Medical identify theft as bad ID theft

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. medical identify theft is not as widespread as identity theft, but can be just as damaging and plague victims' medical and financial lives for years.

Laurinda B. Harman of Temple University’s College of Health Professions in Philadelphia said that victims can suffer physical danger if false entries in medical records lead to the wrong treatment.

"The crime occurs when someone uses a person's name and sometimes other parts of their identity -- such as insurance information -- without the person's knowledge or consent to obtain medical services or goods," Harman said in a statement.

However, as more people maintain their own personal health records, they will become more aware of possible fraud, Harman said.

To prevent medical identity theft, Harmen suggests:

-- Review all "explanation of benefits" notices and any other correspondence from insurance providers describing the services received.

-- Request a complete list of annual payments from the health insurance company.

-- Get a copy of medical records, in case they're tampered with in the future.

-- Keep medical and prescription benefits cards in a safe place.

Harman presented the finding at the 79th annual American Health Information Management Association Convention Exhibit in Philadelphia.