**Cybersecurity Event Update**

Ascension is making steady progress in restoring and recovering from a recent ransomware attack, working closely with forensic experts from Mandiant and cybersecurity teams from Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 and CYPFER. Efforts are ongoing to safely and quickly bring systems back online and reconnect with vendors. Updates are regularly provided on their website and regional pages. Despite the disruption, Ascension remains committed to delivering quality patient care. Visitors are encouraged to check the website for the latest information on operational and recovery status. Thank you to patients and the community for their support during this challenging period.

Cybersecurity Event Update publication

Jefferson and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) have signed a definitive agreement to combine, forming a leading integrated academic health care system, research university, and not-for-profit health plan. Slated to be one of the Top 15 not-for-profit health systems in the U.S., the unified entity aims to enhance access to affordable care, improve clinical research, and expand health plan offerings in Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. The merger, expected to finalize later this summer, will integrate 30 hospitals and over 700 care sites, supported by more than 65,000 employees and foster new educational and clinical opportunities while addressing health inequities.

Jefferson, Lehigh Valley Health Network sign a definitive agreement to combine publication

Rod Hochman, MD, President and CEO of Providence, will retire at the end of 2024 after a 45-year career in healthcare, including nearly two decades with the Providence organization. Upon retirement, he will assume the role of CEO emeritus starting January 1, 2025. The search for his successor is currently underway. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Hochman has led significant expansions and innovations, including the formation of Truveta, advancements in environmental stewardship, and the establishment of Providence India. Reflecting on his impactful career, Dr. Hochman emphasized the importance of putting the organization's needs above personal interests during leadership transitions.

Providence CEO to retire Becker's Hospital Review

CommonSpirit Health, a Chicago-based healthcare system with 142 hospitals, is adopting a more assertive stance in its dealings with payers to ensure they share the financial impact of inflation and properly reimburse for services rendered. This strategic shift, highlighted in their recent financial documents, follows CommonSpirit's split with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Colorado, leaving 11 hospitals and over 40,000 patients out of network. CFO Dan Morissette has reported significant challenges, including unjust contract denials and delayed payments, especially within Medicare Advantage programs. CommonSpirit is also enhancing its revenue cycle management to better address issues related to clinical denials, documentation, underpayment review, and patient collections.

CommonSpirit takes 'firm stance' with payers Becker's Hospital Review