Hunt Regional Healthcare is alerting patients to a growing nationwide phone scam targeting Medicare recipients. Fraudsters are calling individuals and claiming that a healthcare provider has ordered genetic testing, then asking for personal information such as date of birth and Medicare details.

These calls are not from Hunt Regional Healthcare, even if the caller ID appears to show one of our clinic numbers. Scammers are using a tactic called caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate and trick patients into sharing sensitive information.

According to a consumer alert from the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), these scams go beyond phone calls. Fraudulent genetic testing representatives have been spotted at senior centers, health fairs, and even in parking lots, promising “free” tests in exchange for a Medicare number. These offers often come with misleading claims about the ability to detect or prevent serious health conditions.

But what seems like a harmless test can be dangerous. Fraudulent companies may steal your medical identity, bill Medicare for unnecessary services, and cause confusion about your health. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued a warning urging people to avoid these scams and to ensure all medical tests are ordered by a physician they know and trust.

How to Protect Yourself

Hunt Regional Healthcare and SMP recommend the following steps:

  • Do not share personal information, such as your Medicare or insurance number, over the phone or at public events.

  • Avoid accepting genetic tests unless ordered by your personal healthcare provider.

  • Ignore unsolicited testing kits delivered to your home.

  • Review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) carefully for unfamiliar charges.

  • Report suspicious activity to your doctor’s office or contact the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-877-808-2468 or www.smpresource.org.

If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from Hunt Regional, please get in touch with your provider’s office directly using the number listed on your appointment reminder or on our official website.