Ah. I was waiting for an explanation of an entry in HHS’s breach tool about a Long Island chiropractic practice incident that impacted 1,200 patients. Here it is, below. I’m pleased to see that the doctor is now removing some identity information from the system. I wish more practices would do that.
This Notice of Potential Breach of Personal Information is provided pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (collectively, “HIPAA”)
Dr. Elliot J. Martin Chiropractic PC
273 I.U Willets Rd
Albertson, NY 11507And
161 Willis Ave
Mineola NY 11501
(11/15/2016 – 3/5/2016)3/14/2016
Dear patient or former patient;
I regret to inform you that our practice has discovered a potential breach of your protected health information. I became aware of this potential breach on 2/19/2016. Someone may have remotely gained access to our system between 2/11/16 and 2/19/16. The information which may have been accessed could include your; name, address, social security number, date of birth, diagnosis, driver’s license, credit card, laboratory findings and or other information stored on the office computer.
I advise you to immediately take the following steps:
• Call the toll-free numbers of any of the three major credit bureaus (below) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This can help prevent an identity thief from opening additional accounts in your name. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will automatically be notified to place alerts on your credit report, and all three bureaus will provide you a copy of your credit report free of charge.
Equifax: (888)766-0008; www.fraudalerts.equifax.com. General: (800) 685-1111, www.equifax.com, P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241.
Experian: (888) 397-3742; https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html. General: (888)EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; 475 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
TransUnion: (800) 680-7289 (888-909-8872 for freeze); http://www.transunion.com/personal-credit/credit-disputes/fraud-alerts.page; TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance Department, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022-2000. General: (800) 680-7289; www.transunion.com; P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022-2000• Order your credit reports. By establishing a fraud alert, you will receive a follow-up letter that will explain how you can receive a free copy of your credit report. When you receive your credit report, examine it closely and look for signs of fraud, such as credit accounts that are not yours.
• Continue to monitor your credit reports. Even though a fraud alert has been placed on your account, you should continue to monitor your credit reports to ensure an imposter has not opened an account with your personal information.
There is an ongoing investigating as to how this potential breach may have occurred. I have discussed the breach with our internet provider, computer technician, and the Nassau County Police. As required under HIPAA, a breach report has been filed with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at the Department of Health and Human Services.
To protect against such breaches in the future we recently upgraded our security standards. I have changed passwords on all of our computers, changed the office protocols with respect to accessing the Internet, and we are using an encrypted credit card protocol. I am also having some of the personal identity information we maintain, removed from the system.
I apologize for the stress and worry this situation may cause you. The office is committed to keeping your information safe and assures you we are doing everything possible to maintain your trust in our practice.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about this incident or if you need additional information on what you should do as a result of the breach, at [email protected], our phone number 516-873-7966, or by mail at office in Albertson.
Sincerely,
Elliot J. Martin DC
President,
Elliot J Martin Chiropractic PC