All About Dental Identity Theft
A majority of people dread visiting the dentist for dental procedures. However, there is a new type of fear coming out of the dentist office known as identity theft. A dentist treats a dozen of people each day. Patients visit the dental practice, provide their information for verification, and receive the necessary treatment. However, the chances have always been that the dentist is never really concerned to check if their patients are really who they say they are.
What is Identity theft?
In dentistry, identity theft occurs when a patient uses another person’s information to obtain dental treatment. Insurance companies across the country have reported a rise in identity theft, where people falsify information to receive treatment.
In a perfect case of identity theft, a patient may approach a dental practice for a root canal treatment. The patient goes ahead to provide all the details,including social security number, date of birth, phone number,and all insurance information. Since the dentist has all the correct information, he/she goes ahead and offer the necessary treatment. However, when the dentist files a claim with the respective insurance company, they find out that the patient falsified the information. This can be further confirmed by the right insurance holder after receiving a bill for a dental treatment he/she never received. This scenario demonstrated the sad reality that identity theft has already made its way in the dental office. Dentists have a responsibility to protect their patients from identity theft just as they do with their personal data and information.
How to know if you are a victim?
There are a couple of ways you might know that you have been a victim of identity theft. First, if you have ever experienced a major data breach. Someone else might decide to take advantage of your information. Also, you might be a victim if you have received dental treatment bills,and you never undertook those procedures. Lastly, if you have ever received a dental bill from a different dentist other than your preferred one.
The most important thing after realizing that you are a victim of identity theft is the way you will react. Do not rush to call the number on the bill to find out; you need to be careful since this means someone else has your personal information. Monitor your financial statements, credit reports,and online accounts since the chances are that the person may have more of your personal information.
Bottom Line
Irrespective of how the identity theft has occurred, remember that this is a criminal case and you need to file a report with the police. Let the police investigate immediately to prevent you from becoming a victim again. Also, take precautionary measures by always safeguarding your documents. At Springvale Dental Clinic, our staff are professional and will always verify the patient’s information to prevent cases of identity theft. Therefore, feel free to visit our dental practice with your dental insurance. We accept a broad range of dental insurance, and chances are that we will accept your insurance. Call us or visit our offices to find out more.
