Doctor and Patient Charged in Franklin County TennCare Fraud Case

NASHVILLE – A Franklin County physician and his patient have each been charged with criminal conspiracy in a scheme to defraud TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Carl D. Lynn, 41, and Dewey Hood, M.D., 79, both of Decherd.  The Winchester Police Department assisted in the arrests.

Lynn and Hood have each been charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to defraud TennCare, and fourteen counts of TennCare fraud.   The indictment alleges that Dr. Hood issued prescriptions under the name of Lynn’s son, and TennCare paid for the prescriptions. This enabled the father to obtain the prescription painkiller Oxycodone, the anti-anxiety medication Alprazolam and other drugs.  

"We will continue to pursue individuals who misuse this important healthcare program,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “We will pursue charges against anyone who takes advantage of TennCare – enrollees or healthcare professionals.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison.  District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor is prosecuting.

The OIG, a law enforcement agency separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has worked cases leading to the arrest of over 820 individuals for TennCare fraud, with nearly $1 million paid in restitution to TennCare, and total estimated cost avoidance in TennCare of over $122 million, according to latest figures. 

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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."