What should a person do if they suspect fraud involving their identity in medical records?

The most appropriate action in the case of suspected fraud involving one’s identity in medical records is to inform the facility about the matter. By notifying the facility, the individual initiates an important step in addressing potential identity theft and fraud. The healthcare facility has the protocols in place to investigate discrepancies and can take necessary actions to protect the individual’s medical records and ensure accurate information is maintained.

The facility will typically have a process for handling complaints or reports of fraudulent activity. While the person reporting cannot access another's record due to privacy laws, they can certainly inform the facility so that appropriate measures can be put into place to rectify any issues with their medical information.

Requesting a copy of the record immediately may seem like a necessary step, but it’s essential first to notify the appropriate personnel about the suspicion of fraud, ensuring that any potential risks are managed correctly.

Sending a formal complaint to the insurance company does not address the immediate concern directly with the healthcare provider and can complicate the resolution process. Calling the police could be warranted in cases of direct theft or clear criminal acts, but the first step should be communicating with the healthcare facility to ensure they can investigate and take actions to protect the individual's rights and health information.