Palomar Health Medical Group says everything is almost back to normal after cybersecurity incident – ​​NBC 7 San Diego

In early May, Palomar Health Medical Group (PHMG) was forced to shut down its phone and computer systems due to a cybersecurity incident. An investigation found that someone had access to certain files from April 23 to May 5. Patients told NBC 7 Responds they had trouble scheduling appointments, receiving test results and reordering prescriptions.

The NBC 7 Responds team reached out to PHMG with a list of questions. Last week, the medical group told NBC 7 that answers were on the way. However, as of Monday, there was still no response.

That’s why NBC 7 has reviewed the latest patient communications and spoken to patients and staff to bring you the latest information.

For the past 12 weeks, Michael Iverson of Temecula has made the half-hour drive to the PHMG branch in Escondido to update his prescriptions.

“It’s much easier when there are electronic prescriptions,” Iverson said.

But this last visit was different.

“I called a few days ago about the prescription, didn’t hear anything and had to come in. I thought I would have to get a new paper prescription and I was just told they are doing it electronically again now,” he said.

The PHMG website states that it has made significant progress in restoring its electronic systems, including:

• Electronic medical records
• Access to the patient portal
• Incoming calls in most clinical areas

Palomar Health Medical Group has released new details about the cybersecurity incident that forced the medical group to take its systems offline two months ago.

On July 3, PHMG sent an email to NBC 7 confirming that someone had gained unauthorized access to certain files on its network. According to the medical group’s report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 500 people were affected by the breach.

Potentially compromised patient information includes name, address, date of birth, social security number, medical history, health insurance information, and credit card information.

Iverson said he is not too worried about his medical history falling into the wrong hands, but he is concerned that his personal information and credit card information could become public.

PHMG has not confirmed whether it was a ransomware attack, as some experts have suspected. The medical group said it is still in the process of restoring patient records and those affected by the attack will receive individual notifications with more information.

Sergio Flores of NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 Responds has been tracking the ongoing impact on patients.