What You Need to Know
The Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute experienced a data breach on November 13-14, 2023, potentially exposing patients’ personal identifiable information and health insurance claims details.
Did You Receive A Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute Notice Letter?
- Company Name: Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute
- Date Filed: Unspecified
- Number of People Affected: Unknown
- Data Breached: Name, Health insurance and claims information
Who’s Affected & What Data Was Breached
Affected Customers
The specific number of individuals impacted by the Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute data breach has not been determined. Individuals whose information may have been compromised have begun to receive notification letters from the organization.
Compromised Data
During the data breach that took place between November 13 and November 14, 2023, sensitive personal identifiable information and protected health information were potentially accessed by an unauthorized actor. The data exposed includes names and health insurance and claims information.
Overview of Data Breach Events
Incident Discovery and Duration
Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute (PCLI), an eye care provider, encountered a security breach affecting its digital repositories containing sensitive information. The unauthorized access incident occurred over a brief period, spanned from November 13 to November 14, 2023. It was during this window that PCLI’s systems were compromised.
Notification of Affected Individuals
Following the discovery of the breach, PCLI undertook the process of alerting the individuals whose data may have been accessed without authorization. The notifications aimed to inform them about the breach’s extent and guide them on protective measures they could take to safeguard their personal information.
Information Potentially Exposed
The data involved in the PCLI breach primarily consisted of personal identifiable information alongside protected health information. Critically, this included details such as individual names and health insurance and claims information, elements that could potentially be exploited for identity theft and fraud.
Independent Investigation
While Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute has not detailed specifics about its internal investigation into the breach, it is implied that efforts to understand the scope and impact of the incident were immediately initiated after the breach was uncovered.
Remediation Actions Suggested
PCLI suggested several steps for those impacted to follow, which included enrolling in credit monitoring services provided by the institute, changing online account passwords and security questions, and vigilance over account statements and credit reports.
Proactive Security Measures
The recommendation also stressed placing a temporary fraud alert with credit bureaus, serving as a precautionary measure against identity theft. This step notifies potential creditors to verify the identity of anyone attempting to open an account in one’s name.
By taking these steps, individuals impacted by the data breach were given a roadmap to protect themselves against potential misuse of their personal information. PCLI’s response highlights the necessity for both transparency and proactive guidance to those affected by data security incidents.
About Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute
Background and Services
Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute (PCLI) is a medical practice that provides specialized eye care services. Established in 1985, PCLI focuses on surgeries for cataracts and vision correction through LASIK. These treatments have been sought after by patients looking for advanced solutions to improve their eyesight.
Experience and Reputation
Throughout its tenure, PCLI boasts the completion of over 700,000 micro eye surgeries. The institute‘s dedication to enhancing surgical techniques has garnered a reputation for offering world-class care in the field of ophthalmology.
Locations and Reach
With its headquarters located in Chehalis, Washington, PCLI extends its services through a network of 17 locations. These facilities are dispersed across six states, making the institute‘s services accessible to a broader demographic of patients seeking eye care.
Workforce
PCLI is a significant employer within the healthcare sector, with over 500 individuals on its payroll. The workforce is comprised of medical professionals, support staff, and administrative personnel, all contributing to the institute‘s operations and service delivery.
Customer Base
The customer base of PCLI includes individuals dealing with vision impairment due to cataracts or refractive errors. Patients turn to PCLI for their expertise in micro eye surgeries, particularly those who seek improvements in vision quality and a reduction in dependence on corrective eyewear.
Use of Services
Customers use PCLIs services primarily for two key procedures: cataract surgery and LASIK laser vision correction. Both are common medical interventions that can significantly improve quality of life for those with vision issues.
Commitment to Improvement
PCLI has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement of their surgical methods. By staying current with technological advancements and surgical techniques, they ensure that their patients receive effective and efficient care.
Health Information Safety
As a healthcare provider, PCLI is entrusted with sensitive personal identifiable information and protected health information. The security and confidentiality of this data are crucial for maintaining patient trust and adhering to industry standards and regulations.
Outreach and Education
Apart from providing medical services, PCLI also engages in patient education regarding eye health. This educational outreach covers information about eye conditions, treatment options, and preventive care, empowering patients to make informed decisions regarding their ocular health.