“medical identity theft” february 9th 2016

“Medical Identity Theft”

February 9th 2016

COLLECTION AGENCYRidiculously nice…

Kenlyn T. Gretz

President and CEO of…

This is not legal advice. You should contact your company attorney for legal

advice.

» 21% increase from 2014 to 2015» Identity is stolen or shared on purpose

What is it?» Medical identity theft occurs when someone uses an

individual’s name and personal identity to fraudulently receive medical services, prescription drugs and/or goods.

Who Is Doing It?» 49% family members and friends

» 25% knowingly permitted their friend or family member to use the identity.

» 24% had a friend or family member use their identity without permission.

» 51% no relation or relationship

Who Do Victims Blame?

» 52% place the blame (responsibility) on the healthcare provider.

» 48% state they would change providers because of identity theft.

Our Recent Story» Radiology account lists for collection. » We send a letter. » Consumer calls Americollect and claims ID Theft. » Consumer sends police report. » We validate and send to radiology client. » Client confirms with hospital the ID Theft is true. » Americollect cancels accounts and sends apology

letter.» 60 days later we get sued.» $2500 settlement and $4000 in attorney fees.

Hint of ID Theft » Notify all involved» Vendors, ancillary medical providers, labs, pathology,

radiology, anesthesiology and insurance company.

How do consumers become aware of ID Theft?

» 33% billing statements from provider» 24% collection letters » 14% adverse credit file

» Remember 25% gave permission.

» Ask your collection agency for their process on Medical Identity Theft.

Outbound Call Vs. Formal Dispute Letter

Checks in the Mail!

What we hear!

» “I was never at XYZ Hospital!”

» “I never was at the hospital on that date! “

» “I never heard of that doctor.”

Truth or Stall» Inbound call our outbound – caught off guard – White

Lie?» Are the statements going to correct address? » Who was the patient? Divorce? » Who is the bill payer or care coordinator in the family? » Was it a different doctor that provided services?» Are they are brand new patient? » How upset is the victim on the phone? » Did they make promises before?

Fair Credit Reporting Act1. Conduct a reasonable investigation with respect to

the disputed information.2. Review all the information provided by the consumer

with the notice of dispute. 3. Complete the investigation and respond to the

consumer within thirty days of receipt of the dispute.4. If the investigation determines that the disputed item

of information is inaccurate, the agency must correct the inaccuracy with each CRA to which the agency has provided the inaccurate information.

E-Oscar Credit File Disputes» 6234 Credit File Disputes ( .089 % ) » 267 where ID Theft Claims ( 5% ) » 74 provided back up images ( 28% )

» 7,000,000 accounts on credit files.

No Police Report» We ask that they file a police report and send us a

copy. » When we receive a copy, we forward it to the medical

provider copy for them to investigate. » Many times the consumer does not follow through

with a police report or affidavit. If they do not, we do not investigate any further.

» We see some police reports “filled out” but not filed. Many police departments provide on-line documents to complete.

Who Reports to Police?» Only 40% report to law enforcement

» 55% say they didn’t report because they didn’t think law enforcement would be helpful

» 47% state they didn’t report the theft because if was a family member

Expect more from us.

Sample Affidavit» https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-0094-identit

y-theft-affidavit.pdf

Tools to Help Victims

» FTC Toll free - 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338)

» https://www.identitytheft.gov/

Simple Solutions to Reduce Occurrence of Medical Identity Theft

Patient Access» Photo Id – Think banking industry » Patient photo imaged in your EHR » Security questions - “Should know questions” -

» “You had a car loan in 2011 with Bank of America. How much was your car loan payment?”

» “For privacy purposes, can you tell me which of these doctors you have seen in the last 6 months”

Resources» http://medidfraud.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/201

4_Medical_ID_Theft_Study1.pdf» Medical Identity Fraud Alliance » ACA International Fast Fax» http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-ide

ntity-theft

Our next Webinar!» Denial Codes: How a collection agency can collect

more money if you send us denial codes at the time of listing.

» Tuesday, April 5, 2016» 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM CST

» If you would like to register, sign up at http://www.americollect.com/events/event/denial-code/ or send an email to sales@americollect.com. Watch your emails in the upcoming weeks for a reminder.

Thank You. SIX time winner of Inc Magazine’s Fastest Growing

Private Company – 2009 - 2015!

And we just found out we‘ve been honored for a 7th year!

SEVEN time winner of Inside ARM Best Places to Work in Collections!