A cyberattack has impacted IT systems at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, forcing the closure of all clinics statewide. The attack, which began this morning, has disrupted access to the provider’s electronic medical records system, Epic, hindering doctors’ ability to access necessary patient health information.
Impact on Patient Care
All outpatient and ambulatory surgeries and imaging appointments have been cancelled and will be rescheduled. But, hospital and emergency services remain open and are operating under “downtime procedures.” The attack also affects administrative functions, including billing and access to the hospital’s websites. Many hospital and clinical phone numbers are currently unable to take calls.
The nature of the cyberattack was not immediately clear in initial reports. Authorities have been notified, and a full assessment of the situation is underway.
What’s Next?
It is currently unclear how long the situation will last. A possible next step is for the University of Mississippi Medical Center to determine whether patient or credit card information was compromised. Officials have stated it is too early to determine the full extent of the breach. System restoration will likely require careful risk assessments before IT systems are brought back online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What systems are affected?
The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s IT systems are affected, including access to its electronic medical records system, Epic. Phones, billing, and the hospital’s websites are also impacted.
Are emergency services still available?
Yes, hospital and emergency services remain open and are operating under “downtime procedures.”
What is being done to address the situation?
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is working to assess the extent of the attack and restore its systems and services. A press conference is scheduled to discuss the cyberattacks.
As the University of Mississippi Medical Center works to resolve this cyberattack, what steps can individuals take to protect their personal health information online?
