McMinn Co. Woman Charged with Doctor Shopping

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A McMinn County woman is charged with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment for the pills.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the assistance of the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of Marsha G. Coram, 41, of Riceville. She’s charged with using TennCare to doctor shopping for the painkillers Norco (a form of hydrocodone), Tramadol and Tylenol with Codeine. Coram is charged with four counts of TennCare fraud by doctor shopping.

“We’re very grateful for the assistance we receive from local police as well as pharmacies and providers who all want to bring an end to the abuse of TennCare, especially in the area of prescription drugs,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We’ll keep pursuing people who commit these crimes to send the message that Tennessee has zero tolerance for this type of abuse within the TennCare program.”

District Attorney General Stephen D. Crump is prosecuting. TennCare is now a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,876 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 visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”