Medical Records and Identity Theft: Why Proper Disposal is Critical
In the digital age, identity theft has become more common than ever — and while many people focus on protecting their credit card or banking information, medical records are an increasingly dangerous target for identity thieves.
At MicroShred, we understand how important it is to securely dispose of medical documents, especially those containing protected health information (PHI). Whether you’re a healthcare provider or a patient with old files, proper medical record disposal is essential for protecting your privacy and complying with the law.
Why Medical Records Are a Prime Target for Identity Thieves
Most people don’t realize how much personal information is stored in their medical records. Beyond your name and date of birth, health records can include:
Health insurance information
Social Security numbers
Billing details
Prescription histories
Diagnostic codes
Contact information
Medical identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal health information (PHI) to receive medical care, fill prescriptions, or commit healthcare fraud. This can not only lead to false entries in your medical history but also leave you responsible for charges you didn’t incur.
Legal Compliance: HIPAA and Document Destruction
In 1996, the U.S. Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which requires healthcare providers to safeguard protected health information — both digital and physical. That means any printed medical record must be securely destroyed when it is no longer needed.
Improper disposal of these records can result in:
HIPAA violations
Financial penalties
Legal liability
Damaged reputation
To remain compliant, healthcare facilities and medical offices must use a HIPAA-compliant shredding provider for all medical record destruction.
The Best Way to Dispose of Medical Records: Secure Shredding Services
The safest and most effective way to dispose of sensitive medical records is through a professional shredding service.
At MicroShred, we specialize in on-site medical document shredding, giving you full control and visibility over the destruction process. Our trained and background-checked technicians arrive with mobile shredding trucks equipped to destroy your documents on the spot — right in front of you.
You’ll receive a Certificate of Destruction for every job, ensuring your records have been properly handled in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
What to Look for in a Medical Record Shredding Service
Not all shredding companies are equal. To ensure maximum security and legal compliance, choose a shredding provider that offers:
✅ On-site shredding options
✅ HIPAA-compliant destruction practices
✅ Bonded, background-checked employees
✅ Certificate of Destruction after every service
✅ Eco-friendly recycling of shredded paper
MicroShred provides all of the above — plus unmatched customer service and over 20 years of experience in secure document destruction throughout Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach Gardens and South Florida.
Protect Your Health Information with MicroShred
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, clinic, dentist, or simply a patient with years of old medical files, it’s important to make sure your information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
📞 Call MicroShred at (305) 999-9254 or 📧 [email protected] to schedule secure medical record shredding today.
Keep your personal data private. Stay HIPAA-compliant. Trust MicroShred, South Florida’s leader in secure, reliable, and environmentally responsible shredding services.