Healthcare providers are also victims of medical identity theft. An inappropriate decision may be made by medical staff as a result of the victim’s health record being co-mingled with the criminal’s, putting the victim at risk. Failing to ensure the patient safety, the provider is exposed to potential lawsuits. Such lawsuits result in serious financial consequences to the healthcare provider, serious damage to their reputation and an increase in healthcare costs to all of us. In addition, a provider who incorrectly bills the victim of identity theft may find it necessary to write off all its healthcare expenses related to treatment of the identity thief.