Lee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) recently announced a data breach affecting past customers who used their ambulance billing services between 2000 and 2014. The breach involves personal information handled by a third-party vendor, Intermedix Corporation, and its law firm, Smith, Gambrell & Russell (SGR). If you received ambulance services in Lee County during this period, you may be impacted.
Finding reliable ambulance services near you is crucial during a medical emergency. Understanding the role of your local EMS provider, like Lee County EMS, can be helpful. Lee County EMS is a licensed provider in Florida, responding to thousands of emergencies annually. This recent data breach highlights the importance of data security, even when dealing with trusted medical providers.
Lee County EMS and the Data Breach
Lee County EMS contracted with Intermedix Corporation for ambulance billing for nearly 15 years, ending the contract in September 2014. The data breach occurred at SGR, the law firm hired by Intermedix. The breach affects individuals who received ambulance services from Lee County EMS during the contract period. Affected individuals should have received a notification letter.
This incident underscores the interconnected nature of healthcare data and the potential risks associated with third-party vendors. While Lee County EMS is no longer affiliated with Intermedix, the breach impacts past customers. This emphasizes the importance of choosing Ambulance Services Near Me with robust data security practices.
What to Do if You’re Affected
If you believe you might be affected by the Lee County EMS data breach, review the Frequently Asked Questions provided by SGR. The link to the FAQ page can be found on the SGR website related to the notice of the data security incident.
Understanding your rights and taking appropriate action is crucial following a data breach. Staying informed about your local ambulance services, including their data security practices, is essential. When searching for “ambulance services near me,” prioritize providers that demonstrate a commitment to patient privacy and data protection.
Lee County EMS Services and Operations
Lee County EMS provides comprehensive emergency medical services, operating from multiple stations across six districts. They employ EMTs, paramedics, and support staff to respond to a wide range of medical emergencies. While the data breach is a serious concern, it’s important to remember that Lee County EMS continues to provide vital emergency medical services to the community.
Remember, in a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1 for immediate assistance. For non-emergency inquiries, contact Lee County EMS directly. Finding reliable ambulance services near me is critical, and being informed about potential data security issues is part of making informed decisions about your healthcare.
