Auto Insurance Fraud is Targeting The Health Care System

Auto insurance fraud is targeting the health care system and that hurts everyone. When people file fraudulent claims against a car insurance policy, every one who pays for an auto policy end up paying the price. Find out what is being done by insurance companies and health care practitioners to prevent insurance fraud. Heath care practitioners are on high alert to pinpoint and prevent identity theft. Common scams involve fraudsters stealing signatures, forms and patient information to bilk payments from auto insurance companies.

This type of fraud is currently on the front burner of the insurance industry regulator, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) with its recent initiatives to assist, guide and protect health care professionals from becoming targets. Take a loot at the recently launched e-brochure on this topic easily downloaded at fsco.on.gov.ca. In the auto insurance section look for the publication Insurance Abuse and Fraud in Health Care System : Everyone has a role to play. You will see that through the illegal use of a practitioner's name (or other identifiable information) fraudsters have been obtaining payments for health care services that were never provided. As the fraud in uncovered, the practitioner unwittingly becomes the subject of a police investigation leading to any number of consequences, from reputation damage to legal costs. As well, every Ontarian is a potential target because patient information is also being used to falsify the claims.

Warning signs
Withe heightened awareness of such scams, health care practitioners are advised to be on watch for suspicious documents and suspicious activities. Other advice includes,
1. never sign blank treatment and assessment documents
2. always maintain exact record of the treatments provided
3. always record payment decisions made by insurance companies
4. never give personal information to a third party for processing invoice
5. always inform the regulatory college when relocating
6. and immediately report suspicious activity
 Each health care practitioner should be a gatekeeper to prevent identify fraud.

FSCO reports that the government's auto insurance anti-fraud task force is examining the scope of insurance fraud in Ontario. Building on current government initiatives, representatives from the insurance industry, academia, justice and the public are addressing, among other priorities, the nature and extent of such criminal activity, as well as proven strategies to curtail this opportunistic activity. more info