3 resources Why you should protect your health information It’s easy for people to find information online these days. Because of this, it’s really important to keep your health and personal information safe. The best way to do this is by knowing who should see your information and who should not. By law, only the people who are taking care of you, like doctors and nurses, should have your health information. They can only use it to help you get better. They can’t share it with anyone else unless you say it’s OK. Be careful, though, because there are people who might try to trick you into giving out your personal or health information. They want to steal your money or your identity. Use these steps to protect your information ■ Be careful on the phone. Do not give your information to anyone who calls you. ■Keep secrets secret. Never give out your Social Security number, date of birth, or bank information to someone you don’t know. ■ Throw away empty bottles. Before you throw away old medicine bottles, tear off the labels so no one can see your name or details. ■Hide your papers. Never leave doctors’ notes or insurance cards in your car or lying around where others can see them. If you feel like someone has stolen your information, you can report it to the Compliance Anonymous Reporting line by calling 1-888-310-3434.
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