Lakeview Healthcare System, a central Florida medical provider, has reported a data security breach at multiple office locations, urging patients to remain vigilant following the incident.
On September 29, an intrusion occurred at Lakeview’s Fern Drive location before business hours, resulting in the theft of three password-protected mobile devices and the removal of several medical records containing patients’ protected health information (PHI). The compromised documents potentially included names, addresses, medical treatment/diagnosis information, and billing details.
Lakeview promptly notified law enforcement and initiated extensive remediation efforts to prevent similar incidents. The provider reviewed security protocols, conducted staff training on data security, and is enhancing physical security measures across its offices, exploring measures such as improved document disposal methods and upgraded access controls.
The delay in public disclosure, attributed to HIPAA regulations, allowed for a comprehensive investigative report encompassing internal assessments, law enforcement insights, and patient outreach preparations. As part of their response, Lakeview offers potentially affected individuals free credit monitoring services through IDX, a renowned identity theft protection company. Those seeking more information or assistance can access free credit reports from major consumer reporting agencies or contact Lakeview’s dedicated information line.
Lakeview’s commitment to addressing the breach includes providing resources for patients to monitor their credit and taking proactive measures against potential fraudulent activities stemming from the compromised information.
For further inquiries or support, affected patients can visit the provided website or contact the dedicated information hotline during specified hours.
