A Freedom Of Information request has revealed figures showing that NHS fraud has risen by more than 42% in the past five years in Scotland. This means that a total of £2.19m was fraudulently taken between 2008 and 2013. The fraud was apparently carried out by health workers and by patients, and NHS Scotland Counter Fraud Services has said that it is not only working to catch those guilty of fraud, but is also setting up procedures to deter fraud and fraudsters in the future.
NHS fraud can take a surprising number of different forms. Patients may claim free or reduced cost treatment that they are not entitled to, although this is less common with the NHS than it would be with a private healthcare system. However, dental work is also covered by the NHS in some cases, with subsidised bands in place. Prescription costs, too, can also be paid for those on a low income and with certain personal circumstances.
NHS fraud by health professionals typically means that the professional charges the NHS for a treatment that they did not provide to the patient. This also includes healthcare professionals that work elsewhere while taking time off their NHS job sick. Fraud by managers and staff can include fraudulent claims for costs meant for a variety of purposes such as training.
A BBC Scotland investigation submitted a Freedom of Information request and was provided with figures pertaining to the level of fraud that is faced by NHS Scotland. According to the figures, £2.19m was fraudulently acquired by employees, healthcare workers, and patients in the five years between 2008 and 2013. NHS Scotland have estimated that they could be losing as much as £800m a year, or roughly 7% of NHS Scotland’s total spend.
Of the £2.2m that was fraudulently claimed during the period, £237,297 was reclaimed or just over 10%. The figures also reveal a 5.3% conviction rate for those that were caught or believed to have been guilty of claiming fraudulently from the NHS.