For many, the idea of someone usurping your identity to claim it as their own can be incredibly violating. However, while you may assume this kind of theft is limited to opening credit cards or taking out loans, you may be shocked to discover that there are a number of different kinds of identity theft. Unfortunately, one of the most impactful, though not as common, is medical identity theft. If you are impacted by this matter, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you should know if someone has used your information for medical care and the importance of working with a Michigan identity theft lawyer to help you recover.

What Is Medical Identity Theft?

Medical identity theft is a form of identity theft that occurs when someone uses your personal information to receive medical benefits. Generally, this can be using your details to obtain medical care, submitting a claim to your insurance, purchasing medical devices, or obtaining prescription refills.

Unfortunately, this kind of theft can have a considerable impact on your life, as not only can you endure changes in your credit score for unpaid medical bills, but you could also face serious health consequences. If the identity thief obtains medical care under your name, incorrect information may be added to your patient chart that can impact the care you receive in the future.

It’s imperative to understand the signs that you may be a victim of this kind of theft so you can act quickly. The following are some of the most common indicators that your information has been used for medical identity theft:

  • Receiving bills for medical services you did not obtain
  • Hitting your benefit limit much earlier than usual without an increase in your own care
  • Receiving calls from providers you’ve never seen
  • Phone calls from debt collectors in regards to outstanding balances

What Steps Can I Take if I’m Impacted?

If you’ve discovered that someone has used your information to obtain medical care, it can be incredibly upsetting. Not only is it unnerving to know that someone has access to your information and went so far as to pretend to be you, but you may find that there are significant issues that can arise, as discussed above.

One of the most important steps you can take as a victim of medical identity theft is to connect with an experienced identity theft attorney to explore your legal options. Not only can your attorney help prove you are not liable for the debt, thus reducing your liability for the outstanding balance in your name, but they can help you reclaim your identity and repair your finances.

At Lyngklip & Associates, we understand how complicated these matters can be. That’s why our firm is committed to assisting you during this process to help you fight for the best possible outcome. When you are in need of legal guidance, do not hesitate to contact our firm today.