Posted on 12/01/2008 4:46:05 AM PST by HollyButler
The immigration debate isn't just on Capitol Hill; documentation woes are hitting home-and hospitals-as well.
Recently, a North Carolina judge ordered the release of medical records for an investigation involving an undocumented immigrant. The woman allegedly used a deceased person's social security number to obtain medical care, a crime more commonly known as medical identity theft. But in addition to serving as evidence for criminal charges, the medical record also raises a red flag for deportation because the woman has no documented permission to reside in the country.
While lawmakers have long been grappling over immigration issues, this case draws public health into the mix. According to reports, health officials are concerned that undocumented immigrants are avoiding medical treatment to limit their paper (or electronic) trail, especially if that medical trail can be traced by authorities. But lack of clinical care can be just as costly if communicable diseases go untreated.
Putting politics aside, two industry experts helped ADVANCE untangle the major documentation and health issues this investigation brings to light.
The Dangers of Medical Identity Theft Chrisann Lemery, MS, RHIA, HIPAA security officer and assistant privacy officer for WEA Trust Insurance and co-author of Medical Identity Theft, said when a person uses another's identity to access medical care, it compromises patient outcome. Medical information about the identity "thief" becomes a part of the "victim's" record, and treatment decisions may be based on inaccurate information. For example, if a thief has a reaction to drugs, the victim may be denied that drug in a future emergency. "Depending on what the thief's history is, it could be detrimental to the person's treatment," Lemery said. "It could even result in death."
(Excerpt) Read more at health-information.advanceweb.com ...
Just give all Mexicans social security. McClame would go for that.
LLS
...actual Americans are drowning in a sea of 10's of millions of illegal Mexicans and the crushing burden of supporting, educating, and supplying transport for this mostly illiterate invasion force. Lawmakers ignore the law when it may result in losing votes, or when it is more difficult than appearing in front of a camera and mouthing vague platitudes.
What part of “ILLEGAL” do they not understand??
Stealing the Social Security numbers Americans won’t steal....
Best way to subsidize care for the “guests” is to bill the country of origin. Should they not pay, simply dun the foreign aid OR UN dues. There, problem solved.
ping
Several of my doctors and hospital have begun photographing patients for files and upon registration for hospitalization. Hard to mistake an identity when a photograph is used.
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