Raghav Chadha flags 'cut money' nexus between doctors, diagnostic centres

Raghav Chadha, a member of India's Parliament, talked about a problem involving doctors and medical testing centres.

He said some doctors get extra money when they send patients to certain diagnostic centres for tests.

This payment is sometimes called 'cut money' or a referral commission.

The testing centres record it as a 'marketing expense,' while doctors call it a 'referral commission.'

Either way, Mr. Chadha said the money is quietly added to the patient's bill.

This means patients end up paying more for their medical tests.

He warned that these payments can make medical bills 15 to 20 percent higher.

He said they also encourage doctors to order tests patients may not need.

Mr. Chadha told patients to watch for red flags before getting medical tests done.

He noted that medical rules already ban this practice and allow penalties like suspension.