Arkansas Insurance Department · March 29, 2024 · Primary source
Scam Alert: Scammers are billing for unneeded urinary catheters
Summary
The Arkansas Senior Medicare Patrol issued a scam alert warning that Medicare beneficiaries across the country are finding charges for unneeded urinary catheters on their Medicare statements, with complaints to SMP programs rising 750 percent in August 2023 and continuing at high volume through year-end. The alert identifies DME billing fraud involving Medicare card numbers and medical identity theft as the underlying concern. No enforcement action, regulatory change, or named entity is identified.
What this may mean
The alert signals that SMP programs nationally are tracking a surge in fraudulent DME billing for urinary catheters under Medicare, a pattern that may draw CMS and OIG scrutiny toward suppliers in this product category. No repayment order, settlement, or regulatory change is announced.
Informational only. Not legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional familiar with your specific facts before relying on any item.
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