NOTICE OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT

Southwest Gastroenterology was recently informed by law enforcement that some Southwest patient information may have been stolen by an individual who worked for Southwest from approximately 2012-2015.  Southwest understands that the individual has been indicted and that law enforcement has contacted known victims of the incident.  Southwest received a list of such individuals on April 29, 2019.  We have not been informed of the exact information at issue, but the former employee had access to personal information such as names, addresses, dates of birth, social security numbers, health insurance information, prescription information and medical records.

 Southwest cannot rule out the possibility that other patients who received service from us in or prior to 2015 could have been impacted.  Any such patients who have not received a notification letter form us should contact the toll-free number below.  This incident would not have impacted individuals who were not patients of Southwest in or prior to 2015.

 Southwest is cooperating with law enforcement’s investigation into the situation and is using background checks to further screen employees.  Southwest is also notifying potentially-impacted patients for whom we have a valid mailing address.  That notice will include information on steps individuals can take to protect themselves against potential fraud or identity theft. We are also providing free identity theft protection services to potentially impacted patients.  Additionally, as a general matter, we recommend that individuals regularly monitor credit reports, account statements and insurance statements.  If individuals detect any suspicious activity, they should notify the entity with which the account is maintained, and promptly report any fraudulent activity to proper law enforcement authorities, including the police and their state attorney general.  In addition, anyone looking for information on fraud prevention can review tips provided by the FTC at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. 

We take our responsibility to safeguard personal information seriously and apologize for any inconvenience or concern this incident might cause.  Patients with further questions can call 1-844-243-0847, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.