News Summary

Ascension Health has reported a data breach affecting patients across multiple states, including St. Louis. Sensitive information was compromised due to a third-party software vulnerability, prompting the organization to offer support, including two years of complimentary credit monitoring for those impacted. A dedicated call center has been established to provide additional resources and guidance for affected individuals. As the healthcare sector faces increasing cybersecurity threats, it’s vital for patients to remain vigilant and informed.

St. Louis Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant After Data Breach

If you’re a patient of Ascension Health, there’s some important news you need to be aware of. This past April, Ascension Health announced a data breach that has affected individuals across multiple states, and they are stepping up to offer support for those impacted.

What Happened?

On April 30, 2025, Ascension Health, which operates in St. Louis and oversees four hospitals along with 35 outpatient clinics in Southwest Michigan, disclosed that a potential security incident might have compromised patient information. Following this alarming revelation, an immediate investigation was launched to better understand how this breach occurred.

It was discovered that patient data was inadvertently shared with a former business partner on December 5, 2024. Unfortunately, because of a vulnerability in third-party software, that data was likely stolen. This incident is a reminder of the cybersecurity challenges facing healthcare organizations today, as they work to protect sensitive information.

Who is Affected?

The breach has impacted patients from several states including Alabama, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas. The types of information compromised varied from individual to individual, and while not every patient is affected in the same way, the shared data may include:

Demographic details like names, addresses, and social security numbers.
Clinical information related to inpatient visits, such as physician names, admission and discharge dates, and medical record numbers.
Bill codes and even the names of insurance companies.

Ascension officials have made it clear that there were no issues with their own systems, networks, or electronic health records; it was strictly a third-party issue.

Free Credit Monitoring for Patients

To help alleviate some of the stress caused by this breach, Ascension Health is offering two years of complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services for those affected. These services, provided through Kroll, will include:

Credit monitoring
Fraud consultation
Identity theft restoration

Patients are encouraged to keep a vigilant eye on their credit reports for any suspicious activity and have been given guidance on how to best protect their personal information in the wake of this incident.

Resources for Affected Patients

For those who still have questions or require more information, Ascension has set up a dedicated call center to assist. You can reach them at 866-408-3556, and they’re available from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, excluding major U.S. holidays.

The Bigger Picture

It’s essential for all of us to recognize that cybersecurity threats are becoming a common occurrence in healthcare. As hospitals and clinics increasingly rely on digital systems, they become prime targets for cybercriminals looking to exploit weaknesses in security.

Ascension Health is already taking steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again by reviewing their processes and implementing better protective measures for the future. The recent decision to sell all their remaining Michigan hospitals and outpatient clinics to Indiana-based Beacon Health System could also play a part in reshaping their commitment to securing patient data.

Stay Alert!

In the coming weeks, be sure to keep an ear to the ground for additional information and resources. As with any incident involving data breaches, staying informed is the first line of defense. Reach out to Ascension Health if you have questions, and make sure you take advantage of the services being offered to safeguard your personal information.

Above all, stay vigilant, and remember that you are not alone in navigating this situation. With assistance available and proactive measures being taken, there’s hope for a more secure future.

St. Louis Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant After Data Breach

News Summary