Trump administration warns public about risk of fraudulent testing schemes

The U.S. government is warning the public about fraudulent cardiovascular testing scams that use "fear-based marketing" to put young people at risk. 

Healthcare facilities are exploiting fears about sudden cardiac arrest by pushing for unnecessary electrocardiograms and echocardiograms to be performed on large groups of student athletes, according to the new alert. In some instances, diagnoses are being falsified and test results are not even being properly reviewed.

The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Office of Inspector General all collaborated on the alert, noting that these schemes “harm patients, place student athletes at risk and defraud taxpayers and insurers.”  

One recommendation included in the warning is that families should be cautious about suspicious testing offers. If no doctors appear to be involved or every participant is going to undergo the exact same testing, for example, the program may not be legitimate. Another key takeaway from the alert is to be suspicious of any companies offering gift cards or other incentives for undergoing medical tests.

Anyone who believes they have encountered one of these fraudulent programs is urged to contact the Office of Inspect General.

“Awareness and quick reporting help prevent harm and hold bad actors accountable,” according to the alert.

Click here to read the full warning.