Key Points:
- UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty testified before Congress, apologizing for the cybersecurity attack on Change Healthcare, which is described as the biggest cybersecurity disruption in American healthcare history. He spoke for over two hours about the incident and the company’s response.
- The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) commended Congress for scrutinizing UnitedHealth, criticizing the insurer for its “slow and inadequate” response to the cyberattack, which left many healthcare practices struggling.
- The AGA also expressed frustration with UnitedHealth’s prior authorization requirements and barriers to care, particularly highlighting the impact on timely access to essential procedures like colonoscopies and endoscopies in the context of rising colorectal cancer rates among Americans under 50.