Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

MAURY CO. MAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE "DOCTOR SHOPPING"

NASHVILLE – A Maury County man is charged with TennCare fraud involving “doctor shopping,” or using TennCare to go to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), assisted by Maury County Sheriff’s officers, today announced the arrest of Darryl Dean Lynn, 41, of Columbia.  Lynn is charged with one count of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by “doctor shopping.”  An indictment accuses him of seeing multiple doctors within a 30-day period, receiving prescriptions for the strong painkiller Hydrocodone, with the physician office visits and prescriptions being paid for by TennCare.

"We are enthused with the response we have received from medical providers across the state in support of cracking down on people who try to doctor shop, and use the state’s public healthcare insurance to finance the activity,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.   

TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Mike Bottoms is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, nearly 1,500 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."