Eye Care Surgery Center alerts 2,553 patients about stolen laptop — 6 insights

Baton Rouge, La.-based Eye Care Surgery Center discovered a laptop potentially storing patient information was stolen, the organization announced.

Here are six insights.

1. The ASC became aware of the theft Feb. 26 and submitted the breach to HHS April 27.

2. The center mailed notification letters to all 2,553 individuals potentially affected by the incident, including steps they can take to protect their information. It also set up a call center to address concerns and questions about the incident.

3. Eye Care Surgery Center installed an enhanced multi-camera security system inside and outside the building and encrypted "most portable electronic devices and desktop computers used for patient care" after discovering the incident.

4. The center conducted an investigation to determine what information the laptop might have contained and has not found any evidence of attempted or actual misuse of patient information.

5. The center said it couldn't rule out the possibility that patient's names, birthdays and diagnosis information might have been compromised. Social Security numbers, financial transaction and payment information were not compromised.

6. A notice posted on Eye Care Surgery Center's website does not specify where the laptop was stolen from or when it was stolen. The organization could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.

"We take the security of all patient information very seriously, and want to assure you that we have taken steps to prevent a similar event from occurring in the future," Eye Care Surgery Center said in the notice.

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