BRIEF: Stolen health information affects 4,000 University of Michigan Health System patients 

BRIEF: Stolen health information affects 4,000 University of Michigan Health System patients

Dec 22, 2012 (Menafn - Detroit Free Press - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --The University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) will be notifying approximately 4,000 patients some of their health information may have been stolen.

UMHS vendor Omnicell alerted the health system Nov. 20 that electronic equipment storing patient information was stolen from the car of an Omnicell employee Nov. 14, according to a UMHS news release. The equipment contained medication, demographic and health information from patients at three hospitals who were seen between Oct. 24 and Nov. 13. The information did not include addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, credit card, debit card or bank account numbers.

Omnicell told UMHS the data was on an unsecured electronic device, a violation of UMHS' and Omnicell's standard policies and procedures.

Patients are encouraged to monitor medical insurance statements for fraudulent activity, but UMHS believes the risk is low.

Omnicell is continuing to investigate the incident as authorities work to locate the stolen equipment.

Patients affected by the theft should receive letters in the next couple of days. Patients can also have questions answered by calling toll-free 855-855-4331, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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