Prominent radiology practice reveals recent cybersecurity breach that targeted patient records
A prominent radiology practice has revealed that it was recently the victim of a cybersecurity breach targeting confidential patient records.
Charlotte Radiology first caught wind of the infiltration on Dec. 24, with the incident impacting systems containing customers’ account numbers, dates of birth and other personal information. An unauthorized party was able to make copies of some documents, with a “very limited number” also containing Social Security numbers.
“While there is no evidence that this incident resulted in fraud or misuse of the information involved, we are directly notifying impacted individuals and providing information about the incident and steps they can take,” the practice said in a statement.
Leaders said the imaging group was able to contain the incident “within days,” estimating the infiltrator had access between Dec. 17-24. They’re offering complimentary credit monitoring to those whose SSNs were taken and urging patients to check insurance statements for any unexplained charges.
“Charlotte Radiology takes seriously the confidentiality and security of our patients’ information,” the group said. “We continue to implement enhancements to information security, systems, and monitoring capabilities, and are committed to providing the best care for our patients.”
Established in 1967, the practice employs more than 120 radiologists and advanced-practice providers, interpreting 1.7 million studies annually. Charlotte Radiology operates 25-plus outpatient centers and founded growing imaging group US Radiology Specialists in 2018 alongside private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe.
The Charlotte Observer first reported news of the breach on Friday, Feb. 19.
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.