WARNING TO ALL PATIENTS AND PHYSICIANS:
Recently, there have been a large number of companies offering genetic testing services to patients in a less-than-ethical manner. These companies offer to purchase genetic samples from patients for research purposes, claiming to use the data in a legal, ethical manner to improve healthcare and provide those patients with vital data about their risk factors for developing diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and many others. However, according to a recent article from the New York Times published on June 24th of this year, one company in particular has been offering genetic testing to physicians for patients who are potentially not eligible for these tests for legal or safety reasons, and have also been accused by some physicians of improper billing practices. The article in question can be found here.
While Medicare and the United States Department of Justice are currently investigating these claims, we are currently recommending that all potential customers remain vigilant when purchasing genetics testing materials from any non-trusted source, or when receiving offers from companies to purchase said genetic samples. If you have any concerns that a business may be attempting to mislead a patient or physician, or could potentially be performing unethical or illegal sales, please contact the Medicare Fraud Hotline as soon as possible:
HHS Office of Inspector General
Call: 800-447-8477
TTY: 800-377-4950
Online: Report Fraud Online
Mail: HHS Tips Hotline
P.O. Box 23489
Washington, DC 20026-3489
Alternatively, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services may also be able to assist with any concerns:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Call: 800-633-4227
TTY: 877-486-2048
Mail: Medicare Beneficiary Contact Center
P.O. Box 39
Lawrence, KS 66044