"Buffet Syndrome” leading to rising healthcare costs
Some medical doctors are paid commission fees of 20% to 30% of the physiotherapy bill if they refer their patients – such as those who require rehabilitation due to injury or illness – to private physiotherapy clinics Dodgy practices have emerged in the healthcare industry, involving doctors, physiotherapists, insurance agents & third-party administrators (TPAs) splitting money from inflated insurance claims among themselves via a referral and commission system, TODAY has learnt. Responding to queries, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said it has received feedback on such practices, & will be looking into the matter. “MOH takes a serious view of any attempts to defraud the healthcare system at the expense of Singaporeans,” a ministry spokesperson said. “Fraudulent behaviour such as unnecessary referrals & false claims for services not rendered raises the overall costs of healthcare in Singapore, and leads to Singaporeans paying more for their healthcare services and ins