Medical Identity Theft a Growing Problem

Medical identity theft is an increasing problem, with many victims not realizing their insurance information has been stolen for months, or even years. According to the New York Times, more than 250,000 Americans were victims in 2007, and this number is likely to have increased significantly with the increase in health information technology adoption.

This underscores the need for adequate data security measures built in to any nationalized health IT system. These safety measures need to address the various ways in which thieves access information, either through social security numbers, insurance ID numbers, or insider activity perpetrated by health provider employees. There also need to be better consumer protections built in, similar to those provided to individuals whose credit information has been stolen, so that victims have a way to rebuild their identity.