What is the most common type of healthcare fraud?

In the UK, one of the most common types of healthcare fraud is prescription fraud. This can include:

• Obtaining prescription medicines by deception.
• Claiming free prescriptions when not entitled.
• Using someone else’s exemption certificate.
• Forging or altering prescriptions.

Other common healthcare frauds include:

• False expense claims by healthcare staff.
• Payroll fraud, such as claiming pay for hours not worked.
• Procurement fraud, involving dishonest purchasing of medical supplies or services.
• Patient fraud, where people falsely claim eligibility for free NHS treatment or services.

The UK’s NHS Counter Fraud Authority works to detect and prevent fraud against the National Health Service (NHS).

Healthcare fraud increases costs and can divert resources away from patient care, making it a serious issue for the NHS.