KSB Hospital looking into ‘improper release’ of patient information

DIXON - KSB Hospital is investigating an “improper release” of patient data by a third party billing contractor and contacting patients about the issue.

Sauk Valley Media was contacted by concerned community members who received bills from the hospital that included information from more than 100 patients.

KSB spokesman Kevin Marx said they are looking into the scope of the disclosure, and the personal data that was released was minimal and did not include private financial information.

“While patient privacy is a top priority for KSB Hospital, we have become aware of an improper release of patient-related information by a third-party billing contractor,” Marx said in a statement.

“We take this matter very seriously, and while we are limited in what we can say today, be assured that we are thoroughly looking into the cause of the problem. At the same time, we are currently reaching out by phone to every patient who may have been affected. Details on the scope of the disclosure will be released as soon as they are available.

“Importantly, we can say that the data that was released was minimal and did not include any personal contact information, clinical records, or private financial information including Social Security numbers.”