For many, medical insurance is critical to ensuring they can receive important care. However, when your claims are denied because you’ve reached your benefit limit, you may soon learn that you are the victim of medical identity theft. This form of theft is one of the most dangerous, as it can actually impact your physical health. As such, understanding the reporting process for medical identity theft is critical to ensure that you can fight not only to have your benefits restored, but also to correct your medical records. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with a California identity theft victim lawyer to explore your legal options.
What Is Medical Identity Theft and How Does It Happen?
Medical identity theft is a complex matter that occurs when someone else uses your personal identifying information to obtain medical care in your name, often under your insurance coverage.
This form of identity theft often occurs as a result of data breaches at healthcare facilities or insurance companies, as hackers can access your important health information to use or sell to others. However, medical identity theft can also occur as a result of physical theft, like a wallet, purse, or mail, or through family members who may access your personal information for their own use.
Medical identity theft can be one of the most physically dangerous, as someone else obtaining medical care in your name and using your benefits can not only result in denied claims, thus limiting the care you can receive, but it can also have an impact on your medical records. If someone pretending to be you informs the provider of an allergy or condition, it will be noted in your chart. This can impact the quality of care you receive, and can even result in life-threatening issues.
What Are the Steps In Reporting Medical Identity Theft?
It’s critical to understand the importance of reporting medical identity theft as soon as possible. Generally, you should immediately contact your insurance company’s fraud division to report the theft and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission, which provides you with additional evidence of the theft, which is critical to disputing medical bills.
When on the phone with the insurance company, you should inform them of all bills you incurred for services you never received. Additionally, you should keep a log of when you called, who you spoke with, and the outcome of each call for your personal records.
How Do I Fix Medical Records?
Once you have filed a report with your medical providers for the theft, you’ll find that it’s in your best interest to contact all providers who may have been impacted to request copies of your medical records for your review. It is critical to understand that you have the right to correct your medical records under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). In the meantime, you should request that the providers mark your records as disputes, as this can help ensure that the information in the records does not impact future care you may need before your records have been corrected.
The aftermath of medical identity theft can be incredibly difficult, as this can not only impact your finances and credit score but also your health and well-being. That is why it is imperative to work with an experienced attorney with Loker Law, APC to help you fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn how we can represent you during these difficult times.
