Scam Alert – Increased Calls Targeting Physicians & Patients

We want to make you aware of two types of scams that have recently increased in frequency—one targeting physicians directly, and others aimed at our patients.

Scam Targeting Physicians

An ongoing phishing scam is circulating in which a call appears to come from a legitimate Washington Department of Health (DOH) number. The caller falsely claims to be contacting you about a complaint filed against your medical license. At least one Valley provider reported receiving a call like this in recent weeks.

If you receive such a call:

• Hang up immediately.
• The DOH will never call you to discuss complaints or license actions.
• Forward the date, time, and phone number to Patty Kyle so she can report the incident to the DOH.

Scams Targeting Patients

In recent weeks, more patients have reported suspicious calls, texts, and emails impersonating Medicare, Medicaid, or even Valley Medical Center. These messages often request personal information, offer “free” services, or threaten loss of coverage.

Common tactics include:

• Impersonation calls claiming insurance coverage is expiring.
• Fake service offers such as lab tests or devices, often via fax with poor grammar or no return info.
• Texts demanding payment to renew Medicaid/Apple Health coverage. (Note: The HCA does not charge for renewals.)

What you can do:

• Be cautious when reviewing faxed orders from unknown sources—check for red flags.
• If unsure, contact the patient to verify whether they initiated the request.
• Remind patients not to share personal information with unknown callers or click links in suspicious messages.
• Direct them to report fraud to:
• Medicare Fraud Hotline: 1-800-MEDICARE
• Washington Apple Health Provider Fraud: HotTips@hca.wa.gov or 1-833-794-2345
• Senior Medicare Patrol: smpresource.org

Please stay alert, and don’t hesitate to escalate any suspicious activity.