Bradley County Woman Charged Third Time with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Bradley County woman is charged for the third time with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare benefits as payment.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Patricia J. Marsh, 29, of Cleveland.  She is charged in a Knox County indictment with using TennCare to doctor shop for prescriptions for controlled substances, with TennCare paying for either the clinical visit or the prescriptions.

Marsh was arrested twice last month. She was charged with four counts of doctor shopping in Hamilton County just after she made bond for five counts of doctor shopping in nearby Bradley County.

"Doctor shopping in order to obtain prescription medication for illegal use or distribution of that medication is a bad idea, especially when TennCare pays for it,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Negative conduct of this nature will ultimately result in negative consequences.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Charme P. Allen will be prosecuting the Knox County Case. 

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,361 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 Office of Inspector General and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."