In 2023-2025, the National Health Fund (NFZ) conducted inspections in numerous Polish hospitals to assess the accuracy of billing for pain treatment services, with a particular focus on spinal interventions. The investigations revealed that these procedures were often performed in hospital environments without proper medical justification, even though they could have been carried out in outpatient clinics associated with the hospitals. This raises questions about the efficiency and appropriateness of healthcare delivery in these facilities.

The NFZ continues to carry out audits concerning the billing of minor invasive procedures for pain treatment in hospitals. Officials have highlighted that the motivation for conducting such treatments in hospital settings often stems from financial incentives rather than clinical necessity. This misuse of healthcare funds leads to the improper allocation of significant public financial resources that are earmarked for patient treatment, raising concerns among healthcare policymakers and the public about the sustainability and integrity of the healthcare system.

In cases where irregularities were identified regarding the performance and billing of pain treatment services, sanctions were imposed as per the stipulations of the General Conditions of Contracts for the Provision of Healthcare Services. This indicates a stricter regulatory oversight from the NFZ to ensure that healthcare providers comply with established guidelines and that public funds are used appropriately to enhance the quality of patient care.