Having your medical identity targeted can cause a frustrating number of problems in your life. According to Consumer Reports, thieves can use your stolen personally identifiable information to take medical services, equipment, or prescription drugs. It can also be used to access health benefits fraudulently or to sell on the black market.
According to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, medical identity theft is a serious problem that can potentially damage your health. Because medical fraud can alter your medical records, there have been cases of actual bodily harm occurring as a result.
You may be a victim of medical theft if you receive:
Anyone can be a victim of medical identity theft, though you’re more at risk if you don’t take steps to protect your personal information. Older adults may be more at risk for fraud, as it’s more difficult for them to avoid scams involving technology. There are other groups at risk: new mothers, people who have undergone surgery, and those with chronic health conditions.
The more you interact with the healthcare system, the greater the opportunity for thieves to take your information if you do not properly protect yourself.
Some helpful for preventing medical identity theft:
If you believe you’ve been the victim of medical identity theft, it’s vital to take steps to protect yourself and your identity. Many questions could be flying through your head. How does this happen? What should I do? We have some helpful steps on how to respond:
Reporting the theft is a good first step to ensure you have the proper support and tools at your disposal.
You have the lawful right to access your medical records and discover who else has accessed them. Request copies of any relevant medical or financial records to organize and help with any reports.
It can be frustrating to reach out to all the medical and dental offices, hospitals, and pharmacies you’ve visited, but you’ll be glad to have been thorough. This step will help ensure you and those assisting you will have the best picture of what fraudulent or criminal acts could have occurred.
Freeze Accounts or Credit Reports:After contacting the financial institutions you work with, it may be a good idea to freeze credit cards, bank accounts, or your credit report.
After contacting the financial institutions you work with, it may be a good idea to freeze credit cards, bank accounts, or your credit report.
Reach out to any practice or medical institution where you have medical record errors and ask them to be corrected. It can help to talk directly to a patient advocate or representative, the person listed as in charge of their privacy practices, or the authority appointed to investigate complaints. Track any request you make by certified mail, so you have a legal record of all your requests.
It can be a stressful process to be the target of medical identity theft. You can help protect yourself by protecting your information and reporting issues through the proper channels and resources. You’ve done a great job by informing yourself, and you’re now ready to take the next step to remedy or prevent fraud.
Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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