Medical Identity Theft

(med’i-kuhl ahy-den’ti-tee theft) (n.) 1. The theft of personal information in order to obtain medical care, pharmaceutical services or even insurance coverage. As a result, erroneous entries may be placed into the victim’s existing medical records and impact the health care or insurance coverage of the victim.

2. False claims submitted using a patient s personal information in order for the submitter (health care provider or health care facility) to collect insurance payment.