374th Medical Group offers toll-free call-in line for privacy breach info

  • Published
  • 374th Airlift Wing/Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  In order to further support to patients potentially affected by a previously reported breach of protected health information (PHI), the 374th Medical Group has established a toll-free call-in line.

Individuals can now call 1-877-615-3751 Monday-Saturday, 0900-1800 CST for information regarding the status of their medical records.

The breach came to light on May 18 2011, when the 374th Medical Group, discovered that protected health information (PHI), in the form of printed medical records belonging to 593 beneficiaries, was found at the on-base residence of an active duty service member.

Upon discovery, the Medical Group immediately began an investigation and determined that the documents reflected dates of service ranging from 2008 to 2009.

The PHI consisted of medical history questionnaires, immunization records, quarters forms, civilian medical documentation, urgent care forms, requests for medical record forms, record of chronological care forms, laboratory, radiology and EKG results. The PHI data elements involved include names, social security numbers, dates of birth, medical information, personal home addresses, and personal phone numbers.

While there is no evidence to indicate that any personal information was used in a malicious manner, it is DoD and Air Force policy to notify individuals of any potential harm to their personal information. Each affected individual, in which an address was located for, was notified of the details surrounding this breach via letter. The letter also advised impacted beneficiaries of the potential actions available to further safeguard their personal information.

Anyone impacted by this incident is urged to take steps to protect their personal information and should be guided by the actions recommended by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/. The FTC site provides instructions for placing a free fraud alert on credit reports and also other valuable information regarding actions that can be taken now or in the future, should any problems develop.

To prevent a similar occurrence, the 374th Medical Group has reinforced the established standards on the protection of medical information to preserve and protect the confidentiality of all information contained in patients' medical records, in accordance with DoD requirements and Air Force policy.

We take this breach of privacy very seriously and we deeply regret and apologize for any inconvenience and concern this incident may cause our patients. Concerned individuals may contact SSgt Elizabeth Jakubowski, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Officer, at DSN 315-225-6498 or commercial 011-81-3117-55-6498 or via email at, Elizabeth.Jakubowski@yokota.af.mil.