Telehealth Scams are on the Rise: How Not to Fall Prey
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This past winter, John Ernest got a call that showed up on his caller ID as being from "Medicare," asking if his father, Dean, who lived in a nursing home at the time, needed a free orthotic brace for pain. John knew that Medicare would not be calling him and that the call was fishy, so he said "no" and hung up. He didn't give out his father's Medicare number, nor did he consent to
anything.
A few days passed. Not just one but 10 braces worth about $4,000 addressed to Dean arrived at the younger Ernest's house. He received a back brace, two knee braces, two arm braces, two suspension sleeves, an ankle brace, a wrist brace and a heel stabilizer — none of which Dean Ernest wanted or needed.
The braces came from four different medical equipment companies and were prescribed by four health care professionals. John was surprised to say the least. A prescription is typically required to receive an orthotic brace, but he is sure he didn't talk to any doctors during the phone call.
Since then, John enlisted help and reported his case to the Medicare. Yet, he still receives calls often with individuals on the line who say they work for Medicare and ask for Dean Ernest's information ― though his father died in April.
Telehealth Fraud is Happening More Frequently These Days
Telehealth fraud appears to be on the rise, ironically at the same time as more patients are opting into virtual appointments with their physicians via audio and video technology.
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