Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2011 |
CONTACT: LOLA POTTER 615.532.8560 (OFFICE) 615.202.0701 (CELL) |
SHELBY COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE "DOCTOR SHOPPING"
NASHVILLE – A Shelby County woman 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), with assistance from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Tiffany R. Pittman, 34, of Memphis. She is charged with fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by “doctor shopping.” The arrest warrant said that over a seven-month period, Pittman saw multiple physicians within a 30-day period to obtain prescriptions for the strong painkillers Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Codeine, with the physician office visits and the medications being paid for in part with TennCare healthcare insurance benefits.
“Citizens, providers and law enforcement are focused on removing the unauthorized use and abuse of prescription drugs from our communities,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “We’re committed to ensuring that TennCare benefits are used to improve the public health, not jeopardize it.”
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich 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."
