Chicagoland Data Breach Could be Huge

Medical Group serving the Chicago region were stolen during a burglary on July 15, and the Chicago Tribune reports that four million patients could be affected.


Four unencrypted computers at a Park Ridge, Ill.-based administrative office of 200-site Advocate Medical Group serving the Chicago region were stolen during a burglary on July 15, and the Chicago Tribune reports that four million patients could be affected.

Protected health information on the computers included names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and some clinical information such as treating physicians and/or departments, diagnoses, medical record numbers, medical service codes and health insurance information, according to a notification letter to patients that was mailed starting August 23. “Patient medical records were not on the computers and patient care will not be affected.”

Advocate Medical Group believes the information has not been used inappropriately, but is offering a year of free credit monitoring services. The organization has increased physical security at the facility that was burglarized and is evaluating which other facilities need more protection. It also has “reinforced our security protocols and encryption program with associates,” according to the patient letter.

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