Corruption commission investigates fraudulent billing claims at Royal Melbourne Hospital

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) is investigating allegations that surgeons at the Royal Melbourne Hospital fraudulently billed WorkCover and private health insurers for procedures that were not performed. This follows claims that similar issues were raised a decade ago. Sources indicate that the investigation includes potential fraud involving assistant surgeon fees and billing for non-existent surgeries. The hospital has stated it was unaware of any such allegations and is committed to improving billing practices. The investigation comes after a previous internal probe and has prompted discussions among hospital staff about defining appropriate billing practices. Concerns about fraudulent billing have persisted for years, with some former staff raising alarms about unethical practices.