The HSE says it is seeking reimbursement of overpayments to some GPs working for drug addiction services in the greater Dublin area reported in a recent audit.

The audit report on payments made to GPs and other staff working for the HSE's Dublin Mid-Leinster Addiction Services, published in 2013 and released under FOI, found discrepancies in the payment of claimed fees, travel and subsistence expenses to GPs and in overtime payments to other staff.

Among the reported anomalies in GP payments included claims for attendance at a clinic that no longer existed; claims for travel expenses to a clinic when a doctor had not claimed payment for working in the clinic on the days concerned; and claims for annual leave by a GP while also claiming for clinical duties on the same occasions.

The audit also reported that some other staff in the addiction service returned to work while on annual leave and claimed overtime.

Asked what action it was taking on foot of the audit findings, which related to 2013, a spokesperson told irishhealth.com that it is in the process of fully implementing the recommendations from the audit.

"Almost all recommendations concerning the development of policies and procedures are in place and this has been communicated to all staff. In addition, local systems in place have been reviewed and improved and additional control measures put in place to ensure compliance."

Asked whether the HSE would be seeking reimbursement of any overpayments to GPs, the spokesperson said with regard to any potential overpayment that may have occurred, the management of the drug addiction service was actively engaged with all the relevant personnel to progress this 'as a matter of priority'.

Audit's concerns on GP payment claims