Giles County Arrest Equals 1,400 Charged with TennCare Fraud
NASHVILLE – A Giles County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving “doctor shopping,” or visiting multiple doctors within a 30-day period to obtain prescriptions for painkillers and other controlled medications.
The arrest brings to 1,400 the number of people arrested for TennCare fraud since the Office of Inspector General (OIG) began investigating and pursing this criminal activity.
With the assistance of the Giles County Sheriff and Pulaski Police, the OIG today announced the arrest of Genia L. Conner, 46, of Pulaski. She is charged with one count of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by “doctor shopping.” Conner is accused of seeing more than one doctor in a 30-day period to obtain a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone. The doctor visits were paid for with TennCare benefits.
"Taxpayers deserve to have their tax dollars spent for legitimate medical services for people who are members of the state’s TennCare program,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. "We are working closely with local law enforcement agencies and providers to investigate and prosecute these types of crimes."
The TennCare fraud charge against Conner could result in a two year sentence, if convicted. District Attorney General Mike Bottoms is prosecuting.
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures. To date, 1,400 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."