Medical Identity Theft

Medical identity theft occurs when a person uses someone else's name or other aspects of their identity, without permission, to obtain medical care or receive payment for care or medical supplies.

When this happens, the identity theft victims - or their insurance companies - are billed for services they did not receive. Outside of the financial aspect, medical identity theft also causes confusion because medical information about the person who used the theft victim's identity is now documented in the victim's medical record. Inaccurate medical history can put each of the involved person's at risk.

At Adventist Health Sonora, we uphold privacy and the confidentiality of our patients' medical and personal information. We respect and protect patient information as if it was our own, and we take steps to protect your medical records and privacy.

To accomplish this, we watch for inconsistencies in medical records. Some of these include:

• Basic information that doesn't match information we already have in our system, like a date of birth.
• Identification papers that look like they were altered.
• Calls from patients reporting that they received a bill for services they never received.

Each time a person in a non-emergency situation presents for treatment, we will request photo identification, such as:

• Driver's license.
• State-issued ID.
• Passport.
• Other photo ID (employment, military or school ID).

When we treat patients who are minor children and do not have photo identification, we will obtain requested identification from his or her parent, guardian or responsible party.

If you think you may be a victim of identity theft involving your health information, please contact Patient Financial Services at 209-536-3900.