Natera notifies patients about AMCA Breach

As you may know that an organization called AMCA (American Medical Collection Agency) has recently announced breach of their computer systems. On May 15 of this year (i.e. 2019), Retrieval-Masters Creditors Bureau, Inc. (who are doing business as American Medical Collection Agency) notified Natera that some of their patients got affected by this AMCA breach.

Later on, AMCA also provided the list of those patients who might have been affected in this breach. As required by the federal regulations, Natera has sent notices to affected individuals on Jul. 15, 2019.

Privacy of individuals is very important to Natera, so while working with the AMCA, Natera only provided the American Medical Collection Agency with limited information about the individuals. Consequently, even though information of patients might have been affected in this AMCA breach, the personal information that AMCA only had related to patients was names, patient identification numbers of Natera, AMCA account numbers, and addresses. For some patients, AMCA also had their credit card numbers. Information about social security number of patients was not provided to AMCA by Natera.

If anybody has any concerns or questions about this incident, or believes that somebody has accessed information about them, he/she may contact Natera by calling the dedicated toll-free number 1-855-730-6777 or can contact at Privacyofficer@Natera.com.

In the notice to the affected individuals, Natera also said that "we truly regret that this incident has occurred and understand that it may cause you inconvenience. However, please be assured that we have taken steps to address this incident and remains committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information".

As a precautionary step, Natera also recommend to obtain the complimentary copy of credit report once every 12 months from all the three main credit reporting agencies. The affected individuals should also remain cautious for the next 12 to 24 months, and review their credit reports and account statements closely.

Since there is a possibility that Natera might have outdated contact information about some affected individuals, so the notice that was sent to the affected individuals is also been posted on the website of Natera as required by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

» SPAMfighter News - 8/16/2019