HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam Social Security recorded some 13,100 patients undergoing check-ups more than 50 times, with the total cost of VNĐ645 billion (US$28.3 million) paid by its health insurance fund, in the first 10 months of 2017.

Besides some special cases, the data showed abnormal signs in health insurance participation.

Dương Đức Tuấn, director of the Northern Centre for Health Insurance and Multidisciplinary Payment, said health insurance abuse by undergoing several check-ups at different hospitals was getting popular, increasing the medical service cost and create negative consequences for the health insurance fund.

He cited the example of 53-year-old M.B.N. from HCM City’s District 12. From January to October 23, 2017, the patient underwent 231 medical examinations at more than 10 different hospitals, with the cost of VNĐ129 million ($5,680) covered by the health insurance fund.

“She went to hospital almost everyday. On some days, she had 2-3 check-ups at different hospitals,” Tuấn added.

M.B.N’s medical expenses are fully funded by social security. However, she is not the sole case as the inspection system found several other patients undergoing up to 200 check-ups in 10 months.

“Some people consider undergoing check-ups paid by the health insurance fund their “job.” We are conducting investigations into these cases,” Tuấn said.

In September, a patient in HCM City had to pay back VNĐ9 million ($400) to HCM City Social Security for abusing the health insurance fund. — VNS