Which action can be considered fraudulent in healthcare?

Billing for services not rendered is widely recognized as fraudulent behavior in healthcare. This action involves submitting claims to insurance companies or patients for services that were not actually performed. This misrepresentation violates legal and ethical standards, leading to significant repercussions for healthcare professionals, including financial penalties, loss of license, and potential legal action. Fraudulent billing not only harms individual patients but also undermines the integrity of the healthcare system and can contribute to rising healthcare costs overall.

On the other hand, providing extra services to patients can sometimes be in the best interest of their health, as long as those services are deemed medically necessary and appropriate. Offering discounts to low-income patients is generally seen as a positive action aimed at improving access to care, and encouraging patients to seek specialist care can enhance patient outcomes when done with the patient's best interests at heart. These actions, when executed ethically and transparently, typically align with the goals of patient care and do not constitute fraud.