There has been a 91 percent increase in the number of
medical identity theft cases in the last year alone. Health Briefs examines the
issue and offers prevention tips for consumers in North
America .
Health care agencies including the insurance companies lag
far behind the credit card, financial and large discount store companies when
it comes to protecting a consumer’s personal data. And unlike credit card
companies, there is no way for a consumer to know someone stole their medical
data and used it to obtain health services. Medical ID thieves can get health insurance in your name, obtain prescriptions, even check
into the hospital to give birth or have surgery. The only way a person
will know this happened is if they get a bill from a collector. So how can the
average consumer who goes to the doctor, gets tests done in clinics and
hospitals and may be admitted to a hospital prevent this from happening?
Health Briefs suggests only
writing the last four digits of your Social Security Number on any form. Don’t share any medical or healthcare
information, such as insurance info via telephone or email unless you know
without any doubt who is asking. Shred old healthcare forms, old prescription
slips, doctor bills, etc and store current ones in a safe place. Know your
rights and find out why a website is asking for this info, how it will be kept
safe, whether it will be shared, and with whom. Read the Privacy Policy on the
website. Look for the lock and key symbol to be sure the website is safe
and secure. If in doubt, don’t offer any information.
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