There are situations in which you may be able to disclose patient information to Medicare without the patient’s consent. For example, if you are a provider who participates in the Medicare program, you may disclosethe fact that a patient is enrolled in Medicare to another provider for the purpose of treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. In addition, CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) may contact patients directly about their coverage or benefits.
CMS also has the authority to review medical records without patient consent in certain circumstances, such as when investigating potential fraud or abuse. If you have questions about whether or not you can disclose information to CMS without consent, it’s best to consult with a healthcare attorney.