OIG Issues Genetic Testing Fraud Alert

On June 3, the OIG issued a fraud alert warning of a genetic testing fraud scheme. According to the OIG, scammers are using telemarketing calls, booths at health fairs and public events and door-to-door visits offering Medicare beneficiaries cheek swabs for genetic testing. The objective is to get beneficiaries to reveal their Medicare information and use that information for fraudulent billing and/or identity theft. If the beneficiary agrees to genetic testing or verifies personal or Medicare information, a testing kit is sent even if it’s not ordered by a physician or medically necessary. The fraud alert lists the things beneficiaries can do to protect themselves, including:

• Not accepting a genetic testing kit mailed to them unless their physician ordered it;
• Keeping a record of the sender’s name and the date you returned the items; and
• Being suspicious of anyone who offers them free genetic testing and then requests their Medicare number