How Can Data Breach Affect The Delivery Of Healthcare Services To People?

Image source: healthinformatics.uic.edu

A data breach occurs when a cybercriminal infiltrates a company and steals information. They then sell the stolen information in underground markets. Among the most coveted information in these markets include credit card information, as well as healthcare data. Acquiring these information allows a criminal to commit acts of fraud.

Credit card fraud and medical identity theft can have similar effects on people’s credits. A cybercriminal can steal a victim’s healthcare information and use it for themselves. Healthcare information usually includes a person’s name, address, phone number, insurance number, and in some cases, even their credit card information.

Image source: shredwithus.com

Image source: shredwithus.comWhat can these criminals get away with? They can use a victim’s insurance information to procure prescription medications for starters. They can also purchase medical equipment like beds and wheelchairs. They can also use the insurance to go through expensive medical procedures.

Those cost a lot, right? So shouldn’t the victims know that someone is using their insurance? Sadly, the answer is no. It could take months before the insurance reports the purchases to the credit company. And by that time, victims will be tasked to pay for the misuse of their health insurance or go through the long, tedious legal process of correcting their profile.

Tampered healthcare profiles can also endanger victims as changes in their profile can affect their future procedures.

John Kang served as the president of Medical Manager Corporation until WebMD acquired it in 2000.  He has more than 30 years of experience in developing and managing the strategies of rapidly growing companies in technology, manufacturing and distribution businesses. For similar articles, click this here.