What if you were called and told your health insurance company dropped you? What’s the reason they dropped you? They got your credit card purchases and due to those purchases, they want nothing to do with you.
It’s not very far-fetched. Carolinas HealthCare, based in Charlotte, NC, is using consumer data on two million people, without their knowledge or permission, to identify high risk patients. They get the data from brokers who deal in public health records and even credit card purchases. For example, say they find fast food and junk food purchases through your credit/debit card statement, thanks to some data broker. You’re automatically a target for obesity. They find that bar tab on your card. You’re targeted for everything from cirrhosis to depression. The scenarios go on and on.
I understand why some people say this could be a good thing. Doctors and nurses would know your habits even before your first visit. They could know what to treat you for. They can even encourage lifestyle changes before you get too sick. In a just world, that would be true. Let’s face it: this isn’t a just world. First off, data brokers and health care providers shouldn’t be digging dirt on anybody until they have the knowledge and approval of the people. Second, this just tramples on privacy rights. And I think this will worsen doctor-patient relationships. This is going to create mistrust to the point where the patient won’t even want to see the doctor anymore. And you know health providers will probably look at this and reject clients because of ‘too many bad habits’. Do you think this data collection will catch on with other health providers?