Humphreys County Man Charged with TennCare "Doctor Shopping"
NASHVILLE – A Humphreys County man is charged in a Montgomery County indictment with TennCare fraud involving “doctor shopping.” The crime is evidenced by using TennCare to go to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain prescriptions for a controlled substance.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with assistance from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of Richard A. Hall, 39, of Waverly. Hall is charged with three counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by “doctor shopping.” Hall failed to disclose to his doctor that he had seen other physicians within a 30-day period and received a prescription for the strong painkillers Hydrocodone and Oxycodone with the physician office visits or the prescriptions being paid for by TennCare.
“Going from doctor to doctor to get prescription drugs for resale is nothing new – people have been doing that for years, and letting the taxpayers pick up the tab,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “But this Tennessee law allows us to work with doctors and pharmacies to stop this activity in Tennessee.”
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison. District Attorney General John W. Carney will be prosecuting this case.
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures. To date, over 1,100 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 www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."