Physician practices across cardiology, orthopedics and gastroenterology have faced a sustained wave of data breaches over the past 100 days.
For ASC operators and their affiliated practices, the pattern is a warning: a breach isn’t just an IT problem, it’s a financial event that can cost millions and generate class-action exposure years after the incident.
Here are 10 data breaches and settlements affecting physician practices, as reported by Becker’s since April 20:
Note: This list is not exhaustive.
- Palos Park-based Heart Care Centers of Illinois provided notice of a data security breach.
- Columbia (Mo.) Orthopaedic Group suffered a data breach impacting patient information.
- Chattanooga (Tenn.) Heart Institute agreed to pay $3.75 million to settle a class-action lawsuit stemming from a 2023 security incident.
- Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Alta Orthopaedics provided notice of a data incident that may have impacted patient information.
- Miami-based Gastro Health, a GI practice with a network of 207 locations, provided notice of a data security incident.
- St. Louis-based Esse Health, an independent physician group with 45 locations, agreed to pay $2.53 million to settle a class-action lawsuit stemming from a 2025 data breach.
- Denver-based Western Orthopaedics experienced a data incident impacting patient information.
- Tri-Cities Gastroenterology, a GI practice with five locations in Tennessee, suffered a data breach.
- Des Plaines, Ill.-based Illinois Bone & Joint Institute agreed to pay $4 million to settle a class-action lawsuit stemming from a 2024 security incident.
- Bethesda, Md.-based Aligned Orthopedic Partners learned of a data security incident that may have impacted patient information.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.