DENTIST PLEADS GUILTY TO TENNCARE FRAUD

NASHVILLE, TN – A Collierville dentist accused of stealing the identity of a child to illegally obtain TennCare benefits has pleaded guilty.

Dr. Perry Edgar Thomas was arrested earlier this year, following an investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General. The case was opened after a pharmacist noticed that adult medications for high blood pressure and cholesterol were being prescribed for a child and tipped off authorities. Agents discovered that, over a seven year period, Dr. Thomas had been using the child’s TennCare benefit card to obtain pharmaceuticals for himself. He was subsequently charged with TennCare fraud, identity theft and theft of property.

In exchange for his plea, Thomas will be required to pay full restitution to TennCare in the amount of $3,826.88, make a $250 contribution to the Make a Wish Foundation and provide 25 hours of Community Service. If he successfully meets those conditions, the matter will be expunged from his record.

TBI Director Mark Gwyn says cases like this illustrate why the TBI’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit was recently named best in the nation, “This didn’t involve a large sum of money, but I hope it puts citizens on notice. If you’re out there trying to beat the system, we’re after you.”

“Dr. Thomas’ crime is particularly troubling because the TennCare Medicaid program was created to serve those most in need,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “The OIG, along with other state and local law enforcement agencies are committed to rooting out TennCare fraud.” To report suspected TennCare fraud, members of the public can contact the Office of Inspector General at 1-800-433-3982 or log on to www.tennessee.gov/tenncare and follow the instructions under “Report Fraud Now.”

To report suspected cases of TennCare provider fraud, citizens can contact the TBI’s Medicaid Fraud control Unit at 1-800-433-5454.