Medical identity theft is a pernicious form of theft on the rise. It happens when someone steals your personal information for free items, prescription drugs, or medical services. Fraudsters value medical identities 20 to 50 times more than financial identities. That could explain why there are roughly 1.5 healthcare data breaches each week.
What Would Happen If You Become A Victim Of Medical Identity Theft Fraud?
Medical identity theft can lead to false claims and faulty medical records that cost money, potentially resulting in fatal effects. Combining a fraudster’s health information with your medical records could result in a mistake or improper treatment. According to the healthcare conference of 2022, your financial and medical well-being may suffer for years due to inaccurate information in your records.
Keep in mind that identity theft is a lifelong crime. Fraudulent behavior can go undetected for up to 12 months. It is crucial to monitor your identification because of this constantly.
Fraudulent Medical Identity Theft Types
Depending on who uses your information to continue the scam, experts at the Health 2.0 Conference stated that medical identity theft might fall under several categories.
- A situation where someone utilizes your personal and medical information without your knowledge is called “outside fraud.” Your information may have been taken by the fraudster themself or purchased from someone who did.
- When a member of the healthcare industry improperly exploits a patient’s data, it is known as insider fraud. For instance, a doctor might bill your insurance company for “treatment” after adding a fake diagnosis to your medical file.
- When you deliberately permit someone else to exploit your information fraudulently, such as a friend or family member, that is known as friendly fraud.
Steps To Stop Fraudsters From Committing Medical Identity Theft
You wouldn’t ever use a credit card carelessly, and your medical card or health insurance card is, in essence, a very high-limit credit card. Consider them in that light and apply the strategies listed below by speakers at the Health 2.0 Conference to defend yourself.
- Protect your card
Never divulge the card or number for your medical or health insurance to anybody other than a healthcare professional or your insurance provider.
- Observe your mail
Keeping track of ‘explanation of benefits’ statements can be time-consuming and incoherent if you have a lot of healthcare providers. But you must compare your care with what they said you got.
As each statement arrives, read it. Make an immediate call to the supplier if something doesn’t seem right. It’s possible that medical terminology merely confused you, but it’s also possible that someone else is using your benefits.
- Don’t be deceived
In exchange for signing up with your medical information, fake “healthcare companies” may promise you free medical care, toys, or even cash. Door-to-door solicitation by “representatives” of various businesses is common, as well as in public spaces such as waiting rooms for healthcare.
Never give out your medical card to anyone other than your doctor or another reputable healthcare practitioner.
- Watch out for phone calls
Hang up if a caller requests your medical number and says they are conducting a survey. Avoid enrolling in a medical plan—including prescription plans—over the phone unless you make the call.
Representatives from a healthcare organization won’t come on your door, won’t conduct cold calls to you, and won’t try to sell you anything.
- Privacy is crucial
Any paper containing medical information should be kept in a secure location. This is crucial if you have guests to help with maintenance, cleaning, or personal care.
Shred your sensitive documents before throwing them away. Additionally, hide medical and personal information on prescription bottle labels using a dark pen before discarding or recycling the bottle.
If your mailbox can’t be locked, take the mail when it is delivered. Occasionally, fraudsters will steal mail to steal identities. Think about going paperless for medical billing and EOBs.
Suppose you become a victim of medical identity theft. In that case, the following are a few ways to overcome the consequences:
- Send a police report to the local authorities: By calling the police, you’ll have a better chance of apprehending the culprits before they strike another victim.
- Get copies of your medical history on demand: Speak with the medical professionals and facilities that may have your information. Hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and clinics are included in this. Get copies of your medical records and EOB statements from your insurance. The cost of obtaining copies could apply.
- Describe any mistakes: Note any errors or shady entries when you review your records. Explain the situation in writing to the healthcare practitioner and ask that your records be changed. Within 30 days, the provider must respond to the request.
- Examine your credit reports: There is always a possibility that fraudsters gain access to more of your information if you are the victim of medical identity theft. For instance, they might open credit in your name and perform loan fraud. Contact the credit reporting agencies to obtain a copy of your credit report so you can look for any signs of fraud and begin improving your credit score.
- Set up a credit freeze or fraud alert: Set up credit monitoring to receive notifications of any efforts to open new accounts in your name and report the fraud to the credit agencies. If you’re concerned, you can start a credit freeze to prevent approving new accounts.
Final Thoughts
Medical identity theft impacts more than just your mental health; it may be expensive, detrimental to your credit, and even dangerous to your life. Protect your personal information at all costs, and ensure you aren’t being overcharged by reading every medical billing.
