CMA was recently notified of a new scam targeting physicians. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), perpetrators are sending faxes to physician offices posing as their Medicare carrier or Medicare Administrative Contractor. The faxes instruct physician staff to update their account information within 48 hours in order to prevent a gap in Medicare payments. The faxes sometimes have the CMS or contractor logo to enhance the appearance of authenticity.

 While physicians may receive legitimate requests for information from Palmetto (California’s Medicare contractor), they should always be extremely careful when providing anyone with sensitive account information. Physicians who receive requests for information in the same or a similar manner as described above should check with Palmetto before submitting any information. Medicare providers should only send information to Palmetto using the contact information found on the official Palmetto website, http://www.palmettogba.com.

Contact: CMA’s reimbursement help line, 888/401-5911 or mkelly@cmanet.org.