N.H. radiology computer server breach reported
Seacoast Radiology, a radiology practice in Rochester, N.H., has disclosed that an office server containing personal patient data and billing information was accessed by an unauthorized third party late last year.
After the breach was discovered on Nov. 12, 2010, access to the server was disabled immediately and an independent investigation concluded that unauthorized use of patient and billing data is unlikely, according to a Seacoast press release, issued Jan. 11.
The independent investigation indicated that personal information, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, medical procedure codes, diagnosis codes and billing information was stored on this server, the press release stated. Patient radiology reports, including radiographic images and banking information, was not stored on this server and therefore not breached.
“Seacoast Radiology has engaged with several computer security experts and has implemented security procedural changes to keep patient data secure from unauthorized access,” the release stated. All patients, patient billing guarantors and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have been notified.
In addition to procedural changes, Seacoast Radiology has contracted with ID Experts to provide an informational toll-free number and website to answer questions about this incident.
After the breach was discovered on Nov. 12, 2010, access to the server was disabled immediately and an independent investigation concluded that unauthorized use of patient and billing data is unlikely, according to a Seacoast press release, issued Jan. 11.
The independent investigation indicated that personal information, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, medical procedure codes, diagnosis codes and billing information was stored on this server, the press release stated. Patient radiology reports, including radiographic images and banking information, was not stored on this server and therefore not breached.
“Seacoast Radiology has engaged with several computer security experts and has implemented security procedural changes to keep patient data secure from unauthorized access,” the release stated. All patients, patient billing guarantors and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have been notified.
In addition to procedural changes, Seacoast Radiology has contracted with ID Experts to provide an informational toll-free number and website to answer questions about this incident.