Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Lawsuit: Debt collector broke patient privacy laws

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

By AMY FORLITI and ALEXANDRA TEMPUS
Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota's attorney general is accusing a debt collection agency of failing to protect the confidentiality of thousands of patients' health care records.

Lori Swanson announced a lawsuit against Chicago-based Accretive Health Inc. Thursday. Accretive works with hospitals to maximize revenue.

The lawsuit alleges the agency gained access to patient data through contracts with hospitals, then scored their risk of becoming hospitalized. Swanson says the agency shares its activities with investors.

The lawsuit comes after an Accretive worker lost a laptop with data belonging to 23,500 Minnesotans.

Swanson wants Accretive to tell patients what information it has and where it sent the information.

Accretive spokeswoman Francesca Luthi, says the company will work with Minnesota to resolve the matter, and has already enhanced security procedures.

— — — Tempus reported from St. Paul, Minn. (Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)