#United States #Los Angeles #Data Breach #Han Van Duong #patient privacy

Overview of the Incident

On October 17, 2024, an unfortunate event occurred at the office of Han Van Duong, M.D. when it was burglarized during early morning hours. The clinic was broken into, and while the perpetrators did rummage through office drawers and cabinets, they stole only a few small valuables and three laptop computers. Notably, no medical equipment or patient files were taken, which is a relief for the patients of the clinic.

What Information Was Compromised?

Among the stolen property, three laptop computers were taken. While all were secured with passwords, one device held sensitive medical information related to current patients. This included visit notes, lab results, reports, and other pertinent medical documents. For patients at risk of having their Social Security Numbers exposed, the office has proactively sent letters offering free credit monitoring services. If you are a patient and did not receive such a letter, your Social Security Number is confirmed to be secure.

Response from Han Van Duong's Office

Following the burglary, the office has been in contact with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, eagerly working to recover the stolen laptops and enhance the clinic's security measures. To prevent similar incidents in the future, new locks have been installed, along with outdoor security lighting in the parking lot and additional security cameras both inside and outside the clinic. The office prioritizes patient data security and wants to ensure that individuals are informed about this incident promptly.

What Should Patients Do?

In light of this incident, patients are encouraged to remain vigilant regarding their credit status. Obtaining a free credit report from major credit-reporting agencies, including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, is advisable. These agencies can be reached via the following:

• - Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 or equifax.com
• - Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or experian.com
• - TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 or transunion.com

Patients may also access their credit report by visiting www.AnnualCreditReport.com. It’s recommended to check for any unexpected activity periodically even if no suspicious activity is found during the initial review.

A Message from Han Van Duong M.D.

The office of Han Van Duong, M.D. sincerely apologizes for the distress this incident may cause affected patients and families. They value patient confidentiality and data security with utmost seriousness and commit to taking all necessary actions to ensure that similar events do not occur again. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to the office at 626-572-0005.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of data security in healthcare settings. Staying aware and proactive can help safeguard personal information against potential threats.