Kentucky-based Med Center Health mentioned that a former employee accessed certain patient billing information without permission. As per the reports, facility found out that on two instances the person “obtained certain billing information by creating the appearance that they needed the information to carry out their job duties for Med Center Health.”
“The evidence we have gathered to date suggests that the former employee intended to use these records to assist in the development of a computer-based tool for an outside business interest which had never been disclosed to Med Center Health officials,” Med Center Health explained in its letter, signed by CEO Connie Smith.
Person accessed the data and copied it on encrypted CD and encrypted USB drive. Facility mentioned that the data is not related to work responsibilities of the employee. Affected information included Social Security numbers, health insurance information, diagnoses and procedure codes, and charges for medical services. Patients medical records were not copied.
Patients who were treated at The Medical Center Bowling Green, The Medical Center Scottsville, The Medical Center Franklin, Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital, Cal Turner Rehab and Specialty Care and Medical Center EMS between 2011 and 2014 got impacted.
Law enforcement asked the facility to delay its data breach notification process.
“We sincerely apologize for any concern and inconvenience this incident may cause you,” the letter read. “We continue to review the incident and to take steps aimed at preventing similar actions in the future. Those actions include re-enforcing education with our staff regarding our strict policies and procedures in maintaining the confidentiality of patient information.”
Facility did not mention the number of individuals affected. It has established a dedicated call center to answer patients’ queries.
As per the statement, “We are offering credit monitoring and identity protection services to eligible patients and enrollment instructions are contained in the letters sent to the patients. We also recommend that you review the explanation of benefits that you receive from your health insurer. If you see services that you did not receive, please contact your health insurer immediately.”
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