Cherry Hill, New Jersey — Jefferson Health, a prominent healthcare provider, has issued a warning regarding a potential data breach that could affect patients of its Cherry Hill hospital. The concern stems from the disappearance of a medical device containing sensitive patient information.
On June 15, during routine maintenance of the hospital’s DEXA (dual x-ray absorptiometry) scan backup drive — an integral component of a scanning device used for bone density measurement — a maintenance vendor discovered the absence of the portable backup device. Jefferson Health promptly initiated an investigation into the matter to ascertain whether the device was lost or stolen.
While the circumstances surrounding the device’s disappearance remain uncertain, Jefferson Health has taken the matter seriously and has begun notifying patients who may have been impacted by this incident.
The missing backup drive contained personal information related to patients, including sensitive health details. This information could encompass names, dates of birth, medical record numbers, dates of studies, and, in certain instances, mailing addresses. It’s important to note that specific information such as diagnosis, phone numbers, social security numbers, insurance or driver’s license numbers, and actual scan data are not viewable without the requisite credentials, exact system software, and additional technology.
Taking proactive measures to address the situation, Jefferson Health has already initiated the process of mailing letters to individuals whose information was stored on the backup device. Additionally, the healthcare network advises affected patients to monitor their credit reports diligently. If necessary, patients are encouraged to reach out to any of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on their credit report. A dedicated call center has been set up to address patients’ queries, and individuals can contact it toll-free at 833-627-2796.
Jefferson Health’s commitment to safeguarding patient information remains unwavering. In response to this incident, the healthcare provider is actively reviewing and enhancing its security protocols to ensure the privacy and security of patient data moving forward.
In this digital age, the protection of sensitive medical information is paramount. As Jefferson Health takes steps to mitigate the impact of this incident, the community can rest assured that their healthcare provider is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of security and privacy.
