Red Flag Rules
Effective January 1st, 2010, Mid-South Pulmonary Specialists, P.C. (MSPS) must comply with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA) as amended in October 2007 to include Red Flag and Address Discrepancy Requirements (Red Flag).
What Does the Red Flag Rule do?
The Red Flag rules are designed to protect consumers from identify theft by requiring businesses like MSPS to recognize activities that indicate the possible existence of identity theft.
What is MSPS watching for that might indicate identity theft?
- Identification or documents that looks altered or forged.
- Photo ID presented that doesn’t appear to be the individual requesting treatment.
- The SSN, birth date or other personal information given is the same as another patient.
- The patient presenting for treatment is not able to produce identifying information such as a driver’s license or insurance card.
- Notice from a patient who received a statement for services rendered by MSPS from their insurance company which they never received.
- Medical records that are inconsistent with the exam or medical history presented by the patient.
What will MSPS do if you find potential identity theft issues on a patient’s account?
MSPS has policies and procedures in place to help reduce the opportunity for identity theft and act immediately if we suspect identity theft has occurred on a patient’s account. MSPS may do one or more of the following:
- Flag an account for suspected identity issues so the staff will be alerted to watch for suspicious activity.
- Verify information provided by the patient by searching public information.
- Contact a patient to discuss concerns about a possible identity theft.
To reduce the initial risk of identity theft, MSPS will require a photo ID for each patient; this will help confirm the patient’s identity. MSPS has also trained the staff with respect to proper, secure handling of personal data to avoid risk exposure to identity theft.
What are some steps I can take to protect my identity?
- Safeguard your medical information and treat it as you would your other forms of ID that you want kept private.
- Verify all health services that were listed under your insurance card. Make sure you and your dependents are all on the plan and are the only ones receiving care under your plan.
- If you suspect someone of taking your information, please call your physicians and alert them to the potential for fraud.
- Check your credit report annually. You are entitled to a free credit report from the national consumer reporting agencies. Contact them to get a free copy.
For any other questions or concerns about the Red Flag rules, please contact the Administrator for MSPS at (901) 276-2662.
