Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

CANNON COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE "DOCTOR SHOPPING"

NASHVILLE - A Cannon County man has been indicted for TennCare fraud involving “doctor shopping,” or using TennCare benefits to go to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the assistance of the Cannon County Sheriff’s office today announced the arrest of Brady Cunningham, 31, of Woodbury.

Cunningham is charged with four counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by “doctor shopping.”

Cunningham is accused of receiving prescriptions for the prescription painkillers Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, failing to disclose to his doctor that he had seen other physicians within a 30-day period to obtain additional prescriptions for the addictive painkillers.  The physician office visits were paid for by TennCare. 

"We’ve received outstanding response from physicians and other providers across the state in  our efforts to crack down on people who ‘doctor shop’ in the TennCare program,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “Tennesseans are fortunate to have this tool we can use against fraud in our public health insurance program.”

TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison on each charge. District Attorney General William C. Whitesell, Jr. is prosecuting.

The OIG, a law enforcement agency separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has worked cases leading to the arrest of over 800 individuals for TennCare fraud, with nearly $1 million paid in restitution to TennCare, and total estimated cost avoidance in TennCare of over $122 million, according to latest figures.

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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."