Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health updated its website with a statement on Nov. 9 regarding its recent ransomware attack. The organization says that providers in the majority of markets now have access to their EHRs across the CommonSpirit Health system, including at hospitals and clinics.
We reported on Oct. 17 that CommonSpirit Health, which has 140 hospitals across 21 states and more than 1,000 facilities, had been experiencing an “IT security issue," as mainstream media outlets have been reporting. Journalists began reporting the incident on Monday, Oct. 3, and updated information categorized the incident as a ransomware attack. CommonSpirit is the second-largest nonprofit health system in the U.S.
The statement says that “As previously shared, our teams continue to work diligently to bring systems online and restore full functionality as quickly and safely as possible.”
The statement adds that the majority of patients can now receive their medical histories through the patient portal. The organization is working to restore appointment scheduling functionality to the portal in cases where that feature exists and, in the meantime, patients should directly contact their provider’s office to schedule appointments.
“We care deeply about our patients and regret any challenges or frustration they may have experienced as a result of this incident,” the statement adds. “Thank you to our patients, providers, staff and partners as we continue navigating the response and restoration process.”
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