- The website Identitytheft.info cites the most recent government statistics, which say about 250,000 people in the U.S. fall victim to medical identity theft each year. And that number may be even higher.
A March 2010 article from news.cnet.com includes the results of a survey by the Ponemon Institute in Michigan on medical identity theft. According to the study, 6 percent, or 1.4 million, U.S. adults have been victims of medical identity theft. The survey also calculated the average total cost for each victim, which came out to $20,000. - There are a number of things that can go wrong because of medical identity theft. You or a family member may receive incorrect medical treatment, which could have fatal consequences. Identitytheft.info lists other repercussions, including false medical bills and false health insurance claims made in your name. You may also be denied health and life insurance coverage because of treatment or prescriptions the person has gotten with your information. Not to mention, once you realize something is wrong, it will take a lot of your time and energy to fix the problem.
- Your medical information can be stolen a few different ways, but oftentimes it is someone with a knowledge of the insurance business. An article from walletpop.com says sometimes the thieves are doctors, receptionists, or other medical employees. According to the article, unlicensed doctors who set up fake clinics may use your information to file claims.
Thieves with drug addictions may steal your medical identity to buy and/or sell prescription drugs. The amount spent on these drugs will then be billed to you. Walletpop.com says in this case, the crooks could be a pharmacist or pharmacist technician.
According to the article, another reason for medical identity theft is health insurance coverage. Thieves without their own coverage will get treatment or medications using your plan. - According to the ABCNews.com article, there are three things you can do to protect yourself from medical identity theft. One is to monitor your credit report closely. Note any medical debts on the report and verify that they belong to you.
The article also suggests keeping track of benefit explanations your insurance provider may send you. If the information seems wrong, contact your provider as soon as possible.
Lastly, the article recommends requesting documentation of all benefits paid in your name from your insurance companies at least once a year. - If you find yourself a victim of medical identity theft, the World Privacy Forum, a research group dedicated to privacy issues, strongly recommends filing a police report. The police report can serve as evidence to medical insurance providers that someone has stolen your identity, and make it easier to undo any damage to your credit report.
Correct any false information on your medical records. According to the World Privacy Forum, it's a long process, but a necessary one. You will need to call your doctor, insurance company, pharmacy and any other entity that may have the affected medical records. Keep working with all involved to ensure the erroneous medical records are cleared from your files. The World Privacy Forum says it may be helpful to present a copy of the police report, too.