Physicians Push for Solutions Amid National Cyberattack Jeopardizing Healthcare

March 19, 2024

PHOENIX, Arizona — A cyberattack on one of the country's largest medical technology companies has sent Arizona's healthcare system reeling, and the Arizona Medical Association is pushing local insurance providers, regulatory agencies, and government officials to create immediate solutions.

Following the cyberattack on Change Healthcare's network, healthcare systems nationwide have been unable to complete routine operations required by insurers, including prior authorization approvals and insurance eligibility checks. Most crucially, local physician practices have reported weeks without payment from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and private insurance companies.

"For physicians running their practice from paycheck-to-paycheck, which is too common of a reality, the recent cyberattack is nothing less than a crisis," stated William C. Thompson IV, MD, FASA, president of ArMA. "Private physician practices are already strained by economic inflation, Medicare cuts, and the lingering financial impacts of the pandemic. Now, many independent practices — especially those serving a large number of AHCCCS patients — are strategizing on how to keep the lights on, as the attack has blocked timely payments for physicians from insurers."

With no payments for services from insurers, physician clinics have reported maintaining operations and payrolls through reserve or personal funds, a temporary and unsustainable solution. Left unremedied, the cyberattack's rippling impacts may force doctors’ offices to close their doors forever.

ArMA is urging local government to take swift action and provide relief to Arizona's healthcare system. In letters sent to Governor Katie Hobbs, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, and the Arizona Department of Insurance & Financial Institutions, ArMA outlined potential solutions, including:


  • Urging commercial payers to provide advanced payments to physician practices
  • Requiring insurer plans to suspend all prior authorization requirements
  • Temporarily waiving any filing deadlines for claims and appeals
  • Allowing the submission of paper claims



"Everyone’s top priority should be minimizing disruptions to patient care," shared Libby De Bie, CEO of ArMA. "The healthcare community is doing everything in its power to prioritize Arizonans' health. Now, we are asking local officials and insurer plans to do the same."

The Change Healthcare Cyberattack, which began on February 21, 2024, is the largest and most consequential cyberattack in the nation's history. It is estimated that the incident has impacted more than 90% of U.S. hospitals and resulted in more than $6 billion in delayed payments, according to Becker's Health IT.

ADHS Issues Standing Orders for Flu, COVID-19 Vaccine Access

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
Statewide orders keep pharmacists and physicians authorized to vaccinate Arizonans amid uncertainty over the next ACIP meeting. Statewide Orders Cover the 2026-27 Flu & COVID Season The Arizona Department of Health Services has issued statewide standing orders supporting access to the 2026-27 influenza and COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Arizonans seeking a flu or COVID-19 vaccine should contact their physician or pharmacy to confirm availability. Why the Orders Were Issued Arizona pharmacists may administer vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for international travel, or vaccines authorized under a prescription, including a physician-issued public health standing order. With the timing of the next ACIP meeting uncertain, ADHS worked with the Arizona Board of Pharmacy to issue statewide standing orders for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which function as a prescription allowing pharmacists and physicians across Arizona to administer them to anyone who wants one. ADHS Medical Advisor Weighs In "Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect our communities. The Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines help us limit the spread of disease, reduce pressure on our healthcare system and reduce costs," said Dr. Richard Carmona, ADHS public health medical advisor and the 17th U.S. Surgeon General. "We have issued these standing orders to ensure safe and timely access to the vaccines in alignment with scientific and evidence-based guidance." What Arizonans Should Know The standing orders do not require every pharmacy to offer vaccinations, and they do not guarantee insurance coverage for administration. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, so Arizonans should check with their insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. 

Arizona Asks Supreme Court to Halt Prison Health Care Takeover

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
State attorneys seek an emergency stay after lower courts reject bids to delay receivership of the prison health care system. State Makes a Last-Ditch Appeal Attorneys for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry asked the U.S. Supreme Court this week to delay a court-ordered receivership of the state's prison health care system. The request comes after both a federal district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to pause the takeover. In the recent application, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, a representative of the department, argued that the state deserves more time to make its case before surrendering control of its operations, including oversight of its employees and health care budget. Roots of the Case The dispute began in 2012 when inmates sued the department, alleging the prison system's inadequate medical, mental health, and dental care amounted to cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. The case went through years of litigation and a failed settlement agreement. In 2023, U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver ruled that the health care system was "grossly inadequate." The court ordered the prison healthcare system to comply with more than 150 "quality indicators," but according to court-appointed monitors, the department failed to comply with 131 of the measures. In light of this finding, Silver named Annette Chambers-Smith, former director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, to take over as receiver effective Oct. 19. Arguments on Both Sides Clement argues receivership should be the last resort and that Silver moved to it too quickly. He asserts that the department has made measurable progress, including growing its health care staffing by more than 50%, expanding substance-use treatment access, and adopting a new care model. Corene Kendrick, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project, which represents the roughly 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona prisons, called the department's request a "Hail Mary" and said Silver had given the department years of opportunities to comply before ordering receivership. What Happens Next The Supreme Court has not yet set a deadline for the plaintiffs to respond to the stay request. Separately, the 9th Circuit is now reviewing the merits of the receivership order itself. The department filed its opening brief on Sept. 15, and the plaintiffs' response is due Oct. 15. Information in this article was sourced from the Arizona Mirror .