Blockchain-Based Fraud Detection System for Healthcare Insurance Claims

Authors

  • Hopewell Bongani Ncube National University of Science and Technology
  • Belinda Mutunhu National University of Science and Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6046-3240
  • Sibusisiwe Dube National University of Science and Technology
  • Kudakwashe Maguraushe Mangosuthu University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/ecie.19.1.2558

Keywords:

Healthcare fraud, insuarance claims, blockchain, automated detection system, Ethereum, smart contracts

Abstract

Healthcare fraud is a huge concern that affects not only the financial viability of insurance companies but also the well-being of patients who may receive compromised care due to fraudulent acts. Addressing this issue demands novel solutions that can detect and prevent fraudulent conduct in healthcare insurance claims. The project intends to establish an automated fraud detection system using blockchain technology, which has advantages such as security, transparency, and data immutability. By leveraging blockchain's decentralized ledger, the system creates a tamper-proof platform for processing healthcare insurance claims, preventing fraudulent alterations and enhancing trust in the integrity of the claims process. Ethereum's blockchain platform and smart contracts play a critical role in ensuring the secure recording of transactions while preventing retroactive alterations. Moreover, an on-chain database is employed to manage relevant claim data, thereby safeguarding its integrity and ensuring accessibility. The decentralized nature of blockchain technology brings additional advantages by eliminating the need for intermediaries, thereby reducing administrative costs and streamlining the claim processing workflow. The adoption of methodologies such as Personal Extreme Programming (PXP) and Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) fortifies the project's framework. PXP facilitates continuous improvement through incremental and iterative development, while DSRM ensures a structured approach to problem-solving, yielding reliable results. Through rigorous testing and validation, the automated fraud detection system enhances the efficiency and accuracy of fraud identification in healthcare insurance claims. By combining blockchain technology with methodological frameworks, this project offers a promising solution to combat healthcare fraud, safeguarding insurance systems' integrity and ensuring quality care for patients. Future iterations will focus on expanding the system's capabilities and refining its algorithms to counter the evolving fraudulent tactics prevalent in the healthcare industry.

Author Biographies

Hopewell Bongani Ncube, National University of Science and Technology

Hopewell Ncube is a student currently studying Informatics at the National University of Science and Technology. He has gained valuable practical experience through internships and part-time roles in the technology industry. 

Belinda Mutunhu, National University of Science and Technology

Belinda Mutunhu Ndlovu is a Ph.D. in Information Systems student at UNISA.She is also a lecturer in the Department of Informatics and Analytics at the National University of Science and Technology Zimbabwe. She holds an MSc in Information Systems,BSc in Computer Science and a PGDHE. She is a seasoned software developer and academic. She has published several papers in the fields of Data Analytics, Health Informatics, ICT4D, and 4IR

Sibusisiwe Dube, National University of Science and Technology

Sibusisiwe Dube is an experienced lecturer of Information Systems and Computer Science courses. She holds a PhD in Information Systems, an MSc in Computer Science, and a BSc in Information Systems. She has been lecturing since 2004. She is also an active researcher and supervisor of Postgraduate dissertations and undergraduate student projects.

Kudakwashe Maguraushe, Mangosuthu University of Technology

Kudakwashe Maguraushe is an experienced lecturer in multiple computing-related modules. He holds a PhD in Information Systems, an MSc in Information Systems and a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science. He has supervised many students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He has research interests in information privacy and security, healthcare systems, emerging technologies (artificial intelligence, machine learning and social media) and digital transformation.

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Published

2024-09-20