Quest Diagnostics is investigating another hacking into its network of protected health information, this time affecting some 34,000 patients who have bloodwork conducted through the company. Quest says an unauthorized third-party intrusion into the MyQuest by Care360® internet application on its network occurred on November 26. It obtained patient names, dates of birth, lab results and, in some instances, telephone numbers. Social Security numbers, credit card information, insurance and other financial information was not accessed.
Quest says it is taking steps to prevent similar hacks from happening in the future and is working with a leading cybersecurity firm and law enforcement to investigate. Affected patients have been contacted via mail. However, they also may call the dedicated phone number 888-320-9970 Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. with questions.
Quest boasts the world's largest database of clinical lab results, annually serving one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States.
