Ruleville-based North Sunflower Medical Center’s billing services says that after months of delays in billing due to the Change Healthcare cyberattack, the hospital’s systems are “back on track.” NSMC released a statement on social media this week, about 10 months after the February cyberattack. “Unfortunately, one of our largest business partners, the largest insurance clearinghouse in the country in fact, suffered a cyberattack from some criminals located overseas,” the statement said, “Which resulted in a business interruption right here in our town. Because we value your privacy, and didn’t want to take any chances, we immediately disconnected from them, even before they announced the attack. One of the many side effects of this has been that we’ve been unable to send your medical and dental insurance claims and statements since February 21, 2024.” Back in April, NSMC Executive Director Billy Marlow asked the Sunflower County Board of Supervisors to approve the request of a $9.5 million line of credit just in case the cyberattack caused more disruptions with the county-owned hospital’s cashflow. “Thankfully, after many months, we’ve been able to get things back on track,” the statement said. “Please excuse our delay in getting this bill out to you. It’s the last piece in a very large puzzle that we’ve had to put together.” Also last spring, the North Sunflower Medical Foundation made a $1 million gift to the hospital for cybersecurity efforts.
