DENGUE UPDATES – 2024

Here are 5 key physical differences between venomous and non-venomous scorpions:

1. Venom Glands: Venomous scorpions have a pair of venom glands located in the telson (stinger) at the end of their tail, while non-venomous scorpions lack these specialized venom glands.
2. Aculeus Shape: Venomous scorpions typically have a more curved and sharper aculeus (stinger barb) compared to non-venomous species, which tend to have a straighter and blunter aculeus.
3. Chelae Size: There is a general inverse relationship between chelae (pincers) size and venom toxicity – venomous scorpions often have smaller chelae compared to their body size, while non-venomous species have larger chelae.
4. Eye Count: Most venomous scorpions have 3 pairs of lateral eyes, while non-venomous species usually have only 1 or 2 pairs of lateral eyes.
5. Geographic Distribution: Venomous scorpions are more commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, while non-venomous species are more widely distributed, including in temperate zones.

In summary, the presence and structure of venom glands, aculeus shape, chelae size, eye count, and geographic distribution are key physical differences that can help distinguish venomous from non-venomous scorpion species.

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) has also been active in investigating and resolving cases of Medicare Advantage fraud. They have published numerous examples of criminal and civil cases, including a $6.3 million settlement with a Medicare Advantage provider and a $270 million settlement with another provider

• Medicare Advantage fraud in Mexico is an area of concern that U.S. authorities are actively working to address through civil and criminal enforcement actions against providers engaging in fraudulent activities. Beneficiaries must remain vigilant to protect themselves from becoming victims of such schemes.

• RED FLAGS of potential fraud should be raised when a business entity asks for your MEDICARE INFORMATION or Social Security up front without having an active medical case pending.

• The U.S. law that generally forbids felons from accessing medical records, Medicare information, or Social Security information is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).HIPAA establishes strict guidelines for the protection of protected health information (PHI), which includes medical records, insurance information, and other sensitive health data. Under HIPAA, it is illegal for felons or other unauthorized individuals to access or disclose PHI without the patient’s consent.

• Specifically, HIPAA prohibits the following actions by felons and others:Obtaining, accessing, using, or disclosing medical records or medical information without authorization.
• Accessing or using Medicare or Medicaid information for fraudulent purposes.
• Accessing or misusing Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers found in medical records such as a business posing as a clinic or a hospital which often happens outside the continental U.S.

• Violations of HIPAA’s privacy and security rules can result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines and even jail time. Healthcare providers and organizations that fail to properly safeguard PHI can also face enforcement actions.
• Please verify that any business and its proprietors that ask you to “sign up” without having an active clinical case have no past criminal history or have been found guilty of a felony.