[Dataloss] Tennessee: 10 stolen HCA computers contained people's records

[lyger]

Courtesy pogowasright.org

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/state/15297743.htm

Posted on Thu, Aug. 17, 2006
Rose French, Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - HCA Inc. said 10 computers containing Medicare and 
Medicaid billing information and records of employees and physicians were 
stolen from one of the company's regional offices.

HCA officials won't say where or when the theft occurred because they 
believe that might help the thieves, who authorities believe were after 
computer hardware, not personal identity information.

"We don't want to tip them off they may have information that they might 
use to perpetuate identity theft," said HCA spokesman Jeff Prescott.

The Nashville-based for-profit hospital operator reports on its Web site 
that the FBI is investigating the incident.

The computers held thousands of files on Medicare and Medicaid patients 
treated at HCA hospitals in Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas or Washington state between 1996 and 2006.

The machines contained some patient names and Social Security numbers but 
no addresses or dates of birth.

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