On October 4, 2010, Ochsner Health System was notified by some of our patients that letters sent out by the HELP Financial Corporation (765 Wing Street, Plymouth, MI 48170) on behalf of Ochsner contained incorrect patient information. These patients indicated the name, medical record number, account number, and account balance on the letter did not match the records for the person to whom the letter was mailed. Ochsner has a contract with HELP to assist patients with payment arrangements for their outstanding hospital and/or clinic account balances.
Ochsner's investigation revealed that the mistake was the result of a programming error at HELP Financial Corporation. HELP has identified how the problem occurred and has assured Ochsner that the problem has been corrected. HELP has also adjusted their procedures to ensure that another programming error does not occur. These changes include re-testing of programming changes, strengthening of their quality control procedures, and adding an additional layer of inspections to the patient letters.
This error did not affect any patients' Ochsner account balance, financial records, and/or medical record. Medical information and social security numbers were not disclosed as a result of HELP's error. In addition, no patient is able to access another patient's medical records or financial records using the incorrect information on the letters they received.
At Ochsner, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of our patients is our top priority. We deeply regret this occurrence and any inconvenience it may have caused. The protection of our patients' private information is important to Ochsner Health System, and we are committed to maintaining and improving the security of our patients' personal and financial information.
Any Ochsner patient affected by this error will receive a notification letter from Ochsner. Ochsner urges any patients with questions or concerns regarding this notification or the letter they receive to please contact Ochsner Health System at 1-877-356-1663.
For additional information, contact Stafford Scott, Senior Public Relations Specialist, at 504-842-9143.
###
Ochsner Health System is southeast Louisiana's largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has been named the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 15 consecutive years and is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a "Best Hospital" across seven specialty categories. Ochsner employs more than 12,500 employees, over 850 physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to the Ochsner Health System News RSS Feed
