Text box 1. Contributions to the literature

• This review provides a global perspective on the patterns and methods for combating healthcare fraud and abuse, highlighting regional disparities in detection and prevention.

• It integrates findings across various regions to identify common and unique challenges in preventing healthcare fraud, emphasizing the need for tailored, context-specific strategies.

• The paper adds to existing literature by comparing advanced detection methods, such as data mining and machine learning, with traditional auditing, showcasing the benefits and limitations of each.

• It underscores the importance of integrating ethical training and stronger legal frameworks as essential elements in reducing healthcare fraud globally.