If a FREE, quick, efficient and convenient solution to your aches and pains sounds too good to be true...it is! For a complete description of the latest scam involving durable medical equipment see this fraud alert from Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol.
Here’s the fraud alert takeaway:
How do I Prevent Fraud?
Don’t pick up the phone.
If you do pick up and don’t recognize the caller, always hang up! It may seem rude, but it’s the best tactic you can use in these harassing phone situations.
Protect your Medicare number like it’s a credit card.
Don’t order medical supplies from a TV commercial or from an unfamiliar caller/company.
Keep in Mind
Durable Medical Equipment is marketed by phone calls, TV commercials and face-to-face meetings.
These scammers are trained to entice you to place an order and they are quite persuasive.
Once they get your Medicare number, the scam is in motion.
ONLY YOUR DOCTOR CAN PRESCRIBE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.
What to Do
If you have given out your Medicare number to a person whom you suspect of having fraudulent intent, contact SMP. We can discuss with you some steps you can take.
If you do think that you would benefit from some type of medical equipment, a back brace, etc., speak directly with your health care professional. They will provide you with local DME specialists who will likely measure you to ensure that your equipment fits you properly and they will show you how to properly wear the equipment.
These professionals and specialists can also answer honestly any questions as to whether Medicare will cover the equipment and what out of pocket costs you might incur.
