The American Telehealth Association (ATA) is seeking clarification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding new telehealth billing rules that could impose significant financial burdens on healthcare systems, with estimates reaching an annual cost of $1 million for larger organizations. This regulation requires telehealth providers to bill separately for each location, including home addresses, which raises concerns over privacy and may push hospitals to pull part-time telehealth practitioners back on-site. As these rules are set to begin on January 1, 2026, the ATA is advocating for increased clarity to mitigate the potential administrative and financial challenges facing healthcare providers and ensure the ongoing viability of telehealth services.

Telehealth Billing Rule Sparks Privacy Concerns and Financial Strain Healthcare Finance News

A recent Zscaler report reveals a staggering 224% rise in cyberattacks targeting mobile devices in the healthcare sector over the past year, demonstrating heightened risks associated with increased connectivity in modern healthcare systems. This surge is part of a broader threat landscape affecting various critical infrastructure sectors, including energy and manufacturing. The findings underscore the urgent need for healthcare professionals to implement stronger cybersecurity measures, particularly as the prevalence of Android malware and malicious mobile applications continues to rise. As cybercriminals exploit the interconnected nature of healthcare technologies, safeguarding patient data and maintaining system integrity has never been more crucial.

Cyberattacks on Healthcare Mobile Devices Surge by 224%, Report Finds TechTarget

The U.S. Congress is seeking to reinstate the expired Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) of 2015, which is vital for facilitating cybersecurity information sharing among corporations and with federal agencies. The recently approved Senate legislation aims to extend CISA until January 30, 2026, reinstating legal protections that encourage firms to share cyber threat data without fear of liability or antitrust issues. Analysts warn that the gap in these protections during the recent government shutdown could threaten cybersecurity efforts, underscoring the law's role as a national security imperative. The House of Representatives is poised to vote on this measure soon, signaling potential bipartisan support for strengthening cybersecurity frameworks.

Congress Races to Reinstate Crucial Cybersecurity Information Sharing Protections BankInfoSecurity

A recent report from UpGuard reveals that over 80% of employees, including 90% of security professionals, are using unauthorized AI tools, also known as shadow AI, in their workplaces, posing substantial security risks. Almost half of those surveyed use these unapproved tools regularly, with less than 20% relying solely on company-sanctioned options. This trend is particularly concerning in industries like healthcare, where trust in AI tools is growing; about a quarter of employees view them as their most reliable information source, surpassing colleagues and even managers. The prevalence of shadow AI highlights the urgent need for organizations to implement robust policies and educational initiatives to manage AI use effectively and ensure data security.

Shadow AI Pervades Industries, Escalating Security Risks and Trust Issues Cybersecurity Dive