Kerrville, TX – We are sharing this information to help our patients stay informed about a recently reported nation-wide federal investigation involving a medical supply company.
National news outlets have reported that federal authorities are investigating an independent medical equipment supplier accused of submitting fraudulent Medicare claims for urinary catheters that patients neither requested nor received. Peterson Health and its providers are not affiliated with this medical supply company. The federal investigation involves companies operating outside of Peterson Health and is unrelated to the care provided by our organization.
Some Medicare beneficiaries across the country have reported seeing charges on their Medicare Summary Notices from unfamiliar companies. We are aware that this scheme has affected at least four local residents as of the time of this release. The extent of local impact is impossible to determine, so we encourage all patients to review their Medicare statements carefully and regularly.
Steps you can take to protect yourself:
- If you receive a call from someone offering you free urinary catheters or other Durable Medical Equipment and services that will be billed to Medicare, hang up immediately.
- Be suspicious of anyone who offers you free medical equipment and then requests your Medicare number. If your personal information is compromised, it may be used in other fraud schemes.
- If medical equipment is delivered to you, don’t accept it unless it was ordered by your physician. Refuse the delivery or return it to the sender. Keep a record of the sender’s name and the date you returned the items.
- Review any Explanation of Benefits documents you receive. Scan for any supplies you did not order.
- Medicare enrollees should be cautious of unsolicited requests for Medicare numbers. No one other than your provider’s office should ever request your Medicare information. There is no other circumstance when it is appropriate or safe to provide it.
- Prevent and detect health care fraud by staying aware of urinary catheter and other scams. Your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program can help. Visit www.smpresource.org or call 877-808-2468 for more information.
- If you suspect Medicare fraud, report it immediately online or call the HHS-OIG Hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).
Your care at Peterson Health and your access to our providers is not affected by this investigation. We remain committed to transparency, ethical billing practices, and supporting our patients.
