Page 34 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine Winter 2020- Online Magazine
P. 34
HONORING SENIORS
GENETIC
TESTING
FRAUD
SWEEPS STATE, NATION
cross the nation – including condition,” said Jennifer Salazar, Refuse to give out their personal
in the state of Texas – Director, Texas Senior Medicare information or accept screening
Agenetic testing company Patrol (TXSMP). services, including a cheek swab,
representatives are offering from someone at a community
“free” genetic tests to Medicare Because confusion exists regarding event, a local fair, a farmer’s
beneficiaries. These tests can also Medicare’s coverage for genetic market, a parking lot, and/or any
be referred to as DNA screenings, tests for cancer and other other large event.
cancer screenings, and hereditary conditions, the Office of Inspector
testing, to name a few. The General (OIG) released a fraud alert Go to their own doctor to assess
representatives go to senior centers, on the topic. It advises the public their condition, not a doctor on the
senior housing, to be suspicious of phone whom they’ve never met and
health fairs, and anyone who offers free from a company they don’t know.
even parking genetic testing and Always read their Medicare
lots to convince then requests their Summary Notice (MSN) or
people to let Medicare number. Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
them take a The OIG’s fraud The words “gene analysis” or
cheek swab for alert also states that “molecular pathology” as service
testing. They a physician, whom codes may indicate questionable
advertise on TV a person knows and genetic testing.
and online. They trusts, should approve
promise that any requests for Refuse the delivery of any genetic
the results will genetic testing. In fact, testing kit that was not ordered by
help recipients federal regulations their physician.
avoid diseases state that diagnostic
or find the right tests must be ordered Be suspicious of anyone who
medications. All by the physician who is treating offers free genetic testing and then
they ask for in return is the person’s the beneficiary – in other words, requests their Medicare number.
Medicare number. the person’s own doctor. “A doctor If their personal information is
While this may sound harmless, who has never met or examined compromised, it may be used in
other fraud schemes.
in reality, it is dangerous. “These a patient, often hired by a genetic
companies can steal people’s testing company, should not be Contact their local SMP for help.
medical identity and falsely bill signing off on any tests. That’s a red SMPs empower and assist Medicare
Medicare, draining the system flag,” said Ms. Salazar. beneficiaries, their families, and
of needed funds. Tests ordered The SMP recommends that caregivers to prevent, detect, and
under these circumstances are beneficiaries should: report health care fraud, errors, and
unnecessary and could lead to abuse.
confusion about someone’s health
34 Amarillo Senior Link
