OIG warns of DME fraud in new video
By HME News Staff
Updated 9:49 AM CST, Mon December 1, 2025
WASHINGTON – The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released a new video on combating durable medical equipment (DME) fraud. The OIG states:
“Durable medical equipment (DME), like wheelchairs, oxygen tanks and glucose monitors, is essential for millions of Americans. But this vital support system is also a frequent target for fraud, costing taxpayers billions and putting patients at risk. OIG is working to stop DME fraud through investigations, audits, evaluations and data analytics. Our new video explains how these schemes work, how they impact real people, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
In the more than three-minute video, the OIG says common fraud schemes include:
- Phantom billing – Charging for equipment never delivered
- Unnecessary equipment – Supplying items not medical needed
- Upcoding – Charing for more expensive items than provided
- Kickbacks – Paying for referrals or prescriptions
- Identity theft – Using stolen patient information to bill fraudulently
- Telemarketing scams – Using deceptive calls to offer free equipment
The OIG also highlights how it worked with other law enforcement agencies on the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown involving more than 150 defendants accused of fraudulently billing Medicare and other health care programs more than $13 billion for DME.
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