Laptops, cell phone, printer stolen from North Carolina provider may have exposed patient data

Durham, N.C.-based Main Street Clinical Associates announced Nov. 8 that it is notifying an undisclosed number of patients about a security incident.

In April, an office near Main Street suffered a gas explosion. Providers at Main Street evacuated immediately and did not have time to properly store and secure patient information. Employees were unable to reenter the building until Sept. 9.

When employees came back to the office, they found two laptops, a clinician's cell phone and a printer had been stolen. The computers and the cell phone were password-protected.

Patient data that may have been exposed includes names, driver's license numbers, Social Security numbers, health insurance information and diagnosis and treatment information.

Main Street has contacted the local police about the incident. The provider does not believe that any patient information has been misused. Patients are urged to review any statements from the practice.

"Main Street took additional steps to investigate the potential scope of the incident and to protect against any potential misuse of the stolen devices, including changing the passwords and remotely monitoring for suspicious activity on the devices. The investigation into whether the devices have been accessed without authorization is ongoing," the provider said in a statement.

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