4. How Patients Can Protect Themselves From Healthcare Fraud?
● Health 2.0 Conference highlighted healthcare fraud as a serious issue that poses a growing concern for patients, healthcare providers, and the government.
● Healthcare fraud refers to intentional deception or misrepresentation committed by individuals or organizations in the healthcare industry in order to gain financial benefit.
● This could involve fraudulent billing practices, overcharging patients, providing unnecessary medical services or supplies, or other illegal practices.
● Patients are particularly vulnerable to healthcare fraud as they rely on healthcare providers to provide them with accurate and necessary medical care.
● Health 2.0 Conference’s panelists said that scam practices can result in patients receiving substandard or unnecessary care, or even no care at all. Patients may also be left with the burden of paying for fraudulent charges, which can be financially devastating.
Healthcare fraud can have devastating consequences on patients, as per the reviews collected from Health 2.0 Conference’s delegates. The impact can be both financial and personal. Some of the ways that healthcare fraud can harm patients include:
Financial Loss: Patients can lose significant money due to healthcare fraud. Fraudulent activities such as fake health insurance policies, fake medical devices, or unapproved treatments can result in out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance. Patients may also be billed for services that were never provided or overcharged for services they did receive.
Compromised Medical Care: Health 2.0 Conference’s Winter Edition highlights that such a fraud can also compromise medical care. Patients may receive unnecessary or inappropriate treatments, medications, or medical devices that can lead to further health problems. In some cases, patients may be misdiagnosed, leading to delayed or incorrect treatment that can be harmful.
Personal Harm: Patients may be physically harmed due to healthcare fraud. For example, fake medical devices or unapproved treatments may cause injury or harm to patients. Patients may also be exposed to dangerous or contaminated drugs, which can have severe health consequences.
Billing Fraud: Billing fraud involves charging for services that were not provided or overcharging for those provided. As suggested by the Health 2.0 Conference reckoned, this type of fraud can involve both healthcare providers and insurance companies.
Unapproved Treatments: Unapproved treatments refer to treatments not approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). These treatments may not be safe or effective and can cause harm to patients.
Fake Health Insurance: Fake health insurance policies are sold to patients who believe they are buying legitimate health insurance coverage. These policies may not provide coverage, leaving patients with significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Medical Identity Theft: Medical identity theft occurs when someone uses a patient's personal information to obtain medical services or products. As it will be highlighted at the Health 2.0 Conference’s upcoming edition, such a scam can lead to incorrect medical records and compromised medical care.
Before seeking medical care from a provider, verify their identity and credentials. Check the provider's medical license, certifications, and reviews from other patients.
● Be wary of unsolicited medical treatments, products, or insurance offers. Research the company or provider before agreeing to any offers.
● Review your medical bills carefully to ensure that you have not been charged for services you did not receive or overcharged for services you did receive.
● If you suspect you have been a victim of healthcare fraud, report the activity to the appropriate authorities, Health 2.0 Conference reviews in its Winter Edition. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same fraudulent scheme.
