Desert Physicians Management

Desert Physicians Management (DPM), a healthcare services company based in Apple Valley, California, experienced a data breach that was first detected on April 23, 2023, when suspicious activity was observed within its IT environment. The breach involved unauthorized access to DPM’s network and the potential removal of files containing sensitive patient information[1].

The compromised data included names, addresses, dates of birth, health insurance information, and clinical information such as diagnoses, treatment information, and medication information. The breach affected patients of Choice Physicians Network/Choice Medical Group, Choice Healthcare Associates, and Horizon Valley Medical Group[1][3].

On June 22, 2023, DPM began sending out data breach notification letters to the 56,556 individuals whose information was compromised[3]. The company provides administrative support services to physicians’ groups and generates approximately $3 million in annual revenue[1].

Following the breach, DPM secured its network and engaged third-party cybersecurity specialists to investigate the incident. The investigation confirmed that an unauthorized actor accessed and potentially removed files from the company’s network on the day the suspicious activity was detected[1].

As a result of the breach, attorneys are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed on behalf of those affected. A class action lawsuit could potentially help victims recover money for any harm resulting from the breach, including the cost of credit monitoring and identity theft protection services, and could also force the company to improve its data security practices[3].

Desert Physicians Management has since implemented additional security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future[15]. Individuals who received a data breach notification from DPM are advised to understand the risks and take appropriate steps to protect themselves from potential fraud or identity theft[1].

Citations:

1. https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/desert-physicians-management-announces-5429923/
2. https://www.mydohc.com
3. https://www.classaction.org/desert-physicians-management-data-breach-lawsuit
4. https://www.primehealthcare.com
5. https://www.myinjuryattorney.com/desert-physicians-management-data-breach-investigation/
6. https://www.reviewjournal.com
7. https://oag.ca.gov/ecrime/databreach/reports/sb24-572857
8. https://www.sacbee.com
9. https://trellis.law/case/civsb2316332/rutledge-v-desert-physicians-management-llc-print
10. https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/maryland-virginia-washington-dc/front-door
11. https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/databreach/list
12. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com
13. https://www.planetofreviews.com/desert-physicians-management-data-breach/
14. https://www.latimes.com
15. https://www.hipaajournal.com/atlantic-general-hospital-increases-ransomware-victim-count-to-almost-140000-individuals/
16. https://www.anthem.com/ca