Quebec's health insurance board's reimbursements to cover illegal fees charged by public health clinics is said to be almost four times higher than in 2011.

Word has it it's returned more than half a million dollars to patients because of surcharges by doctors.

The figure last year is said to be over 140-thousand dollars.

The board reportedly investigated some 20 Quebec clinics over five years and that it billed those that were accused of illegally charging patients.

Photo: champlainhin.on.ca