secure and efficient healthcare systems. They also touch on personal hobbies like Kendo to manage stress.

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction

02:02 - Cyberattack on Change Healthcare: An Overview

06:37 - Impact of the Cyberattack on Healthcare Practices

09:50 - Understanding Clearinghouses in Healthcare Billing

14:30 - Fallout from the Cyber Attack: A Personal Account

16:40 - Navigating the Aftermath: Strategies and Solutions

22:54 - Value of Medical Records and Cybersecurity Measures

29:18 - Action Items and Advocacy for Physicians

35:00 - OEIS 2024 Meeting and Final Thoughts

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RESOURCES

OEIS Annual Meeting Schedule 2024:

https://oeisweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-AM-attendee-brochure-v4-FINAL-proof-lowres.pdf

BackTable Episode 349 - Cybersecurity for Physicians with Jason Newton, Esq:

https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/349/cybersecurity-for-physicians