GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Spectrum Health says it’s notifying the parents of approximately 900 pediatric patients after a personal camera containing patient photos was stolen from a physician’s vehicle.
The camera was used by the doctor to photograph patients’ conditions at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital dermatology clinics in Grand Rapids and Lansing, the hospital said. It was stolen from the physician’s car on June 22 and has not been recovered.
According to a Spectrum Health news release, the photographs were taken from Feb. 15 to June 22 and contained the patients’ names, dates of birth, dates of service and medical record numbers. However, the hospital says the photos did not contain Social Security numbers or other sensitive financial information, including health plan or insurance card numbers.
The hospital says the dermatology practice is no longer using personal devices to take patient photos. Cameras used to take pictures in the office are also not permitted to leave the office, according to Spectrum Health. Additionally, photos must be downloaded to the patient’s medical record and deleted off of the device immediately.
Spectrum Health says police have been notified of the situation and the hospital is investigating the matter.
Patients with questions about the incident should call Spectrum Health at 844.689.2875 or go to the hospital’s website.