A December 10 article in the Las Vegas Sun states that patients at University Medical Center do not have to be notified for 60 days if their information is involved in a data breach – which recently happened to at least 21 patients; one of which learned of the breach of his medical records from a local newspaper reporter. While that is bad enough, the article revealed another shocking turn of events at the same time.
According to both a nurse and a paramedic associated with the hospital, they have both been approached by more than one individual and offered cash, dinners and perks in the hopes that they will illegally share personal information. At times, these individuals are attorneys looking to profit off of specific cases. At other times, they may be plain old identity thieves. While both the nurse and paramedic said that they refused the offers, there must be someone who hasn’t, or else why would these actions be so blatant and prominent?
So not only can a hospital employee make off with your information for up to two months without your knowing about it, he or she can also sell your information on the black market, again without your knowing about it. See the Dateline Video on our homepage for more on how identity thieves sell our information, account numbers and passwords illegally.
Well, if you had identity theft protection, this could help keep you out in both of these situations. Even if a hospital, a company, or a relative, doesn’t tell you your information is in the wrong hands, your protection plan can give you a head’s up – and in a much shorter time than 60 days. It can also protect your finances with a guarantee that can help you recoup money lost if identity theft still occurs. This coverage will differ depending on your plan, so it’s important to do some research before purchasing one.
While it can be tough to think that your confidentiality is not really guaranteed when you go in for medical treatment, it can be even tougher to face the consequences of identity theft. I’m sure you’ll find this to be a common response if you ask a few of the 10 million Americans victimized in 2008.
So get hospital care if you need it, even with the risk involved. Just sign up with an identity protection service first. It’s as important for your peace of mind as having a medical policy – and it could even save you more money and time in the long run.