The healthcare industry continues to be targeted by numerous scams. Recently, some UConn Health clinics received fake fax orders for medical supplies and equipment. The orders appear to come from a legitimate company, are directed to the patient’s correct provider, and may contain accurate patient identifiers. The scammers often call the clinics before the order is faxed and again to check the status of the order. They will claim that the provider or the patient requested the supplies or equipment, and the caller will request provider signature on the order.

We can combat these scams by asking:

1. Does the call feel right? If not, hang up and report the call.
2. Did the provider or patient request these items? Check with the provider and patient.
3. Is this a known company and regular workflow? If not, hang up and report the call.
4. If this is a known company, do the phone and fax numbers match the numbers we have in our systems? Contact the company through a trusted and known contact method if the call is questionable.

Above all, do not respond to the fax or provide the callers with any information until you have verified the caller’s identity and authority to receive the information.

Any time you have doubts, please feel welcome to contact IT Security itsecurity@uchc.edu, or, if your issue is not addressed, you can reach Interim CISO Dennis at leber@uchc.edu, CIO Rick at rimccarthy@uchc.edu, or AVP Rob at darby@uchc.edu, or the Office of Healthcare Compliance & Privacy at 860-679-7226 or ohcp@uchc.edu for assistance – we are here to help!

The Office of Healthcare Compliance and Privacy is pleased to welcome both Lisa Frigo and Paige Sullivan to our team.

Lisa joins our team as a Compliance Specialist. She has fifteen years of experience in health care including providing direct patient care, managing clinical services, and supporting compliance programs. Lisa has worked in a variety of healthcare settings including academic medical centers, physician practices, community hospitals, and healthcare insurance companies.

In her new role, Lisa will provide guidance, education, and monitoring regarding new or changing Federal and State regulations.

Paige joins our team as a Medical Auditor. Paige is a registered nurse with eight years of experience providing direct patient care – most recently, in UConn Health’s Department of Dermatology. Paige has previous experience with inpatient and pediatric patient care at academic medical centers. She has also worked in military health care.

In her new role, Paige will be auditing and monitoring institutional risk areas for compliance with Federal and State regulatory requirements. In addition, she will be developing provider education and making process improvement recommendations aimed at reducing institutional compliance risk.

Please join us in welcoming both Paige and Lisa and wishing them success in their new roles at UConn Health. We are thrilled that they have joined our team!