Posts Tagged ‘identity theft’

I posted a blog post a couple of weeks ago, just after the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) issued a press release warning about scam certification boards. In that post, I mentioned that I was working on an identity theft report for Rookie Docs – medical students, interns, residents, fellows, and new attendings.

Well, the report is done… all 40-some pages of it. And you can get it free. “Free” meaning no money, but not entirely free. It will “cost” you three short questions.

Now, I can sit back and write random post after random post, not having a clue if you find them interesting and helpful… OR, I can ask you what you want me to write about. So, that’s what I’m doing. That’s the catch…

You anonymously answer three short questions about your financial fears and concerns, and I give you a free 40-page ebook on protecting yourself and your patients from identity theft. Sound fair? Here’s what I want you to do:

1. Click on the ==> 3-question anonymous survey link <==
2. Answer each question honestly
3. Click “Done” after answering the third question
4. You will be redirected to the download page
5. Download and read (or skim) the report, or not…

Keep in mind, I am not a lawyer (thank God), I am not a financial planner, I do not know your particular circumstances, and my advice does not substitute for a qualified professional in these areas. You can take my tips or leave them. In general, it is solid advice, but it may or may not apply to you.

And, as always, I want your feedback. (And a quick thanks for all of you who gave such good reviews of the CXR Mistakes report in the Members Area… keep it coming)

The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) issued a press release today warning about scam certification boards. This poses a problem for both patients and physicians.

Doctors and nurses often have an “alphabet soup” after their names, representing certifications, memberships, and/or degrees. While many physicians are well-acquainted with the organizations in their particular discipline, patients usually are not. Patients, then, are at significant risk for being treated by frauds claiming to be “board certified” simply because they have a certificate from one of these “organizations”.

Already targets for identity theft by virtue of their high-paying jobs, doctors and nurses are at significant risk by these fraudulent organizations too. If they are so unethical as to pose as legitimate organizations and companies, what makes you think they would treat your sensitive personal and professional information as private and confidential?

If you are unsure about a particular group or organization, you can check the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) for contact information.

The ABIM is asking that anyone who is contacted for joining such a group to notify them immediately. You can email them at security@abim.org. Certainly, if you know of someone using fraudulent credentials, you should report them to the appropriate authorities. In your residency program, you would probably report it to Risk Management and the hospital’s credentialing officers.

Here’s the link to the press release again: Warning regarding scam “Certification Boards”

Identity theft and fraud are huge. And unfortunately, our residency programs do not teach us enough about them- how they happen or how to recognize them. As such, within the next few weeks, RookieDoctor.com will be releasing information on identity theft and what you can do o protect yourself.