Massive breach impacts 729K patients

The theft of two laptops from an office at AHMC Healthcare in Alhambra, Calif., compromised the protected health information (PHI) of approximately 729,000 patients, according to a notice published on the provider’s website.

A thief broke into a video-monitored sixth floor office and stole two password-protected laptops. AHMC notified the Alhambra Police Department of the incident upon discovery, two days after the theft took place. PHI compromised included patient names, Medicare/insurance identification numbers, diagnosis/procedure codes and insurance/patient payments.

AHMC’s notice said there is no evidence that the PHI has been accessed in any manner, however it is working with law enforcement officials to recover the stolen property. Moreover, AHMC is expediting a policy of encrypting all of its laptops and encouraging all of the affected patients to notify credit reporting agencies.  

“We regret any inconvenience or concern this incident may cause our patients,” said the AHMC notice.