Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What does medical identity theft involve?

1. Obtaining medical records for research

2. Acquiring medical information to file false claims

3. Accessing public health information

4. Sharing of patient information among professionals

The correct answer is: Acquiring medical information to file false claims

Medical identity theft specifically involves the acquisition of an individual's medical information to fraudulently file claims for medical services, treatments, or prescription medications that were never provided to the identity thief. This form of theft not only impacts the victim's financial stability but can also compromise their medical history and future healthcare services, as their records may contain erroneous information about treatments they did not receive. Obtaining medical records for research is a legitimate activity that requires proper authorization and is usually conducted under regulatory guidelines. Accessing public health information pertains to data that is typically anonymized and aggregated for the purpose of health monitoring and policy-making, which does not involve stealing someone's identity. The sharing of patient information among professionals is an essential part of healthcare delivery, allowed under HIPAA regulations when done appropriately with the patient's consent or based on treatment needs. The focus on acquiring medical information to file false claims highlights the criminal aspect of medical identity theft, emphasizing the deliberate intent to commit fraud rather than legitimate access or sharing of health information.