Wrangell Medical Center is alerting residents to a recent phone scam seeking credit account information.
Hospital development coordinator Kris Reed conveyed reports that a caller “with a strong foreign accent” has been claiming to be a representative of “a local medical center” or a member of its billing service, asking for payment on a medical bill. The caller has been vague on details and has been unable to give any particulars on a potential patient’s care.
The hospital would like to remind residents its staff does not demand payment over the phone, preferring to submit bills by mail. However, the transfer of WMC’s billing services to agency TruBridge in August has somewhat complicated the issue.
Reed confirmed billing representatives for the Alabama-based firm may contact a patient about an overdue bill, and at that time offer to take payment or else set up a payment plan. Patients more usually may be given a courtesy call by the agency giving an account status update, and TruBridge callers will not insist that payment be made over the phone.
When in doubt, residents receiving such calls are advised not to give personal financial details over the phone. Any concerns or
questions can be relayed to WMC staff at 874-7000.
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