Authorities claim the issue stemmed from incorrect data entry, though the database was publicly downloadable before being taken offline.
WASHINGTON โ The Trump administration is accused of inadvertently exposing Social Security numbers belonging to healthcare providers in a database tied to a new Medicare directory, according to reports from The Washington Postย and Politico.
The database, created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, was part of a national provider directory designed to help patients find doctors and other medical professionals who accept certain insurance plans.
The Washington Post reported that a publicly accessible database used to power the directory contained Social Security numbers linked to providersโ names and other identifying information. The news outlet said it identified dozens of exposed numbers in a sample of the data.
Politico reported that at least 102 providers had their full, unredacted Social Security numbers included in a downloadable file before the system was taken offline.
CMS removed the directory after being alerted to the issue, Politico reported.
Both news outlets reported that the database was accessible to the public and could be downloaded, though the sensitive information was not visible through the directoryโs standard search tool used by patients.
CMS said the issue stemmed from providers or their representatives entering Social Security numbers in the wrong fields when submitting information, and that the agency is working to address the problem.
โThe agency has taken steps to address it promptly and reinforce safeguards around data submission and validation,โ CMS said in a statement, according to Politico.
It remains unclear how many providers were affected or whether they have been notified, The Washington Post said.
The directory is part of a broader federal effort to modernize how patients search for healthcare providers and improve transparency in insurance networks. But the rollout has faced previous concerns over data accuracy and reliability.
The Washington Post previously reported that earlier versions of the directory included errors about which providers accepted certain health plans.
The full national provider directory is expected to launch later this year.
