Patient Identity Theft
Patient Identity Theft
It could happen to your office: a new patient uses someone else’s identification to falsely obtain dental treatment.
When discovered, the patient finance or insurance company will recover its payment from you, and unfortunately, it is unlikely that you will then be able to recover your fee from the patient.
Related: Florida Man used fake ID to steal $41k in dental implants
Related: Texas Man took out fraudulent $45K loan for dental work
How to Positively Identify Patients:
Request two forms of identification.
Photo identification such as a drivers license or passport is mandatory. Second forms of identification can include military ID, social security, birth certificate, and healthcards.
Compare the photo ID with any enrollment document or dental benefit ID card the new patient may present. Keep a copy of the photo ID in the patient’s folder or electronic chart.
You may encounter some patients who object to providing photographic ID. Remind them that they only have to present photo ID for their first visit, and privacy law requires your office to verify patient identity .
If your practice management software has the ability to use a web camera to take patient pictures and incorporate them directly into the patients electronic chart;
- First, verify the patient’s identity using the photo ID.
- Take a picture of the patient using the webcam. (similar to how having your driver’s license photo or passport photo is taken).
- Save the patient’s picture directly in the patient’s ledger (or other place within your practice management software)