Eye Physicians of Central Florida, PLLC, a division of Florida Pediatric Associates, LLC

Eye Physicians of Central Florida, PLLC, a division of Florida Pediatric Associates, LLC, experienced a data security incident that may have affected the protected health information (PHI) of certain patients. On November 5, 2023, the organization discovered suspicious network activity. In response, they secured their systems and engaged a third-party team of forensic investigators to determine the nature and scope of the incident[1].

The investigation confirmed that a limited amount of information might have been accessed. The potentially affected data included patient names, addresses, dates of birth, medical diagnoses and treatment information, provider names, patient ID numbers, procedure codes, dates of service, treatment cost information, financial account information, state IDs, health insurance information, and prescription information[1].

Eye Physicians provided written notice of the incident to the potentially impacted individuals on December 6, 2023. Although there was no evidence to suggest that the information has been misused, the organization offered complimentary credit monitoring services to those affected as a precaution. They also took steps to further secure their network and are reviewing their policies and procedures related to data security[1].

Patients were advised to monitor their account statements and explanation of benefits forms for any suspicious activity. They were also encouraged to contact the major credit agencies to place a fraud alert on their credit reports. Eye Physicians established a hotline to answer questions and address concerns related to the incident[1].

The breach was reported to have exposed and potentially led to the theft of the PHI of 31,189 patients[5].

Citations:

1. https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/eye-physicians-of-central-florida-pllc-provides-notification-of-data-security-incident-16d68450
2. https://hacknotice.com/2023/12/21/eye-physicians-of-central-florida-pllc-a-division-of-florida-pediatric-associates-llc/
3. https://millenniumphysician.com
4. https://www.aap.org
5. https://www.hipaaguidelines101.com/data-breach-reported-by-healthec-eye-physicians-of-central-florida-and-fallon-ambulance-service/
6. https://floridapediatrics.com/associates/notice-of-privacy-practices/
7. https://flboardofmedicine.gov
8. https://www.nemours.org
9. https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report.jsf?ref=blog.gitguardian.com
10. https://www.thehealthlawfirmblogs.com/florida-pediatric-associates-files-suit-for-alleged-non-compliant-ehr-program/
11. https://www.usacs.com
12. https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/home
13. https://www.hipaajournal.com/parathon-by-jda-ehealth-systems-data-breach/
14. https://tampachildrensent.com/docs/site-terms.pdf
15. https://www.aetna.com
16. https://www.pediatrix.com/find-care/practices/urgentcareflorida
17. https://www.mass.gov/doc/assigned-data-breach-number-31114-eye-physicians-of-central-florida-pllc-12-8-23/download
18. https://sofha.net
19. https://www.stjude.org
20. https://www.hipaajournal.com/december-2023-healthcare-data-breach-report/
21. https://www.northwell.edu
22. https://www.mass.gov/lists/data-breach-notification-letters-december-2023
23. https://healthcare.ascension.org
24. https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/eye-centers-florida-agrees-pay-525000-settle-false-claims-act-liability-medically
25. https://www.centerwellprimarycare.com