If you are the victim of medical identity theft in California, you may find that your medical records are full of incorrect and fraudulent information, which can result in serious issues when seeking care. It’s critical to understand that, in accordance with federal laws, you have the right to access your medical records and dispute fraudulent information resulting from fraudulent use of your identity. As such, the following blog explores what you should know about correcting your records and the importance of working with a Los Angeles, California identity theft lawyer to help you fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances.
What Is Medical Identity Theft and How Does It Happen in LA?
Medical identity theft is a form of fraud in which someone uses your sensitive personal information to obtain medical care in your name or use your insurance benefits. This information is often obtained through data breaches of health centers, doctors’ offices, and
Medical identity theft is one of the most impactful forms of theft you can experience, as it can have a significant impact on your health and well-being.
When someone obtains medical care in your name, it can impact your medical records and subsequent healthcare. For example, if someone using your information reports an allergy to a doctor, it may be noted in your chart. As such, when you need medical care, the quality of your care may be impacted as the providers may not prescribe the best medication to treat your condition, as it contains an allergen that you don’t actually have.
Similarly, this can impact potential life-saving medical care, as you may be unable to obtain the treatment you need based on the procedures another person has undergone in your name.
Examples of Medical Identity Theft
- Someone uses your insurance information to visit a medical provider
- Someone fills a prescription using your identity
- Thieves obtain medical equipment using your insurance benefits
- Someone receives emergency medical treatment in your name
- Your medical records include false diagnoses, allergies, or medical procedures
What Are the Signs of Medical Identity Theft in Los Angeles?
Many victims do not know that their identity has been stolen until they receive unexpected bills or discover mistakes in their health records.
Warning Signs
- Bills for medical services you have never received
- Calls from providers you have never visited
- Insurance claims for treatment you do not recognize
- Notifications that you have reached your benefit limits
- Debt collection efforts for unfamiliar debts
- Incorrect information in your medical records
Why Is Correcting Medical Records Important for California Consumers?
Unlike other forms of identity theft, medical identity theft doesn’t just impact your finances. Inaccurate medical records can have considerable impacts on future health decisions, ultimately placing your health at an increased risk.
Potential Consequences of Inaccurate Medical Records
- Incorrect medications may be prescribed
- Limited legitimate forms of treatment
- Providers may rely on incorrect allergy or treatment history
- Insurance coverage disputes can occur
- Future diagnoses may be impacted by fraudulent information
How Do I Rectify My Medical Records in Los Angeles?
If you are the victim of medical identity theft, it’s imperative to understand how to proceed. Generally, you’ll find that under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), you have the right to review and rectify your medical records to ensure their accuracy.
Typically, the first thing you should do in these circumstances is report the identity theft to your health insurance’s fraud division and the FTC. This can help provide you with the next steps to take to secure your identity.
As such, if you believe that your medical records were affected by medical identity theft, you should contact all of your providers, explain the situation, and request copies of your medical records.
This allows you the opportunity to locate incorrect and fraudulent information in your records and request that the information be corrected, amended, or supplemented, in accordance with state and federal laws.
Steps to Correct Medical Records
- Request full copies of your medical records
- Carefully review and identify inaccurate information in the records
- Inform each healthcare provider of suspected identity theft
- Submit written requests for the amendment of your medical records
- Keep copies of all communications
- Follow up in writing to confirm corrections have been implemented
How Do I Dispute Fraudulent Medical Bills in Los Angeles?
Unfortunately, medical identity theft can often result in bills and insurance claims arising in your name that you did not authorize. As such, understanding how to dispute these charges to avoid financial liability for bills you did not accumulate is critical.
In Los Angeles, victims of medical identity theft often discover fraud after receiving bills from hospitals, urgent care centers, or providers they have never visited. Promptly disputing these charges and correcting medical records can help minimize the risk of collection activity and insurance complications.
Steps to Address Fraudulent Medical Charges
- Contact your health insurance provider immediately
- Contact the healthcare provider’s billing department
- Request detailed billing records
- Dispute charges that do not belong to you
- Monitor your insurance explanation of benefits statements
- Review your credit reports regularly
- Keep copies of all communications for your records
Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Identity Theft Attorney Today
Medical identity theft is one of the most serious forms of identity theft, as your health and well-being could be at risk due to the actions of another party. As such, it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced identity theft victim defense lawyer with Los Angeles Legal Solutions. Our firm can help you fight to reclaim your identity and absolve the fraudulent bills accumulated in your name. Contact us today to learn more.
