03/08/2013 // Keller Grover LLP (Press Release) // Carey Been // (press release)
A data breach at an Anaheim-based Walgreens company has put consumers’ personal information at risk after thieves stole computer hardware and paper records at Crescent Healthcare late last year, reports Los Angeles consumer protection attorney Carey Been.
According to a letter notifying patients and employees of the data breach on Dec. 28, 2012, an unknown person or persons broke into Crescent’s billing center and stole sensitive desktop computer hardware and paper records that contained the personal information of their clients.
It is unknown at this time how many individuals were affected by this privacy breach.
It is believed that the stolen records and computer hardware contained the names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers (if it was your health insurance identification number), health insurance information, date of birth, and medical information including diagnosis and disability codes of their clients. No credit, debit, or banking information was allegedly compromised in the breach.
When the theft was discovered on Dec. 31, 2012, Crescent Healthcare officials reportedly notified law enforcement and filed a police report immediately.
Crescent Healthcare has promised to implement measures to ensure this will never take place again by retraining employees and service providers on security, as well as enhancing their security policies and procedures. Unfortunately, this is not the first time there has been a data breach for Walgreen’s. At the end of 2012 they were ordered to pay in excess of $15 million to settle a lawsuit over the dumping of confidential patient health records along with hazardous materials.
If you have been affected by this data breach, Crescent Health advises that you to monitor your insurance benefits and prescription records. If you suspect any fraud, you’re advised to file a police report and enroll in a credit watch program, says Been, a Los Angeles consumer protection lawyer.
If you have been affected by this data breach or have any questions, please call Keller Grover at 415-659-9937 or visit us online at kellergrover.com.
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