Data breach might affect Vista patients

Community Health Systems recently suffered a data breach that might affect patients at medical centers in Waukegan, according to the Better Business Bureau.

Vista Medical Center and Vista Medical Center West are among the 206 hospitals owned by Tennessee-based Community Health Systems Inc., which was recently targeted by a group of hackers from China, the Better Business Bureau said in a news release.

"This most recent attack is the perfect example of how vulnerable your personal information really is. Not only are hackers trying to steal information to hack into bank accounts, but they have also resorted to stealing health care information in order to obtain prescriptions," said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois.

Additionally, he said, "as consumers, we must always be vigilant in protecting ourselves against becoming a victim of identity theft."

Patients should call Community Health Systems at (615) 465-7000 to address any concerns and questions, as well as monitor bank and credit statements closely.

Officials from the Waukegan medical centers were unavailable for comment Monday evening.