An Auckland GP has pleaded guilty in a case involving 38,000 instances of fraud amounting to $345,000.
Dr Hongsheng Kong claimed the funds from the Auckland District Health Board by falsifying patient records.
The board says it will pursue separate legal action to recover the money.
Kong had faced 10 charges of falsifying records and six of using a document fraudulently to claim $345,000.
The Ministry of Health says the Crown Solicitor is considering whether to appeal against a decision by the court to dismiss a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Kong could face losing his licence to practise if he is convicted.
If he is sentenced to three months or more in prison, he would be referred to a Professional Conduct Committee, which would determine if he goes before the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
Penalties available to the tribunal include censure, a fine, suspension or cancellation of his doctor's registration.
