SAN ANTONIO – A day after KSAT reported network system issues at CentroMed, the company responded with a statement.
“CentroMed is investigating and responding to a data security incident involving our information technology (”IT”) systems. Upon learning of this, we took steps to secure our systems and launched an investigation with the help of a third-party cybersecurity firm. While our investigation continues, we are focused on addressing the pressing needs of our patients. All of our clinics are accepting patients on a walk-in basis. Appointments are not needed. We do encourage a patient to bring their picture ID and Insurance Card if available. As always, any patient with immediate or life-threatening issues should call 911 or go to their nearest hospital emergency room. Our staff is doing everything possible to accommodate patients. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. We appreciate your patience and understanding,” said Ana Maria Garza Cortez, Sr. VP & Chief Development Officer at CentroMed.
If you go to the CentroMed website, a red banner pops up at the top of the page. It states that all locations are open during regular business hours and prompts you to a link for a “Network Issue Update.”
That page reads, “CentroMed is currently operating with restricted access to our information network. Despite these restrictions, CentroMed continues to provide patient care as schedules permit.”
“I got a text at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night that (my appointment) was canceled, and that they would reschedule my appointment, but I was in pain for my hand,” said a CentroMed patient.
The CentroMed patient we spoke to asked to remain anonymous. The appointment cancellation text she received on May 2 refers to network system issues. She was able to be seen on May 6 but told KSAT that the clinic was only accepting walk-ins.
“The computers were still down; everything was done by paper, but I was able to see the doctor, and they were going to give me a referral for an orthopedic, and that never happened,” said the patient.
CentroMed’s website currently asks all patients to keep their scheduled appointments, but the patient says she could not schedule a new one.
“Even on Tuesday, when I called, I had to go back in as a walk-in,” said the patient.
KSAT emailed a CentroMed spokeswoman on Tuesday just after 1 p.m. By 2:09 p.m., the spokeswoman responded by saying, “I will forward your email to the appropriate contacts and have them get in touch with you.”
“If there is something you can say to CentroMed right now, what would that be?” asked KSAT’s John Paul Barajas.
“You need to inform your patients of what’s going on because it’s vital to their health and it’s vital to their personal information,” the patient answered.
Some viewers’ concerns cited a data breach CentroMed had in June 2023.