$Unique_ID{BRK00114}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Inspector General's Hotline}
$Subject{Inspector General's Hotline Resources Resource Department Health
Human Services IG government funds Medicare Medicaid Social Security}
$Volume{Z-0}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Service, Inc.


A Resource About Inspector General's Hotline


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     This is certainly not a perfect world, though many of us wish it was a
bit better.  I gain a real insight from your many letters of the frustrations
and anxieties that medical care may provoke, and try, in my own way, to
interpret and explain.  But I grieve when there are reports of abuse of the
system the government has established to provide care to the financially needy
and the senior citizens of our nation.  No, I can't send letters for you to
the government, but you can fight back on your own.  Within the Department of
Health and Human Services is the office of the Inspector General (IG).  They
are there to handle all complaints of fraud, waste and abuse of Government
funds, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.  The payment must
have been made to the provider, before the IG can act.  Once you have proof of
payment, the office can assist people who have been over billed or billed for
services not rendered.  You must contact the DHHS Inspector General's Hotline
by calling 1-800-368-5779 (in Maryland the number is 301-597-0724) directly.
The people there will direct you and explain all that you must do to file a
complaint, and obtain the assistance you need.  Its your way of fighting back.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.