Privacy: 8 Steps to Take Right Now to Avoid Medical Identity Theft

Why This Topic Matters

Medical identity theft can affect both patient records and provider billing identities, creating compliance, administrative, and financial problems. The article helps readers recognize common risk areas in medical practice operations and understand the types of safeguards emphasized by CMS and related oversight officials.

Article Sections

1. Know What’s At Risk

   Introduces the scope of medical identity theft and the kinds of information that can be compromised. It frames the issue using CMS training content and oversight perspectives.

2. Eight steps to help keep information safeguarded

   Presents a practical, numbered overview of preventive measures for practices and staff. The section covers privacy, enrollment, billing oversight, patient complaints, and reporting.

3. 1. IRS Notices Reveal More Than You Think

   Discusses how tax-related notices may signal unauthorized use of medical identity information. It emphasizes awareness of unexpected correspondence and suspicious activity.

4. 2. Keep Track of Prescription Pads

   Addresses physical control of prescription supplies and related safeguards. It references security concerns tied to prescription pad handling.

5. 3. Activate Computer Log-ons

   Covers access control for computer systems and the importance of unique user access. It also addresses deactivation when staff leave.

6. 4. Actively Manage Enrollment Information With Your Payers

   Focuses on keeping payer enrollment information current when practice details change. It explains why accurate enrollment records matter for claim and reimbursement communications.

7. 5. Monitor Billing And Compliance Processes

   Reviews internal billing oversight and compliance monitoring activities. It emphasizes documentation review, claim integrity, and accountability in the billing process.

8. 6. Pay Attention to Patient Complaints

   Highlights patient reports as a possible indicator of unauthorized activity. It encourages attention to complaints involving unexpected medical items or services.

9. 7. Avoid Sharing When Possible

   Addresses the risks associated with distributing identifying information broadly across organizations. It focuses on limiting unnecessary exposure of provider identifiers.

10. 8. Report Potential Issues to the Police

    Explains the article’s final emphasis on reporting suspected theft to law enforcement. It also notes the role of reporting when fraudulent claims are involved.