Shelby Co. Woman Charged 2nd Time with TennCare Drug Fraud
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Shelby County woman is charged for the second time with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment. Doctor shopping is the crime of going to multiple healthcare providers in a short period of time to obtain prescription drugs, using the state’s healthcare insurance program as payment.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the assistance of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of Tiffany Pittman, 40, of Memphis. She is charged with seven counts of TennCare Fraud by doctor shopping and one count of theft of property in connection with doctor shopping for the painkiller Oxycodone, using TennCare as payment.
Pittman was first arrested in November of 2011 when she was charged with doctor shopping to obtain prescriptions for painkillers, including Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Codeine, using TennCare as payment. In April 2013, Pittman pleaded guilty to TennCare fraud and received a four-year suspended sentence with four years’ probation. She was also ordered to repay TennCare $17,108.79 for medical and pharmacy benefits paid on her behalf.
“Opioid abuse is a national concern, and Tennessee officials are working to stop this epidemic in our communities,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “Tennessee is fortunate to have the laws and the authority to pursue people who are using public dollars to doctor shop for drugs in an effort to obtain multiple prescriptions.”
District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,925 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 800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”