Northeast Orthopedics Hit by Data Breach: What Patients Should Know

Did You Receive A Northeast Orthopedics Notice Letter?

Who’s Affected & What Data Was Breached

Number of Individuals Affected

The data breach at Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, PLLC impacted the personal identifiable information and protected health information belonging to over 170,000 individuals.

Type of Data Breached

The types of information potentially exposed in the breach include personal identifiable information and protected health information. Specific details regarding the exact nature of the data compromised were not provided.

Northeast Orthopedics Data Breach Summary

Discovery of the Data Breach

Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, PLLC (“Northeast Orthopedics”) encountered a significant data breach that compromised the personal identifiable information and protected health information of their patients. The intrusion into their systems was first identified by the orthopedic provider itself.

Scale of the Data Breach

The breach affected the data of over 170,000 individuals, making it a substantial incident in terms of the number of people potentially impacted. This data contained sensitive and private information, which is of particular concern given its personal and medical nature.

Timeline of Events

Initial Breach Incident

The unauthorized access to Northeast Orthopedics’ systems occurred on November 22, 2023. It was on this date that the information may have first been accessed and acquired by an unauthorized party.

Breach Investigation

Following the detection of unusual activity, Northeast Orthopedics launched an investigation to determine the scope and impact of the incident. The exact duration of the investigation is not specified but would have likely continued until the full effects of the breach were understood.

Notification of Affected Individuals

It wasn’t until February 9, 2024, that Northeast Orthopedics began the process of notifying individuals whose personal information might have been compromised as a result of the breach.

Nature of Exposed Information

The information potentially exposed in this breach encompasses personal and medical details. While the complete list of exposed data types was not disclosed, one can infer from the nature of the practice that it would include information typically held by medical service providers.

Steps for Affected Individuals

Post-Notification Actions

Northeast Orthopedics urged affected individuals to carefully review the breach notification letter and retain a copy for records. It was recommended that the affected parties enroll in any free credit monitoring services made available by the provider and to remain vigilant by regularly reviewing account statements and monitoring credit reports for any signs of fraudulent activity.

Protective Measures Suggested

Northeast Orthopedics suggested various steps for individuals to protect their personal information, such as changing passwords and security questions for online accounts and contacting credit bureaus to place a temporary fraud alert on their records. These actions aim to reinforce the security of the affected individuals’ personal information.

To conclude, the Northeast Orthopedics data breach was a significant event involving unauthorized access to sensitive personal and health information of a substantial number of individuals. The breach was followed

Overview of Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, PLLC

Customer Base

Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, PLLC, caters to a diverse group of patients in the New York and northern New Jersey areas. Their clientele consists of individuals seeking orthopedic care, ranging from minor musculoskeletal injuries to complex conditions requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment.

Healthcare Services Provided

Patients turn to Northeast Orthopedics for its quality, comprehensive solutions for a vast array of musculoskeletal issues. The practice is known for diagnosing and treating conditions such as ACL tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, and fractures.

Diagnostic Testing and Treatment

Northeast Orthopedics employs advanced diagnostic testing methods like EMG and ultrasound to accurately identify patients’ conditions. Following diagnosis, the practice develops personalized treatment plans to address each patient’s needs effectively.

Orthopedic Specializations

With a focus on a wide range of orthopedic areas, the practice fields experts in general orthopedics, sports medicine, joint replacement, hand and upper extremity care, as well as foot and ankle treatment. Northeast Orthopedics also provides specialized care for spinal issues.

Rheumatology and Pain Management

Rheumatology and pain management are also integral parts of Northeast Orthopedics’ offerings. They provide interventions for chronic pain and rheumatic diseases, aiming to improve long-term patient outcomes.

Advanced Care Facilities

Northeast Orthopedics extends its services across nine different locations in southeastern New York. Through these locations, they offer access to state-of-the-art medical care and facilities for their patients.

Hospital and Surgical Center Affiliations

Supporting the network of care, Northeast Orthopedics is affiliated with five hospitals and surgical centers in the region. These affiliations allow for a seamless transition when patients require hospital-based procedures or surgeries.

Northeast Orthopedics’ Commitment to Patient Privacy

Without delving into subjective opinions on the matter, it should be noted that Northeast Orthopedics aims to maintain the confidentiality of patient information. However, as reported, a data breach did occur, prompting a thorough investigation into the matter. This event has underscored the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the healthcare sector to safeguard against unauthorized access to personal and protected health information.