Meigs County Woman Charged For Second Time With TennCare "Doctor Shopping"

NASHVILLE – – A Meigs County woman has been charged in Nashville with TennCare fraud – after an arrest for the same crime last year. 

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Charlotte Dunn, 37, indicted by a Davidson County Grand Jury for two counts of “doctor shopping,” or fraudulently obtaining controlled substances through TennCare.  Dunn failed to disclose to her doctor that she had seen another physician within a 30-day period for similar prescriptions, using TennCare to pay for either the doctor appointment or the drugs at the pharmacy.

Dunn was previously arrested by the OIG in June 2008 for “doctor shopping” in Putnam County.  That charge is still pending. District Attorney General Victor S. Johnson, III is prosecuting the Davidson County case.

"We’re intent on ending the ‘doctor shopping’ activity in TennCare,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.  “With the laws we have today, there’s no way to commit this crime without the likelihood of being charged with TennCare fraud.”

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.  To date, over 900 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

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.  To date, over 900 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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."