Important Security and Protection Notification

SAN PABLO, Calif., May 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- To past and current patients of Sharon J. Jones, M.D.:

On the evening of March 20, 2015, our office was again broken into and approximately 17 patient charts were stolen along with one desktop computer, two laptops and our server. Upon discovery the following morning, the San Pablo Police Department was immediately notified and a formal police report was filed. I then hired a security guard who thwarted another attempted break-in 3 days later.  We have new security measures in place, and I will be moving the practice location to 2970 Hilltop Mall Road #300, Richmond, CA 94806 in the next 6 months.

Pertinently, the password protected computers contained a list of all of the patients affected by the January break-in and their addresses. Further, it included a copy of the letters I have written either to a patient, or on his/her behalf since 2007. Thus, if I have prepared a letter for you or on your requested behalf (e.g., for housing), it was potentially breached on the password protected computers. Specifically, the letters contained a patient's: first and last name, address, date of birth, and basic medical information regarding the purpose of the letter. Significantly, the letters did not contain social security numbers nor financial information.

Though it is not believed that the letters contained social security numbers nor financial information, you can call the three major credit agencies and place a 90-day fraud alert. These are: Equifax (1-888-766-0008; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374), Experian (1-888-397-3742; P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013), and TransUnion (800-680-7289; P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022-2000). You are also entitled to a free credit report every year from each of these agencies at www.annualcreditreport.com. Lastly, you may also want to contact your bank and credit card company and notify them of the situation.

I sincerely apologize for this inconvenience and any concern it may cause you. I understand how important confidentiality and trust is to our physician-patient relationship. Again, please feel free to call 1-877-451-9361 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) or use the below postal address to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. 

Sharon J. Jones, M.D.
2023 Vale Road, Suite 3
San Pablo, CA 94806
1-877-451-9361

SOURCE Sharon J. Jones, M.D.