Phone scam currently underway

CoxHealth would like to notify community members of a phone scam currently underway in the Springfield area.

Numerous individuals have reached out to CoxHealth reporting that they have been called by someone attempting to sell medical equipment (specifically braces, such as for knees and backs). They claim to be connected with CoxHealth or Ferrell-Duncan Clinic, and are contacting them on behalf of a physician. The scammers say the person would receive a discount on their equipment if they pay by credit card. They even “spoofed” CoxHealth’s name so that on caller ID, the number appears to be identified as Cox Medical Center.

Community members should be aware that this is not someone from CoxHealth who is contacting them, nor are these calls the result of a data breech at the health system.

Please note:

• CoxHealth departments that handle medical devices do not “cold call” patients who do not have a physician’s order for medical equipment.
  
  
• Patients who do have an order for medical equipment and have a concern about a call should double check with their physician’s office before accepting any services or equipment over the phone.
  
  
• CoxHealth will not call and proactively offer discounts for payment by credit card.