As digital healthcare expands, patients must take steps to safeguard their personal information after breaches.
The recent data breach involving Confidant Health, which exposed sensitive patient information including mental health records, has highlighted the growing privacy concerns around telehealth services. As more individuals turn to digital healthcare platforms for convenience, incidents like this emphasize the need for patients to protect their personal data. While healthcare providers are responsible for keeping data secure, there are several actions patients can take to minimize risks if their personal identifiable information (PII) or medical records are compromised.
Confidant Health, a company offering mental health and substance abuse services, was found to have left over 5.3 terabytes of sensitive patient data, including psychotherapy notes, drug test results, and even therapy session transcripts, unprotected. Though access to the exposed files was quickly restricted after the breach was reported, it demonstrates the risks associated with digital healthcare services.
Here are key measures patients can take to safeguard their information following a data breach.
1. Monitor Financial and Personal Accounts for Fraudulent Activity
When a data breach occurs, one of the immediate concerns is the potential for identity theft. In the Confidant Health incident, exposed information included driver’s licenses, insurance cards, Medicaid details, and addresses—data that can be used for fraudulent purposes. To protect themselves, patients should:
- Review bank and credit card statements for any suspicious or unauthorized transactions.
- Request a credit report from one of the major credit agencies (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) to check for unusual activity.
- Consider placing a credit freeze or fraud alert on their credit files to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in their name.
2. Update Passwords and Strengthen Security
Many telehealth platforms require users to create accounts that store sensitive health information. In the event of a data breach, patients should:
- Immediately update passwords for any accounts connected to the breached provider.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account, including a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible, which provides an additional layer of security beyond a password.
3. Review Medical Records for Inaccuracies
Breaches involving medical records can lead to the misuse or alteration of sensitive health information. Since the Confidant Health breach exposed mental health records, psychotherapy notes, and session transcripts, patients should:
- Request copies of their medical records to ensure there have been no unauthorized changes.
- Keep an eye on Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements from insurance providers to verify that there are no unfamiliar services or claims filed under their name.
4. Be Aware of Phishing and Scam Attempts
In the aftermath of a data breach, scammers may attempt to exploit the situation by sending phishing emails or making fraudulent phone calls. Patients should be extra cautious about any communications that appear to be from the healthcare provider or insurance companies:
- Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails.
- Do not provide personal information to callers or emails claiming to be from the provider without verifying their legitimacy.
- If unsure, contact the healthcare provider directly to confirm the communication is genuine.
5. Stay Informed About the Investigation
After a breach, affected patients should stay informed about the investigation and actions taken by the healthcare provider. In the case of Confidant Health, the company quickly restricted access to the exposed database and launched an internal review. Patients should:
- Watch for official notifications from the provider, which should outline what data was compromised and the steps the company is taking to mitigate the damage.
- Take advantage of any credit monitoring services the company may offer to help detect suspicious activity related to the breach.
6. Know Your Rights Under Privacy Laws
Healthcare providers are required by law to protect patient data under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). After a breach, patients should be informed about their rights and the legal obligations of their healthcare provider. Patients should:
- Review the breach notification to understand the type of data exposed and what actions the healthcare provider is taking.
- Consider filing a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) if they believe their rights have been violated or seek legal counsel for further action.
7. Consider Enrolling in Identity Protection Services
For patients concerned about long-term risks after a data breach, subscribing to an identity protection service may offer peace of mind. These services help monitor credit activity, alert users to suspicious behavior, and assist in recovering from identity theft if it occurs.
Lessons from the Confidant Health Breach
The Confidant Health data breach serves as a wake-up call for the digital healthcare industry and patients alike. While telehealth services offer immense convenience and accessibility, they also come with the risk of exposing sensitive personal and medical information. The breach involved not only medical records but highly personal mental health notes and identification documents, making it crucial for patients to remain vigilant in protecting their information.
By taking proactive steps—such as monitoring accounts, updating passwords, and staying informed—patients can mitigate the risks associated with data breaches and ensure their personal information remains secure in an increasingly digital healthcare environment.