Health Science Center at Tyler
University of Texas Health Science Center Bills Expose Social Security Numbers
Quick Facts
- Date: 4/23/2008
- Institution: University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler
- Type of Incident: Unauthorized Disclosure
- Number Affected: 2,000
- Source: Attrition.org
- Abstract Source: Tyler Morning Telegraph
Abstract
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler is apologizing to patients after a it discovered that medical bills sent out clearly displayed patient Social Security numbers. A technical problem at CBE Group Inc., a collections agency used by UTHSCT, caused Social Security numbers to be printed on roughly 2,000 billing envelopes. UTHSCT is not aware of exactly how many individuals were affected since multiple bills could have been sent to a single individual. While UTHSCT is confident the exposure was limited since the information was not circulating around in public areas, the hospital takes full responsibility for the incident. UTHSCT urges anyone affected by this incident to contact the hospitals billing office. According to UTHSCT COO Rob Marshall, "It was a small glitch that we absolutely own up to and want to be able to take care of anyone who has issue as a result."
