Notice of theft incident involving OB/GYN department

Prisma Health is notifying individuals of a theft that potentially resulted in unauthorized access to patient information. The incident occurred July 9, 2019, when a paper notebook was stolen from a physician’s car. We were alerted of the theft on July 22, 2019. The notebook contained patient information typically used by a health care provider in the course of providing treatment or consultation, such as patient name, date of birth, medical record number, and limited clinical data. There were no social security numbers or financial information contained in the notebook.

The information was limited to certain OB/GYN patients seen on the Prisma Health Richland Campus in Columbia. There is no evidence that any patient information contained in the notebook has been used inappropriately. The perpetrator was likely looking for money or other valuables in the vehicle. We have no reason to believe the perpetrator specifically targeted the physician to obtain health information.

Prisma Health values the safety and security of patient information and is continuing to take steps to enhance its security measures to help prevent something like this from happening in the future. Prisma Health attempted to notify by letter at the last known address every person who may have been affected by this incident. Although there were no social security numbers or financial information contained in the notebook, Prisma Health recommends affected persons remain vigilant and monitor account statements and report discrepancies to law enforcement.

Prisma Health has set up a toll-free hotline to address any questions or concerns.  If you were seen in the OB/GYN Department on the Prisma Health Richland Campus between July 1, 2017, to July 9, 2019, and you are concerned your information was affected by this incident, please call 1-877-240-0005, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, excluding holidays. The call center will be open until Friday, Dec. 6, 2019.