New Medicare cards

For the many Medicare-age patients who are not particularly computer savvy, the CMS has free resources for physicians as well. You will need to open an account at the agency’s Product Ordering website (productordering.cms.hhs.gov), which in turn needs to be approved by an administrator. The posters and other free literature can be displayed in your waiting room, exam rooms, and other “patient flow” areas. There is also a 1-minute video, downloadable from YouTube (https://youtu.be/DusRmgzQnLY), which can be looped in your waiting area.

When patients do bring in their new cards, remind them to destroy their old ones, and caution them to beware of unsolicited contacts from anyone who asks about their new card, demands their new number or other personal information, or insists that they must pay a fee before their new card can be used.
 

Dr. Eastern practices dermatology and dermatologic surgery in Belleville, N.J. He is the author of numerous articles and textbook chapters, and is a longtime monthly columnist for Dermatology News. Write to him at dermnews@mdedge.com.