Healthcare fraud refers to illegal activities that involve deception in the healthcare system for financial gain. This can include billing for services not provided, falsifying patient records, or overcharging for medical procedures. Such actions can lead to significant financial losses for insurance companies and taxpayers. The consequences of healthcare fraud can be severe, including legal penalties for those involved and increased costs for legitimate patients. It undermines the integrity of the healthcare system and can result in reduced access to care for those in need. Efforts to combat fraud include audits, investigations, and stricter regulations.