The rise of genetic testing has brought about incredible advancements in healthcare, offering insights into our health predispositions and potential treatments. However, this growing field has also attracted fraudulent schemes, leaving many people wondering about the legitimacy of certain services, including “Care View Diagnostics.” Are offers for genetic testing from companies like Care View Diagnostics genuine, or are they scams designed to steal your personal information and bill Medicare fraudulently?
Understanding the Genetic Testing Scam Landscape
Across the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) has issued warnings about a concerning fraud trend: genetic testing scams. These scams typically target Medicare beneficiaries, but can affect anyone interested in genetic health information. Scammers often lure individuals with promises of “free” genetic screenings or tests. They use various methods to reach potential victims, including:
- Telemarketing Calls: Unsolicited calls offering free genetic tests.
- Public Events & Health Fairs: Booths set up at community events to collect personal and Medicare details.
- Door-to-Door Visits: Agents going house-to-house promoting genetic testing.
- Mailed Kits: Unrequested genetic testing kits arriving in the mail.
The core of the scam lies in obtaining your Medicare information or other personal details. Fraudsters then use this information to bill Medicare for unnecessary tests or screenings, often without a doctor’s order or medical necessity. You might receive a cheek swab, undergo a quick screening, or even get a testing kit in the mail – all seemingly free.
However, the reality is far from free. If Medicare denies the fraudulent claim, the beneficiary can be held responsible for the entire cost of the test, which can run into thousands of dollars. Furthermore, giving away your personal information opens the door to identity theft and other fraudulent schemes.
Is Care View Diagnostics a Scam? Applying Caution
While “Care View Diagnostics” might be a legitimate company, the prevalence of genetic testing scams necessitates a cautious approach when evaluating any such service. The key question to ask isn’t just “is Care View Diagnostics legit?”, but rather “how can I ensure any genetic testing service I consider is legitimate and beneficial for my health?”
Here’s how to apply critical thinking to offers from companies like Care View Diagnostics or any other genetic testing provider:
- Unsolicited Offers are Red Flags: Be highly suspicious of any unsolicited offers for “free” genetic testing, regardless of the company name. Legitimate medical tests are typically recommended by your doctor, not offered out of the blue.
- Medicare Number Requests: Never give your Medicare number or personal information to anyone offering “free” genetic testing, especially if they contact you unexpectedly. Your Medicare details are valuable and should be protected.
- Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, urging you to act fast to claim your “free” test. Legitimate healthcare decisions should never be rushed.
- Lack of Doctor Involvement: A genuine genetic test should be ordered or approved by your physician who understands your medical history and needs. Be wary if the service bypasses your doctor entirely.
Protecting Yourself from Genetic Testing Fraud
Whether you are evaluating Care View Diagnostics or another genetic testing service, prioritize your protection by following these steps:
- Consult Your Doctor: The most reliable way to determine if genetic testing is appropriate for you is to discuss it with your doctor. They can assess your medical history, family history, and individual needs to recommend the right course of action.
- Reject Unsolicited Kits: If you receive a genetic testing kit in the mail that you didn’t order through your physician, refuse the delivery or return it to sender. Keep a record of the sender’s information and return date.
- Guard Your Medicare Information: Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number. Only share it with trusted healthcare providers and be extremely cautious of unsolicited requests.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you’ve encountered a genetic testing scam, or any type of Medicare fraud, report it immediately to the HHS OIG Hotline. Your report can help protect yourself and others from becoming victims.
In Conclusion
While it’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of services like Care View Diagnostics, it’s equally important to be aware of the broader landscape of genetic testing scams. By staying informed, being cautious of unsolicited offers, and involving your trusted physician in healthcare decisions, you can protect yourself from fraud and make informed choices about genetic testing. Remember, legitimate healthcare decisions are made in consultation with your doctor, not through pressure tactics or unsolicited offers of “free” services.
Related Material:
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General Fraud Alerts.
