According to the FTC, you may be a victim of medical identity theft if:

·         You get a bill for medical services you didn't receive

·         A debt collector contacts you about a medical debt you do not owe

·         You see medical collection notices you do not recognize on your credit report

·         You attempt to make a health claim and you plan says you�ve reached your benefit limit

·         You are denied insurance because your medical records show a condition you don't have

Do what you can to prevent or at least minimize your risk.

Donï't give out personal or medical information on the phone or through mail/email unless you've intitiated the contact. Medical ID thieves pose as insurors, doctors' offices, clinics, pharmacies and even government agencies to get people to reveal their personal information.

Make sure any copies of your insurance and health records are in a secure place. Be careful, very careful, about sharing information online which requires your SSN (social security number), insurance account information or any personal information. Look for indicators that the site is secure. Look in your webrowswer status bar for �https� (instead of the usual �http�).   And remember, email is not secure. It is by its very nature a third party communication.

Destroy labels on prescription bottles before throwing them away. Shred any health insurance forms, prescriptions and physician statements.

There are a few resources which can help you in your protection and detection.

Get a free annual credit report at www.ftc.gov/freereports or call 1-877-322-8228.

If you find inaccurate or fraudulent information, get it fixed or removed. To learn how go to www.ftc.gov/idtheft

In asking for a copy of your medical records, providers cannot deny you access. They may be fearful of violating HIPAA privacy right which are there to protect YOU. You have a right to know and if you're denied, you may appeal.   Your provider should have a Notice of Privacy Practices which names a patient representative or ombudsman. If you're still denied after 30 days, you can file a complaint with the US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. Go to www.hhs.gov/ocr

This is just an overview. For further information about fraud filing, credit report flagging and your rights under HIPAA, go to www.ftc.gov and you'll find full information.

 This can happen to anyone, at any age. If you know a neighbor or family member who might be easily confused by this, have a conversation with them. Young people are just beginning to familiarize themselves with the system might be just as vulnerable as a trusting senior citizen. One of the worst times you can learn of such an event on your credit is when you're applying for a mortgage.

You can bounce back from Medical Identity Theft. First you have to know you're a victim and then you need to go act on it. If you need help, we have a local resource in Kitsap County, the Crime Victim Assistance Center. An avid crime victim advocate, Tamra Ingwaldson, can be very helpful in these situations.   You can reach her at 360-874-8270.