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What is medical identity theft? Medical identity theft is a crime wherein an impostor steals another person’s information to acquire medical items and services. This type of id theft often results to having the wrong medical information entered into the victim’s medical records. There are even times when made-up medical information is created with the victim’s basic information.

This type of identity theft could happen in small healthcare facilities or in any local hospital. Through the years, medical id theft has left a trail of victims that have experienced a great amount of suffering. The effects of this crime are very difficult to remedy because the victims only have a very limited set of recourses and rights. It leaves a lot of false information that become a long-term problem.

To prevent medical identity theft, individuals and medical institutions should actively participate. Both parties should implement practices that will prevent medical id theft from taking place or from getting worse.

Ways to Prevent Medical Identity Theft

Perhaps due to the deteriorating economy, identity thieves have thought of using another person’s name and insurance information to get medical treatments and products. Anyone could be an instant victim. When you become a medical id theft victim, your medical information gets mixed up with the thief’s. Your credit report, insurance data, treatment history, and payment records are directly affected because of this.

Your medical information is a private part of your life. It has information that’s mostly only between you and your healthcare provider. This is more than enough reason for you protect your medical information. The following are some practical ways to keep your medical data safe:

1. Beware of promotional stunts for free health products or services.
   
   There may be bogus groups that entice you with these promos just to convince you to give them the ID number for your health plan. There are those who pretend to represent a clinic, pharmacy, doctor’s office, or insurance company to look genuine.
   
   
2. Never share your insurance or medical information via email or phone calls.
   
   It’s a dead giveaway when the one getting in touch with you asks for such sensitive information. You have to know who you’re talking to and, essentially, who you’re dealing with.
   
   
3. Keep all copies of your health and medical insurance information in a secure place.
   
   There should be a designated place in your house that’s meant to contain all your information in hard or electronic copies. This helps you keep track of your data and physically prevent thieves from accessing them.
   
   
4. Shred documents before throwing them away.
   
   Thoroughly shred the documents you have on hand before you throw them away. This includes prescription bottle labels. Doing so will prevent thieves from stealing your information straight from your trash bins.
   
   
5. Be strict in providing you information.
   
   Before you give your information, you have to make sure that the person or institution is going to take good care it and keep it secure. See to it that you know the people who get your information.
   
   
6. Be discreet in giving your information at the reception desk.
   
   It would help you secure your data more if you don’t verbalize your information in private clinics or reception areas. If you cannot write it down, just speak softly to the receptionist or medical secretary. This will prevent eavesdropping thieves from stealing your information.

You can deter medical id thieves if you secure your information well. Hopefully, the provided tips will help you enhance the safety of your medical information.

Kedy is an active blogger who is fond of sharing interesting finance related articles to encourage people to manage and protect their finances. She also covers topics what enhanced identity theft protection should have and tips on how to protect yourself from identity theft.