Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

While using the ATM, I noticed a man lingering around the machine which seemed odd. When I left I wondered, “Did he just see me enter my PIN?” A half hour later, I went to pay for my groceries and my wallet was gone. I kind of panicked, wondering, “Is this an identity scam? First my PIN, now my wallet. What if my identity is being stolen?”

Stolen identities – and health insurance scams – happen. Luckily, all Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) members can keep their protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Taking Charge of Your Health
Your PHI is safe so long as it’s shared with those you trust.

PHI not only includes medical records, it also involves health-related documents that show personal data, such as your:

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number¹

If you’re not sure what is – and isn’t – PHI, asking these questions may help you decide:

Does the document show anything linked to my health issue?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified based on what’s in the document?
Is the account I used to pay for care shown in the document?

Remember, if the document doesn’t relate to your health, it may not be viewed as PHI.

Your Standard authorization form
Using a Standard authorization form lets you manage who can get information about your health conditions and claims. For example, you might allow to talk with your daughter if she’s helping manage your care. Just keep in mind using the form is completely your choice. You don’t have to use one if you don’t want anyone to have access to your information.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and Dependents
As a reminder, EOB forms are available on Blue Access for Members^SM (BAM). If you’re covering dependents on your health plan, you don’t need a Standard authorization form to receive – and view – their EOB information in BAM’s Claim Center. But, dependents can’t see EOBs for yourself or any other dependents without the form.

Think about getting involved with your PHI so you’re sure it’s not stolen. Thankfully I found my wallet while I was at the grocery store; ensure that your PHI stays similarly protected.

1 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services