On December 12, 2024, Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center (“NAAC”) filed a notice of data breach with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights after discovering that an unauthorized party gained access to its computer network. In this notice, Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center explains that the incident resulted in an unauthorized party being able to access consumers’ sensitive information, which includes their names, birthdates, Social Security numbers, insurance carriers, treatment dates, test results, treatment plans, and contact information. Upon completing its investigation, Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center began sending out data breach notification letters to all individuals whose information was affected by the recent data security incident.
If you received a data breach notification from Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center, it is essential you understand what is at risk and what you can do about it. A data breach lawyer can help you learn more about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft, as well as discuss your legal options following the Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center data breach. For more information, please see our recent piece on the topic here.
What Caused the Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center Data Breach?
The Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center data breach was only recently announced, and more information is expected in the near future. However, Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center’s filing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights provides some important information on what led up to the breach. According to this source, on November 13, 2024, NAAC became aware of a data security incident that had occurred the day before, on November 12, 2024.
In response, Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center launched an investigation, confirming that an unauthorized party was able to access an employee’s email account. Further investigation revealed that the affected email account contained confidential patient information.
After learning that sensitive consumer data was accessible to an unauthorized party, Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center reviewed the compromised files to determine what information was leaked and which consumers were impacted. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name, birth date, Social Security number, insurance carrier, treatment dates, test results, treatment plans, and contact information.
On December 12, 2024, Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center sent out data breach letters to anyone who was affected by the recent data security incident. These letters should provide victims with a list of what information belonging to them was compromised.
More Information About Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center
Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center is a healthcare provider specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma, allergies, and related conditions. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the center operates multiple clinics across the Puget Sound region, including Bellevue, Everett, and Olympia, offering comprehensive care to patients of all ages. The center's team of board-certified allergists and immunologists provides personalized treatment plans for conditions such as food allergies, hay fever, eczema, and immune system disorders. Services include allergy testing, immunotherapy, pulmonary function testing, and education on managing chronic conditions. Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center employs approximately 100 people and generates an estimated $15 million in annual revenue.
