Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

ANDERSON COUNTY MAN CHARGED - AGAIN - WITH TENNCARE "DOCTOR SHOPPING"

NASHVILLE – An Anderson County man is charged a second time for “doctor shopping,” or going to multiple doctors in a short period to obtain the same or similar controlled substances and using TennCare to pay for the visit, the prescription, or both.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of 34-year old Bradley A. Price, who was indicted by a Cumberland County Grand Jury on one count of fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance with benefits paid for by TennCare.  Price failed to disclose to his doctor that he had seen another physician within a 30-day period and received similar prescriptions for Oxycodone, which were paid for by TennCare.

Price was arrested just two weeks ago on a Knox County indictment charging him with one count of “doctor shopping” for drugs.

“Prescription drug abuse has been identified in communities large and small across Tennessee,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “With the help of medical providers and local law enforcement, we are sending a message that if someone is abusing TennCare they will end up in jail.”

The TennCare fraud charge against Price could result in a two year sentence, if convicted. District Attorney General Randy A. York is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,300 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.  Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."