Preventing Medicare Telefraud Act

# Preventing Medicare Telefraud Act (HR 1785) – Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would add new rules to Medicare's telehealth services to prevent fraud and ensure quality care. Specifically, it would require patients to have at least one in-person doctor visit within the previous six months before Medicare will pay for expensive lab tests or medical equipment ordered through telehealth. The bill also requires doctors providing telehealth services to bill Medicare under their own unique identification number rather than using a substitute provider's number. **Who it affects:** Medicare beneficiaries (primarily seniors age 65+) and healthcare providers who offer telehealth services would be most affected.

The restrictions could limit convenient remote ordering of certain expensive medical items and tests for Medicare patients, while providers would need to ensure proper identification when billing for telehealth visits. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. No significant action has been taken at this time.