PhyNet Dermatology Data Breach Investigation

Recently, PhyNet announced that it had experienced a data breach involving an affiliate, Total Vein & Skin, LLC d/b/a Premier Dermatology Partners (“Premier Dermatology Partners”), in which the sensitive personal identifiable information and protected health information in its care may have been compromised. According to the breach notice, on November 7, 2024, PhyNet became aware of suspicious activity relating to an employee’s email account.¹ As a result, PhyNet launched an investigation to determine the nature of the incident.

Through its investigation, PhyNet confirmed that sensitive personal information belonging to Premier Dermatology Partners patients may have been accessed and acquired by an unauthorized third party. As a result, PhyNet began a review of the data to determine what information had been impacted as well as identify the specific individuals affected. While the information impacted varies depending on the individual, the type of information potentially exposed includes:

• Name
• Social Security number
• Address
• Date of birth
• Financial account information
• Medical information (e.g., medical history information, diagnosis and treatment information, treating physician, medical record number)
• Health insurance information

As a result of the data breach, PhyNet posted a notice of the incident on its website. Additionally, PhyNet recently began sending breach notification letters to impacted individuals. Based on the breach notices provided to the Massachusetts residents, PhyNet is providing affected individuals with a list of the information impacted and 12 months of complimentary credit monitoring services. A link to the form breach notification letter that PhyNet filed with the Attorney General of Maine is below.