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Pill Purveyor Flooded By Patient Records

February 8, 2006: Due to an incorrect fax number, doctors in the US have been faxing rehems of confidential patient information to a small herbal medicine distributor in Canada.

The records, including names, addresses, salaries, social security numbers and medical histories have been streaming into North Regent RX’s home office because its fax number is similar to the insurance group Prudential Financial’s.

Speaking to the Canadian press, North Regent RX spokesman Jody Baxmeyer said: "Almost everything a person needs for identity theft is actually faxed to us on a daily basis."

The company has tried for many months to resolve the issue with Prudent Financial, whose fax number differs by just one digit. North Regent RX wants Prudential Financial to buy its fax number and compensate it for the printing of new stationary. The two companies have yet to reach an agreement.

Prudential Financial has stated that it is willing to work with North Regent Rx to stop the errant faxes and has "asked the six medical providers that we are aware of that have misdialled to be more careful when dialling."

When something as simple as a one digit in a fax number can compromise such sensitive data, the need for diligent Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) is again highlighted.

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