374th Medical Group notifies patients of privacy breach

  • Published
  • 374th Airlift Wing/Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  On 18 May 2011, the 374th Medical Group at Yokota AB, Japan, 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 that the compromised personal data has been used in a malicious manner, it is DoD and Air Force policy to notify individuals that they may be at risk. Each affected individual has been notified of the details surrounding this breach and also advised 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.

Possible indications of identity theft include, but are not limited to, not receiving certain bills on time, receiving unsolicited credit cards, being denied credit for no apparent reason, or getting calls from debt collectors or businesses about items you didn't buy.

To prevent a similar occurrence, we are reinforcing 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.

The 374th Airlift Wing takes this breach of privacy very seriously, and we deeply regret and apologize for any inconvenience and concern this incident may cause those  involved. Concerned individuals may contact SSgt Elizabeth Jakubowski, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Officer, at DSN 315-225-6478 or commercial 011-81-3117-55-6478 or via email at, Elizabeth.Jakubowski@yokota.af.mil.