Home Medical Equipment and Supply Companies Working Douglas County

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson wants Douglas county residents to be aware that home medical equipment and medical supply companies are currently working in the area.  The D.A.’s Office was contacted by Lawrence Memorial Hospital and made aware that multiple patients had complained they have received unsolicited phone calls from these types of providers.  These companies are attempting to obtain the patients’ Medicare insurance numbers (social security number), doctor’s name and other personal information.  This information can be used for a variety of purposes, including patient authorization to switch to a new provider.

A representative with Lawrence Memorial Hospital asked that the D.A.’s Office make Douglas County residents aware that when a physician orders and arranges home health care equipment or supplies with a company, the physician’s office gives all the necessary billing information to the company.  There is no need for the company to request this information from the patient, in fact, this is a red flag.  The patient should NEVER give out their Medicare number or doctor’s name for this type of request.  Additionally, never give out your date of birth, driver’s license number, credit card number, social security number or insurance information to any unsolicited caller and carefully read any fine print on any form you are asked to fill out on-line or otherwise.

If you believe you may be a victim of a Medicare scam, please contact The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, 1-800-447-8477.  If you have reason to believe you have been the victim of identity theft through this type of scam, please also contact your local law enforcement agency to make a police report.