It seems that identity theft is becoming more and more prevalent. Your credit score can take a dive and bills may be run up in your name, leaving you with a nightmare to deal with. A recent report found that the number of cases of medical identity theft jumped more than 21% in just one year and cost the average victim $13,500 to fix but the numbers can be higher because this kind of fraud is newer and harder to categorize.

What Happens When Your Medical Identity is Stolen?

Your personal health insurance information, including your Social Security number, address and email address, is valuable and vulnerable. If this information gets into the wrong hands, it can be used to steal expensive medical services, including surgeries, and prescription drugs to receive medical devices or equipment like wheelchairs. If the thief’s health information is mixed with yours, your treatment, insurance and payment records and credit report can be affected. Did you know that about 20% of victims that have been affected by identity theft claim they can been given the wrong diagnosis or treatment or have had care denied because there was confusion about the was true in their records?

Signs of Medical Identity Theft

• You receive a bill for services you didn’t have
• Calls from debt collectors about a debt you owe
• Collection notices on your credit report that don’t make sense
• A notice from your health plan stating you’ve reached your benefit limit
• Insurance is denied because your medical records show a condition that you do not have

How to Fight Medical Identity Theft

Minimize the risk of medical identity theft by following a few steps:
1. Cybersecurity measures. Check with your medical provider to make sure they use encryption technology and that they use their own secure portal rather than email.
2. Don’t give out your Social Security number. Health care providers don’t really need it, so don’t give it out. The only time you may have to is if you’re a Medicare patient whose SSN doubles as an insurance ID number.
3. Get your medical records every year. Treat your medical records like your credit report and check it every year. It may seem like a hassle, but you’ll be able to see any discrepancies.
4. Treat your insurance card like a credit card. Don’t leave your medical ID card laying around for anyone to see. If you lose your insurance card, report it stolen and ask for a new one with a new number.
5. Go over your “explanation of benefits”. These forms don’t require any action and often don’t get looked at, but you should. If you find an issue, report it.
6. Report suspicious activity. If you think your medical information has been used, you need to report it right away.

Medical Identity Theft Investigations & More in Greater Miami, Sunny Isles, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Weston, Plantation City & Miami Gardens Florida

If you find you’ve fallen victim to medical identity theft, contact Advanced Private Investigators & Security for any private investigation needs.
Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami FL