CMS Sends Scam Alert

BALTIMORE—According to a Thursday notice, CMS has become
aware of a scam where perpetrators are sending faxes to physician
offices posing as the Medicare carrier or Medicare Administrative
Contractor (MAC).
 
The fax instructs physician staff to respond to a questionnaire to
provide an account information update within 48 hours in order to
prevent a gap in Medicare payments. The fax may have the CMS logo
and/or the contractor logo to enhance the appearance of
authenticity.
 
“Medicare FFS providers, including physicians, non-physician
practitioners, should be wary of this type of request,” the
notice said. “If you receive a request for information in the
manner described above, please check with your contractor before
submitting any information. Medicare providers should only send
information to a Medicare contractor using the address found in the
download section of the CMS.gov Web site found at www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNGenInfo/ or
www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll.