PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A Green Bay health care provider is alerting the public about a recent data security incident involving patients’ email addresses.
On Dec. 22, Urology Associates of Green Bay “identified unusual activity involving one of its email systems and immediately took steps to secure the system.” An investigation into the nature and scope of the incident determined an informative group email to patients may have resulted in the exposure of patient email addresses to other patients.
No other patient information was involved, the provider said, and at this time, there is no evidence that the email addresses exposed have been misused.
However, patients are encouraged to be on the lookout for unsolicited or suspicious emails, avoid clicking on links and be careful not to share personal information in response to unexpected messages.
Email notifications have been sent to affected patients and appropriate regulatory agencies have been informed, as is required by law.
“Protecting patient privacy is fundamental to the mission of Urology Associates. We sincerely regret any concern this incident may cause and remain committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of our patients’ information,” a news release states.
In response to this data security incident, Urology Associates of Green Bay said it has “taken steps to further secure its systems, enhance group email safeguards and reinforce administrative and technical protections to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Email addresses maintained by a health care provider are considered protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Patients with questions about this incident can contact Urology Associates of Green Bay at (920) 433-9400 or email jackie_carter@uroassocgb.com.
Comments