The FBI is looking into a possible ransomeware attack against MedStar Health in Columbia, Md., according to MedCity News.
Here are five things to know:
1. The health system's electronic health records system and e-mail have been down since yesterday evening.
2. If officials deem the attack as ransomware, it will mark the largest attack on a U.S. healthcare network. MedStar encompasses 10 hospitals and more than 250 outpatient centers throughout Washington and Baltimore.
3. On Monday morning, a virus breached the health system's network, and hospitals started using paper record-keeping once the EHR system was taken down. Two Baltimore MedStar hospitals asked Maryland officials to stop sending ambulances.
4. After MedStar turned on the backup system, Good Samaritan Hospital and Union Memorial Hospital, both in Baltimore, reportedly removed the diversion orders. However, it is unclear whether the health system is back to full capacity.
5. Richard Alcorta, MD, medical director for Maryland's emergency medical services network, said he suspects ransomware.
More articles on practice management:
5 key notes on informed consent for physicians
Can house calls ease the pressure on hospital EDs? 3 things to know
4 thoughts on how millennials are changing the physician-patient relationship