Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

HAWKINS COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE "DOCTOR SHOPPING"

NASHVILLE, TN - A Hawkins County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving “doctor shopping,” a crime that involves a person going to multiple doctors in order to get prescription drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Lisa Faye Burchfield, 54, of Rogersville.  She is accused of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by seeing more than one doctor in order to get prescriptions for the painkiller Hydrocodone, and using TennCare to pay for the drugs.

“The unauthorized use and abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health and criminal threat,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “We are committed to ensuring TennCare benefits are used properly and we will continue to aggressively go after anyone who is misusing this vital program.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General C. Berkley Bell 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, over 1,600 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."