Roane County Woman Charged with TennCare "Doctor Shopping"

NASHVILLE – A Roane County woman is charged with fraud involving “doctor shopping,” or using TennCare, the state’s public healthcare insurance program, 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 Roane County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Tabitha Inman, 28, of Harriman. She is charged with five counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by “doctor shopping.” The charges accuse Inman of seeing multiple physicians in a 30-day period, receiving prescriptions for the same or similar pain medications – Oxycodone, Hydrocodone – and the anti-anxiety medication Alprazolam.  The office visits were paid for by TennCare.

“People who engage in drug fraud and ‘doctor shopping’ with TennCare benefits will be tracked down to face those charges in court,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “This kind of waste in such an important healthcare program will not be tolerated.”

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 Russell Johnson 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, nearly 1,500 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."