Medical Identity Theft
There was a recent article on medical identity theft in the Daily Herald I wanted to share with everyone.
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=158140&src=120
If you’ve heard me speak before, you know that medical identity theft is one of the “big five” most common kinds of identity theft. The big problem is that there is really no way to clear up your identity. There are no laws that force medical providers or insurance carriers to notify and clear up false claims. As health insurance premiums and costs continue to skyrocket, more people will look towards stealing another’s identity to gain access to a doctor.
AS AN INDIVIDUAL
What can you do to minimize your having your medical identity stolen? First, make sure you get a copy of your credit report from all three bureaus on an annual basis. Sometimes insurers or providers send unpaid bills to collection agencies. Second, get a copy of your medical information from the Medical Information Bureau (MIB). Go to either www.mib.com/html/request_your_record.html or call 866-692-6901.
There has been a push lately to have everyone’s medical records available electronically. It would be a double edged sword. On one hand, it would be easier to clear up problems. On the other hand, you’ll probably end up with 10 times more identities stolen than now.
Finally, be careful with your health insurance card. Make sure you only show it to qualified medical people and try to always keep sight of it. If you lose your card, call your insurance company and report the loss and demand that your ID numbers be changed.
AS AN EMPLOYER
You can communicate the importance of employees keeping their health insurance cards and medical information private. As part of your annual talk about privacy and private information (both employees’ and customers’), include medical identity theft into the mix. If you don’t have a manadatory conversation about private information, then you need to start. Call me on how to get started. You may qualify to have me come out and do it for you for no charge (including providing privacy policies, etc.).
Good luck out there. If you have any other suggestions, please post them here.
Robert Slayton is a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist who has been trained to assist companies to mount an affirmative defense against possible fines and lawsuits resulting from data breaches and stolen information.
Tags: Identity Theft, insurance, medical
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