Health Information Management

Computers stolen from hospital's business associate

HIPAA Weekly Advisor, August 1, 2005

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Two computers storing files with patients' names, dates of birth, and medical account numbers were stolen July 7 from a company that converts patient records to microfilm, the Associated Press (AP) reports.

The hospital owning the records, St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin, MO, has notified 27,000 patients that the computers were stolen from the company, KC & Associates. The computers contained information from 2002 to 2004, but did not include patient Social Security numbers, medical records, insurance numbers, or credit card numbers, reports the AP.

The hospital has received more than 200 calls since it notified patients and set up a toll-free number for them to call with questions. It has removed all other property from the microfilming company and is installing a new system that will track patients' medical records electronically without the need for an outside company.



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