DHB recovers $143k from double-dipping doctor

File photo / APN

The Waikato District Health Board (DHB) has recovered $143,400 from a doctor who was being paid as a full-time employee while working two days a week in private practice.

A member of the public phoned the DHB's fraud hotline in September 2009 - a month after the 0800 424 888 service launched - concerned a doctor employed full time by Waikato DHB was not available for two days when her daughter was due for discharge from hospital, a DHB spokeswoman said.

An investigation was launched and the doctor's activities were discovered.

"After a preliminary investigation, the Waikato DHB's audit and risk management committee gave permission to proceed to recover the money," the spokeswoman said.

DHB chief financial officer Maureen Chrystall said it cost $23,000 to recover the $143,400 but it was money well spent.

"We've learned a lot from this ourselves - about our processes and checks and measures. We will be more vigilant now."

- NZPA