A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Village Practice Management Company, LLC, operating as CityMD, alleging the unlawful sharing of patients' sensitive health information with third-party advertisers. Filed by Sofiya Anisimova on October 31, 2024, the complaint accuses CityMD of disclosing patients' private data to LinkedIn without their consent.
The lawsuit claims that CityMD assisted LinkedIn in intercepting confidential communications from patients scheduling urgent care appointments through its website, including details such as appointment times, locations, and the nature of medical visits. Anisimova claims that neither she nor other patients were informed or gave permission for their health information to be shared with LinkedIn for targeted advertising. The plaintiff argues that these actions violate the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) and breach fiduciary duties under HIPAA regulations.
Anisimova’s legal team contends that CityMD’s actions represent a serious breach of the privacy and confidentiality expected of a medical provider. They argue that unauthorized data sharing undermines patient trust and could expose individuals to identity theft and discrimination. The complaint notes that LinkedIn allegedly uses intercepted data for its advertising services, financially benefiting from access to patient information.
The plaintiffs seek various forms of relief, including compensatory damages for affected individuals and injunctive relief to prevent further unauthorized disclosures. They also demand statutory damages under ECPA provisions and call for CityMD to disgorge any profits gained through these alleged activities. Additionally, they request an order requiring CityMD to halt its current practices and implement safeguards to protect patient data.
Representing Anisimova are attorneys Alec M. Leslie, Sarah N. Westcot, and Stephen A. Beck from Bursor & Fisher P.A. The case has been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID 1:24-cv-07615.