The community . Shit ' s huge yo <| sep |> I can actually talk about this issue as it relates to my practice . I represented a large practice group of specialized physicians many years ago . They went to electronic files early on . They had a breach in their system . All patient files were compromised plus billing info and SS numbers , dates of birth , etc . They refused to notify anyone . Notification was not required by any State or Federal law . I fired them as clients . A few months later , their new attorney contacted me for the files I was working on for them . The former client refused to let her see the investigation file and would not consent to the release of any information I had . She fired them also . Even today I will not give health care providers my SSN . I also request that my information is kept in an old fashioned paper file .