The Disaster of Medical Identity Theft
The damages done with medical identity theft are usually irrevocable, permanently damaging the accuracy of your records. The changes in your medical file range from minuscule details to alterations that could pose a very high medical risk. Cleaning up your medical files of the erroneous information is very important, as they can reflect permanent, long-term diseases that are not really yours.
The underpinnings of medical identity theft
Medical identity theft is the least studied form of all ID theft crimes. It occurs if someone uses the name or insurance of another person, along with other forms of identity, without consent or permission to obtain medical goods or services. The result is erroneous medical information being added into a person’s medical records. It creates a fictitious record in the name of the identity theft victim, but it’s not the correct medical information.
This type of identity theft is a serious crime, yet it is so poorly documented that some people have never even heard of it. It typically creates a medical file full of falsified information that can plague the financial and medical lives of the victim for years to come. It is very difficult to fix when the medical and hospital identity theft damage is done, as the victims have such limited recourses and rights.
How Medical Identity Thieves Destroy Your Health Records
Medical identity theft can cause the same levels of financial damage as an identity thief using your social security number and name to open a credit card. As such, you should have the same exact rights as identity theft victims; however, the existing laws are more targeted towards financial theft. Nonetheless, you have rights and should use them.
For victims of medical identity theft, removing false information is vital. Imagine if the actions of a thief causes your medical file to reflect a diagnosis of a mental condition, an appendectomy, or incorrect blood type. This falsified information stays on your record, impacting many parts of your life. Most dangerously, your health could be in serious danger if you are treated improperly for a disease or condition you do not have. In addition, it could affect whether or not you would be able to get life or health insurance later in the future. If you have medical identity theft, the types of serious illnesses on your records could prevent you from obtaining insurance.
Medical identity theft also happens when medical claims are falsified in order to obtain money from an insurance company. The crime is committed by the criminal by using false information, while the victim has no knowledge of what is occurring. The victim may be tipped off when she is sent an explanation from their healthcare insurer, describing services that he or she never received. You may also get a bill describing services that you have never received or a phone call from a collection agency telling you that they have an unpaid bill for medical services in your name.
Taking Action Against Medical ID Theft
When you decide to take action to rectify the contents of your medical file, gather all the things that you need. You will have to obtain a copy of your medical file from your providers, laboratories, health insurance company, pharmacies, and the hospital. Explain the issue clearly and be polite to the medical providers. They do not want false information in the file any more than you do. They may have taken a loss and will want to find the perpetrator also.
If you are a victim of medical identity theft, the more information you have, the better prepared you will be. Find the facts by asking for records from insurers and healthcare providers. You have a right to know, ask questions, and follow your instinctive trail of discovery.
Remember that this crime is no different than a criminal thief stealing your financial identity. It is just as important for you to immediately resolve the issue, or else you may be plagued with an inability to obtain health and life insurance. In addition, you may be responsible for paying for medical services you never received, or risk the collection appearing on your credit report. Medical and hospital identity theft is a growing threat, and by safeguarding your information, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these health criminals.
