IT WAS disappointing to learn of the examples of medical fraud in the article ("Checks needed to prevent doctoring of claims"; last Tuesday).
A strong doctor-patient relationship is key to any medical encounter.
Trust in the doctor gives the patient confidence in adhering to medical advice, and encourages the public to seek help when they are unwell. So doctors and medical institutions must be whiter than white in all their dealings.
To enhance public confidence, laws must be introduced to regulate contracts between third-party payers and clinics, since most fraudulent claims arise from such dealings.
Clinics involved in cases of fraud must be investigated by the police and charged in court, just like suspects in any other criminal case.
If convicted, medical professionals must also face disciplinary action by their professional councils.
The Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) and pioneer generation health benefits must be reviewed, to prevent fraud.
The current cap on claims is an excellent way to combat fraud.
All Chas clinics should be audited by the Ministry of Health. The current audits, which focus mainly on clinical care, may not be able to flag cases of non-existent visits or patients.
In Australia, patients need to be physically present at the clinic to swipe their cards, so clinics cannot get away with making up bogus patients and visits.
Lastly, there should be a whistle-blower and feedback system for the public, to flag suspected cases of fraud to the authorities.
At the same time, it should allow for positive feedback. Chas clinics that play by the rules should be rewarded, so there is an incentive to be honest.
Leong Choon Kit (Dr)
A strong doctor-patient relationship is key to any medical encounter.
Trust in the doctor gives the patient confidence in adhering to medical advice, and encourages the public to seek help when they are unwell. So doctors and medical institutions must be whiter than white in all their dealings.
To enhance public confidence, laws must be introduced to regulate contracts between third-party payers and clinics, since most fraudulent claims arise from such dealings.
Clinics involved in cases of fraud must be investigated by the police and charged in court, just like suspects in any other criminal case.
If convicted, medical professionals must also face disciplinary action by their professional councils.
The Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) and pioneer generation health benefits must be reviewed, to prevent fraud.
The current cap on claims is an excellent way to combat fraud.
All Chas clinics should be audited by the Ministry of Health. The current audits, which focus mainly on clinical care, may not be able to flag cases of non-existent visits or patients.
In Australia, patients need to be physically present at the clinic to swipe their cards, so clinics cannot get away with making up bogus patients and visits.
Lastly, there should be a whistle-blower and feedback system for the public, to flag suspected cases of fraud to the authorities.
At the same time, it should allow for positive feedback. Chas clinics that play by the rules should be rewarded, so there is an incentive to be honest.
Leong Choon Kit (Dr)
