Stolen Computers

During a break-in at an HCA regional office, 10 computers were stolen, which held thousands of files listing unpaid bills from Medicare and Medicaid patients for hospitals in eight states.  The records were required for government reports. The computers were stolen from a secured building, protected by keypad lock technology and video surveillance.  All required a password for access.  An analysis is ongoing, but law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, have launched an investigation of the theft. 

Authorities believe the computers were stolen by a gang that has committed numerous break-ins in the same area, looking for computers to be sold for their hardware and not the data.  Despite a rigorous testing process and substantial security measures, this incident took place, showing criminals can sometimes bypass even the most effective security.   

Data on the stolen computers included some patient social security numbers, and in a small number of cases, codes used by the government to identify patient groups. 
 
This theft only affects you if:

1. you are a Medicare or Medicaid patient who failed to pay your co-pay or deductible resulting in an overdue account;
   
2. and you were seen in an HCA hospital in Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas or Washington,  between 1996 and 2006.

If you believe that you are affected and have questions, HCA has set up a special call center to assist you.  The call center number is 1-800-354-1036.  The call center has been created to help affected patients with their concerns about this matter.