Whether your doctor keeps a paper file of your medical records or has converted your medical history to a portable digital file, medical identity theft is a growing problem you should take steps to avoid, according to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, or FTC. The FTC documented more than 300,000 cases in the United States in 2009, and as more records are stored electronically, officials worry that number could grow. Common sense precautions similar to the things you'd do to protect sensitive financial information can present minimal disruption to your daily life and save a lot of heartache and money in the long run.
Step 1
Sign up for a credit monitoring service that alerts you to any changes on your credit file. The goal of many medical identity thieves is to use your identity to receive medical care, but sophisticated fraud operations that bill insurance companies for fake services rendered in your name are a growing problem, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. When the insurance company discovers the fraud, the judgment will show up on your credit file.
Step 2
Discuss sensitive information with your insurance company only on calls you place to them. If someone calls you purporting to be a representative of your insurance carrier needing information, tell him you will call him back at the number listed on your bill to discuss it. Incoming phone calls could be fraudulent attempts to draw information out of you.
Step 3
Shred all unnecessary medical documents or extra copies that you don't need. Keep the paper records you do need in a safe place, like a document safe at home or a safe deposit box at the bank.
Step 4
Destroy prescription drug labels before throwing away empty medicine containers. Peel the label off and tear it to pieces. Striking through the information with a marker is less effective as resourceful thieves may still be able to get to the information underneath.
Step 5
Read everything your health care provider sends you to detect any suspicious activity on your account. If you've had care recently, you'll receive an Explanation of Benefits statement, or EOB. Cross check the service you received with the charges noted in the statement to ensure that everything matches.
Step 6
Request your medical records from every practitioner, hospital, pharmacy and insurance company you generally do business with at least once per year. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requires health care providers to furnish you with these records, though certain institutions may charge a small fee. Review all the information carefully, then securely file or shred the documents. You won't necessarily receive regular communications from every health care entity you've had dealings with, so reviewing complete records annually is an additional safeguard.
Things You'll Need
- Credit monitoring service
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