eleHealth

EleHealth LA experienced a breach due to a clerical error that occurred when letters were mailed out with incorrect salutations. On September 8, 2023, eleHealth mailed letters that contained the wrong names on them, and the issue was discovered on September 11, 2023. The letters were form letters and did not include any sensitive information other than the incorrect names. The content of the letters was not related to medical records, treatment, or financial matters, and there was no risk to the patients’ information. EleHealth has taken full responsibility for the mistake and has implemented new procedures to prevent similar errors in the future. They have reassured that no medical or financial information was compromised and they do not expect any harm or risk to the individuals whose names were involved[1].

If you were affected by this incident, eleHealth has stated that you would receive a notice letter by mail. The letters that were incorrectly sent out were either a Voluntary Alignment Steps letter or a flyer from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, both of which have standardized content and are related to an Accountable Care Organization that healthcare providers participate in to improve the quality of care. EleHealth has already sent letters to those whose names were involved and has provided a toll-free helpline for any questions or concerns[1].

Citations:

1. https://www.green-clinic.com/breach-notice
2. https://colevannote.com/investigations/
3. https://ldh.la.gov/assets/docs/BayouHealth/Informational_Bulletins/2020/IB20-4_rev_3.16.23.pdf
4. https://elehealth.com/privacy-policy/
5. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1636/text
6. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/telehealth-and-patient-safety
7. https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report.jsf
8. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353655134_A_General_Overview_of_Cybersecurity_in_Healthcare
9. https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-louisiana-delays-sale-elevance-health
10. https://breachdata.topwords.me/states/LA?limit=20&offset=0&sort=breach_type
11. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3593/text
12. https://www.cchpca.org/louisiana/
13. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/joshua-mckeever-b80684214_breach-report-activity-7113537966366453760-f1CW?trk=public_profile_share_view
14. https://www.studocu.com/en-us/document/william-paterson-university/critical-thinking-inquiry/telehealth-alabama/26164728
15. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/joshua-mckeever-b80684214_breach-report-activity-7111001245099720704-kpAz?trk=public_profile_share_view
16. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335276477_Risk_Analysis_of_Residual_Protected_Health_Information_of_Android_Telehealth_Apps_Completed_Research_Full_Paper
17. https://breachdata.topwords.me/states/LA
18. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep21-06-02-001.pdf