Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

DAVIDSON COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE "DOCTOR SHOPPING"

NASHVILLE – A Davidson County woman is charged for a second time with “doctor shopping,” or going to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain the same or similar controlled substances and using TennCare as payment.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from officers with Metro Nashville and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, announced the arrest of 43-year old Lisa Ann Hood, also known as Lisa Mears Hood, of Nashville.  She is accused in an indictment with one count of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by “doctor shopping.” 

Hood is accused of seeing multiple physicians within a 30-day period, received prescriptions for the strong painkiller Lortab, with the physician office visits or prescriptions being paid for by TennCare.

Hood was previously arrested on August 11 of this year, stemming from an indictment in Rutherford County charging her with one count of “doctor shopping,” involving a similar pain medication, Hydrocodone.

“Prescription drug abuse is a concern of communities large and small across Tennessee,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “With the help of medical providers and local law enforcement officers, we are sending a message that abusing the TennCare program will have serious repercussions.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony which carries a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison. District Attorney General Victor S. Johnson, III, will prosecute the case.

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."