Medical ID Theft Growing Concern, Security Experts Say
When most people think about ID theft and fraud, their concern is over bank accounts and credit ratings. But have you thought about the security of your medical identity? It turns out medical ID theft is a major and growing concern among security pros, who say that once your medical ID is compromised it can take years to undo the damage.
Most hospitals, they say, don't do much to confirm identity when patients check in, which means a crafty criminal can get procedures (everything from getting a prescription to giving birth) done under someone else's name. If someone else's procedures, allergies or injuries end up listed on your medical records that could make getting insurance more difficult or impossible for you. Robert Sciliano, head of IDTheftSecurity.com, told CBS News that "You're screwed," if your medical ID is stolen.
The quick remedy you can prescribe yourself? If your wallet is stolen or lost, don't just call your bank. Call your medical insurance company immediately to report the card missing. And when you get paperwork from your insurance company, don't just file it or throw it away. Read the document carefully to make sure everything they state is accurate. And there's plenty more you can do to protect yourself from identity theft.
The long-term remedy is for hospitals and medical centers to do a better job of confirming patient identification. Some already have hand or fingerprint scanners in place, where a simple wave of your palm confirms your ID and brings up a medical history. But most don't yet have that modern tech in place, so it's up to you to protect yourself. [Source: CBS News.]
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