[CMS is warning healthcare providers about a new Medicare fraud scheme involving phishing fax requests. Scammers are impersonating CMS and sending fake fax messages that request medical records under the guise of a Medicare audit.
Here’s the key message: CMS does NOT request medical records via fax to initiate an audit.
🚫 If You Receive a Suspicious Fax:
Do not respond.
Do not send any records.
Immediately report the request to your Medical Review Contractor to verify authenticity.
At Billed Right, we know how easily operational disruptions like this can affect your practice. That’s why we’re helping spread this message to keep your team, your patients, and your revenue cycle protected.
CMS Is Actively Fighting Fraud, Waste & Abuse
CMS is taking aggressive action to:
Stop payments to criminal actors
Remove fraudulent providers
Prevent abuse in Medicare, Medicaid, and Marketplace programs
Leverage data and tech to stay ahead of scams
Recent efforts have prevented millions in improper payments—including one case where a provider billed for a deceased patient, and another involving up to $20 billion in Marketplace fraud.
What You Can Do
The most powerful tool in fighting healthcare fraud is you. Be vigilant:
Scrutinize unusual billing or record requests
Educate your staff about phishing risks
Report anything suspicious
Report Fraud:
Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Marketplace: 1-800-318-2596
Medicaid & Other: 1-800-HHS-TIPS or [Submit a Tip Online
If you’re a Billed Right client and ever unsure about a request, your account manager is here to help, feel free to reach out anytime.
