Health care fraud alleged at UMC Utrecht

The Public Prosecutor and Inspectorate for Social Affairs and Employment launched an investigation into reports of care fraud at UMC Utrecht, Zembla reports. According to the program, the hospital tampers with care treatment codes for health insurers.  Last year Zembla reported that a culture of fear reigns at UMC Utrecht and that two fatal incidents at the Ear, Nose and Throat department were concealed. The program received information about this from a number of ENT doctors in 2014. The Inspectorate investigated these claims. The same doctors told the program about the fraud. According to them, a department head gave instructions for nearly 300 care treatment codes to be opened in the name of another staff member who never gave those treatment. Sources within the hospital told Zembla that they were questioned by the Inspectorate for Social Affairs and Employment and the Prosecutor. Another source only stated that they are "always looking for signs of care fraud". In April the Healthcare Inspectorate placed the hospital under increased supervision.