Identity Theft to Avoid Medical Bills on Rise
Identity theft typically comes up in regards to false charges on credit card bills and credit reports. But NPR is reporting that a new kind of identity theft is cropping up in hospitals across the country.
The identity theft cases most frequently written about are those involving stolen credit card numbers, false charges and online phishing scams. But health care has become such a commodity, that many people are stealing or fabricating new identities to avoid medical debt.
According to NPR, here’s how it works: When arriving for care, people are providing false information, including their name, social security number and insurance info. In some cases, the patients are even providing fake or borrowed ID cards.
The patients then go on to receive treatment, and the medical bills are sent to elsewhere. One hospital in Missouri has seen four cases in the last 45 days, and is working on training their staff to spot potential fakes.
But the consequences of a false ID extends beyond bill payment, and could include some seriously harmful side effects.
If a doctor brings up another’s billing information they will also bring up another’s medical history. A patient’s medical history, including blood type, medications, and past conditions and treatments may all be incorrect. If a stolen identity is used again, from a record’s standpoint it may be as if the last doctor’s visit never happened.
In a worst case scenario, a patient could be given a dose of the wrong blood type, a medication they are allergic to, a medication that doesn’t mix with their current prescriptions or a previous ailment may be ignored completely. When dealing with medicine and health care, mistakes may end up in long-term harm or even death.
NPR says hospitals are working to crack down on such instances of medical identity theft, but experts say that consumers can do their part, too. Ask for printed copies of your treatments and records so you can ensure your history is correct.