Peterson Health warns patients of Medicare catheter fraud scheme affecting local residents

Peterson Health is alerting patients to a nationwide federal investigation into a medical supply company accused of submitting fraudulent Medicare claims for urinary catheters that patients never requested or received.

At least four Kerr County residents have been affected by the scheme, according to Peterson Health. The hospital said it has no affiliation with the company under investigation and that patient care is not impacted.

Federal authorities are investigating independent medical equipment suppliers that allegedly billed Medicare for catheters without patient consent. Medicare beneficiaries nationwide have reported unfamiliar charges appearing on their Medicare Summary Notices.

Peterson Health is urging patients to take several precautions:

• Hang up on unsolicited calls offering free urinary catheters or other durable medical equipment to be billed to Medicare.
• Never provide a Medicare number to anyone other than a treating provider’s office.
• Refuse delivery of any medical equipment not ordered by a physician, and keep a record of the sender’s name and return date.
• Review Medicare Explanation of Benefits documents regularly for unrecognized charges.

Residents who suspect Medicare fraud can report it to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General at 1-800-447-8477 or online at oig.hhs.gov. The Senior Medicare Patrol program also offers assistance at smpresource.org or 877-808-2468.