"Massive Medicare Fraud Uncovered: Wasteful Spending on Unwanted Catheters"
A report by the National Association of Accountable Care Organizations revealed a staggering increase in Medicare billing for urinary catheters, with over 450,000 beneficiaries billed in 2023, up from about 50,000 in previous years. Seven high-volume suppliers accounted for $2 billion in charges, potentially representing nearly one-fifth of all Medicare spending on medical supplies. The spike in claims for catheters that were never delivered has raised concerns of a far-reaching Medicare scam, prompting outrage from doctors, state insurance departments, and healthcare groups.