Medical Identity Theft: Are You Protected?

There’s been lots of talk lately about identity theft. From Target to the IRS, cyber theft of personal information is now commonplace. But have you given any thought what would happen if your medical information was stolen or tampered with? When was the last time you took a good look at your medical records?

According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, medical ID thieves can steal your Social Security number, health-insurance number, and other sensitive and personal information. This information is often stolen by employees at medical facilities, and resold on the black market.

Thieves also may hack into medical databases or break into medical facilities to retrieve the information. Why? The main reason thieves steal medical information is to obtain illegal or phony medical treatments or payment for fraudulent treatments.

Medical identity theft can cost you thousands of dollars. It can also cost you your health or your life since many times the theft results in false entries being placed in existing medical records. A new set of fake medical records can also be “created in the victim’s name leaving a trail of falsified information in medical records that can plague your medical and financial life for years,” according to the myPHR website.

Creating a Personal Health Record (PHR) may be just the protection you need.  A PHR is information about your health and healthcare created and maintained by you. Look into starting your own PHR at myPHR.

Bottom line: check your health records, explanation of benefits and your credit score; only use trusted providers and keep your insurance information protected and private.