Are You Safe From Medical Records Theft?
Sure, you relentlessly guard your Social Security number.
True, you go above and beyond to safeguard your credit card information.
And not even the wisest identity thief could crack your passwords.
But are you safe from medical records theft, too?
You may not even realize you need to protect your medical information. But a growing number of identity theft victims are victims of medical records theft. According to a 2007 Federal Trade Commission survey, the most recent of its kind, there were 3 times as many medical information theft victims in 2005 compared to 2001. Medical identity thieves may use your information to:
• Pay for pricey surgeries or procedures
• Obtain medication illegally
• Bill Medicare or Medicaid for equipment or care that was never received
As a consequence of medical records theft, your credit could be harmed, you could be harassed by debt collectors and you could have a difficult time finding employment. Other consequences are even more frightening. If your records contain false information on blood type, allergies or history of disease, your doctor could easily mistreat or misdiagnose you.
Protect yourself—and your medical identity—with these 6 easy tips:
1. Only give your personal information to doctors and authorized healthcare workers.
2. Request your records from anyone who treats you.
3. If you find something wrong in your records, tell your doctor. According to HIPPA, he or she has 90 days to respond.
4. Ask your doctor about the safety measures he or she takes. Are the electronic medical record systems routinely audited? Do they require a photo ID to be treated? Are records password-protected?
5. Find out how your insurance provider is protecting your information. Does the insurer use software to screen for anything suspicious?
6. Finally, if you think you are a victim of medical records theft, immediately contact the U.S. Health and Human Services Fraud Hotline at 800-447-8477 or the FTC ID Theft Hotline at 877-438-4338.
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