PORT ANGELES — Two computers containing patient information were stolen from Dr. Robert Witham’s medical office in Port Angeles on April 16, Witham announced Thursday.
An independent investigation found that unauthorized use of patient information and billing data is unlikely, he said.
The burglar or burglars broke through the door at 224 N. Washington St. and stole the computers along with other office equipment, medical equipment and Witham’s personal belongings, he said.
Port Angeles police are investigating.
Although the computers contained patient names, addresses, Social Security numbers, medical bills, diagnosis codes and birth dates, Witham said it is unlikely that identities were compromised because of the way the data were stored in the computers.
Paper billing records, medical charts and communications with other health care providers were not taken, he said.
Patients notified
Affected patients were notified about the incident in letters that were mailed across the county Thursday.
Witham also issued a Thursday press release in accordance with the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act.
“It’s a precaution,” he said.
Since the break-in, Witham’s office has changed the way the alarm system works and encrypted the computers to prevent any unauthorized use.
Patients who have not been seen for more than five years will be removed from the billing program.
Witham, who has been practicing since 1979, contracted with ID Experts to provide affected patients with FraudStop Healthcare Edition memberships.
Patients with questions about the incident can phone ID Experts at 866-841-7869.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
