Health information is valuable. Obviously, your doctors need swift and easy access if they are going to provide effective treatment, especially in an emergency. But health data also has value to researchers and advertisers. And medical financial information is attractive to criminals who can use it to steal medications, equipment, and services.
Now that medical records are being kept electronically, they can more easily be misappropriated. Healthcare providers and insurers have been hacked, creating worries about privacy as well financial vulnerability.
Medical companies that get access to health information may bombard you or your child with advertising for treatments that you don’t want or need. A thief who gets access to insurance information can ruin your credit and max out your benefits.
Just as worrisome, a person who accesses health services under the name of a family member may have her information entered into the medical record, creating confusion that can have serious consequences.
Protecting your family from these problems requires vigilance. Get into the habit of following these rules:
Study statements. Check provider names, dates of service, and the type of service provided. Does anything look unfamiliar? Were you billed for the same thing twice? If you see a mistake, report the problem as soon as possible.
Check Explanation of Benefits. An Explanation of Benefits from your insurance company usually says “This is not a bill” at the top. That’s not a reason to ignore it. Match these to statements from medical providers. If there are any discrepancies, contact your insurance company immediately. An inaccurate Explanation of Benefits may be your first indicator that someone else is using your insurance information.
Sign up for online accounts. Many doctors and pharmacies provide patients with password protected access to personal medical files. Not only is this an easy way to check the accuracy of records, but it also keeps anyone else from setting up an account under your name.
Correct misinformation. Fraudulent medical claims can introduce inaccurate information into medical records. If you become aware of errors in your medical files, ask that they be corrected. Keep in mind that the medical provider that created the record has responsibility for changing it but won’t necessarily notify any other providers who may have received the information. Follow up with each of them to be sure records are accurate.
Set up personal health records. Having your own records makes it easier if you need to change health care providers. MyPHR.com has an extensive list of record-keeping apps and programs as well as paper forms that can be downloaded. Regardless of format, you’ll want to record the following information for each family member:
• Dates of immunizations
• Lab results, including blood type
• Allergies and sensitivities to medications, foods, and materials
• Prescribed medications, including dosages
• Treatment for chronic conditions such as asthma
• Treatment for unusual conditions including hospitalization or emergency room visits
Because genetic history is likely to become more important in your child’s lifetime, you may want to use the same file to record medical conditions of ancestors and other family members as you learn about them.
Be skeptical about free. Medical identity thieves try to trick people into revealing sensitive medical information by offering free products and services. Drug companies and other suppliers set up free forums to harvest information that may be useful in marketing. Free medical apps may collect information that is sold to advertisers.
Before accepting a deal that seems to be too good to be true, read the fine print — and especially the privacy policy.
If, despite all these precautions, you suspect someone has stolen the medical identity of a family member, act swiftly, following the steps outlined at ident
You can also request an Accounting of Disclosures, a record that details when, what, who, and why your medical information was shared by your provider.
Even if you don’t suspect medical fraud, you may want to request a disclosure report as well as reports from the three major credit agencies (annua
Carolyn Jabs raised three computer-savvy kids, including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for 10 years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growi
Copyright 2015, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.
