OREGON COMPUTER STOLEN http://www.kval.com/news/local/Stolen-computer-jeopardizes-medical-records-148199695.html


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Stolen computer jeopardizes medical records
By Ty Steele KVAL News Published: Apr 19, 2012 at 8:11 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 19, 2012 at 9:16 PM PDT



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EUGENE, Ore. -- Patients of a Eugene medical clinic are worried about protecting their identities after a security breach.

Nancy Shepherd of Cottage Grove said her parents, both of whom are in their late 70s, received a troubling notice from the office of Dr. Rex Smith, a podiatrist.

“Important security and protection notification: Please read this entire letter,” said the letter, which arrived April 6.
Dr. Smith, a Eugene podiatrist with a practice on Chambers Street, sent the letter to Shepherd’s parents. The first paragraph said, “…my staff and I have discovered an unauthorized disclosure of your personal and health information, which may compromise the privacy and security of that information.”

Eugene Police confirmed that on Feb. 19, someone broke into Dr. Smith’s office and stole medication and a computer.

According to Dr. Smith’s letter, the computer contained personal information for many patients including names, birth dates and social security numbers.

“Name, birth date and social security numbers,” said Eugene Police Detective Steve Williams on Thursday. "That's all they need. They could just go on-line and open credit card accounts, open checking accounts. You can do just all kinds of damage with that kind of information.”

On Thursday, Dr. Smith’s office declined to be interviewed or to provide any comments on the crime.

So far, Shepherd’s parents haven’t lost a dollar, but Shepherd said their peace of mind has been robbed.

“Everything in this has really stolen some peace and tranquility,” said Shepherd, “and what they were hoping for in their retirement years.”

Police said anyone who received a similar letter from Dr. Smith’s office should check their bank accounts, credit card statements and credit reports for fraudulent activity.