The text message was purportedly from North Valley Emergency Physicians, which is the physician group who serve the American Fork Emergency Room. The message contained correct information about the date of service and the $23.52 payment already made by Cigna, my Medicare Part G Supplement Plan. (Note to the wise approaching 65. Do not get sucked in to "low or no premium" Medicare Advantage plans. They are evil and someday you will find out how "not free" those plans can be.)

I was livid because I thought those scumbags were trying to double bill me for what Medicare and Cigna had already paid, leaving me with $0 balance. The embarrassing thing was when I spoke to IHC billing and a very nice lady reminded me that they do not collect via text.

Duh. I'm losing it. But here's the kicker. These scammers had gained access through Medicare, IHC or Cigna to the billing record and my contact information with mobile number, service date of 3/31/2024, Physician Group, the $23.52 Cigna had paid, which was the remaining 20% of the allowed physician bill. I checked my claims online with Cigna and saw they had processed it on 4/19, and the collection messages started during the first week of May.

If you search "north county physicians american fork" on Google, you will see "North Valley Emergency Physical" with a picture of American Fork Hospital, the address and phone number, along with over 30 reviews from people who have experienced the same scam.

I didn't get caught, just angry for a while. Can anyone explain how this could happen?