Medical identity theft is a growing problem in today’s digital age. With the increased use of electronic medical records and the sharing of sensitive personal information online, it’s easier than ever for criminals to steal your identity. Here at Barthel Legal, we understand the devastating impact that medical identity theft can have on your life, and we are dedicated to helping victims regain control over their personal and financial well-being. Contact a seasoned San Diego County medical identity theft lawyer from our firm today so we can get started fighting for justice on your behalf.
Medical Identity Theft Lawyer | Representing Victims in California
Don’t face an incident of medical identity theft on your own. You need a competent San Diego consumer lawyer from Barthel Legal who has extensive experience handling cases of identity theft and who can help bring the right parties to justice.
Examples of Medical Identity Theft
Medical identity theft transpires when someone exploits your personal information to obtain medical services, prescriptions, or medical equipment without your consent. Some common examples of medical identity theft include:
- A person gaining access to another person’s medical records without their consent
- Using someone else’s identity to access certain government benefits
- Using someone else’s identity to gain access to certain medical treatments or surgeries
- Using someone else’s insurance information to file false claims
- Submitting fraudulent medical bills under another person’s name
- Obtaining expensive medical equipment for resale by using someone else’s personal information
- Falsifying medical records
- Impersonating a healthcare professional to bill for services or to prescribe medication
Laws Protecting Victims of Medical Identity Theft
Several laws have been enacted to help protect victims of medical identity theft. These laws aim to hold criminals accountable and provide support for victims. Some of those laws are as follows:
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): This federal law establishes rigorous privacy and security standards for the handling of protected health information. Violations of HIPAA can result in both civil and criminal penalties.
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): This federal law gives you the right to dispute inaccuracies in your credit report and requires credit reporting agencies to promptly investigate and correct any errors. The FCRA also allows you to place a fraud alert on your credit report, which can prevent further damage from medical identity theft.
- Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act: This federal law makes it a crime to knowingly transfer or use another person’s means of identification with the intent to commit a crime that constitutes a violation of federal law or a felony under any applicable state or local law.
- California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA): This state law provides additional privacy protections for Californians, making it illegal to share, sell, or otherwise use an individual’s medical information without first obtaining their consent.
How Our Team Can Help You
An experienced San Diego County medical identity theft lawyer from Barthel Legal can help you navigate the complex legal process of recovering from medical identity theft. We can assist you in the process of disputing fraudulent charges, correcting inaccuracies in medical records and your credit report, and filing a lawsuit against the individuals responsible for your medical identity theft.
Contact Barthel Legal Today
If you or a loved one has been made a victim of medical identity theft, we are here to help. Contact Barthel Legal today to schedule a free initial consultation. A skilled medical identity theft lawyer from our firm will review your case, discuss your legal options, and develop a strategy to regain control of your life. Contact us today so we can get started working on your case.
