Franklin County Woman Charged With TennCare "Doctor Shopping"

 NASHVILLE – A Franklin County woman has been indicted in Coffee County for “doctor shopping,” or going to multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain prescriptions for similar controlled substances, and using TennCare as payment.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Janice F. Tant, 32, who was charged with seven counts of fraudulently obtaining controlled substances by “doctor shopping.”   On seven occasions, Tant went to a doctor for prescription painkillers, neglecting to reveal that she had seen other physicians within a 30-day period, receiving prescriptions for the same pain medications – in this case, Oxycodone or a similar drug.   

"Doctor shopping activity in TennCare was a huge problem until we got a law on the books against it and we’re committed to ending this activity in TennCare,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “Physicians, pharmacists, and local law enforcement officers are working with us to combat this crime.”

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

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.6 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $159 million for the TennCare program, 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."