Biometric Technology Towards Prevention of Medical Identity Theft: Physicians’ Perceptions
Chevella N. Oliver MHIIM, Sajeesh Kumar · Health Informatics - An International Journal · 2016
While Financial Identity Theft (FIT) has been an ongoing threat to the safety of American society with its horror and inconvenience, Medical Identity Theft (MIT) is now an additional risk on the horizon and there are many perils associated with this burgeoning phenomenon.This paper will examine the physician perceptions and look at the menacing burden that MIT places on its victims.It will also discuss ways in which the provider can better address issues by using biometric technology to combat this escalating problem.Also, MIT can be more damaging than FIT because it can create mayhem for the victim and his or her medical information when erroneous details have been created in the medical record due to a thief's scheming and deceitful usage of healthcare information.The literature suggests that biometric technology can revolutionize the healthcare industry with scientific tools that can scan your eye, hand or thumbprint and a person can be easily identified.This technology would add another layer of security to give greater protection to healthcare users as well as providers.Biometric technology is an exciting untapped resource that can make an incredible difference in the field of healthcare and PHI.This project will shed some light on this technology and may help the healthcare community understand the viability of biometrics and how it can possibly deter MIT.