The Potential Consequences of Medical Identity Theft Following a Healthcare Data Breach

In the wake of a healthcare data breach, a threat facing affected individuals is medical identity theft. This occurs when someone uses another person's personal health information (PHI) to obtain medical services, prescription drugs, or insurance coverage. At Console & Associates, P.C., our experienced data breach lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of medical identity theft understand their rights and options for legal recourse.

What is Medical Identity Theft?

According to the Office of the Inspector General, medical identity theft is a growing problem in the United States, with millions of Americans falling victim each year. This crime occurs when a person's name, Social Security number, insurance information, or other PHI is used without their knowledge or consent to commit healthcare fraud. Cybercriminals often target healthcare providers and insurers to steal large quantities of PHI, which they can then sell on the dark web or use to file fraudulent insurance claims.

Risks and Consequences of Medical Identity Theft

The consequences of medical identity theft can be far-reaching and devastating for victims. Some of the most significant risks include:

1. Financial losses: Victims may be left with substantial medical bills for services they never received, as well as legal fees and other expenses related to resolving the fraud.

2. Incorrect medical records: When a thief uses someone else's PHI to receive medical treatment, the victim's medical records can become contaminated with inaccurate information, potentially leading to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or even life-threatening medical errors.

3. Damaged credit and reputation: Medical identity theft can result in negative credit reports, making it difficult for victims to secure loans, housing, or employment.

4. Legal and insurance issues: Victims may face legal troubles or loss of insurance coverage due to the fraudulent activities committed in their name.

Detecting Medical Identity Theft

Detecting medical identity theft can be challenging, as victims may not discover the fraud until long after it has occurred. Some signs that you may be a victim include:

- Receiving bills for medical services you never received

- Noticing unfamiliar healthcare providers or treatments on your explanation of benefits (EOB) statements

- Being denied insurance coverage due to fraudulent claims filed in your name

- Encountering errors or unfamiliar information in your medical records

To protect yourself, regularly review your medical records, EOBs, and credit reports for any suspicious activity.

Preventing Medical Identity Theft

While no one can completely eliminate the risk of medical identity theft, there are steps you can take to reduce your vulnerability:

1. Protect your personal health information by keeping documents containing sensitive information in a secure location and shredding them when no longer needed.
2. Be cautious when sharing personal information online or over the phone, especially if the request is unsolicited.
3. Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts and enable two-factor authentication when available.
4. Promptly report any suspected healthcare data breaches to the appropriate authorities and consider enrolling in identity theft monitoring services.

Legal Assistance for Medical Identity Theft Victims

If you've been a victim of medical identity theft following a healthcare data breach, you may be entitled to compensation through a class action lawsuit. At Console & Associates, P.C., our data breach lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of medical identity theft victims and helping them navigate the complex legal process.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options. Our dedicated team will work tirelessly to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.