The research analyzed Medicare data and is currently limited to patients 65 and older who are in the hospitals during a ransomware attack.
Cyberattacks can disrupt care for weeks and cost hospitals millions. Attacks have more than doubled between 2016 and 2021, exposing tens of millions of patients’ health information and forcing facilities to divert and delay care. Within the first week of an attack, hospital volume falls by 17% to 25%, the research found.
The findings confirm hospitals’ worst fears, NPR said, but they might push the industry and government to make substantial changes. Some advocates are asking policymakers to set minimum cybersecurity requirements for hospitals and offer financial assistance to smaller or more rural facilities that may not have the resources to comply.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
