The Telemedicine Scam: A Growing Medicare Fraud

As telemedicine becomes more common, scammers are exploiting this trend to commit Medicare fraud. They’re billing for virtual consultations that never occurred or were conducted by unqualified individuals.

How the Scam Works

Scammers use various tactics to commit telemedicine fraud:

1. Unsolicited Calls

   • Offering “free” telemedicine consultations
   • Claiming to be from Medicare or healthcare providers
   • Pressuring beneficiaries to schedule appointments

2. Fraudulent Billing

   • Billing for consultations that never happened
   • Adding telemedicine charges to other scams
   • Using unqualified providers for consultations

Warning Signs

1. Unsolicited Offers

   • Calls about “free” telemedicine services
   • Pressure to schedule immediate consultations
   • Claims of mandatory virtual check-ups

2. Suspicious Consultations

   • Providers who don’t ask about your health
   • Rushed or incomplete medical assessments
   • Requests for Medicare information

How to Protect Yourself

1. Verify Telemedicine Providers

   • Only use Medicare-approved providers
   • Check provider credentials
   • Get recommendations from your doctor

2. Understand Your Coverage

   • Know what telemedicine services are covered
   • Understand your copayments and deductibles
   • Keep records of all virtual consultations

3. Protect Your Information

   • Never share Medicare information with unsolicited callers
   • Use secure platforms for telemedicine
   • Report suspicious offers immediately

What to Do If You’re a Victim

If you discover unauthorized telemedicine charges:

1. Contact Medicare immediately
2. Report the fraud to the Office of Inspector General
3. Keep records of all communications
4. Monitor your Medicare statements

Prevention Tips

• Never accept unsolicited telemedicine offers
• Verify provider credentials before consultations
• Keep your Medicare information private
• Regularly review your Medicare statements

Remember: Legitimate telemedicine services are always initiated by you or your doctor, not by unsolicited callers.

Have questions about telemedicine coverage or suspect you’ve been targeted by this scam? Let’s talk. I’m here to help you navigate telemedicine services safely.