Claiborne County Woman Charged with TennCare "Doctor Shopping"

NASHVILLE – A Claiborne County woman has been indicted for TennCare fraud involving “doctor shopping,” or using TennCare healthcare insurance to go to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Dianna H. Hamblin, 54, of Clairfield.  She is charged with five counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by “doctor shopping.” 

The indictment says Hamblin failed to disclose to her doctor she had seen other physicians within a 30-day period and received prescriptions for the strong painkiller hydrocodone, paying for the physician office visits with TennCare.

"We are delighted with the response we have received from medical providers across the state in support of cracking down on people who try to ‘doctor shop,’ ” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.  “We’ve had dozens of ‘doctor shopping’ arrests in TennCare and continue to pursue cases across the state.”

TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison. District Attorney General William P. Phillips is prosecuting.

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 $165 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 920 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."