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already removed and you could be tragically misdiagnosed.
• Here are a few tips for avoiding medical ID fraud and steps to take if it happens:
• Your medical files are often full of information ID thieves crave: account numbers for Social Security, health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, contact information, email address, etc. All it takes is one stolen employee laptop or an intercepted piece of mail or email to leave you vulnerable.
• Sophisticated thieves will also hack computer networks of insurance companies, pharmacies, medical equipment suppliers and others who have access to your medical records. And unfortunately, the black market for stolen information is so

tempting that employees have been known to steal data.
• Common signs of medical identity theft include:
• • Provider bills or insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB) forms that reference medical services you didn't receive. (Verify all dates, providers and treatments and look for duplicate billing.)
• • Calls from debt collectors about unfamiliar bills.
• • Medical collection notices on your credit report.
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• Just as you shouldn't hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse whether they washed their hands, so you should feel free to ask what security precautions their business office takes to protect your information. Here are a few preventive measures to take:
• • Never reveal personal or account information during unsolicited calls or emails.
• • Be suspicious if someone offers you free medical equipment or services and then requests your Medicare num

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