Denise M. Bowden, a board licensed acupuncturist, has become aware of a potential data security incident that may have resulted in the inadvertent exposure of some patients’ personal and health insurance information. Although at this time there is no evidence that patients’ information was actually accessed or viewed, or any indication of actual misuse of anyone’s information, Ms. Bowden has taken steps to notify any patients who may have been affected by this incident. This includes sending letters to anyone whose information might have been exposed.
On April 30, 2018, Ms. Bowden discovered that her Pacific Heights office had been burglarized and a computer was stolen. She immediately reported the incident to law enforcement and has been cooperating with their investigation. Although the computer was password protected, it contained patients’ names, addresses, contact information, dates of service and diagnosis codes. Fortunately, Social Security Numbers or financial/billing information were not involved in this incident.
At this time there is no evidence that the unauthorized party actually accessed or viewed any patient information and Ms. Bowden is not aware of any misuse of patient information. Notification letters mailed on June 11, 2018, include additional information about what occurred and a toll-free number that patients can call to learn more about the incident. The call center is available Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific, and can be reached at 1-800-939-4170.
The privacy and protection of patient information is a top priority for Denise Bowden, who is very sorry for the inconvenience or concern this incident may cause.
A notification was also sent to the California Attorney General’s Office because more than 500 California residents were affected.
The total number of patients affected was not disclosed in the notice to the state or the notification on the site.
NYDOCS01-#9077761-v1-Denise-Bowden---AG-Notification-Letter---CA_0