Health Insurance Organization fines 40+ providers €80K

The Health Insurance Organization (HIO) has imposed fines totaling 80 thousand euros on over 40 health providers in 2023 for abuses within the General Healthcare System (GHS), according to data obtained by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).

Additionally, within the Organization's audits last year, more than 80 thousand claims, amounting to approximately 10 million euros, were rejected due to abuses by healthcare providers.

Georgia Avgerinou Christodoulou, Senior Officer of the Claims Management Directorate of the HIO, disclosed to CNA that over 350 investigations were conducted in 2023 concerning abuses, fraud, or potential fraud within GHS, resulting in over 150 decisions.

Christodoulou stated that the contracts of about ten healthcare providers from various categories were suspended during the same period. These cases encompassed medical specialists, hospitals, and other health professionals, with actions ranging from complaints to the Police to contract terminations.

The majority of investigations primarily involved medical experts, although all provider categories including hospitals, personal physicians, pharmacies, laboratories, and diagnostic centers were scrutinized.

Regarding ongoing Police investigations, Christodoulou confirmed fewer than ten cases this year, focusing on issues such as unfulfilled compensation claims or actions conducted by unqualified individuals.

Christodoulou emphasized the continuous nature of HIO controls, highlighting the Organization's persistent efforts to combat abuse. She also anticipated intensified controls in the coming years.

[Information sourced from CNA]