Medical record cyber hacking has become more prevalent than credit
card data theft. Health Briefs TV offers insight into this type of data theft.
As recently as the first week of June 2015, a major U.S.
government agency announced its database of personnel had been hacked by cyber
thieves. Security analysts believe the
hackers were after the medical records of millions of government employees.
Reasoning behind this thought is that medical information is possibly worth 10
times more than a credit card number.
Personal medical information can be used to create fake IDs
in which the thieves use to buy medical equipment or drugs which are then
resold. It is also speculated that they can also create a fake medical file
using a combination of patient number, false provider number and fake made-up
claims with insurers. They can then file false claims and collect money from
it.
Health Briefs TV learns that through a survey from a leading
think-tank that more than 90 percent of healthcare organizations they surveyed
had lost data –most to hackers. Personal
medical data is more valuable to hackers and their back-end buyers than credit
card data, since the latter has flooded the underground market.
Consumers should scour any health claim forms which come in
regular mail or email to be sure there are no fraudulent charges on them. If
something looks suspicious, contact the insurance company immediately. Make a
copy of the claim or invoice and require the insurance provider to clear any
fake charges and send confirmation.
Vigilance is the keyword in these times of digital record keeping for
consumers and health care providers and insurers alike.
